Key Concepts from APUSH Lecture Notes

1. Jamestown (1607)

• First successful English settlement in North America.
• Birthplace of democracy in America.
• Captain John Smith's motto: "He that will not work shall not eat."
• Peopling Theme: Represents the first wave of European immigrants to America.

2. First Africans in Virginia (1619)

• Introduction of 20 African Americans in Jamestown, initially seen as indentured servants.
• By 1640, legal recognition of slavery began; laws mandated life servitude.
• Peopling Theme: Marks the start of involuntary migration of African Americans to the Americas.

3. The Mayflower Compact (1620)

• First governing document in the United States, created by Pilgrims seeking religious freedom.
• Established majority rule and governance for the colony.
• William Bradford: "…to separate them from all the civil parts of the world."
• Politics and Power Theme: Foundation for future democratic government in the U.S.

4. Great Migration of Puritans (1630s-1640s)

• Puritans migrated to Massachusetts for religious freedom.
• John Winthrop stated their mission to spread the Gospel.
• Peopling Theme: Represents movement influenced by religious beliefs and the establishment of new colonial life.

5. Establishment of Rhode Island (1636)

• Roger Williams founded Rhode Island for religious freedom after banishment from Massachusetts.
• Advocated for the separation of church and state.
• Belief Systems Theme: Promoted individual conscience beyond state control.

6. Establishment of Pennsylvania (1681)

• William Penn founded Pennsylvania as a religiously tolerant colony.
• Addressed the need for government inclusiveness across cultures.
• Belief Systems Theme: Advocated for a constitutional government emphasizing tolerance.

7. Establishment of Georgia (1732)

• James Oglethorpe aimed to create a military barrier and refuge for the impoverished.
• Provided settlement opportunities for the poor from England.
• Peopling Theme: Showed movement of impoverished immigrants seeking new beginnings.

8. The Great Awakening (1734)

• Initiated by Jonathan Edwards, focusing on religious revival in America.
• Push against the Church of England and led to increased religious fervor.
• Belief Systems Theme: Encouraged individuals to seek personal religious connection.

9. The French and Indian War (1754-1763)

• Conflict between French and British over territories in North America.
• Resulted in British gaining control of Canada and Florida, while Spain received Louisiana.
• Politics and Power Theme: Led to shifts in territorial ownership and subsequent tensions.

10. The Proclamation of 1763

• Established boundaries restricting expansion into newly acquired lands.
• Aimed at stabilizing relations with Native Americans.
• Politics and Power Theme: Created territorial divisions and relationships between settlers and natives.

11. The Stamp Act (1765)

• Imposed tax requiring stamps on all printed material to raise revenue.
• Provoked strong colonial opposition leading to cries of "no taxation without representation."
• Economics & Politics Theme: Highlighted colonial resistance against British economic control.

12. The Declaratory Act (1766)

• Asserted Britain's right to tax colonists after repealing the Stamp Act.
• Politics and Power Theme: Illustrated ongoing tensions between colonial autonomy and British governance.

13. Townshend Acts (1767)

• Taxed imported goods to pay salaries of governors willing to remain loyal to Britain.
• Politics and Power Theme: Continued British assertion of control over American economic life.

14. The Second Continental Congress (1775)

• Convened in response to British actions, aimed to manage the war effort.
• Politics and Power Theme: Discussed independence and governance without British influence.

15. The First Continental Congress (1774)

• Produced a declaration of rights and grievances to address colonial issues with Britain.
• Belief Systems Theme: Reflected American beliefs in rights and self-governance.

16. Lexington and Concord (1775)

• Marked the start of the Revolutionary War with the first shots fired.
• America in the World Theme: Depicted the transition from diplomacy to armed conflict.

17. The Boston Tea Party (1773)

• An act of defiance against British taxation by dumping tea into Boston Harbor.
• Courage Theme: Embodied the courage of colonists in opposing British rule.

18. Common Sense (1776)

• Pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating for American independence.
• Media and Influence Theme: Showed how literature could shape public opinion towards revolution.

19. The Declaration of Independence (1776)

• Proclaimed the colonies' independence and outlined natural rights.
• America in the World Theme: Established America as a sovereign nation with a new government framework.

