AP US History Flash Cards Set #1

Adams-Onis Treaty (1819)

Also known as the Florida purchase treaty and the transcontinental treaty; under its terms, the United States paid spain $5 million for Florida, Spain recognized america's claims to the oregon country, and the united states surrendered its claim to northern mexico (texas).

Mexican American War

Tension with Mexico increased after United States annexed Texas and brought slaves there even though Mexico had outlawed slavery and even though America promised the Spanish rights in the southwest in the Adams-Onis treaty in 1819; sparked by eleven Americans killed "on american soil,"; polk sent war message to congress; most of war fought in mexico; most of battles won by united states, which gains california and new Mexico.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

The treaty that concluded the Spanish American War, commissioners from the U.S. were sent to paris on October 1, 1898 to produce a treaty that would bring an end to the war with Spain after six months of hostility. from the treaty America got guam, Puerto Rico and they paid 20 million dollars for the Philippines. Cuba was freed from Spain.

President #15 James Buchanan (democrat) (1857-1861)

(1857-1861) the confederate states of america are formed in 1861. He tried to maintain a balance between proslavery and antislavery factions, but his moderate views angered radicals in both north and south, and he was unable to forestall the secession of south carolina on december 20, 1860.

President #5 James Monroe (democratic-republican) (1817-1825)

1. The fifth president of the united states (1817-1825). His time in office is described as "The Era of Good Feelings." His administration was marked by the Acquisition of Florida in 1819; the Missouri Compromise (1820), in which missouri was declared a slave state; and the profession of the Monroe Doctrine (1823),which proclaimed that the Americas should be closed to future european colonization and free from European interference in sovereign countries' affairs; also stated the United States' intention to stay neutral in european wars.

President #10 John Tyler (whig) (1841-1845)

1. The first vice-president to succeed on the death of a president, he served practically all of Harrison's term. His opinions on all the important issues had been forcefully stated, and he had only been chosen to balance the whig ticket with no expectation he would ever have power. He was in favor of state's rights, and a strict interpretation of the constitution, he opposed protective tariffs, a national bank and internal improvements at national expense.

President #4 James Madison (democratic-republican) (1809-1817)

1. The fourth President of the united states (1809-1817). A member of the Continental Congress (1780-1783) and the Constitutional Convention (1787). He strongly supported ratification of the Constitution and was a contributor to the federalist papers (1787-1788), which argued the effectiveness of the proposed constitution. His presidency was marked by the war of 1812. 2. Strong nationalist who organized the Annapolis Convention, authored the Virginia Plan for the constitution, and drafted the constitutional amendments that became the Bill of Rights; he was also a founding member of the Democratic Republican party.

Oregon Treaty (1846)

Britain had strong claims to Oregon, based on prior discovery and exploration, treaty rights, and actual occupation. Americans also could claim exploration and occupation. In 1818, Britain and the U.S. had settled on joint occupation of the area. However, in the 1840s, many restless U.S. pioneers moved into Oregon. It became an issue in the election of 1844, with the whigs wanting "all of Oregon or none." Polk was elected and tried to solve the dispute. He offered a compromise line of 49˚, but the British refused. later, in early 1846, the British themselves proposed this same line. The U.S. agreed. The democrats were annoyed about not getting the entire territory, but at least war was avoided.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

Ended the Revolutionary War, recognized the independence of the American colonies, and granted the colonies the territory from the southern border of Canada to the northern border of Florida, and from the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi river.

Federalists Papers

James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay a series of essays explaining and defending the constitution widely read by Americans of every persuasion later published as a book and sent to delegates at the remaining ratifying conventions.

Constitution

Many Americans were unhappy with the weakness of the new government. In may 1787 delegates from the states met again in Philadelphia to revise the articles. The delegates soon realized, however, that a mere revision would not be enough. They decided instead to write a constitution. They wanted a strong central government. They also wanted some powers kept for the states. As a result, the constitution they adopted provided for a federal system of government.

French and Indian War (1763)

Part of the seven years' war in Europe. Britain and France fought for control of the Ohio valley and Canada. the algonquins, who feared British expansion into the Ohio valley, allied with the French. The Mohawks also fought for the French while the rest of the Iroquois nation allied with the British. The colonies fought under British commanders. Britain eventually won, and gained control of all of the remaining French possessions in Canada, as well as India. Spain, which had allied with France, ceded Florida to Britain, but received Louisiana in return.

