APUSH Unit 4 Vocabulary - Period 2

National Republicans

19th century party that opposed President Andrew Jackson. This party consists of Federalists, who supported a strong federal government. This party evolved into the Whig Party, a major political force in US history.

Nativists

19th-century advocates for native-born interests, mostly expressed by the Know Nothing Party. This rose during immigration surges, and they expressed concerns about economic and cultural impacts.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

A Legislative agreement enacted by Congress as a solution to the prominent issue of slavery's expansion into new territories. As the United States was expanding westward, there was a problem between whether new states admitted would be "slave states" (states allowing slavery) or "free states" (states banning slavery). This compromise admitted Missouri as a slave state, established Maine as a free state, and created a line across the country that divided the country into two sections: North for free states and South for slave states (except for Missouri, which passed over this line).

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

A U.S. foreign policy doctrine introduced by President James Monroe as a warning toward European powers. The doctrine stated that European powers interfering in the Western Hemisphere would be committing an act of aggression. In exchange, the US promised to avoid intervening in European disputes. This was intended to prevent European powers from taking back control of recently independent American nations.

Panic of 1837

A financial crisis in America that led to a long-lasting depression caused by different economic problems. Things like prices and wages dropped, westward expansion was stalled, the stock market crashed, and unemployment rose. This lasted from 1837 to 1844.

"Rise of the Common Man"

A phrase often associated with the era that granted political participation to all white men. However, women and African Americans were not included in this participation. 1824 to 1840

Pickney's Treaty

A treaty was signed to establish the border between Spanish Florida and the rest of the U.S. This treaty resolved territorial disputes and allowed access to the Mississippi River. Treaty was signed on October 27, 1795.

Aaron Burr

Aaron Burr was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1791. In 1800, he ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. presidency, and became vice president instead. During a duel in 1804, Burr killed Alexander Hamilton. In 1807, he was charged with conspiracy, which ruined his political career. In 1812, he rebuilt his law practice. 1756-1836 1801-1805

Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton was a founding father of the United States, who fought in the American Revolutionary War, helped draft the Constitution, and served as the first secretary of the treasury. He was the founder and chief architect of the American financial system. (1757-1804)(1789-1795)

Ralph Waldo Emerson

An American Essayist who lead the movement for Transcendentalism who was opposed to slavery and helped transform the thinking of America from the traditional ways. 1803-1882

Robert Fulton

An American engineer and an inventor who discovered the steamboat. This boat was vital in the development of the American economy and transportation. He was also involved in canal engineering. This contributed to transportation infrastructure. 1765-1815

Robert Livingston

An American lawyer, diplomat, and statesman who was involved in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Louisiana Purchase. 1746-1813

Samuel Chase

An American politician and jurist who were one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and later became an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. He was also a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. 1741-1811

Partisan

An individual committed to a certain political party. They support this party's beliefs policies and goals and usually take military action. Partisan is a term that has been used since around the 1950's.

Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson was an American lawyer, planter, general, and statesman who served as the seventh president of the United States from 1829 to 1837. Before his presidency, he gained fame as a general in the U.S. Army and served in both houses of the U.S. Congress.

"The Star Spangled Banner"

Definition: "The Star-Spangled Banner" is the United States of America's national anthem. Context: The lyrics of the anthem originate from a poem written by Francis Scott Key, "Defence of Fort M'Henry," Key wrote the poem after witnessing the U.S. soldiers raise an American flag after persevering through the British attack on Fort McHenry, Maryland, during the War of 1812. Date: Key wrote the lyrics on September 14, 1814. In 1861, poet Oliver Wendell Holmes added a fifth verse to the lyrics. It became the national anthem on March 3, 1931.

Dorothea Dix

Definition: A reformer and pioneer in the movement to treat the insane as mentally ill, beginning in the 1820s, she was responsible for improving conditions in jails, poorhouses, and insane asylums throughout the U.S. and Canada. She served as the Superintendent of Nurses for the Union Army during the Civil War. Context: Dorothea Dix was an early 19th-century activist who drastically changed the medical field during her lifetime. She championed causes for both the mentally ill and indigenous populations. By doing this work, she openly challenged 19th-century notions of reform and illness. Additionally, Dix helped recruit nurses for the Union Army during the Civil War. As a result, she transformed the field of nursing. 1802: Born 1831: Established a model school for girls 1840: Investigated the asylums of Massachusetts. 1861-65: Served as Superintendent of Army Nurses during the Civil War.

Tariff of 1816

Definition: Also known as the Dallas Tariff. This tariff placed a 25% tax on cotton and wool goods that were imported into the United States from other countries. Context: The purpose of tariffs was to ensure that domestic companies weren't harmed by international companies, specifically Britain. The tariff was made so that people would buy American goods. Date: April 7, 1816

Eli Whitney

Definition: American inventor, mechanical engineer, and manufacturer, best remembered as the inventor of the cotton gin but most important for developing the concept of mass production of interchangeable parts. Context: The cotton gin enabled the rapid separation of seeds from cotton fibers. The machine helped make cotton a profitable export crop in the southern United States and further promoted the use of slavery for cotton cultivation. The concept of interchangeable parts significantly impacted the development of the American System of manufacturing. 1793: Whitney invented the Cotton Gin 1797: Whitney proposed the manufacture of muskets with completely interchangeable parts, one of the first applications of mass production methods.

