APUSH - Key terms, documents, and court cases

John Winthrop, “City on a Hill” / “A Model of Christian Charity”

John Winthrop, “City on a Hill” / “A Model of Christian Charity”

These writings by John Winthrop, a Puritan leader and the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, articulate the concept of the colony as a beacon of righteousness and community, emphasizing the Puritan ideals of moral responsibility, communal welfare, and religious piety.

Jonathan Edwards, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”

Jonathan Edwards, a key figure in the Great Awakening, delivered this sermon to evoke fear and conviction in his listeners, portraying humanity as inherently sinful and deserving of divine punishment unless they repent and turn to God.

Thomas Jefferson, “Declaration of Independence”

Thomas Jefferson's seminal document declares the independence of the American colonies from British rule, asserting the natural rights of all individuals to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and justifying revolution as a response to tyranny.

James Madison, “Constitution of the United States”

James Madison, often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution," played a central role in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution. The document established the framework for the American government, outlining its structure, powers, and principles of governance.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, “Declaration of Sentiments”

This document, presented at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, echoes the language and spirit of the Declaration of Independence, but it addresses the rights and grievances of women, asserting their equality with men and demanding legal and social reforms.

Frederick Douglass, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”

Frederick Douglass delivered this speech on July 5, 1852, highlighting the hypocrisy of celebrating freedom and independence while millions of African Americans remained enslaved in the United States. He calls for the nation to confront its moral failings and embrace true equality.

Harriet Beecher Stowe, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” (main ideas)

Stowe's novel exposed the horrors of slavery and the moral depravity of slaveholders, humanizing enslaved individuals and challenging the institution of slavery. It played a significant role in shaping public opinion and galvanizing support for the abolitionist movement.

Abraham Lincoln, “House Divided” speech, Second Inaugural Address

In his "House Divided" speech, Lincoln addresses the growing tensions over slavery, warning that a nation cannot endure half slave and half free. His Second Inaugural Address reflects on the meaning of the Civil War, expressing hope for reconciliation and unity.

Sojourner Truth, “Ain’t I a Woman?”

In this speech delivered in 1851, Sojourner Truth advocates for women's rights and challenges prevailing notions of gender and race. She powerfully asserts her own humanity and demands equality for all women, regardless of race.

Andrew Carnegie, “The Gospel of Wealth” (main ideas)

Carnegie's essay argues that wealthy individuals have a moral obligation to use their wealth to benefit society. He advocates for philanthropy and social responsibility among the wealthy, promoting the idea that with great wealth comes great responsibility.

Josiah Strong, “Our Country” (main ideas)

Strong's book espouses the belief in American exceptionalism and the duty of the United States to spread its civilization and values across the continent and around the globe, often through missionary work and colonization.

Upton Sinclair “The Jungle” (main ideas)

Sinclair's novel exposes the harsh conditions of the meatpacking industry in Chicago and the exploitation of immigrant workers. It led to public outrage and legislative reforms, particularly regarding food safety and labor conditions.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, First Inaugural Address, December 8 1941 address

In his First Inaugural Address, FDR addresses the Great Depression, calling for unity and resilience in the face of economic crisis. His December 8, 1941 address responds to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, rallying the nation to defend democracy and declaring war on Japan.

George Kennan, “Long Telegram”

Kennan's telegram, sent from Moscow in 1946, outlines the policy of containment toward the Soviet Union, advocating for the United States to prevent the spread of communism through political, economic, and military means.

Martin Luther King Jr. “Letter from Birmingham Jail”, “I Have a Dream” speech

In his "Letter from Birmingham Jail," King defends nonviolent resistance to racism and injustice, emphasizing the moral obligation to fight for equality. His "I Have a Dream" speech articulates his vision of a future where all individuals are judged by their character rather than their race.

Betty Friedan “The Feminine Mystique” (main ideas)

Friedan's book critiques the societal expectations placed on women in the post-World War II era, particularly the idea that their primary role is to be wives and mothers. She calls for women to pursue their own interests and aspirations outside of traditional domestic roles.

Ronald Reagan “Evil Empire” speech

In this speech, Reagan condemns the Soviet Union as an "evil empire" and reaffirms the United States' commitment to freedom and democracy. He advocates for a strong defense and aggressive stance against communism.

Marbury v. Madison

Established the principle of judicial review, granting the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

Dred Scott v. Sanford

Declared that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, could not be considered citizens of the United States and had no standing to sue in federal court.

Plessy v. Ferguson

Upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine.

Brown v. Board of Education

Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, declaring that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional and violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Roe v. Wade

Established the constitutional right to abortion, legalizing the procedure nationwide.

Bush v. Gore

Ended the recount in Florida during the 2000 presidential election, effectively awarding the presidency to George W. Bush.

Monroe Doctrine

Introduced by President James Monroe in 1823, the Monroe Doctrine asserted that the Western Hemisphere was closed to further colonization by European powers. It also warned against European interference in the affairs of independent nations in the Americas, establishing a foundation for U.S. foreign policy in the region.

Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine

Introduced by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, the Roosevelt Corollary expanded upon the Monroe Doctrine by asserting the right of the United States to intervene militarily in Latin American countries to maintain stability and prevent European intervention. It justified American interventionism in the region during the early 20th century.

Truman Doctrine

Announced by President Harry Truman in 1947, the Truman Doctrine was a foreign policy initiative aimed at containing the spread of communism, particularly in Europe. It committed the United States to providing economic and military aid to nations threatened by communist expansion, marking the beginning of the Cold War containment policy.

