Study Guide History

John Winthrop

Puritan leader known for his 'City Upon a Hill' sermon promoting exceptionalism.

City Upon a Hill

A sermon by John Winthrop advocating for a model Christian society.

Declaration of Independence

Document declaring independence from Britain, emphasizing natural rights.

Articles of Confederation

First U.S. constitution that established a weak federal government.

Constitution

Framework for U.S. government, incorporating checks and balances.

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments to the Constitution ensuring individual liberties.

Federalists

Advocates for a strong federal government, including Hamilton and Madison.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of a strong federal government, advocating for states' rights.

George Washington's

Set many precedents; warned against political parties and foreign alliances.

Thomas Jefferson; First Inaugural Address

Stressed limited government and the need for national unity.

Andrew Jackson; Trail of Tears

Forced relocation of Native Americans, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Monroe Doctrine

Policy opposing European interference in the Americas.

Manifest Destiny

Belief in the U.S.'s expansion across the continent to the Pacific.

Mexican-American War

Conflict that resulted in the U.S. gaining large territories like California.

Industrialization

Growth of factories and infrastructure that boosted the economy.

Lowell Mills

Early textile factories that employed young women workers.

Horace Mann

Advocate for public education reform.

Panic of 1819/1837

Economic crises marked by widespread unemployment.

Seneca Falls Convention

The first women's rights meeting, where the 'Declaration of Sentiments' was presented.

Nativism

Hostility towards immigrants, exemplified by the Know-Nothing Party.

Middle Passage

A slave trade route characterized by inhumane conditions for enslaved people.

Eli Whitney; Cotton Gin

Invention that greatly increased cotton production and intensified slavery.

Abolitionists

Individuals advocating for the end of slavery through various methods.

Missouri Compromise

Legislation that balanced slave and free states in the early 1800s.

Dred Scott Case

Supreme Court ruling that denied African Americans citizenship.

John Brown

Abolitionist who led violent anti-slavery actions, most notably at Harpers Ferry.

Secession

The act of Southern states leaving the Union, beginning with South Carolina.

Emancipation Proclamation

Executive order freeing slaves in Confederate states.

The North had industrial power while the South had strong military leadership

North strengths vs South strengths

Major wins for the Union

Gettysburg was a turning point; Antietam led to the Emancipation Proclamation.

Appomattox Court House

Location where General Lee surrendered, effectively ending the Civil War.

Radical Republicans

Group pushing for strong Reconstruction policies post-Civil War.

Freedmen’s Bureau

Agency that aided freed slaves with education and resources.

Reconstruction Acts

Legislation that provided military oversight in the Southern states.

Black Codes

Laws that restricted the rights of African Americans post-Civil War.

13th-15th Amendments

Constitutional amendments that abolished slavery and established citizenship and voting rights.

Robber Barons

Wealthy industrialists like Carnegie who used monopolistic practices.

Social Darwinism

Ideology that justified wealth inequality as a natural outcome.

Boss Tweed

Corrupt political leader in New York City, exposed by journalist Thomas Nast.

13th amendment

This amendment abolished slavery except as punishment for crime

Muckrakers

Journalists who exposed corruption, including Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell.

Populism

A political movement led by farmers, notably championed by William Jennings Bryan.

Political Reforms (16-19) amendments

Amendments for income tax, direct election of senators, and women's suffrage.

Reasons for Imperialism

Economic/political/militarial Competition

Belief in racial/ culutral superiority

Spanish-American War

Conflict leading to U.S. acquisition of territories like the Philippines.