20. Treaty of Alliance (1778)

• Military alliance between France and America during the Revolution.
• America in the World Theme: Marked a shift towards America playing a significant role in international relations.

21. Battle of Yorktown (1781)

• The last major battle of the Revolutionary War, leading to British surrender.
• America in the World Theme: Demonstrated America's military capabilities against a world power.

22. Articles of Confederation (1781)

• First constitution of the United States but revealed severe flaws.
• Politics and Power Theme: Reflected the ongoing struggle for effective governance.

23. Treaty of Paris (1783)

• Ended the Revolutionary War, acknowledging American independence.
• Politics and Power Theme: Established America on the world stage as a recognized sovereign state.

24. Northwest Ordinances (1784-1787)

• Established governance in Northwest Territories, allowing for settlement.
• Economics Theme: Set groundwork for land management and economic development in new territories.

25. Shays’ Rebellion (1786)

• Armed uprising against economic injustices and government policies in Massachusetts.
• A New Nation Theme: Highlighted weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and need for a stronger central government.

26. The Constitutional Convention (1787)

• Produced the current U.S. Constitution addressing weaknesses of the Articles.
• Politics and Power Theme: Showed the delegation's power in forming a government.

27. The Federalist Papers (1787-1788)

• Essays written in support of ratifying the Constitution.
• Politics and Power Theme: Aimed to persuade public and political support for the new government.

28. Creation of a New Government (1789)

• Established the U.S. Constitution as the framework for government, elected George Washington as president.
• Politics and Power Theme: Marked a significant shift in governance and power distribution.

29. Alexander Hamilton appointed Secretary of Treasury (1789)

• Raised the profile and importance of the Treasury in federal governance.
• Politics and Power Theme: Laid foundations for modern U.S. economic policy.

30. Samuel Slater establishes the textile mill (1790)

• Kicked off the Industrial Revolution in America.
• Economy Theme: Spearheaded growth in manufacturing and urbanization.

31. Bill of Rights (1791)

• First 10 amendments protecting individual rights and liberties.
• Freedom Theme: Ensured protection against government overreach.

32. Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality (1793)

• Established the U.S. position of neutrality in foreign wars.
• America in the World Theme: Foundational moment in U.S. foreign policy.

33. Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

• Protest against government tax on whiskey highlighted federal authority.
• Economics Theme: Demonstrated government response to economic protests.

34. Washington’s Farewell Address (1796)

• Warned against political parties and foreign entanglements.
• Politics and Power Theme: Provided guidance for future national policy.

35. XYZ Affair (1797)

• Diplomatic incident that escalated tensions between U.S. and France.
• America in the World Theme: Illustrated early foreign policy challenges.

36. Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

• Laws restricting immigration and limiting free speech.
• Politics and Power Theme: Reflected fears of dissent during the Quasi-War.

37. Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions (1798-1799)

• Asserted states’ rights against federal legislation.
• Politics and Power Theme: Precursor to debates on states versus federal power.

38. Election of 1800

• Thomas Jefferson elected, marking the peaceful transition of power.
• Politics and Power Theme: Demonstrated the resilience of the democratic process in America.

39. Midnight Judges/Marbury v. Madison (1803)

• Established the principle of judicial review.
• Politics and Power Theme: Mapped out boundaries of federal authority within the judiciary.

40. Louisiana Purchase (1803)

• Acquisition of territory doubling the size of the nation.
• Geography Theme: Shifted the boundaries of the U.S., promoting westward expansion.

41. Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804)

• Documented new lands and established relationships with Native Americans.
• Environment and Geography Theme: Mapped the West and harvested scientific knowledge.

42. Aaron Burr Trial (1807)

• Charged with treason for attempting to create a separate nation.
• Politics and Power Theme: Reflected on the complexities of loyalty and political ambition.

43. Jefferson’s Embargo (1807)

• Trade restrictions intended to avoid war destabilized the economy.
• Economics Theme: Demonstrated the consequences of foreign policy on domestic economic interests.

44. War of 1812 (1812-1815)

• Conflict with Great Britain over trade and territorial issues.
• America in the World Theme: Established the U.S. as an independent military power.

45. Hartford Convention (1814)

• Federalist opposition to the War of 1812, leading to party decline.
• Politics and Power Theme: Demonstrated regional dissent against federal policies.