Whig - March 4, 1841

Presidential debut- March 4, 1841. William Henry Harrison was the first Whig; served for just 1 month before dying in office. Number of Presidents: 4 Formation: Formed by Henry Clan to promote modernizing policies and battle President Andrew Jackson's policies. Dissolved: 1860

President #14 Franklin Pierce (democrat) (1853-1857)

Candidate from the north who could please the south. his success in securing the gadsden purchase was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the ostend manifesto, the Kansas Nebraska act and "Bleeding Kansas." passions over slavery had been further inflamed, and the north and south were more irreconcilable than before. he succeeded only in splitting the country further apart.

President #13 Millard Fillmore (whig) (1850-1853)

He was largely self-educated, he had made his own way in the profession of a law and the rough-and-tumble world of NY politics, he was ready to make peace and used extreme caution, he supported the compromise of 1850 and helped it pass. When he became president, taylor's cabinet resigned, and he was able to fill the cabinet seats with who he wanted. one such replacement was the appointment of daniel webster as secretary of state.

President #12 Zachary Taylor (whig) (1849-1850)

In 1846, president Polk ordered him to lead a small american army to Texas to defend the Rio Grande as the southern border. Fighting broke out between his forces and the Mexican army in april 1846. His victory against a Mexican army four times the size as his at Buena Vista was his most spectacular victory and he was embraced as a national hero. He was elected president in 1848- at a time of national crisis. The central issue concerned whether slavery was going to be allowed into the territory acquired from mexico. This whig president made it clear that he did not support the extension of slavery. He met southern threats of secession with the promise that if any state tried to leave the union, he would personally lead the U.S. army against it. He promised to veto the proposed compromise of 1850. His tragic death on july 9, 1850 enabled his successor, millard Fillmore, to secure the passage of the compromise of 1850.

President #3 Thomas Jefferson (democratic-republican) (1801-1809)

1. A prominent statesman, Thomas Jefferson became George Washington's first secretary of state. along with James Madison, Jefferson took up the cause of strict constructionists and the republican party, advocating limited federal government. As the nation's third president from 1801 to 1809, Jefferson organized the national government by Thomas Jefferson republican ideals, doubled the size of the nation, and struggled to maintain american neutrality. 2. Split federalist party (Jay Treaty and Impressment hurt), issued Alien and Sedition Act, made relation with France and England, made the Louisiana purchase in 1803, and sent out the Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the west. (1743-1826)

President #8 Martin Van Buren (democrat) (1837-1841)

1. As president, he presided over the "hard times" wrought by the panic of 1837, clinging to his monetary policies and rejecting federal intervention in the economy. 2. He was one of the presidents who didn't let the independent country of Texas to be admitted into the union. 3. He also lost the democratic nomination for president to James Polk in the 1844, avoiding the touchy topic of the Texas Annexation to prevent alienation of constituents. However, his seeming indecisiveness on the matter actually drove said constituents away.

President #6 John Quincy Adams (democratic-republican) (1825-1829)

1. Elected to the presidency under charges of a "corrupt bargain", his nationalistic views clashed with the nation's increasing sectionalism and support for states' rights. 2. His land policies antagonized the west, while his plans for road and canal construction upset the south. 3. Lost to andrew jackson in the 1828 election amongst a great deal of political mudslinging. 4. He is far better remembered for his earlier accomplishments as a diplomat, notably as secretary of state under president James Monroe, when he help negotiate treaties that secured Florida and the northern border with Canada. as secretary of state, he also drafted the monroe doctrine.

President #1 George Washington (no political party) (1789-1797)

1. George Washington (1732-1799) was the first President of the United States, and a major figure in the establishment of the US, during and following the Revolutionary War. He is known as one of the Founding Fathers of the country, as well as being given the nickname "Father of His Country". 2. He fought with the Virginia Militia on the British side during the "French and Indian Wars", the American colonial front of the European "Seven Years' War" (1754-1763). 3. He commanded the armies of the US Colonies in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). As a member of the First and Second Continental Congress, he helped draft the policies of the colonies, and was made commanding general of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775 (so he was not a signatory to the Declaration of Independence). 4. He was a Virginia delegate again, and President of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, which adopted the Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation. 5. As President, Washington established the framework of the national executive branch. He oversaw the work to build a new national capital, and it was named Washington, DC, in his honor.