John Marshall

Definition: As the fourth chief justice—serving under Thomas Jefferson—John Marshall contributed to the US government in two ways: he established the power and prestige of the government's Judicial branch and interpreted the Constitution to enhance the government's overall power. Context: John Marshall began emerging as the Federalist Party leader in Virginia, and was Secretary of State until the end of John Adams' presidency, he became appointed as the fourth chief justice. Since Marshall held contradictingly views compared to the Anti-Federalist Thomas Jefferson, their roles in the US government ensured not one single political party would take dominance. Dates: -September 24, 1755: Born in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains -1801: Became chief justice under Thomas Jefferson's presidency -1835: Death

Baptists

Definition: Baptists are groups of Protestant Christians that specifically believe in baptism by full immersion. They aren't their own church or denomination, but instead just form a congregation. Context: They have a rich history stemming back to the 17th century where they fought for religious freedom. They kept an emphasis on congregational autonomy and voluntary baptism. 1609-1612

Charles G. Finney

Definition: Charles G. Finney was a prominent American Presbyterian minister and a key figure in the Second Great Awakening, known for his impassioned preaching style and emphasis on individual responsibility for salvation, which significantly influenced American evangelicalism in the 19th century. Context: Charles G. Finney was a prominent figure during the Second Great Awakening in the United States, a period marked by fervent religious revivalism and spiritual renewal in the early to mid-19th century. He gained recognition for his impassioned preaching style and innovative approaches to evangelism, contributing significantly to the widespread religious fervor and shaping the landscape of American Protestantism during that era. August 29, 1792 (Birthday) August 16, 1875 (Deathdate)

Daniel Webster

Definition: Daniel Webster was a big deal in the 19th century in the United States. He was like a super important guy in politics and law. Context: Webster did a ton of stuff, like being a U.S. Senator and the Secretary of State. He was around in the early 1800s, and he played a key role in the government when the country was still figuring itself out. Webster was born on January 18, 1782, and he passed away on October 24, 1852. He was doing his thing in the 1800s when the U.S. was going through some major changes.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Definition: Elizabeth Cady Stanton was an American leader in the women's rights movement who, in 1848, formulated the first organized demand for women's suffrage in the United States. Context: While studying law in the office of her father, Daniel Cady, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and later a New York Supreme Court judge, she learned of the discriminatory laws under which women lived and determined to win equal rights for her sex. 1840: Elizabeth attended the World's Anti-Slavery Convention in London, and she was outraged at the denial of official recognition to several women delegates, notably Lucretia C. Mott, because of their sex. 1848: Elizabeth Stanton and Lucretia Mott organized the first convention on women's rights, held in Seneca Falls, New York (Seneca Falls Convention) 1848: Stanton created the Declaration of Sentiments, a document outlining the rights that American women should be entitled to as citizens, that emerged from the Seneca Falls Convention in New York in July 1848.

Emancipation

Definition: Emancipation refers to the act of setting individuals or a group of people free from legal, social, or political restrictions. In the context of U.S. history, the Emancipation Proclamation was a presidential proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War on January 1, 1863. It declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. Context: The Emancipation Proclamation was a turning point in the Civil War, aligning the Union cause with the abolition of slavery. While it did not immediately free all slaves, it signaled a shift in the war's goals and paved the way for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.

The Essex Junto

Definition: Essex Junto was a group of Federalist politicians and merchants centered in Essex County, Massachusetts, during the early 19th century. Context: Known for its opposition to the policies of President Thomas. The Essex Junto emerged in the aftermath of the bitterly contested election of 1800, which saw Thomas Jefferson defeat the incumbent Federalist President John Adams. They also opposed the War of 1812. Dates: -1814: The Hartford Convention, a gathering associated with the Essex Junto, took place during this year and reflected the Federalists' opposition to the War of 1812. -Post-1812: The decline of the Federalist Party, including the Essex Junto, continued in the years following the War of 1812, with the party losing influence in national politics.

Fort McHenry

Definition: Fort McHenry was a military fort located in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Best known for its role in the War of 1812 and the defense of Baltimore Harbor. Most famous for inspiring the writing of the American national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." Context: In September 1814, British forces attacked Baltimore, seeking to capture the city and control its strategic harbor, but Fort McHenry protected the city for 25 hours. Francis Scott Key witnessed the British bombardment from a ship in Baltimore Harbor. Seeing the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry after the attack, he was inspired to write the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry." This poem later was set to music and became the "Star Spangled Banner". Dates: -September 13-14, 1814: The Battle of Baltimore took place, during which Fort McHenry withstood a prolonged British naval bombardment. -1814-1815: Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner" following the Battle of Baltimore. -1931: "The Star-Spangled Banner" was officially designated as the national anthem of the United States.

Thomas Jefferson

Definition: Founding father, and eventual third president of the United States. He wrote the Declaration of Independence, as well as cut national debt by a third and cut army expenditures. Context: Before becoming a founding father, he was a delegate from Virginia in the Second Continental Congress. Date: He was born on April 13, 1743 and died on July 4, 1826.

