Encomienda system

A labor system that granted colonists the right to demand tribute and labor from native inhabitants.

Bacon’s Rebellion

A 1676 uprising in Virginia led by Nathaniel Bacon against colonial governor William Berkeley.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that trade generates wealth and is stimulated by the accumulation of profitable balances.

The Great Awakening

A series of religious revivals in the American colonies during the 18th century.

Stamp Act

A 1765 law passed by British Parliament that imposed a direct tax on the colonies for printed materials.

Shays' Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 led by Daniel Shays to protest economic injustices and lack of government response.

3/5ths Compromise

Agreement during the Constitutional Convention that counted each enslaved person as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.

The Alien and Sedition Acts

Four laws passed in 1798 that limited individual rights and threatened the fledgling political opposition.

Nullification Controversy

A political crisis in 1832-1833 during which South Carolina tried to nullify a federal tariff.

Comprise of 1850

A set of laws aiming to resolve the territorial and slavery controversies arising from the Mexican-American War.

Dred Scott v. Sanford

An 1857 Supreme Court decision that ruled African Americans could not be American citizens.

Emancipation Proclamation

An executive order issued by Lincoln in 1863 freeing slaves in the Confederate states.

Turner’s Frontier Thesis

An argument presented by historian Frederick Jackson Turner that the American frontier shaped the nation's democracy and character.

Indian Removal

The policy of relocating Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands to designated 'Indian Territory,' often leading to suffering and death.

Transcontinental Railroad

A contiguous network of railroad trackage that crosses a continental land mass to connect large regional centers.

The Ghost Dance

A spiritual movement among Native Americans in the late 19th century that was meant to restore their ancestral lands and way of life.

The Battle of Little Bighorn

A 1876 battle where General Custer's troops were defeated by Lakota and Cheyenne warriors.

Radical Reconstruction

A period after the Civil War in which the Republican-controlled Congress restructured Southern society.

The Homestead Act

A 1862 law that encouraged western migration by providing settlers 160 acres of public land.

Women’s Suffrage in The West

The movement advocating for women's right to vote in the western United States, where some states granted this earlier than others.

Spanish Settlements in North America

Colonial establishments made by Spain in North America, involving subjugation of native populations and the encomienda system.

Encomienda system

A labor system instituted by the Spanish in the colonies, granting landowners the right to demand tribute and forced labor from native inhabitants.

English Settlements in North America

Colonial areas established by England, including New England, Middle, and Southern Colonies, often with distinct motivations for migration.

Motivations for migrating to the New World

Factors driving individuals and groups to leave Europe for the Americas, such as economic opportunity, religious freedom, and land.

Motivations for founding of Colonies

Reasons behind the establishment of English colonies, including economic gain, religious freedom, and political independence.

Contrasting New England and The Chesapeake

Differences between the New England colonies and the Chesapeake colonies in terms of social structures, economies, and reasons for settlement.

The Columbian Exchange

The widespread transfer of animals, plants, culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the New and Old Worlds.

Mercantilism

An economic theory and practice prevalent in European states, where the government regulates the economy to augment state power at the expense of rival nations.

Bacon’s Rebellion

A 1676 rebellion in Virginia led by Nathaniel Bacon against Governor William Berkeley's administration, reflecting tensions between settlers and Native Americans.

Great Awakening

A series of religious revivals in the American colonies during the 18th century, emphasizing personal faith and emotional engagement.

Stamp Act and Stamp Act Congress

A tax imposed by Britain on the colonies in 1765, triggering protests leading to the formation of the Stamp Act Congress.

Declaratory Act

An act passed by the British Parliament in 1766, asserting its authority to legislate for the colonies 'in all cases whatsoever'.

Methods of colonial resistance

Strategies employed by the colonists to resist British taxes and policies, including protests, boycotts, and the formation of committees.

Effects of the French and Indian War

The war altered the balance of power in North America, leading to British dominance but also increasing tensions with colonists due to taxation.

Thomas Paine and Common Sense

A pamphlet published in 1776 advocating for independence from Britain and making a case for republican government.

Key Battles of Revolutionary War

Crucial conflicts including the Battles of Saratoga, Trenton, and Princeton that influenced the outcome of the American Revolutionary War.

Shays Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 led by Daniel Shays to protest economic injustices and the lack of government response.

Northwest Ordinance 1787

Legislation that provided a method for admitting new states to the Union from the Northwest Territory and addressed issues of slavery.

Government under the Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, establishing a weak federal government with limited powers.

Constitutional Convention

A 1787 meeting in Philadelphia where delegates drafted the Constitution of the United States.

3/5ths Compromise

A compromise reached at the Constitutional Convention in which enslaved individuals were counted as three-fifths of a person for taxation and representation.

Debates over Constitution- Federalist/Anti-Federalists

Discussions between supporters of the Constitution (Federalists) and opponents (Anti-Federalists) regarding the balance of power.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising of farmers protesting the whiskey tax, reflecting tensions between rural interests and federal authority.

Strict versus Loose Constructionism

Debate over the interpretation of the Constitution, with strict constructionism adhering closely to the text and loose constructionism allowing for broader interpretation.

Hamilton’s Economic Plan

A framework proposed by Alexander Hamilton to stabilize the American economy, including federal assumptions of state debts.

Hamilton and Jefferson

Key figures with opposing views regarding the federal government, economy, and interpretation of the Constitution.

The Federalists and Jeffersonian Republicans

Two political parties in the early United States: Federalists supported a strong central government, while Jeffersonian Republicans favored agrarian interests.

