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The Navigation Acts
These acts required all imported and exported goods to come through England and be shipped on English ships. This was part of the mercantilist economic system in which Britain and its colonies restricted trade to foster increased independence from other countries. However, this system was detrimental to the colonies' economies. The Navigation Acts led to dependence on Britain, the mother country, and led to increased dissent over living under English rule. -
Bacon's Rebellion
Agricultural economic issues and power grabs frustrated Virginian colonists. When the House of Burgesses refused to sanction the removal of Native Americans in Virginia, Nathaniel Bacon started a rebellion attacking Indians in the area. He created a new House of Burgesses and took his hatred of wealthy planters out on Jamestown, burning it to the ground. This riot played a part in the shift from indentured servitude to slavery, and it was the first major rebellion in United States history. -
John Locke's Two Treatises on Government
This treatise was used to justify the Glorious Revolution planned by Whig Parliament members. It welcomed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and prosperity, as well as focusing on the consent of those being governed to have a functional government. John Locke's idea of having a government for the people was extremely influential in the development of the American leader's creation of the United States' own governing documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution. -
The Stono Rebellion
This was the largest slave rebellion in the mainland colonies. The governor of Florida offered freedom to runaway slaves, and this created a movement of slaves rising up, laundering plantations, and murdering whites. However, the uprising was suppressed by the South Carolina militia before it could gain any serious momentum. This rebellion led to many slave owners instituting harsher rules restricting their slaves, and the slowing of slave importation to South Carolina and surrounding areas. -
The Albany Plan of Union
The Albany Plan of Union proposed that the 13 American colonies would unite under one central government. It was proposed by Benjamin Franklin at the Albany Congress and was a counter to the threat of French expansion. Although this plan was never seriously considered, it was the first plan to unite the colonies under one government. This showed that leaders in the colonies had begun questioning their dependence and connection with England. -
Stamp Act of 1765
This tax was passed after salutary neglect. Its point was to pay back debts from the Seven Years' War, and it was designed to impact the rich more than the general population. Colonists protested the Act, arguing that it was unfair to be taxed without representation in England. Still, British and colonial politicians believed the idea was too radical. This Act represented the issue that the Declaration of Independence sought to resolve; Colonists would not accept taxation without representation. -
Boston Massacre
Stamp Riots prompted the arrival of British troops to rebellious Boston, where a group stationed in front of a government building suddenly fired into a dissenting mob, killing 5 people. There were huge ramifications because of this "massacre", including an upswing of tension between British militants and colonists. It also pushed the colonies closer and closer to independence from Britain, and colonist revolutionary leaders and Radical Whigs used this event as fuel to the fire of revolution. -
Intolerable Acts
These were four acts intended to punish the colonies for the Boston Tea Party. it included 1) the Boston Harbor was closed, 2) most town meetings were shut down in Massachusets, 3) the Quartering Act forced colonists to house soldiers, and 4) trials for crimes were transferred over to Great Britain. These acts enraged patriots and effectively united them against England. This led to the creation of the First Continental Congress and the American Revolution. -
Thomas Paine's Common Sense
Paine's pamphlet was a call to action for all colonists. It criticized the monarchial system that the colonies were ruled by and vied for independence from Britain. This pamphlet attacked the oppressive political system put in place by England and created a united voice clamoring for independence. Paine's pamphlet inspired the general population to be in favor of independence from Britain, which was officially documented after the approval of Congress in the Declaration of Independence. -
Adams's Thoughts on Government
Adam's treatise stemmed from many Patriot's displeasure over the making of state constitutions that were too democratic. The Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 created an all-powerful one-house legislature, but Adams argued in his treatise that this system would lead to oppression due to popular vote. In his counter, he twisted the theory of mixed government (3 branches of government) to suit republican society, balancing the power in government. This idea was then revisited in the Virginia Plan. -
Declaration of Independence
Congress's last attempt to find some kind of compromise with Britain failed with the Olive Branch Petition. Revolutionists finally were granted their wish with the writing, approval, and signing of the Declaration of Independence. This document lists all of the reasons the United States wished to break free from England, and pulls from the Enlightenment ideals to make defining political values of this new nation. This was the basis of what America is founded upon; the choice of freedom. -
Battle of Saratoga
This battle was a crucial victory for the United States against Britain. It marked a turning point in the war because the military alliance forged with France depended on this win, and this was the first British surrender to American forces. As the U.S. stopped the British from conquering the Hudson River Valley, French troops assisted with the support of money, ships, and artillery. This ultimately gave the U.S. the strength and military power to win the Battle of Yorktown and end the war. -