Francis Scott Key

Definition: Francis Scott Key was an American lawyer, poet, and amateur songwriter. Best known for writing the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner," the national anthem of the United States. Context: he witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor in September 1814. inspired by the sight of the American flag still flying over the fort at dawn, wrote the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry." he poem Key wrote was later set to the music of John Stafford Smith's "To Anacreon in Heaven," resulting in the song we now know as "The Star-Spangled Banner." Dates: -August 1, 1779: Francis Scott Key was born in Terra Rubra, Maryland. -September 13-14, 1814: Key witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. -1814-1815: Key wrote the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry," which later became the lyrics for "The Star-Spangled Banner." -1931: "The Star-Spangled Banner" was officially designated as the national anthem of the United States.

Frederick Douglass

Definition: Frederick Douglass was a prominent African American abolitionist, social reformer, orator, writer, and statesman, born into slavery. Context: He wrote an autobiographical narrative of his experiences under slavery, which shook the nation, and opened many eyes to the trauma that is slavery. Dates: -February 1818: Born in Maryland -September 3, 1838: He escaped slavery -1845: He wrote his narrative -February 20, 1895: Death

Battle of Tippecanoe

Definition: Governor William Henry Harrison led an attack against all the Indian tribes that were West of the Mississippi river. The Americans won and left many of the Indian groups in shambles, seeking aid from the British. Context:was a part of the ongoing tensions between Native American tribes and U.S. expansion into the Northwest Territory. It is often seen as a precursor to the larger conflict, the War of 1812, highlighting the complexities of westward expansion and Indigenous resistance. Fall of 1811

Harriet Tubman

Definition: Harriet Tubman was an African American abolitionist and a key figure in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by escaped slaves to reach freedom Context: Her works and actions were a catalyst for the abolition of slavery and opened many eyes to the trauma that is slavery. Dates: -1822: Born in Maryland -1849: She escaped slavery -1859: Raided the federal arsenal with John Brown -1913: Death

Henry Clay

Definition: Henry Clay was an American statesman, lawyer, and orator who played a prominent role in American politics. Context: Referred to as the "Great Compromiser" for his skill in negotiating and brokering compromises between conflicting factions. Dates: -April 12, 1777: Born in Virginia -1808: Elected into US Senate -1820: Helped negotiate a compromise that allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state, Missouri Compromise -June 29, 1852: Death

Henry David Thoreau

Definition: Henry David Thoreau was an American essayist, poet, and practical philosopher renowned for having lived the doctrines of Transcendentalism. Context: Known for his masterwork, Walden (1854), and for having been a vigorous advocate of civil liberties, as evidenced in the essay "Civil Disobedience" (1849). Dates: -Born: July 12, 1817, Concord, Massachusetts, U.S. -Took over Concord Academy in 1838 -Jailed for refusing to pay taxes on July 1848 -Essay "Civil Disobedience" is published on May 1849 -A Plea for John Brown is written to spark a slave rebellion -Died: May 6, 1862

Impeachment

Definition: Impeachment is a proceeding instituted by a legislative body to address serious misconduct by a public official. Context: In the federal government of the United States, the House of Representatives institutes impeachment proceedings by authorizing a formal inquiry by the House Judiciary Committee, which may then recommend articles of impeachment for a vote by the full House. Dates: -July 20, 1787: Question of whether or not a President could be impeached addressed - 1797: First impeachment by the House of Representatives -1868: Andrew Johnson impeached -1998: William Jefferson (Bill) Clinton impeached -2019 & 2020: Donald John Trump impeached

James Madison

Definition: James Madison was an American statesman, diplomat, and Founding Father who served as the fourth president of the United States. Context: He is credited with the name "Father of the Constitution'' for being the primary author of the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He wrote the Federalist Papers in 1788. Date: -1809-1817: Time in office

James Monroe

Definition: James Monroe was an American statesman, lawyer, diplomat, and Founding Father who served as the fifth president of the United States from 1817 to 1825, and was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party Context: James Monroe was the fifth President of the United States, serving from 1817 to 1825. He is best known for the Monroe Doctrine, a policy that warned European powers against further colonization or intervention in the Americas. Dates: -April 28, 1758: Born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. 1817-1825: Time in office -July 4, 1831: Death

James Tallmadge

Definition: James Tallmadge Jr. was a United States lawyer, and politician who served as a United States Representative from New York's 4th congressional district Context: James Tallmadge was a U.S. Congressman from New York, known for his role in the Missouri Compromise of 1820. He proposed an amendment to the bill enabling Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state, stipulating that no more slaves be brought into Missouri and that all children born to slave parents after the admission of the state would be free at the age of 25. This amendment sparked debates on the expansion of slavery and its future in the United States. Dates: -January 28, 1778: Born in Stanford, New York. -September 29, 1853: Death

John C. Calhoun

Definition: John Caldwell Calhoun was an American statesman and political theorist who served as the seventh vice president of the United States from 1825 to 1832. Context: John C. Calhoun was a prominent American statesman and political theorist from South Carolina. He served as Vice President under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson and was a strong advocate for states' rights and the institution of slavery. Calhoun played a key role in the Nullification Crisis, asserting that states had the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional, which foreshadowed tensions leading up to the Civil War. Dates: -March 18, 1782: Born near Abbeville, South Carolina. -1825-1832: Time in office as Vice President -March 31, 1850: Death