Nixon Doctrine

Articulated by President Richard Nixon in the late 1960s, the Nixon Doctrine shifted the focus of U.S. foreign policy away from direct military intervention and toward supporting allies and local forces to defend themselves against communist aggression. It sought to reduce U.S. military commitments abroad while still maintaining American interests.

Bush Doctrine

Coined during the presidency of George W. Bush, particularly after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Bush Doctrine outlined a policy of preemptive military action against perceived threats to U.S. national security, particularly terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. It emphasized the promotion of democracy and the use of military force to prevent emerging threats.

Virgin Soil Epidemic

A term used to describe an epidemic that occurs in a population with little to no previous exposure or immunity to the disease, often resulting in high mortality rates due to the lack of immunity.

Salutary Neglect / Benign Neglect:

A British policy of relaxed enforcement of colonial trade regulations in the American colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries. This policy allowed the colonies a degree of autonomy in trade and governance, contributing to their growth and development.

Mercantilism

An economic theory prevalent during the colonial era that emphasized the accumulation of wealth through the promotion of exports, the acquisition of colonies as sources of raw materials, and the maintenance of a favorable balance of trade.

Federalist

A political faction in the early United States, led by figures such as Alexander Hamilton and John Adams, that advocated for a strong federal government, centralized power, and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Anti-Federalist

A political faction opposed to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, fearing that it would create a centralized government that would infringe upon the rights of states and individuals. Anti-Federalists advocated for a weaker federal government and greater protections for individual liberties.

Isolationism

A foreign policy stance that prioritizes avoiding entanglement in foreign conflicts and alliances, focusing instead on domestic issues and national sovereignty.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts, particularly the U.S. Supreme Court, to review and potentially invalidate laws or governmental actions that are deemed to be unconstitutional.

Embargo

A government-imposed restriction on trade, typically for political or economic purposes, often used as a tool of foreign policy to exert pressure on other nations.

Democratic-Republican

A political faction in the early United States, led by figures such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, that advocated for limited government, states' rights, agrarian interests, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

Whig

A political party in the United States during the 19th century that emerged in opposition to the policies of President Andrew Jackson and his Democratic Party. Whigs favored a strong federal government, internal improvements, and protective tariffs.

Jacksonian Democracy

A political movement associated with President Andrew Jackson that emphasized the expansion of democracy, populism, and the rights of the common man. It also promoted westward expansion and the removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands.

Nullification

The doctrine that a state has the right to nullify, or invalidate, federal laws that it deems unconstitutional, often associated with the Nullification Crisis of the 1830s over tariffs.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the legitimacy of government is derived from the consent of the governed, with ultimate authority resting with the people.

Emancipation

The act of freeing individuals from slavery or oppression, particularly referring to the abolition of slavery in the United States during the Civil War era.

Jim Crow Segregation

A system of racial segregation and discrimination that prevailed in the Southern United States from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century, enforced through laws and social customs.

Sharecropping

An agricultural system prevalent in the Southern United States after the Civil War, in which landless farmers (often former slaves) worked land owned by others in exchange for a share of the crops produced.

Nativism

A political and social movement characterized by opposition to immigration, particularly targeting immigrants perceived as threatening to the cultural or economic interests of native-born citizens.

Mass Production

The production of goods on a large scale using standardized methods and machinery, often associated with the Industrial Revolution and modern manufacturing processes

Monopoly

The exclusive control or domination of a market or industry by a single company or group, giving them significant power to control prices and exclude competitors

Labor Union

An organized association of workers formed to protect and promote their collective interests, including wages, working conditions, and benefits, often through collective bargaining with employers.

Frontier

The geographical boundary between settled and unsettled areas, particularly in the context of westward expansion in the United States, symbolizing opportunity, exploration, and conquest.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a nation's authority through territorial acquisition, economic dominance, or cultural influence, often involving the subjugation or exploitation of other peoples.

Self-Determination

The right of a people or nation to freely determine their own political status, form of government, and economic development without interference from external forces.

Prohibition

The legal ban on the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages, particularly referring to the period in the United States from 1920 to 1933.

Laissez-Faire Economics

An economic philosophy advocating for minimal government intervention in economic affairs, allowing markets to operate freely without regulation or interference.

Liberalism (Economics/Politics)

A political and economic philosophy emphasizing individual rights, civil liberties, democracy, and free-market capitalism, often associated with progressive social policies and limited government intervention.

Soviet Union

A former socialist state that existed from 1922 to 1991, encompassing a vast territory in Eastern Europe and Asia. It was characterized by a centralized government, state ownership of the means of production, and a single-party system led by the Communist Party.

Containment

A Cold War foreign policy strategy adopted by the United States to prevent the spread of communism, particularly by containing the influence and expansion of the Soviet Union and its allies through diplomatic, economic, and military means

Domino Theory

A Cold War theory that posited that if one country in a region came under communist influence, neighboring countries would also fall to communism, like a row of dominos.

Communism

A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society where the means of production are owned collectively, typically associated with state control of the economy and the abolition of private property.

Non-Violent Protest (Civil Rights)

A strategy of activism and resistance that employs peaceful means, such as marches, boycotts, and civil disobedience, to bring about social or political change, famously used during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.

Vietnamization

A policy initiated by President Richard Nixon during the Vietnam War, which aimed to gradually transfer the responsibility for combat operations to the South Vietnamese military while withdrawing U.S. troops.

Conservatism

A political ideology advocating for traditional values, limited government intervention in the economy, and a strong national defense, often emphasizing social stability and individual responsibility.