President #2 John Adams (federalist) (1797-1801)

1. John Adams (1735-1826) was the first Vice President of the United States, and the second President. As one of the Founding Fathers, he contributed to the success of the Revolutionary War, one of those who persuaded Congress to declare independence in 1776. He also wrote most of the Massachusetts State Constitution in 1780. 2. After 8 years as Washington's Vice President (1788-1797), he was elected in 1796 and served a single term from 1797 to 1801, during which the US rebuilt its navy for the Quasi-War with France. He was succeeded by his Vice President, Thomas Jefferson, who led the Republican political opposition. His son, John Quincy Adams, likewise served a single term as the 6th President, during which Adams died on July 4, 1826, ironically on the same day as Jefferson.

President #7 Andrew Jackson (democrat) (1829-1837)

1. The seventh president of the united states (1829-1837), who as a general in the war of 1812 defeated the british at new orleans (1815). Two weeks after he had won the battle, the diplomats that returned from britain came back with a treaty, thus the americans had believed that the british had once again surrendered and a new era of nationalism came. 2. As president he opposed the bank of america, objected to the right of individual states to nullify disagreeable federal laws, increased the presidential powers, and introduced the spoils system.

President #9 William Henry Harrison (whig) (1841-died in office)

1. Was an american military leader, politician, and the first president to die in office. His death created a brief constitutional crisis, but ultimately resolved many questions about presidential succession that were left unanswered by the constitution until passage of the 25th amendment. He led US forces in the Battle of Tippecanoe. 2. Major asset to America by keeping indians at bay, redcoats from massacre's, and gaining/clearing land in west.

Civil War

A crucial event in the United States, it was fought between the Union and the Confederate from 1861 to 1865. It was caused by the differences between the industrial north, and the slave-holding south, composed mainly of farmlands. The south supported slavery while the north opposed it and advocated for national unity. Eventually the union's triumph over the south abolished the slave system. The war was mainly important because it accelerated American industrialization and ended slavery in America.

Declaration of Independence

A document addressed to King George III of England explaining why the American colonies believed they should be independent from British rule. Supported the ideals of self government and human rights. Written by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Second Continental Congress on july 4, 1776, this justified the American revolution by reference to republican theory and to the many injustices of King George III toward the colonies. The indictment of the king provides a remarkably full catalog of the colonists' grievances, and Jefferson's eloquent and inspiring statement of the contract theory of government makes the document one of the world's great state papers.

War of 1812

A war between the U.S. and Great Britain caused by American outrage over the impressment of American sailors by the British, the British seizure of American ships, and British aid to the Indians attacking the Americans on the western frontier. Also, a war against Britain gave the U.S. an excuse to seize the British Northwest posts and to annex Florida from britain's ally Spain, and possibly even to seize Canada from Britain. The war hawks (young westerners led by henry Clay and John C. Calhoun) argued for war in Congress. the war involved several sea battles and frontier skirmishes. U.S. troops led by Andrew Jackson seized Florida and at one point the British managed to invade and burn Washington, D.C. the treaty of Ghent (December 1814) restored the status Quo and required the U.S. to give back Florida. Two weeks later, Andrew Jackson's troops defeated the British at the battle of New Orleans, not knowing that a peace treaty had already been signed. The war strengthened American nationalism and encouraged the growth of industry.

Articles or Confederation

Adopted in 1777 during the Revolutionary War, the articles established the United States of America. The articles granted limited powers to the central government, reserving most powers for the states. The result was a poorly defined national state that couldn't govern the country's finances or maintain stability. the constitution replaced them in 1789.

Jay's Treaty (1794)

Negotiated by chief justice John Jay in an effort to avoid war with Britain. The treaty included a British promise to evacuate outposts on U.S. soil and pay damages for seized American vessels, in exchange for which, Jay bound the United States to repay pre-revolutionary war debts and to abide by Britain's restrictive trading policies toward France.

President #15 Abraham Lincoln (republican) (1861-1865)

One of the most skillful politicians in republican party. Lawyer. tried to gain national exposure by debates with Stephen A. Douglas. the Lincoln-Douglas debates attracted much attention. Lincoln's attacks on slavery made him nationally known. He felt slavery was morally wrong, but was not an abolitionist. There was not an alternative to slavery and blacks were not prepared to live on equal terms as whites. Won presidency in november election. Declared emancipation proclamation in 1862 and passed 13th amendment in 1865.

