Theme #3: Insurrection in America Vocab

Nullification

the failure or refusal of a U.S. state to aid in enforcement of federal laws within its limits.

Confederacy

the group of 11 Southern states that seceded from the United States in 1860-61.

The Critical Period

the period following the American revolution from 1781 to 1789 that tested the unity the newly independent states.

Strike

a concerted stopping of work or withdrawal of workers' services, as to compel an employer to accede to workers' demands or in protest against terms or conditions imposed by an employer.

Assembly

a group of persons gathered together, usually for a particular purpose, whether religious, political, educational, or social.

Prohibition

a law or decree that forbids.

Hawk

a person esp. one in public office, who pursues an aggressive foreign policy

Terrorism

the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes.

Secede

to make a formal withdrawal of membership.

Union (labor)

working class Americans who organize as a group in an attempt to secure better wages, shorter hours, better working conditions, etc.

Speakeasy

a saloon or nightclub selling alcoholic beverages illegally, esp. during Prohibition.

Scab

a worker who takes a striking worker's place on the job.

Compact Theory

belief that since the federal government is a creation of the states that the states have the final say.

Collective Bargaining

consists of negotiations between an employer and a group of employees so as to determine the conditions of employment.

18th Amendment

constitutional amendment that banned the manufacturing, sale, and transportation of alcohol.

Minute Men

everyday colonial citizens who were prepared to fight on a minutes notice as a member of the local militia.

Sectionalism

excessive regard for sectional or local interests; regional or local spirit, prejudice, etc.

Total war

expansion of military tactics to include destruction of civilian homes, farms, etc

Dove

one in public office, who advocates peace or a conciliatory national attitude.

Tariff of Abominations

protective tariff of 1828 despised by the southern states because of the impact it had on their economies.

Draft lottery

random system used to select Americans to fight in Vietnam between 1969 and 1975. During the early years of the lottery those that had money could escape service in Vietnam by enrolling in college.

Sons of Liberty

secret organization formed in Boston, MA in response to the Stamp Act of 1765. Used terror as a form of protest.

Conscientious Objector

an individual who on religious, moral, or ethical grounds refuses to participate as a combatant in war.

Bonus March

1932 march on Washington D.C. led by WWI veterans who were seeking an early payment of their bonus.

Yellow Dog Contracts

agreement between laborers and owners that states that workers will not join unions or attempt to strike.

Insurrection

an act or instance of rising in revolt, rebellion, or resistance against civil authority or an established government.