46. Battle of New Orleans (1815)

• Major victory for American forces post-war; rallied national pride.
• Identity Theme: Built American nationalism and unity following the conflict.

47. The American System (1815)

• Economic plan by Henry Clay to promote national development.
• Economics Theme: Reflected growing economic interdependence in the country.

48. Era of Good Feelings (1815-1824)

• Marked by political harmony but underlying tensions persisted.
• Politics and Power Theme: Represented a unique moment of unity post-war.

49. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

• Established federal power over state actions.
• Politics and Power Theme: Defined the balance of power in federalism.

50. Adams-Onis Treaty (1819)

• U.S. acquisition of Florida from Spain.
• Politics and Power Theme: Illustrated American expansionism and territorial ambition.

51. Missouri Compromise (1820)

• Attempt to balance free and slave states in Congress.
• Politics and Power Theme: Highlighted growing sectional tensions over slavery.

52. The Lowell Factory Opens (1823)

• Integrated industrial work with labor rights for women.
• Economics Theme: Reflected changes in the workforce due to industrialization.

53. Monroe Doctrine (1823)

• Declared Western Hemisphere off-limits to future colonization.
• America in the World Theme: Established U.S. sphere of influence in global affairs.

54. Election of 1824

• Ended with controversy and accusations of a "corrupt bargain."
• Politics and Power Theme: Illustrates the deep divisions in the political landscape.

55. Indian Removal Act (1830)

• Forced relocation of Native Americans from their land.
• Peopling Theme: Signified cultural and societal changes due to westward expansion.

56. Nat Turner’s Revolt (1831)

• A slave rebellion ignited fear and stricter slave laws.
• Social Revolt Theme: Reflected the desperation and impact of slavery on American society.

57. The Nullification Crisis (1832)

• South Carolina’s assertion of state rights against federal tariffs.
• Politics and Power Theme: Showcase the evolving conflict between state and federal authority.

58. The National Bank Crisis (1832)

• President Jackson destroyed the Bank, centralizing financial power.
• Politics and Power Theme: Reflected the tensions between banking and political authority.

59. The Panic of 1837

• Economic downturn caused by bank failures and land speculation.
• Economics Theme: Illustrates vulnerabilities in the American economy.

60. Horace Mann and Education Reform (1837)

• Advocated for public education as a right for all citizens.
• Belief Systems Theme: Focused on social mobility and equal opportunity through education.

61. Election of 1840

• William Henry Harrison wins, symbolizing rise of common man in politics.
• Politics and Power Theme: Showcased shifts in political power during the period.

62. Trail of Tears (1838)

• Forced removal of the Cherokee Nation from their ancestral lands.
• Peopling Theme: Marked a significant tragedy for Native Americans, reshaping their identity.

63. Manifest Destiny (1840s)

• Belief that U.S. was destined to expand across North America.
• American Expansion Theme: Defined U.S. attitudes toward territorial expansion.

64. The Annexation of Texas (1845)

• Admission of Texas into the Union heightened tensions with Mexico.
• Politics and Power Theme: Influenced relations with neighboring countries.

65. The Mexican-American War (1846-1848)

• Conflict rooted in U.S. expansionist policies and disputes.
• America in the World Theme: Demonstrated military engagement reflecting American aspirations.

66. Wilmot Proviso (1846)

• Proposed banning slavery in territories acquired from Mexico.
• Identity Theme: Captured the fierce debates over race and slavery's expansion.

67. Compromise of 1850

• A series of laws aimed at resolving tensions over slavery.
• Politics and Power Theme: Reflected attempts to manage sectional conflicts.

68. Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854)

• Allowed for popular sovereignty in new territories regarding slavery.
• Identity Theme: Divided national opinion leading to violent conflicts.

69. Republican Party Founded (1854)

• Emerged to oppose the spread of slavery in new territories.
• Politics and Power Theme: Represented changes in alignments within the political landscape.

70. Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

• Supreme Court ruled that African Americans were not citizens.
• Identity Theme: Defined racial issues and the status of enslaved individuals.

71. The Lincoln-Douglas Debates (1858)

• Series of debates over slavery, foreshadowed Lincoln's presidential candidacy.
• Politics and Power Theme: Showcased different views on slavery's future in America.