John Harvey Kellogg

Definition: John Harvey Kellogg was an American physician and health-food pioneer whose development of dry breakfast cereals was largely responsible for the creation of the flaked-cereal industry. In fact, his brand Kellogg, is still widely sold in stores today. Context: As the author of numerous medical books, John Harvey Kellogg invented Kellogg cereal flakes in an attempt to innovate a nationwide health movement after World War I. Dates: -February 26, 1852: Born in Tyrone, Michigan -1923-1926: Founder and First President of Battle Creek College, -1931: He opened Miami-Battle Creek Sanitarium at Miami Springs, Florida. -December 14, 1943: Death

John Quincy Adams

Definition: John Quincy Adams was the son of John and Abigail Adams, serving as the sixth President of the United States. He was also a diplomat, senator, and participated in the House of Representatives for Massachusetts—all while exploring different political parties. Context: John Quincy Adams was key to ending the War of 1812, as he negotiated the Treaty of Ghent in 1814. He was also key in fighting for Native American rights, believing that the citizens needed to abide by their promises/treaties and not annex their lands. Dates: -1767: Born in Massachusetts -1802: Elected to the US Senate -1830: Elected to the House of Representatives -1848: Death while in office

John Randolph

Definition: John Randolph was an American political leader who was an important proponent of the doctrine of states' rights in opposition to a strong, centralized federal government, as they feared it would lead to a tyrannical government similar to Britain's. Context: Distinguishing himself from his relatives by changing his name to John Randolph—being inspired by one of the Roanoke colonists— he was not only elected to the US House of Representatives, but also had strong beliefs against a national bank and federal interference with the institution of slavery. Dates: -June 2, 1773: Born in Virginia -May 24, 1833: Death

Joseph Smith

Definition: Joseph Smith was an influential religious leader and the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement. He was born on December 23, 1805 and died on June 27 1844. Context: Joseph Smith organized the Church of Christ in 1830 which was later named the Church of Jesus. Under his leadership, the Mormon movement faced persecution due to their unorthodox beliefs and practices, forcing them to migrate. In 1844 Smith was arrested and jailed on charges relating to his role in the destruction of a printing press that exposed polygamous practices within the church. Shortly after this he was killed by a mob that stormed the jail. Dates: -1805: Birth -1830: Organized the Church of Christ -1844: Arrested and jailed and later died in from a mob

King Cotton

Definition: King Cotton was a phrase frequently by Southern politicians prior to the American Civil War. Context: It describes the plantation economy of the slave states in the Deep South. After the invention of the cotton gin (1793), cotton surpassed tobacco as the dominant cash crop in the agricultural economy of the South, soon comprising more than half the total U.S. exports. Dates -1855: "King Cotton" was suggested in David Christy's book Cotton is King.

Knickerbockers

Definition: Knickerbockers were a literary group in New York consisting of Washington Irving, James Fenimore Cooper, and William Cullen Bryant; it enabled America for the first time to boast of respectable literature. Washington Irving. Context: They mimicked the style of the 18th century humor in their writing and engaged in political satire. Enabling America's first ever boast of respectable literature. From Dutch settlers who came to the "New World'' specifically to what is now New York Dates -1600s: When they were most prominent

Transcendentalists

Definition: Philosophical and spiritual movement that developed in the late 1820's to 30's in the New England region of the United States. It emphasized the intrinsic beauty and power of nature and was first posed by Ralph Waldo Emerson Context: It was highly influenced by European Romanticism that directly contradicted the enlightenment beliefs as it believed less in critical thought and more in the belief in the beauty and mystery of nature. Date: Transcendentalist beliefs were spread mainly between the 1820's and 1830's.

Susan B. Anthony

Definition: Susan B. Anthony was an American suffragist and president of the National Woman Suffrage Association. Context: Susan B. Anthony was one of the women's suffrage movement's most avid and impactful supporters. While being a target of the ridicule of the media, she became the publisher of a new newspaper, The Revolution. Later on, she and Elizabeth Cady Stanton formed the National Woman Suffrage Association, which would merge with the National American Woman Suffrage Association, which Anthony became president of. Her work was instrumental in the passing of the 19th Amendment. Date: In May 1869, Anthony formed the National Woman Suffrage Association. The merger was in 1890, and she became president in 1892. The 19th Amendment passed on August 18, 1920, which Anthony's work contributed to.

Sylvester Graham

Definition: Sylvester Graham was an American Presbyterian minister who advocated for a healthy lifestyle, which included abstinence from alcohol and vegetarianism. Context: Graham experimented with unsifted, coarsely ground wheat, which led to his invention of Graham flour, Graham bread, and then the Graham cracker. He publicly advocated for a diet consisting of whole-grains, fruits, and vegetables, with an absence of any stimulants. Graham would find much success during the second cholera pandemic, amid concerns over maintaining good health. Date: Graham invented the Graham cracker in 1829.