An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery
Pennsylvania passed the first gradual emancipation law in the United States. Though this establishment did not free slaves immediately, it created a precedent for the stance of slavery in the North. It was also an important victory for abolitionists hoping for similar laws in the future. This law stopped the importation of slaves into Pennsylvania and made all children born in the state free. This led to increased Abolitionism momentum in the North and similar laws soon passed in other states. -
Treaty of Paris of 1783
This was the treaty ending the Civil War, in which Great Britain officially recognized the independence of the United States. It set the borders of the United States, but the British did not think to honor the alliances made with native tribes over land claims, leading to the immense loss of Indian land in favor of significant land gain of the states. This treaty gave United States citizens access to the ability to create their own government, as well as large amounts of western territory. -
The Virginia Plan
This plan, created by James Madison and introduced at the Philadelphia Convention, had a powerful three-branch government with representatives determined by population and the ability of the central government to veto state laws. This plan was controversial because it put so much power in the national government and the populous states. This plan and the New Jersey Plan combined in the Great Compromise to create the basis of the American government system. -
Three Fifths Compromise
This compromise was created during slavery negotiations at the Philadelphia Convention. Many politicians acknowledged the contradiction of slavery and the ideals of freedom America was based on. However, this compromise that one slave was worth 3/5 of a person regarding taxation and representation was made to appease plantation owners. The Three-Fifths Compromise allowed southern states to become very politically powerful, with disproportionate representation in the House of Representatives. -
Bill of Rights
the Bill of Rights was created by Antifederalists, specifically by James Madison, to protect the individual rights of citizens. This showed that compromise in government was useful and could create a more perfect Constitution. The Bill of Rights is composed of the first 10 amendments, outlining the liberties that the state does not have control over. These amendments protect our freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the due process of law. -
Cotton Gin
The cotton gin was a machine invented by Eli Whitney to quickly separate cotton seeds from the soft cotton fibers. This invention created an enormous economic boom as cotton was being produced faster and faster. It led to increased cultivation of land further west, and the decline of slavery was immediately reversed. Cotton quickly became the foundation of the Southern agricultural economy, fueling the Northern economy with its closer access to cotton needed in new industrial textile factories. -
Louisiana Purchase
President Jefferson's presidency was characterized by his ambition to expand the U.S. West. The Louisiana Purchase was an acquisition of French territory west of the Mississippi River. This purchase doubled the size of the United States and led to significant western development and migration. This purchase also used powers not originally given to the government in the Constitution. To get this territory, Jefferson accepted the loose interpretation he was morally opposed to to aqurire this land. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent was the treaty signifying the end of the War of 1812. The treaty did not address any of the issues that had originally started the war, but it retained the borders of the United States from before the war. Negotiations for peace opened up because the British wanted peace. Both countries also agreed to work towards the goal of abolishing slavery. But this treaty also hurt the Native Americans who were now left without support in the effort to protect their own lands. -
Panic of 1819
The Second Bank of the United States was full of shady operations. These inadequate economic policies led to the Panic of 1819. Many banks and stores went bankrupt due to debt, and there was a worldwide drop in the prices of most things. This was the first economic depression in the United States, and impacted the economy for many years after. This financial crisis slowed down things like the expansion west and especially the cotton belt, which heavily effected the economy of the South and U.S. -
American Colonization Society
This society, founded by Henry Clay, was made up of mostly white Americans hoping that gradual emancipation and deportation of the freed Africans would be the best solution to slavery. However, it was unpopular with actual freed slaves because they saw America as their home and protested this colonization, instead wanting American citizenship. Although this society did not have a huge effect on the abolition of slavery, it foreshadowed issues of discrimination and separation of races. -
Great American Desert
This was a term made by Stephen H. Long to describe the grasslands between Missouri and the Rocky Mountains. Many Americans saw it as unfit to farm, and they looked south towards the Mexican state of Texas. This area is now called the Great Plains, and settlers soon discovered the fertile soil in these grasslands as more people moved west and the Transcontinental Railroad was completed. The uncharted land of the Great American Desert led to an increased number of Americans emigrating to Texas. -
Corrupt Bargain (Election of 1824)
The influenced election of 1824 led to the leadership of John Q. Adams, the last notable president. This was caused by neither candidate receiving an absolute majority, so the decision went to the House of Representatives, led by Henry Clay. Clay used his connections to get Adams the presidency, and in return, he was made secretary of state. Adams led the U.S. by increasing the power of the national government with tariffs that benefitted the North but hurt the Southern economy. -