72. John Brown's Raid (1859)

• Attempt to initiate a slave rebellion at Harpers Ferry.
• Social Revolt Theme: Highlighted the extremes factions would go to end enslavement.

73. Election of 1860

• Lincoln's election brought focus to the slavery question, resulting in Southern secession.
• Politics and Power Theme: Illustrated deep divisions over slavery rights.

74. Secession of Southern States (1860-1861)

• Led to the establishment of the Confederacy and the Civil War.
• Politics and Power Theme: Illustrated the extreme conflict generated by unresolved issues.

75. Fort Sumter (1861)

• First battle of the Civil War; marked shift to armed conflict.
• America in the World Theme: Depicted transition from diplomatic events to Warfare.

76. Homestead Act (1862)

• Granted 160 acres to settlers to promote westward expansion.
• Economics Theme: Impacted land distribution and settlement patterns.

77. Morrill Land Grant Act (1862)

• Promoted higher education in agriculture and mechanics.
• Politics and Power Theme: Expanded access to education for all citizens.

78. Emancipation Proclamation (1863)

• Freed enslaved people in Confederate states.
• Identity Theme: Signified a new identity for African Americans, heralding changes in rights.

79. Battles of Vicksburg and Gettysburg (1863)

• Key victories for the Union, shifted momentum in the war.
• Politics and Power Theme: Altered perception and strategies in the war's progress.

80. Appomattox Court House (1865)

• Lee's surrender effectively ended the Civil War.
• Identity Theme: Transitioned national identity from divided states to a united front.

81. Assassination of Lincoln (1865)

• Lincoln was killed shortly after the war's conclusion, changing the reconstruction landscape.
• Politics and Power Theme: Reflected the tensions surrounding his policies and civil rights.

82. Freedmen's Bureau (1865)

• Agency providing support and education to newly freed slaves.
• Politics and Power Theme: Showed increased government involvement in social issues post-civil war.

83. Thirteenth Amendment (1865)

• Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude.
• Identity Theme: Key moment in defining civil rights and freedoms for all citizens.

84. Fourteenth Amendment (1868)

• Granted citizenship to all individuals born in the U.S., emphasizing equal protection under the law.
• Identity Theme: Reinforced the understanding of civil rights in America.

85. Purchase of Alaska (1867)

• Acquired from Russia for $7.2 million, expanding U.S. territory.
• Politics and Power Theme: Illustrated America's growing ambitions and global presence.

86. Johnson's Impeachment Trial (1868)

• Result of disagreements over Reconstruction policies.
• Politics and Power Theme: Showed struggles between branches of government over authority.

87. The Fifteenth Amendment (1870)

• Prohibited denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous servitude.
• Identity Theme: Key advancement towards achieving equal rights for African Americans.

88. Standard Oil Company Founded (1870)

• Established by John D. Rockefeller, becoming a monopoly in the oil industry.
• Economics Theme: Highlighted the emergence of trusts in American business practices.

89. Knights of Labor Founded (1869)

• Inclusive labor group advocating for workers' rights.
• Economics Theme: Marked significant changes in labor relations during industrialization.

90. Wyoming Grant Women the Right to Vote (1869)

• First state to grant suffrage to women in the U.S.
• Identity Theme: Pioneered the fight for women's rights and empowerment in society.

91. Battle of Little Bighorn (1876)

• A major battle resulting in a significant Native American victory.
• Politics and Power Theme: Highlighted the U.S. Government's ongoing conflicts with Native tribes.

92. Election of 1876

• Disputed count led to the compromise that ended Reconstruction.
• Politics and Power Theme: Demonstrated the ongoing tension and resolution in American politics.

93. The Great Railroad Strike of 1877

• Nationwide railroad uprising against wage cuts.
• Economics Theme: Reflected growing labor tensions during economic distress.

94. Jacob Riis' How the Other Half Lives (1890)

• Influential work exposing urban poverty.
• Reform Theme: Sparked social reform efforts to improve living conditions.

95. Sherman Antitrust Act (1890)

• Legislation aimed at curbing monopolistic practices.
• Politics and Power Theme: Strong government response to corporate growth and excess.

96. Wounded Knee Massacre (1890)

• Conflict leading to the deaths of many Native Americans.
• Belief Systems Theme: Reinforced the struggles over identity and sovereignty of Native tribes.