Tecumseh and the Prophet

Definition: Tecumseh and the Prophet were Shawnee brothers who led a Native American resistance movement against the encroachment of white settlers in the Northwest Territory during the early 19th century. Context: Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa, known as "The Prophet," sought to unite various Native American tribes in opposition to the expansion of the United States. Tecumseh aimed to create a confederacy to resist further land concessions to the U.S. government and to preserve Native American culture and sovereignty. Date: Early 1800s

"Era of Good Feelings" (1817-1825):

Definition: The "Era of Good Feelings" is a term used to describe the period following the War of 1812 during James Monroe's presidency. It suggests a sense of national unity and political harmony, marked by a decline in partisan politics and a general feeling of optimism and patriotism. Context: While the term implies a period of unity, there were still underlying political and sectional tensions, including debates over issues such as slavery and economic policies. The era came to an end with the rise of more divisive issues and the emergence of the Second Party System.

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia

Definition: The Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831) was a landmark case heard by the United States Supreme Court. This ruling denied the Cherokee Nation's status as a sovereign nation, considering them a "domestic dependent nation" within the United States, thereby limiting their ability to defend their rights and lands against state laws and policies. Context: The Cherokee Nation v. Georgia was a significant case heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1831. It centered on the status of Native American tribes and their sovereignty, particularly the Cherokee Nation's legal standing against the state of Georgia, highlighting the clash between state and federal authority over Native lands and rights. February 10, 1831

Cult of Domesticity

Definition: The Cult of Domesticity, or the Cult of True Womanhood, was this big idea in the 19th century. It said that women should be super virtuous and focused on their families. They were supposed to be pure, religious, good at homemaking, and submissive. Context: This whole thing came about because of the changes from farms to factories during the Industrial Revolution. People thought that with all these changes, women should stay at home and be the moral center of the family. It was a way to deal with the big shifts happening in society. This idea became a big deal in the 1800s, especially during Victorian times, and stuck around until the early 1900s as things kept changing.

Declaration of Sentiments

Definition: The Declaration of Sentiments was an important document written in 1848 during the Seneca Falls Convention. It was all about women standing up for their rights, kinda like their own Declaration of Independence. Context: The Seneca Falls Convention was this big meeting where women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton spoke up about how women should have equal rights. The Declaration of Sentiments was like their manifesto, saying women deserved the same rights as men in things like voting, education, and work. The Seneca Falls Convention happened on July 19-20, 1848. That's when they put down these ideas that kickstarted the whole women's rights movement.

Democratic-Republicans

Definition: The Democratic-Republicans played a significant role in late 18th and early 19th-century American politics. Context: Under the leadership of figures like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, the party distinguished itself by advocating for states' rights and a restrained federal government. Their ideology favored a decentralized power structure, prioritizing the rights of ordinary citizens and the interests of farmers. The Democratic-Republican Party was active from the late 18th century until the 1820s. The party began to experience fragmentation and changes, eventually leading to the formation of the Democratic Party.

Democrats

Definition: The Democrats were a political party led by Thomas Jefferson; they feared centralized political power, supported states' rights, opposed Hamilton's financial plan, and supported ties with France. Context: The Second Party System, which lasted from 1824 to 1854, saw the rise of the Whigs and the Democrats, who held competing views on issues such as government intervention in the economy, national expansion, and slavery. Jan 1, 1792: Democratic party was founded

Embargo Act of 1807

Definition: The Embargo Act of 1807 was a U.S. law passed by President Thomas Jefferson that prohibited American ships from trading with foreign nations. It was enacted in response to issues of impressment and violations of U.S. neutrality during the Napoleonic Wars and the ongoing tensions between Britain and France. Context: The Embargo Act aimed to protect American interests by avoiding entanglement in European conflicts. However, it had severe economic consequences, particularly on American merchants and the shipping industry. It was eventually repealed in 1809.

Erie Canal

Definition: The Erie Canal was a significant artificial waterway that connected the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean. Stretching from Albany to Buffalo, New York, the canal played a crucial role in facilitating transportation and trade between the Midwest and the East Coast. Context: The completion of the Erie Canal had profound economic and social impacts, promoting westward expansion, fostering economic growth in New York and other states along the canal, and reducing transportation costs. It became a symbol of the market revolution and the interconnectedness of regional economies in the United States.

Federalists

Definition: The Federalists were a political party active from the 1790s to the early 1820s. They supported a strong federal government, a strong national economy, and close ties with Great Britain. Context: Mostly led by Alexander Hamilton and John Adams. Federalists advocated for the ratification of the Constitution. Federalists supported president John Adams (1797-1801) and strongly opposed the policies of President Thomas Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans. Dates: -Late 1790s: The Federalist Party began to coalesce in the late 1790s, advocating for a strong federal government. -1797-1801: Federalists held the presidency during John Adams' term, facing challenges and controversies. -1801-1817: Federalists were in opposition during Thomas Jefferson's and James Madison's presidencies, opposing policies such as the Embargo Act and the War of 1812. -1814: The Hartford Convention showcased Federalist discontent and marked a turning point in their decline. -Early 1820s: The Federalist Party dissolved, and the party system shifted with the emergence of the Democratic-Republicans as the dominant political force.

