Early American Expansion and Development

Westward Expansion

The movement of settlers and immigrants from the eastern U.S. to the west, driven by economic opportunities, available land, and natural resources.

Transportation Revolution

A period of rapid growth in the speed and convenience of travel due to new methods of transportation such as roads, canals, and steamboats.

Cumberland Road (1811)

The first federal highway in the United States that connected eastern markets to western territories.

Erie Canal (1825)

Canal that connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, significantly reducing shipping costs and opening western markets.

Steamboats

Boats powered by steam engines that revolutionized river transportation and enabled two-way river travel.

Jacksonian America

The era marked by the presidency of Andrew Jackson, characterized by an expansion of democratic ideals and challenges to the elite.

Indian Removal Act of 1830

A law that authorized the removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands, leading to forced relocations.

Trail of Tears

The forced relocation and movement of Native American nations from southeastern U.S. to designated Indian Territory, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Texas Revolution

A revolt of colonists in Texas against Mexican rule, leading to the establishment of an independent Republic of Texas.

Battle of Gonzales (1835)

The first battle of the Texas Revolution, known for the slogan 'Come and Take It'.

The Alamo

A pivotal 13-day siege during the Texas Revolution where Texian defenders fought against Mexican troops.

Goliad Massacre (1836)

The execution of 342 Texian prisoners by Mexican troops, which galvanized support for the Texas independence cause.

Treaties of Velasco

Agreements that granted Texas independence from Mexico and required the withdrawal of Mexican troops.

Planter Class

A small percentage of Southern society that owned 20 or more enslaved people and held significant political power.

Yeoman Farmers

The majority class of white Southerners who were small landowners engaged in self-sufficient agriculture.

Cotton Economy

The economic system in the South that relied heavily on cotton production, particularly after the invention of the cotton gin.

Impact of Cotton Gin (1793)

The invention by Eli Whitney that dramatically increased cotton production from 6,000 bales in 1792 to 4 million bales by 1860.

Task System vs. Gang System

Two labor systems used in the South; the task system involves assigned tasks for enslaved workers, while the gang system involves group labor on cotton fields.

Key Dates to Remember: 1811

Construction of the Cumberland Road begins.

Key Dates to Remember: 1825

Completion of the Erie Canal.

Key Dates to Remember: 1830

The Indian Removal Act is enacted.

Key Dates to Remember: 1835-1836

The period during which the Texas Revolution occurs.

Important Concept: Transportation improvements

How advancements in transportation affected the settlement patterns in the United States.

Important Concept: Jackson's policies

The effects of Andrew Jackson's policies on various groups including Native Americans and common people.

Important Concept: Causes of the Texas Revolution

Key factors that led to the conflict between Texians and the Mexican government.

Fill in the blank: The major factors driving westward expansion included economic opportunities, ___ for farming and abundant _____ resources.

land; natural

The Erie Canal reduced shipping costs by ___ percent.

95

Fill in the blank: Andrew Jackson served as president from ______ to _____

1829, 1837

Fill in the blank: Jackson was known as the president of the _______

common man