Unit 2 study guide (1)

US History 1301 - Unit 2 Exam Study Guide (Chapters 5-9)

Acts Imposed on the Colonies:

• Notable acts include the Stamp Act (1765) which imposed direct taxes on the colonies, and the Townshend Acts (1767) which taxed imports. These acts led to widespread protests and the formation of groups like the Sons of Liberty.

Boston Tea Party and Coercive Acts:

• The Boston Tea Party (1773) was a direct protest against taxation without representation, resulting in the Coercive Acts (1774). These punitive measures targeted Massachusetts and galvanized colonial unity against British rule.

Timeline of Key Acts:

• Sugar Act (1764)

• Stamp Act (1765)

• Townshed Acts (1767)

• Intolerable Acts (1774)

Support for Independence:

• Key events included the Boston Massacre (1770), the publication of Common Sense by Thomas Paine (1776), and the first meeting of the Continental Congress (1774).

Declaration of Independence:

• Adopted on July 4, 1776, this document justified independence, emphasizing individual rights influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke.

Loyalists' Support:

• Loyalties to Britain stemmed from economic interests and fears regarding the loss of protection that British governance provided.

French Support for the American Revolution:

• France's support was driven by rivalry with Britain and desires for territorial gains following the Seven Years' War.

Treaty of Paris (1783):

• This treaty recognized U.S. independence and facilitated territorial expansion.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation:

• The Articles lacked federal taxing authority and the ability to regulate interstate commerce, which undermined governmental stability.

Northwest Ordinance:

• This ordinance provided a structured process for westward expansion and the admission of new states.

Constitutional Convention:

• Sparked by economic issues like Shays’s Rebellion, this convention, featuring leaders such as James Madison, resulted in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

Virginia vs. New Jersey Plans:

• The Virginia Plan proposed representation based on population, while the New Jersey Plan advocated for equal representation regardless of state size.

Government Structure:

• The Constitution established three branches of government:

  • Legislative (I)

  • Executive (II)

  • Judicial (III)

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists:

• Federalists supported a strong central government, while Anti-Federalists raised concerns about potential overreach and demanded a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.

Washington’s Presidency:

• Featured a diverse cabinet, including Hamilton and Jefferson, which significantly influenced early U.S. policies.

Constitutional Interpretation:

• Ongoing debates emerged between strict interpretations (limited powers) and loose interpretations (implied powers) of governmental authority.

Formation of Political Parties:

• The ideological differences between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans led to the emergence of distinct political parties.

Impact of the French Revolution:

• The revolution influenced American political discourse surrounding liberty and democratic principles.

Adams and International Relations:

• The XYZ Affair strained U.S.-French relations, culminating in an undeclared conflict.

Election of 1800:

• This election marked a significant moment for U.S. democracy as it demonstrated a peaceful transfer of power.

Judiciary Power:

• The case of Marbury v. Madison under John Marshall established the precedent for judicial review.

Louisiana Purchase:

• This acquisition was vital for U.S. territorial expansion and raised constitutional questions during Jefferson's administration.

Jeffersonian Democracy:

• This philosophy emphasized state rights and agrarian ideals, contrasting with the Federalist preference for industrial growth.

Burr's Conspiracy:

• Highlighted important constitutional questions regarding executive authority and state rights.

Embargo Act (1807):

• This act faced significant backlash due to its negative economic impact on various sectors.

War Hawks and War of 1812:

• Motivated by national pride and economic interests, key factors leading to war included increasing trade restrictions.

Treaty of Ghent:

• This treaty restored pre-war territorial boundaries and improved relations between the U.S. and Britain.

Post-War National Spirit:

• The conclusion of the war fostered national pride and initiated the Era of Good Feelings marked by industrial growth.

American System:

• Proposed by Henry Clay, this plan focused on tariffs, a national bank, and improved transportation infrastructure.

Causes of the Industrial Revolution:

• This shift was driven by advancements in technology, increased immigration, and capital investment.

Eli Whitney's Cotton Gin:

• This invention revolutionized cotton processing and significantly expanded slavery, exacerbating sectional tensions.

Rise of the Factory System:

• The transition from artisanal to wage labor led to the emergence of labor rights movements.

Transportation Needs:

• Development of infrastructure facilitated westward expansion.

Steamboats and Canals:

• These innovations improved commerce, with the Erie Canal serving as a prime exemplar of their impact.

Important Historical Terms:

• Key phrases include "No taxation without representation," Proclamation of 1763, and terms related to acts, incidents, and influential figures like Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine that fueled revolutionary sentiment.