Key Terms and Figures in Early American History

This set of flashcards covers key terms and figures in early American history, providing definitions and context to aid in studying for the upcoming exam.

The Columbian Exchange

The transfer of plants, animals, people, diseases, and ideas between the Americas and Europe after Columbus's voyage in 1492.

Encomienda System

A labor system used by the Spanish in the Americas where settlers were given land and the right to demand labor from Native Americans.

Mestizos

People of mixed European and Native American ancestry, forming a significant social group in Latin America during colonization.

Jamestown

The first permanent English settlement in North America, founded in Virginia in 1607.

The Puritans

English Protestants who sought to purify the Church of England and established strict moral colonies in New England.

The First Great Awakening

A religious revival in the 1730s–1740s that emphasized emotional preaching and personal faith.

The Corrupt Bargain

The 1824 presidential election result where John Quincy Adams was chosen by the House despite Andrew Jackson winning the popular vote.

The Halfway Covenant

A compromise that allowed the baptism of children of church members to maintain church membership in declining Puritan communities.

The French and Indian War

A conflict (1754–1763) between Britain and France for land in North America, impacting British colonial policies.

The Stamp Act

A 1765 British tax on printed materials which fueled colonial opposition due to lack of representation.

The First Continental Congress

A 1774 gathering of delegates from most colonies to address British punitive actions and coordinate resistance.

The Olive Branch Petition

A 1775 petition sent to King George III by colonists expressing loyalty and seeking peace, rejected by the king.

The Second Great Awakening

A religious revival movement in the early 1800s focused on personal salvation and social reforms.

The Nullification Crisis

A 1830s conflict where South Carolina attempted to nullify federal tariffs, challenged by President Jackson.

The Bank Veto

Andrew Jackson's rejection of the recharter of the Second Bank of the United States due to beliefs it favored the wealthy.

Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century belief in the U.S.'s destined westward expansion, impacting Native American lands and slavery debates.

The Mexican-American War

A war (1846–1848) resulting from the U.S. annexation of Texas, leading to significant territorial gains.

Slavery in America

The institution of enforced labor established in 1619, central to Southern agriculture and leading into the Civil War.

George Washington

The first U.S. President and Continental Army commander during the American Revolution.

John Adams

Leader during the American Revolution and the second U.S. President, known for the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Thomas Jefferson

The primary author of the Declaration of Independence and third U.S. President, known for the Louisiana Purchase.

Thomas Paine

Political thinker and author of 'Common Sense,' which advocated for American independence from Britain.

John Dickinson

Colonial leader who opposed British policies while promoting peaceful resolutions of conflicts.

Henry Clay

Senator known as the 'Great Compromiser,' instrumental in legislative compromises between the North and South.

John C. Calhoun

A Southern political leader advocating states' rights and the nullification of federal laws.

Andrew Jackson

The seventh U.S. President, known for his populist style and policies including Indian Removal.

Nat Turner

An enslaved preacher who led a violent slave rebellion in 1831, symbolizing resistance to slavery.

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th U.S. President who led the country during the Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

Charles Sumner

An abolitionist senator known for his strong opposition to slavery and violent attack in Congress.

Frederick Douglass

A former enslaved person who became a leading abolitionist and advocate for equality and women's rights.