The Monroe Doctrine
President James Monroe declared that the American continents would no longer be the focus of European colonization or interference. He also vowed that in return, the U.S. would stay out of European affairs. This national policy was respected by other countries, showing that the U.S. had gained a significant amount of respect from other surrounding and European nations. It also created a strong national personality that is the basis of our current foreign policy, proving effective for many years. -
Tariff of Abominations
The Adams administration, as well as Van Buren and his allies, saw the appeal of tariffs by their benefits on the northern economy. However, the South called the Tariff of 1828 the Tariff of Abominations because of how it impacted southern farmers. The high cost of imported goods hurt the Southern economy because their entire economic system was based on what was being taxed. Southern farmers were also forced to buy goods from the North. This led to the criticism and hatred of President Adams. -
Nat Turner's Revolt
As a slave child, Nat Turner taught himself to read and write and believed he was called by God to rebel against the slave system. This led to the murder of 55 white people with a group of escaped slave rebels. This rebellion terrified southern slaveowners, and they responded by toughening up laws pertaining to slaves and freed blacks, making them more harsh. This was the most deadly slave revolt in history, which led to southern states contemplating emancipation but deciding against it. -
Gag Rule of 1836
The gag rule was the policy of refusing to discuss the issue of slavery and abolitionism. It was unofficial but was put in place as a measure to keep the conflicted Union together. This rule created further clamoring over the issue, as abolitionists became irate and objected to it. The refusal to consider these petitions halted the political progress of abolitionism for a time. -
Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears was the journey west of Native American tribes from their original lands. They were displaced to give more land to the States to expand agriculturally. It was a forced trek by the U.S. military, and this happened after the incidents of rebellion due to the Indian Removal Act. The natives were forced out of their lands, proving that these groups of people had no respect from the U.S. government and were not considered to be citizens. Half of the Indians on this trail died. -
Alamo
This was the defeat of the American army in the Texas settlement in 1836. Mexican President Santa Anna led his military. Back in America, this led to newspapers and influential social networks "Remembering the Alamo" and brought a stream of volunteers to fight against the Mexican army in San Jacinto, emerging victorious and with the Texas Republic now America's. Many famous people died in the Alamo which increased the publicity of this grave battle. This was a big part of the Texas Revolution. -
Senator Calhoun's "Positive Good"
This was a phrase used by Senator John C. Calhoun on the floor of the Senate in 1837. Rejecting the belief of many Southerners during the Revolution that slavery was a necessary evil, he argued that the genetically inferior Africans were meant to be placed under whites. This followed the ideology of paternalism, and Calhoun believed it benefitted both groups and was fair. This viewpoint on slavery spread throughout the South and was a contributing factor in the dissent leading to the Civil War. -
Seneca Falls Convention
This convention fought for the rights of women, summarising their intent of creating this group in their own version of the Declaration of Independence, the Declaration of Sentiments. This was the first convention of its kind in the United States, and it jumpstarted the activism of women's rights advocates in the future. This event was impactful because it connected the very foundation of America, freedom, liberty, and equality, to women's rights advocative societies through their document. -
Compromise of 1850
This was a compromise between feuding Northern and Southern opinions regarding new territories' slavery rights. It included that 1) California is a free state, 2) the slave trade in D.C. is abolished, 3) strict national fugitive slave laws are enacted, and 4) popular sovereignty is enacted for territories. This gave a small amount of power back to the supporters of abolishing slavery while satisfying Southern politicians. However, it did not end qualms over slavery, seen later in the Civil War. -
Foreign Miner's Tax
This tax charged fees to immigrants, specifically Chinese and Latino miners. It was a discriminatory measure to give white miners more control over mining areas and land. This tax effectively drove these kids of miners out of mining lands. These people then either created protests or went back to their home countries. It was adopted in the California territory and only free white people were exempt from this tax. -
Maine Law
This was the very first state law prohibiting the manufacturing and sale of liquor. Passed in 1861, it was a big part and big victory of the Temperance Union, which was against alcohol morally. This was in effect until the 1900s. This law worked very well in terms of making people not use alcohol, as kids and adults didn't grow up using and abusing it. This policy met resistance from the wage workers who enjoyed drinking to relax. Prohibition was very big for the Temperance Union. -
Bleeding Kansas
Bleeding Kansas was the overwhelming conflict over the popular sovereignty voting over the issue of slavery. Settlers rished to Kansas to cast their votes and neighboring state's civilians voted in Kansas as well. Both antislavery and pro-slavery people were involved in conflict and murders. The Pottawatomie killings were notable, and all of this horrible conflict led to tension building until the Civil War. -
Secession of South Carolina
South Carolina seceded from the Union following the election of Abraham Lincoln. They were scared that having Lincoln in power would mean the abolition of the foundation of their economy and society. To protect their slave rights South Carolina seceded, and the rest of the deep South states soon followed, forming the Confederacy. This was an incredibly significant event that started the Civil War. -