Foreign Anti-Slavery Society

Definition: The Foreign Anti Slavery Society was a promoter, with its state and local auxiliaries, of the cause of immediate abolition of slavery in the United States. Context: As the main activist arm of the Abolition Movement, the society was founded in 1833 under the leadership of William Lloyd Garrison. By 1840 its societies numbered 2,000, with a total membership ranging from 150,000 to 200,000. The societies sponsored meetings, adopted resolutions, signed antislavery petitions to be sent to Congress, published journals and enlisted subscriptions, printed and distributed propaganda in vast quantities. Date: -1833: It was founded.

Hartford Convention

Definition: The Hartford Convention discussed a range of grievances, including economic hardships resulting from the war, opposition to the trade restrictions and embargoes imposed by the federal government, and concerns about the admission of new states to the Union, which could dilute the political power of New England states. Context: War of 1812, held in response to grievances and opposition to the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. Dates: -December 15, 1814, convention began -January 5, 1815, convention ends

Hudson River School

Definition: The Hudson River School was a large group of American landscape painters of several generations who worked between about 1825 and 1870. Context: Refers to a similarity of intent rather than to a geographic location, though many of the older members of the group drew inspiration from the picturesque Catskill region north of New York City, through which the Hudson River flows. Dates: -1825: It was created -Roughly 1870-1875: It ended

Indian Removal Act

Definition: The Indian Removal Act was the first major legislative departure from the U.S. policy of officially respecting the legal and political rights of the American Indians. Context: Act authorized the president to grant Indian tribes unsettled western prairie land in exchange for their territories within state borders. Dates: -Early 1800s: American demand for Indian nations' land increased -May 28, 1830: Act established

Judicial Review

Definition: The Judicial Review refers to the power of the courts to review the actions of the legislative and executive branches of government and determine whether they are constitutional or unconstitutional. Context: Judicial review was established through the case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803. Chief Justice John Marshall asserted the Court's authority to review the constitutionality of acts of Congress and to strike them down if they violated the Constitution. This case solidified the principle of judicial review as a key power of the Supreme Court and the judiciary in interpreting the Constitution. Dates: 1803: Marbury v. Madison 1801-1835: Chief justice John Marshall served on the Supreme Court

Judiciary Act of 1789

Definition: The Judiciary Act of 1789 was a piece of legislation passed by the United States Congress on September 24, 1789. This act established the federal judiciary system and set the framework for the federal court system. Context: The Judiciary Act of 1789 was significant due to the fact that it was one of the first acts passed by the newly formed Congress following the ratification of the United States Constitution. It organized the federal judiciary and created the structure of the federal court system. Date: 1789: Judiciary Act of 1789 was enacted

Judiciary Act of 1801

Definition: The Judiciary Act of 1801, also known as the "Midnight Judges Act," was a significant legislative enactment passed by the Federalist-controlled Congress and signed into law by President John Adams in the final days of his presidency, on February 13, 1801. Context: The Judiciary Act of 1801 helped increase the number of federal judgeships at the circuit court level and was a parting attempt by the outgoing Federalist administration to retain influence in the judiciary after the Democratic-Republicans won the presidency and took control of Congress. Dates: -1801: Signed into law by John Adams -1802: Repealed/Altered by the Judiciary Act of 1802

Liberty Party

Definition: The Liberty Party was an abolitionist political party in the United States prior to the Civil War. The first antislavery political movement. Context: It was a call for freedom for all the slaves immediately. Written in the Liberator by William Lloyd Garrison. Dates: -1840s: The Liberty Party began -Late 1860s: It ended

Louisiana Territory

Definition: The Louisiana Territory was vastly stretched out from the Gulf of Mexico to Rupert's land up the northern border. Brought by the United States from France. Context: Over 820,000 square miles of land that made up the states we know between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains. Soon after being purchased by the States this doubled American territory. Strengthening the country. Dates: -Early 1800s: When it was purchased

Second Great Awakening

Definition: The Second Great Awakening was a religious revival movement in the United States marked by widespread evangelical fervor and a focus on personal conversion. It led to an increase of new Protestant groups and sparked social reform movements. Context: As ideas of rationalism spread and industrialization began to occur at a greater pace because of westward expansion, many felt that religion was being undermined, so this awkening helped revive spiritual morals. Late 18th Century-Mid 19th Century

Tariff of 1828

Definition: The Tariff of 1828 is important since it had rates that were higher than any other tariff that had been enacted up to that point. This tariff significantly increased duties on raw materials, textiles, and iron goods. Favored northern states not Southern. Context: The tariff of 1828 was a culmination of growing tensions between the Northern and Southern states over economic policies. The Southern states, heavily reliant on agriculture and opposed to high tariffs, felt unfairly burdened by this legislation, as it increased the costs of manufactured goods they purchased while benefiting Northern industrialists. Date: May 19, 1828

Tariff of 1832

Definition: The Tariff of 1832 was a revised tariff passed by the United States Congress as an attempt to resolve some of the issues created by the Tariff of 1828. While it lowered the tariffs on some goods, it was still considered unsatisfactory by Southern states. Context: Southern states continued to oppose what they perceived as unfair taxation on imported goods, which led to further tensions between the North and the South over economic policies. Date: July 14, 1832

Supreme Court

Definition: The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the land. It typically deals with appeals cases, in which the justices may determine the meaning of a law, whether or not a law is relevant to a case, or how to rule on the way in which a law is applied. The Supreme Court also has the power of judicial review, which allows them to determine whether or not a law is constitutional. Context: As per the Constitution, the Supreme Court was said to be the head of the judicial branch, but its powers nor its structure were outlined in detail.. As a result, its structure, jurisdiction, and role was formally established by the Judiciary Act of 1789, where lower courts were established as well. Date: created by the Constitutional Convention of 1787, but not established until the 1789 Judiciary Act.