President #11 James K. Polk (democrat) (1845-1849)

Polk was a slave owning southerner dedicated to democratic party. In 1844, he was a "dark horse" candidate for president, and he won the election. Polk favored american expansion, especially advocating the Annexation of Texas, California, and Oregon. He was a friend and follower of Andrew Jackson. He opposed Clay's american system, instead advocating lower tariff, separation the treasury and the federal government from the banking system. He was a nationalist who believed in manifest destiny.

Federalists

Presidential Debut- March 4, 1797. John Adams was the only Federalist President; served one term. Formation: Founded by Alexander Hamilton to rally national support for Hamilton's economic programs and creation of a strong national government. Dissolved: 1829

Democratic Republicans/Democrats

Presidential Debut- March 4, 1801. Thomas Jefferson was the first Democratic Republican; served two terms. Later changed to just "Democrats" during Andrew Jackson's term. Number of Presidents: 9 Formation: Formed out of the remnants of the Anti-federalist coalition. Founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Dissolved: Still active today

Republican

Presidential debut- March 4, 1861. Abraham Lincoln was first Republican; served one term and elected to another, but was shot early into second. Formation: Founded in northern states and created by anti-slavery activists by ex Whigs and Ex-Free soldiers; saw expansion of slavery was evil. Dissolve: Still active today

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Purchased from France for $15 million. Jefferson was concerned about the constitutionality of purchasing land without having the authority granted by the constitution; to make the purchase, he employed the presidential power of treaty making. The territory of U.S. was doubled. The purchase removed France from the western borders of the U.S. farmers could now send their goods (fur, grains, tobacco) down the Mississippi river and through New Orleans. The expansion westward created more states with Jeffersonian republican representation to the point that federalists became a marginalized party. Opened land to agrarian expansion, helping fulfill one of the tenets of jefferson's social ideology. Set the stage for U.S. expansion across the entire continent.

American Revolution (1775-1783)

The British began to enforce their Taxes after the Seven Years War, because of their debt. The thirteen British colonies felt like they cannot be Taxed, because they do not have representation in Parliament. Drew inspiration from the Enlightenment. They sought independence from British imperial rule.

Anti-Federalists

They opposed the ratification of the Constitution because it gave more power to the federal government and less to the states, and because it did not ensure individual rights. Many wanted to keep the articles of confederation. The antifederalists were instrumental in obtaining passage of the bill of rights as a prerequisite to ratification of the constitution in several states. after the ratification of the constitution, the antifederalists regrouped as the democratic-republican (or simply republican) party.

President #16 Andrew Johnson (democrat) (1865-1869)

This democratic senator from tennessee was Lincoln's vice-presidential running mate in 1864. He succeeded to the presidency when lincoln was assassinated in 1865. His reconstruction policies infuriated radical republicans in congress, and he was impeached and nearly removed from office in 1867. While he retained office, his power was reduced. None of his vetoes were upheld during his last year in office. One of his last acts as president was to grant amnesty "without limitation to all who had participated in the rebellion."

Treaty of Greenville (1795)

This treaty, which was drafted in 1795, opened the northwest territory to settlement by white united states citizens. The territory had formerly only been inhabited by Indians, so therefore the treaty between the two races was an important one. The treaty served to end white-indian hostilities for sixteen years.

Pinckney's Treaty (1795)

This was a treaty offered by Spain's chief minister to the American envoy, Thomas Pinckney. the Spanish were fearful of an Anglo-American attack and wanted to make better with America, so they offered America free navigation of the Mississippi and the right of deposit at New Orleans. This treaty and the Jay treaty brought forth a new rush of western migration.

Treaty of Paris (1763)

Treaty between Britain, France, and Spain, which ended the Seven Years War (the french and indian war). France lost Canada, the land east of the Mississippi, some Caribbean islands and India to Britain. France also gave New Orleans and the land west of the Mississippi to Spain, to compensate it for seceding Florida to the British.

Treaty of Ghent (1814)

Was the peace treaty that ended the war of 1812 between the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The treaty largely restored relations between the two nations to status Quo Ante Bellum. Due to the era's slow speed of communication, it took weeks for news of the peace treaty to reach the united states, well after the battle of New Orleans had begun.