Homestead Act
This Act gave 160 acres of free land to any civilian wanting to farm and improve it. This rapidly developed the West as people were very eager to make it a living. Mostly families traveled out west to farm their free land and make a new life for themselves. However, it was not easy work because they had to adapt to the different soil and weather of the Western Plains. this also hurt the territories of Native people living in the West. Republicans passed this act to foster western societies. -
Antietam
Antietam is the bloodiest day in U.S. military history. In the Civil War, this battle was counted as a victory to the Union by the Union, but it showed the military incompetence of the Union military generals including General McClellan. This victory led to the Emancipation Proclamation which significantly helped the war effort and gave the Northern Union the win. This battle also ended The confederacy's invasion of the North and gave some of the momentum to Union military forces. -
Gettysburg Address
the Gettysburg Address, delivered by President Lincoln, reinvigorated the fight for freedom and the reasons behind the Civil War for Union members. It was formed by the triumphs at Vicksburg and the Battle of Gettysburg, leading to a huge turning point in the war where the Union began to be victorious. Lincoln changed the narrative of the war and encouraged his people to fight for the founding ideals of the nation, which was freedom for everyone. This was huge for the Civil War's outcome. -
Lieber Code
Francis Lieber drafted guidelines for the laws of war which the Union followed in the Civil War. This code contained statements about being humane and preserving equality while in war, as its goal was to maintain the rights of everyone involved in war. Many military necessities were justified so long as they would hasten to surrender, but the law outlawed the use of torture. This code strongly influenced future documents outlining international war agreements, even the Geneva Conventions. -
Sharecropping
This was a system of agriculture where the owner of the land would hire tenants to work the land. the tenants would work in return for the form of currency being some of the crop. It usually came out to be half the sharecroppers and half the landowners. Sharecropping was effective for this time period but plunged the Southern economy into disarray and poverty. Lots of sharecroppers fell into debt because they had to take out loans from corrupt crop-lien laws and country storekeepers. -
Draft Riots
The draft riots were protests against drafts of soldiers into the Civil War. These happened primarily in New York City, and working-class men were especially a part of this group. They were not able to buy their way out of the draft and protested by these riots. These riots significantly impacted the lives of the black freedpeople living in New York facing the racism seen in the riots. Buildings were destroyed and black people were hurt very badly, some were even killed. -
Twenty-Negro Rule
The Twenty Negro Rule allowed rich white plantation owners to avoid the draft in the Confederacy if they had 20 slaves. This highlighted the corruption and bias evident in the new government of the Confederacy. The law made social class disparages even more obvious and made poorer whites resentful of the rich. They said the law was fair because a man was needed to keep the home stable. It also showed the dependence on slave labor and how they had to use force to keep slaves in line. -
Sand Creek Massacre
the Sand Creek Massacre was the murder of over one hundred peaceful Cheyanne people. Those that were killed were all unprotected women and children. This led to the Fetterman Massacre and the U.S. military struggling to track down the Native Americans attacking them. This attack on natives highlighted the racism in the heart of the U.S. government, especially its military operations. Soldiers were ordered to do this, and some refused. But most of the soldiers accepted and did it. -
The Reconstruction Act of 1867
This Act divided the Reconstructing South into 5 military districts. To reenter the union as states, they had to grant the vote to freedmen, as well as deny the leaders that were ex-confederates. the leaders of these districts were U.S. military generals. This Act gave more power to the freedpeople and placed the South under strict laws and rules. Per usual, President Johnson vetoed this act, but the Congress overrode the veto. This was part of the larger effort to put the U.S., back together. -
14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment declared that all people naturalized in the United States were citizens. This gave citizenship to former slaves. It gave a lot of power to the national government, as it prioritized national citizenship rights over state citizenship rights. This was very important for the development of rights for the formerly enslaved peoples and protected them from black codes. -
Exodusters
6,000 blacks traversed west, departing from the Deep South and looking forward praying for a better life. These migrants traveled to Kansas to escape white violence including hate crimes by the Ku Klux Klan and extreme poverty. This was the first migration of blacks following the Civil War, and the Homestead Act gave these people hope for a brighter, more equal future. This event showed how extreme the racists in the Deep South were willing to go to drive out the freed blacks in the community. -
Dawes Severalty Act
The Transcontinental Railroad created more urbanization in the West, displacing many Native Americans. In a misplaced effort to give rights back to the Indians and assimilate them into society, the Dawes Severalty Act gave these families allotments of land, dividing up the reservations. This distribution reduced the Indian's land by quite a bit, and the act also reduced their rights of being an individual by forcing them to give up a big part of their culture of living as tribes.