Study Guide History

FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS

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  • John Winthrop; Puritans; City Upon a Hill: Sermon promoting Puritan exceptionalism and a model Christian society.

  • Declaration of Independence: Document declaring independence from Britain, emphasizing natural rights.

  • Articles of Confederation: First U.S. constitution; weak federal government.

  • Constitution: Framework for U.S. government with checks and balances.

  • Bill of Rights: First 10 amendments ensuring individual liberties.

  • Federalists: Advocates for strong federal government (e.g., Hamilton, Madison).

  • Anti-Federalists: Advocates for states' rights (e.g., Jefferson, Henry).

  • George Washington’s Presidency: Set many precedents; warned against parties and alliances.

  • Thomas Jefferson; First Inaugural Address: Advocated limited government and unity.

WESTWARD EXPANSION

  • Andrew Jackson; Trail of Tears: Forced Native relocation; thousands died.

  • Monroe Doctrine: Opposed European interference in the Americas.

  • Manifest Destiny: Belief in U.S. expansion to the Pacific.

  • Mexican-American War: U.S. gained large territories like California.

NATIONAL EXPANSION

  • Industrialization: Growth of factories and infrastructure; boosted economy.

  • Lowell Mills: Early textile factories; young women workers.

  • Horace Mann: Advocated public education reform.

  • Panic of 1819/1837: Economic crises with widespread unemployment.

  • Seneca Falls Convention: First women's rights meeting; "Declaration of Sentiments."

  • Immigration; Nativism: Hostility to immigrants; Know-Nothing Party opposed them.

ANTEBELLUM AMERICA

  • Middle Passage: Slave trade route; inhumane conditions.

  • Eli Whitney; Cotton Gin: Increased cotton production and slavery.

  • Abolitionists: Advocated ending slavery; varied methods.

  • Missouri Compromise: Balanced slave/free states.

  • Dred Scott Case: Denied African Americans citizenship.

  • John Brown: Led violent anti-slavery actions, e.g., Harpers Ferry.

CIVIL WAR

  • Secession: Southern states left Union, starting with South Carolina.

  • Emancipation Proclamation: Freed slaves in Confederate states.

  • Union vs. Confederacy: North had industrial power; South had military leadership.

  • Major Battles: Gettysburg marked turning point; Antietam led to Proclamation.

  • Appomattox Court House: Lee surrendered, ending war.

RECONSTRUCTION

  • Radical Republicans: Pushed for strong Reconstruction policies.

  • Freedmen’s Bureau: Aided freed slaves with education and resources.

  • Reconstruction Acts: Military oversight in the South.

  • Black Codes: Laws restricting African Americans' rights.

  • 13th-15th Amendments: Ended slavery; ensured citizenship and voting rights.

GILDED AGE

  • Robber Barons: Wealthy industrialists like Carnegie; used monopolistic practices.

  • Social Darwinism: Justified wealth inequality.

  • Boss Tweed: Corrupt political leader; exposed by Nast.

  • Labor Strikes: Workers protested low wages and poor conditions.

PROGRESSIVISM

  • Muckrakers: Journalists exposing corruption (e.g., Upton Sinclair, Ida Tarbell).

  • Populism: Farmers' movement; William Jennings Bryan led.

  • Political Reforms: Amendments for income tax, direct election of senators, suffrage.

AMERICAN IMPERIALISM

  • Reasons for Imperialism: Economic, military, and cultural motivations.

  • Spanish-American War: U.S. gained territories like the Philippines; yellow journalism fueled war.