97. Ellis Island Opens (1892)

• Immigration station symbolizing opportunity for many.
• Peopling Theme: Gateway for millions seeking a better life in America.

98. Homestead Strike (1892)

• Violent labor dispute at Carnegie Steel Company.
• Economics Theme: Signified pivotal moments in labor struggles and corporate power.

99. Panic of 1893

• Severe economic depression marked by bank failures.
• Economics Theme: Highlighted vulnerabilities in the U.S. financial system.

100. Pullman Strike (1894)

• Significant labor uprising against poor working conditions.
• Economics Theme: Toiled conditions within the labor market and its impacts.

101. Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

• Supreme Court case affirming the legality of racial segregation.
• Identity Theme: Showed deep-rooted racial prejudices in American society.

102. Election of 1896

• Marked a significant political contest between gold and silver standards.
• Politics and Power Theme: Reflective of divisions in American political landscape.

103. The Spanish-American War (1898)

• Conflict resulting in U.S. territorial gains overseas.
• America in the World Theme: Debuted America's emergence as a global power.

104. The Open Door Policy (1899)

• U.S. proposal for equal trade with China.
• America in the World Theme: Illustrative of America's international trade ambitions.

105. The Assassination of William McKinley (1901)

• Targeted by an anarchist creating a national tragedy.
• Politics and Power Theme: Highlighted the volatility of political life in America.

106. Theodore Roosevelt as President (1901-1909)

• Advocated for progressive reforms and trust-busting.
• Politics and Power Theme: New leadership era emphasizing reform and conservation.

107. The Wright Brothers’ First Flight (1903)

• Fundamental breakthrough in transportation technology.
• Technology Theme: Laid the groundwork for future aviation developments.

108. Northern Securities Case (1904)

• Roosevelt’s trust-busting campaign against monopolies.
• Politics and Power Theme: Asserted federal power over corporations.

109. The Roosevelt Corollary (1904)

• Extension of the Monroe Doctrine justifying American intervention.
• America in the World Theme: Defined U.S. role in international politics.

110. Upton Sinclair's The Jungle (1906)

• Revealed poor conditions in the meatpacking industry.
• Reform Theme: Resulted in significant food safety reforms.

111. The Pure Food and Drug Act (1906)

• Legislation improving food safety and consumer protection.
• Politics and Power Theme: Showcased government accountability in health matters.

112. The Great Migration (1910-1970)

• Movement of African Americans from South to North to escape oppression.
• Peopling Theme: Shifted cultural demographics in urban environments.

113. Women’s Suffrage Movement (early 20th Century)

• Advocacy for women’s right to vote.
• Identity Theme: Signified the evolving role of women in society.

114. The Stock Market Crash (1929)

• Triggered the Great Depression, resulting in widespread economic failure.
• Economics Theme: Major impactful event demonstrating economic fragility.

115. The New Deal (1933)

• Roosevelt's plan to alleviate the effects of the Great Depression.
• Economics and Politics Theme: Symbolized government intervention for economic recovery.

116. The Social Security Act (1935)

• Provided welfare support for the elderly and unemployed.
• Politics and Power Theme: National commitment to aiding vulnerable populations.

117. WWII Begins (1939)

• Conflict resulting from unresolved global tensions.
• America in the World Theme: Marked America's growing involvement in global conflicts.

118. The Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombings (1945)

• Resulted in Japan’s surrender, ending WWII.
• America in the World Theme: Defined U.S. military capabilities and foreign policy.

119. The G.I. Bill (1944)

• Provided veterans with education and housing benefits.
• Economics Theme: Key factor in post-war economic prosperity.

120. The Korean War (1950-1953)

• Conflict reflecting Cold War tensions between communism and democracy.
• America in the World Theme: U.S. military engagements stemming from ideological conflicts.

121. The Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s)

• Movement advocating for equality and the end of racial discrimination.
• Identity Theme: Centered on changing societal views and legal rights for African Americans.

122. The Voting Rights Act (1965)

• Ended racial discrimination in voting.
• Politics and Power Theme: Reflective of struggles for equality in American governance.

123. The Watergate Scandal (1972)

• Political scandal leading to Nixon's resignation.
• Politics and Power Theme: Eroded public trust in government and political institutions.