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What is Anthropology?

The scientific study of humans, human behavior, and societies in the past and present, exploring cultural, social, biological, and linguistic aspects.

Define a Tribe.

A social group consisting of families or communities that share a common culture, language, and ancestry, often organized under a chief or elder leadership.

Why is it important to learn about Native Americans in history?

Understanding Native Americans helps acknowledge their history, address the impacts of colonization, dispel myths, and honor their contributions.

What are stereotypes?

Oversimplified and generalized beliefs or assumptions about a group of people that misrepresent their cultures and traditions.

How is Christopher Columbus re-evaluated in modern perspectives?

Modern perspectives highlight the violence, enslavement, and exploitation he initiated against Native populations rather than celebrating him merely for discovering America.

What does 'Discovery vs. Invasion' refer to?

The contrast between the traditional narrative of Europeans discovering the Americas and the perspective of Native Americans, who viewed these events as an invasion.

What impact did Europeans have on Native Americans?

European arrival led to loss of land, spread of diseases, cultural erasure, forced assimilation, and significant changes to their traditional ways of life.

What is Colonialism?

The practice of one nation taking control over another territory, exploiting its resources, and imposing its culture.

Who was Erik the Red?

A Norse explorer known for founding the first Norse settlement in Greenland around 985 AD.

What is Leif Erikson known for?

He is credited as the first European to reach North America and established a settlement known as Vinland.

Describe Easter Island.

A remote island famous for its giant stone statues called moai, first settled by Polynesian navigators.

What was the Lost Colony of Roanoke?

An example of a failed colony where early attempts to settle in America did not survive.

What was Jamestown?

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

What is self-sufficiency?

The ability to provide for one's own needs without relying heavily on outside resources.

What were major technologies in the 1600s?

Key technologies included the printing press, sailing ships, rudimentary firearms, and tools like plows and spinning wheels.

What was the Enlightenment?

An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, science, and individual rights, influencing ideas about democracy and liberty.

What is the Mayflower Compact?

A social contract signed by the Pilgrims in 1620 establishing self-government in Plymouth Colony.

What is the significance of the Magna Carta?

A foundational document signed in 1215 that limited royal power and established legal rights for nobles.

What was the Seven Years’ War?

A global conflict between major European powers, known in North America as the French and Indian War.

What is Federalism?

A system of government where power is divided between a central government and regional governments.

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The first constitution of the U.S., creating a weak national government with limited powers.

What is the U.S. Constitution?

The supreme law of the United States that established the framework for the federal government and citizens' rights.

What is the Virginia Plan?

A proposal for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, favoring larger states.

What is the 3/5ths Compromise?

An agreement to count three-fifths of enslaved individuals for representation and taxation purposes.

How did France contribute to the American Revolution?

France provided military aid, supplies, and funding, significantly weakening Britain.

What were the major groups impacted by the Revolutionary War?

White men gained political independence, while women, African Americans, Native Americans, and Loyalists faced various challenges.

What are Checks and Balances?

A system ensuring that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

What is the role of the Executive Branch?

Enforcing and carrying out the laws of the United States, headed by the President.

What does the Legislative Branch do?

Responsible for making laws, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives.

What is the purpose of the Judicial Branch?

Interpreting laws and ensuring they are applied fairly.

What is Civic Participation?

The involvement of citizens in political, social, and community activities.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms.

What is the difference between States and Territories?

States have full rights and self-government, while territories are governed by the federal government with limited representation.

Who were the Federalists?

A political group that supported a strong central government and favored the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

What did the Democratic-Republicans stand for?

They opposed Federalists and favored states’ rights and a limited federal government.

What were the significant actions of Washington’s presidency?

Established precedents like a two-term limit, created a Cabinet, and warned against political parties.

What was the Louisiana Purchase?

A land acquisition that doubled the size of the U.S. in 1803.

What is Manifest Destiny?

The belief that the U.S. was destined to expand its territory across North America.

What was the War of 1812?

A conflict between the U.S. and Britain over trade and territorial disputes.

What does Suffrage refer to?

The right to vote in political elections.

What was the Era of Good Feelings?

A period characterized by national unity and political harmony during Monroe’s presidency.

What did the Cotton Gin do?

Revolutionized cotton production and intensified reliance on enslaved labor in the South.

What is the Indian Removal Act?

A law that authorized the relocation of Native American tribes, leading to the Trail of Tears.

What was the impact of the California Gold Rush?

Attracted thousands of settlers seeking fortune after the discovery of gold in 1848.

Who were the Vaqueros?

Skilled Mexican horsemen and cattle herders who influenced American cowboy culture.

What is the Oregon Trail?

A major route used by settlers traveling westward in the mid-1800s.

What transformation occurred with the Transcontinental Railroad?

Connected the east and west parts of the U.S., revolutionizing transportation and commerce.

What happened to Native American tribes during westward expansion?

Relations worsened, leading to conflicts, forced treaties, and displacement.

What are Reservations?

Designated areas where Native American tribes were confined, often under poor conditions.

What were the differences between the North and South?

Economic, social, and political differences over slavery led to increasing tensions.

What was the Missouri Compromise?

A law passed in 1820 to maintain the balance of power between free and slave states.

Who were Abolitionists?

Individuals and groups who fought to end slavery in the U.S.

What was Henry Clay known for?

His role in creating compromises like the Missouri Compromise to prevent conflicts over slavery.

What was the Compromise of 1850?

A set of laws aimed at addressing slavery and territorial disputes.

What was Bleeding Kansas?

A violent conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers from 1854 to 1859.

What was the Dred Scott case about?

A Supreme Court case ruling that African Americans were not citizens and could not sue.

What was significant about the Election of 1860?

Abraham Lincoln's election led to the secession of Southern states and the Civil War.

What does Sectionalism mean?

Overemphasized loyalty to one's region rather than the nation as a whole.

What is popular sovereignty?

The principle that leaders are sustained by the consent of the governed.

What does it mean to secede?

To break away from a territory or group in power, creating a separate entity.

Define a faction.

A party or group within a government that is often contentious or self-seeking.