Electoral College

Definition: The system by which the president and vice president of the United States are chosen. Each state elects the number of representatives to the Electoral College that is equal to its number of Senators—two from each state—plus its number of delegates in the House of Representatives. Context: During most of the Constitutional Convention, presidential selection was vested in the legislature. The Electoral College was created by the framers of the U.S. Constitution as an alternative to electing the president by popular vote or by Congress. 1787: The Constitutional Convention where the Founding Fathers established the Electoral College

Trail of Tears

Definition: The trail five Native American tribes had to take to escape the ethnic cleansing posed by the United States government. Context: Gold was found on Cherokee land, leading to the Indian Removal Act being passed. The act would then be refuted in the case Worcester v Georgia, and the Supreme Court would side with the Natives, however, some natives would meet with American officials without tribal sanctions, leading to the Treaty of New Echota, and the forcible removal of Native Americans. Date: The natives would move between 1830 and 1850.

Slave Codes

Definition: These codes were made to regulate and control the institution of slavery. It restricted the rights and freedoms of enslaved individuals while reinforcing the power and authority of those who held them hostage. Context: They were made to form a legal foundation for enslavement and categorized the enslaved people as property. This helped the slaveholders to maintain their agricultural economy from plantations. 17th-19th Centuries

Second Bank of the United States

Definition: This was a national financial institution formed to serve as the country's central bank. It played an important role in managing the money supply, controlling inflation, and providing a stable banking system until its demise in 1836. Context: It was established in response to the financial instability and economic challenges that followed the War of 1812. April 10, 1816

Sojourner Truth

Definition: This was an African American abolitionist and women's rights activist who was born into slavery but escaped to freedom. She is known for her powerful speeches and advocacy. Context: She decided to advocate for the abolition of slavery and fought for women's rights after enduring the many hardships she faced during this time because of the fact that she was both African American and a woman. Her most famous speech was "Ain't I a Woman?" delivered at the Women's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, in 1851. 19th Century

Brigham Young

Definition: Was an American religious leader of The CHurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He played a crucial role in the migration of mormon people, and even founded Salt Lake City. Context: Mormons fled West after religious persecution, and he was leading them out from the East. 1801-1877

Spoils System

Definition: a spoils system is a political practice in which the political party or candidate that wins an election "spoils" its active supporters by appointing them to governmental positions. Context: In terms of American history, Andrew Jackson's election and presidency characterized the "spoils system." Through the system, many of Jackson's supporters took office, with even 20 percent of federal officeholders being removed during his term. Despite claiming that the system was necessary to prevent corruption and to prevent the same aristocrats from holding office all the time, Jackson typically appointed rich men with a high social status. Date: The term "spoils system"" was made popular by New York Senator William Marcy's 1832 speech, in which he said, "To the victor belong the spoils of the enemy." Jackson, who practiced the system, was inaugurated on March 4, 1829.

Specie Circular

Definition: an executive order issued by 7th U.S. President Andrew Jackson that required the purchase of public lands be made in gold and/or silver. Context: Jackson had the U.S. Department of the Treasury and all other handlers of public money enforce this order in an attempt to suppress the circulation of paper money and to diminish land speculation., a practice in which investors would buy huge amounts of land at a cheap price, keep it until its value rose, and then sell it at that raised price. Date: The Specie Circular was ordered on July 11, 1836. It was one of the factors of the Panic of 1837.

Battle of New Orleans

Definition: marked a pivotal U.S. victory over Great Britain in the War of 1812, serving as the conflict's concluding major engagement. Both British and American forces were unaware of the peace treaty signed in Ghent, Belgium, a few weeks earlier, so they ended up carrying out the conflict. Context: After the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, the Americans hadn't been notified of the news yet, so they unknowingly went to war. This victory however, did greatly boost the morale of Americans. January 8 to 18, 1815

Chief Justice

Definition:The Chief Justice is the presiding member of the United States Supreme Court, responsible for leading and managing the court's proceedings. This individual holds a pivotal role in deciding cases, assigning opinions, and guiding the direction of the Court's decisions, serving as the highest-ranking judicial authority in the United States Context: Chief Justice John Marshall, serving from 1801 to 1835, was a pivotal figure in shaping the role of the Supreme Court and federal government during his tenure. Renowned for his expansive view of federal power and his influential decisions—such as Marbury v. Madison and McCulloch v. Maryland—he significantly strengthened the authority of the Supreme Court and established principles of judicial review and federal supremacy. February 4, 1801 (John Marshall is sworn in as the First Chief Justice of the United States of America)

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Definition:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Christian religious denomination founded in the early 19th century in the United States by Joseph Smith. It follows the teachings of the Book of Mormon, alongside the Bible, and believes in modern prophets, emphasizing family values, missionary work, and the importance of personal revelation. Context: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded in the early 19th century in the United States by Joseph Smith. It is a Christian restorationist denomination that believes in the Book of Mormon as scripture and follows unique doctrines and practices, including additional revelations and the belief in modern prophets. April 6, 1830 (Founding date in Fayette, New York by Joseph Smith Jr.)

