U.S. History Flashcards

Eras of American History

  • Exploration/Colonization (1492-1754)

    • Key Event: 1607 - Jamestown established as the first permanent British settlement.

    • Economy driven by tobacco.

  • Revolutionary Era (1763-1783)

    • Key Event: 1776 - Declaration of Independence adopted, influenced by Enlightenment thinkers.

    • American Revolution (1775-1783) leads to independence with leadership from General George Washington.

  • Constitutional Era (1783-1789)

    • Key Event: 1783 - Treaty of Paris ends the American Revolution.

    • Key Event: 1787 - U.S. Constitution replaces the Articles of Confederation.

  • Early Republic (1789-1825)

    • Key Event: 1803 - Louisiana Purchase doubles U.S. size.

  • Age of Jackson (1829-1837)

    • Focus on political democracy and Indian Removal Act.

  • Manifest Destiny (1803-1854)

    • The idea of U.S. expansion across North America.

  • Civil War (1861-1865)

    • Conflict over slavery; North defeats South; Emancipation of enslaved people and Reconstruction Era follows (1866-1877).

Key Historical Events

  • French & Indian War (1754-1763) - British victory leads to increased taxation.

  • War of 1812 (1812-1815) - Results in U.S. growth as a global power.

  • Mexican War (1846-1848) - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo leads to Mexican Cession.

Principles of Government

  1. Republicanism: Citizens elect representatives.

  2. Checks & Balances: Government branches have powers over each other.

  3. Federalism: Division of power between states and national government.

  4. Limited Government: Officials must follow the Constitution.

  5. Individual Rights: Safeguards for personal freedoms.

  6. Popular Sovereignty: Authority rests with the people through voting.

  7. Separation of Powers: Defines responsibilities for branches.

Amendments of the U.S. Constitution

  • 1st: Rights related to Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, Speech.

  • 2nd: Right to bear arms.

  • 3rd: No housing troops in civilian homes.

  • 4th: Protection against unreasonable searches.

  • 5th: Rights of the accused.

  • 6th: Right to a speedy trial.

  • 7th: Right to jury in civil cases.

  • 8th: Protection against cruel punishment.

  • 9th: Rights not listed are retained by the people.

  • 10th: Powers not specified are reserved for states.

  • 13th: Abolishment of slavery.

  • 14th: Equal citizenship for all born in the U.S.

  • 15th: Voting