Washington’s Farewell Address

A letter written by George Washington at the end of his presidency, advising against permanent alliances and political parties.

Alien and Sedition Acts

A series of laws passed in 1798 limiting the rights of immigrants and restricting speech critical of the government.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Political statements advocating for states’ rights and nullification of federal laws deemed unconstitutional.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident between the U.S. and France in 1797-1798, resulting in an undeclared naval conflict and increased tensions.

Eli Whitney

Inventor known for inventing the Cotton Gin, which revolutionized the cotton industry in the United States.

Hamilton and Burr

Notable political rivals whose conflict led to a famous duel in 1804, resulting in the death of Alexander Hamilton.

Marbury v Madison

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review in the United States.

Louisiana Purchase

The acquisition of the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803, which doubled the size of the United States.

War of 1812

A military conflict between the United States and Great Britain, resulting from issues such as trade restrictions and impressment.

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. foreign policy statement asserting that European efforts to colonize or interfere in the Americas would be seen as acts of aggression.

War with Mexico

A conflict resulting from territorial disputes between the U.S. and Mexico, leading to significant land gains for the U.S.

Missouri Compromise

An agreement passed in 1820 to maintain the balance of power between slave and free states.

Whigs and Democrats

Two prominent political parties in mid-19th century America, with differing platforms on issues such as expansion and government intervention.

2nd Great Awakening

A religious revival movement in the early 19th century that emphasized individual piety and social reform.

The South and Slavery in the territories

The contentious debate over the extension of slavery into newly acquired territories in the U.S.

John Marshall and the Supreme Court

Key figure as Chief Justice, whose rulings helped establish the judiciary's role in the U.S. government.

Vesey, Prosser, Turner

Rebellious figures in the history of American slavery, known for leading uprisings against oppressive systems.

William Lloyd Garrison

A prominent abolitionist and journalist known for founding the anti-slavery newspaper 'The Liberator'.

Market Revolution

A historical phase characterized by the rapid expansion of commerce, transport, and industry in the 19th-century United States.

Canals, Steamboats, Railroads

Key modes of transportation that facilitated trade and movement during the Market Revolution.

Jackson and the Election of 1828

Andrew Jackson's victory leading to the rise of the 'common man' in American politics.

The ‘Common Man’

A political ideal emphasizing the importance and voice of everyday citizens in a democracy.

Spoils System or Rotation in Office

A practice where political supporters were rewarded with government jobs predominately used by Andrew Jackson.

Bank War

The conflict between President Jackson and the Second Bank of the United States over fiscal policy and banking power.

Kitchen Cabinet

An informal group of advisors to Andrew Jackson, distinct from his official Cabinet.

Internal Improvements (Maysville Road Veto)

Jackson’s rejection of federal funding for local infrastructure projects, emphasizing states’ rights.

Nullification Controversy

A political dispute where southern states sought to nullify federal laws, primarily regarding tariffs.

Specie Circular

An executive order issued by Jackson requiring payment for government land in gold or silver.

Indian Removal

A policy advocating for the removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to designated territories.

Trail of Tears

The forced relocation of Native Americans, particularly the Cherokee, resulting in significant loss of life.

Panic of 1837

A financial crisis that led to a severe economic depression in the United States.

Henry Clay’s American System

An economic plan promoting tariffs, a national bank, and internal improvements to support national growth.

Textile Mills

Factories built in the 19th century that mass-produced textiles, significantly impacting industrialization.

Onset of Manufacturing in New England

The early development of industrial factories and systems in New England due to resources and transportation.

Compromise of 1850

Series of laws aimed at resolving tensions between slave and free states following the Mexican-American War.

54’ 40 or fight!

A slogan advocating for U.S. control of the entire Oregon Territory, reflecting expansionist sentiments.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Dred Scott v Sanford

A Supreme Court case ruling that African Americans could not be American citizens and thus had no standing in court.

Election of 1860

A pivotal presidential election that resulted in Abraham Lincoln's victory and increased tensions leading to the Civil War.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Union and Confederacy

Comparative analysis of strengths and weaknesses in resources, leadership, and strategies during the Civil War.

Lincoln’s view of the War

Abraham Lincoln’s perspective evolved to emphasize the moral imperative of ending slavery and preserving the Union.

Turning Points in Civil War

Key battles or events such as Antietam, Gettysburg, and the Fall of Atlanta that changed the course of the war.

Emancipation Proclamation

An executive order issued by Lincoln freeing slaves in Confederate-held territory.

Scalawags and Carpetbaggers

Terms used to describe Southern Republicans and Northern opportunists who moved to the South after the Civil War.

Reconstruction Failures and Successes

The assessment of attempts to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society.

Black Codes

Laws enacted in the South post-Civil War to restrict the rights of freed African Americans.

President Johnson and Reconstruction

Andrew Johnson’s approach to Reconstruction which was lenient towards the South and faced significant opposition.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official; Andrew Johnson was impeached in 1868.

Radical, Congressional, or Military Reconstruction

Different phases and strategies of Reconstruction aimed at rebuilding post-war society and implementing civil rights.

Share-cropping and Crop-lien system

Economic systems in the South post-Civil War that often left freedmen in cycles of debt and poverty.

The Compromise of 1877

An agreement that resolved the disputed 1876 presidential election, leading to the end of Reconstruction.

Transcontinental Railroad and U.S. Government

A major railway connecting the East and West coasts, facilitated by the Pacific Railway Act.

Workers on the Union and Central Pacific Railroads

Laborers, including many immigrants, who built the first transcontinental railroad in the United States.