American Party (Know-Nothing Party)

Definition:The Know Nothing movement was a nativist political movement in the United States in the mid-1850s. The national political organization of the Know Nothings was officially known as the "Native American Party" prior to 1855; thereafter, it was simply known as the "American Party". Context:The aim of the Know-Nothing movement when it was created was to combat foreign influences and to uphold and promote traditional American ways.

American Anti-Slavery Society

Even before the American Revolution, anti-slavery societies began to emerge in the Northern states (Pennsylvania's Abolition Society was established in 1775). In the early 1800s, the Protestant religious movement known as the Second Great Awakening added religious zeal to abolitionist advocacy and helped fuel the rise of numerous anti-slavery organizations.

Meriwether Lewis (1774-1809)

He was one of the explorers who traveled west of America to reach the Pacific Ocean. He travels with a man named Matthew Clark and a Native American who guides the explorer through the unknown territory and helps them interact with the other Native Americans.

Lucretia Mott

Lucretia Mott was an early feminist who fought against slavery. In addition, she was a strong advocate for women's rights. She played a major role in the woman suffrage movement.

Abolitionists

Members of the movement seeking to end the systems of slavery. 1830-1870

Methodists (18th-19th Century)

Methodists are members of a Protestant denomination that originated from the teachings of John Wesley. Methodists believe in the saving works of Jesus Christ for all people and not just a selected few. In the United States, Methodism grew rapidly, contributing to the Second Great Awakening, a period of religious revivalism in the early 19th century. In addition, methodist beliefs influenced social reforms, including the abolition of slavery and women's suffrage.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte was a military and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution. He became Emperor of the French in 1804 and led France in a series of military campaigns known as the Napoleonic Wars. His military strategies and successes are widely studied, and he is considered one of the greatest military commanders in history. Napoleon's empire eventually collapsed, leading to his exile to the island of Elba and later to the island of Saint Helena, where he died in 1821.

Nat Turner's Rebellion

Nat Turner's Rebellion, also known as the Southampton Insurrection, was a slave rebellion that took place in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1831. Nat Turner, a slave and preacher, led a group of slaves in a violent uprising against white slaveholders. The rebellion was brutally suppressed, and Turner was captured, tried, and executed. The event had a lasting impact on the debate over slavery in the United States, leading to stricter slave laws and increased tensions between abolitionists and pro-slavery advocates.

Non-Intercourse Act of 1809

Replaced the Embargo Act. This act aimed to resume trade with all nations except Britain and France during the Napoleonic Wars, but it wasn't very successful.

Quids

Term referring to the making profit off of-a pound sterling. Quid was used in conversations to exaggerate the money being made. 1804-1812

American System

The American System was an economic plan that played an important role in American policy during the first half of the 19th century, rooted in the "American School" ideas of Alexander Hamilton. Clay first used the term "American System" in a speech he gave in 1824. It was a federal policy based on a market economy. Sections of the country would produce specific commodities which they would sell to other regions.

American Temperance Society

The American Temperance Society, also known as the American Society for the Promotion of Temperance, was a society established on February 13, 1826, in Boston, Massachusetts. The American Temperance Society was the first U.S. social movement organization to mobilize massive and national support for a specific reform cause. Their objective was to become the national clearinghouse on the topic of temperance.

Napoleonic Wars

The Napoleonic Wars were a series of conflicts fought between Napoleon Bonaparte's French Empire and a series of opposing coalitions. These wars lasted from 1803 to 1815 and had a profound impact on European and world history. The major battles include Austerlitz, Leipzig, and Waterloo. The wars led to the expansion of French influence, the rise of nationalism, and significant changes in European political boundaries.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

The Supreme Court first asserted the power of Judicial review in finding that the congressional statute expanding the Court's original jurisdiction was unconstitutional. This created the Judicial Review which grants the power of federal courts to void acts of Congress in conflict of the Constitution.

Panic of 1819

The first major US economic depression which resulted from post-war adjustments and credit overexpansion. This caused bank failures, foreclosures, and unemployment.

Mormon

The term "Mormon" typically refers to a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The LDS Church was founded in the early 19th century by Joseph Smith in the United States. Mormons believe in the Book of Mormon as a sacred text, alongside the Bible. They have a unique theology that includes teachings about the pre-existence of souls, modern prophets, and the potential for humans to become Gods.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

This case was mainly focused on state vs. federal power in which the state of Maryland wanted to establish a state bank which violated the Constitution fully. In the end, the state government can't establish taxes to their own citizens and the supreme court increases in power.

Midnight Judges (1801)

This name is given to the federal judges appointed by President John Adams at the very end of his presidency, right before the inauguration of Thomas Jefferson. This action done by Adams reflects the Federalist Party's desire to secure power in the government even after the President has stepped down. This resulted in the "Marbury vs Madison" court case in 1803, in which the principle of judicial review (courts have the power to review acts by Executive and Legislative Branch and determine whether it is Constitutional) was created in the United States.