Fall Exam Review APUSH
What word was increasingly used more by Native Americans after the war for independence?
"Freedom" - now this word in many of their dictionaries, ideas from rev permeating the native vocabulary (and they used ideas of personal rights and freedoms as arguments against Americans seizing their land)
Patrick Henry
"The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian, but an American." --> Pledge my allegiance to this bigger thing, not to one (What is your primary identifier?) "Give me liberty, or give me death!" --A member of the Continental Congress and Virginia House of Burgess, Patrick Henry played an influential role during the Revolutionary Era as a strong advocate for independence. Henry is remembered for being a powerful speaker with many famous quotations like "Give me liberty, or give me death!" He is also remembered for dictating the idea that colonists should identify as Americans: "The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian, but an American." The idea that one should pledge allegiance to a large idea instead of their individual identity was uniting and revolutionary among colonists.
Monroe Doctrine
(1823 Address to Congress) --In 1820s, Latin America newly independent, but weak --US grew concerned that Euro power would move in and take over the region --1823, President James Monroe issued Monroe Doctrine --Warned Euros to not interfere with Latin America (This is our half of the world) --A bluff, US not strong enough to back it up, but it worked (Euro didn't care about Latin America at this time)
The Second Great Awakening
**don't confuse with 1st Great Awakening of late 18th century to early 19th century with Jonathan Edwards led by Charles G. Finney; revivals last for days in woods, sermons, playing to emotions; a new brand of Christianity --> personal relationships with God (goes against Puritan idea of collective religion, authority of church and community) --Evangelical (meaning: word-spreading, proselytizing, interpersonal, radical, not as formal as Anglican or Catholic, personal, emotional, casual, church does no determine if you are saved, born-again Christians (happens in conversion experience, choosing to commit yourself to a Godly life) --Finney - gave fiery sermons --the path across America: started in North, outside of MA and NY (also called burned over district because there were no more people for the evangelicals to convert (their religion is fire); travel along railroads (CONNECTION: new transportation, better, faster, easier, more accessible) this provided the opportunity for this new religion to spread) --this is where the switch of religious North to religious South started (today, the south is considered more religious than the North, unlike in early US history with more religiously-fervent peoples in North (Puritans, Pilgrims, etc) --Baptists and Methodists churches stemmed from Evangelical ideas from 2nd Great Awakening --reasons why it took such a hold in the South: did not openly condemn slavery, so it resonated with many Southerners --this type of religion: it democratized American Christianity
Post-Seven Years' War American perspective
- Equality of colonies and mother country; They are different from other colonies, not Africa, or India; They are not a subjugated race or ethnicity, they of English descent - Betrayal of William Pitt's promise (He promised them more tax relief and more power, betrayed) - No taxation without representation (Ex. Regulators in SC, NC); No taxing (of any kind) without direct representation; None in Parliament live in colonies, do not understand colonists' issues - Regulators in SC, NC (see other notecard)
Post-Seven Years' War British perspective
- Subordinate position of colonies - not equal; Mother and child, hierarchy - Obligation of colonies to share in cost of empire; British army and navy protecting the colonies, they should pay to be a part of best empire in world; Seven Years War - trillions of dollars (today standards) in debt - "Virtual representation" -- Everyone in parliament is there to rep all brit subjects, so colonies are being represented; England itself didn't even have a true representation (People in cities like Manchester and Birmingham - no reps) - Colonists paid very little taxes compared to British (1:26 of the tax that a British tax payer paid. British subjects claimed they subsidized colonies while bearing the burden of their protection, not empathetic to colonists situation); ii) Minimal compared to Brit subject
Ethiopian Regiment
--800 runaway slaves joined up with Lord Dunmore, gov of VA, who promised freedom to any slave of a rebel/patriot --With British soldiers, victory over rebels at Kemp's Landing --However, decimated at Battle of Great Bridge, Dunmore overconfident - sent them in, had to withdraw --Then dumped many small-pox ridden former slaves ashore on way to NY to fend for themselves, discharged most of the rest in NY
Black Soldiers on American Side
--African Americans - freedom mattered most, would side with whatever army promised them personal liberty --5,000 blacks fought for America (half of brit #) --Wasn't Washington, but Congress, that banned the recruitment of blacks (free or slaves) into Continental Army in Summer/Fall of 1776 --1st Rhode Island Regiment --Many runaway slaves told recruiters that he was free - wanted to fight (Not questioned, army needed men --All states except Carolinas and Georgia accepted blacks in their ranks --Served in un-segregated units
Victory/Phase 3
--American victories at Cowpens, South Carolina, and Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina (Under command of Daniel Morgan) --Siege and surrender of Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown - with this surrendering, massive victory for Americans --Brit morale low --> lots of money lost in this world --Once public back home heard of Cornwallis's surrender, support vanished --Brits recalled soldiers, stopped sending them --Americans outlasted the British (small victories, determination, GW and Greene, international help, lack of Brit resolve --Opening of peace negotiations - Treaty of Paris, recognizing American independence (Ben Franklin helps negotiate peace, John Jay & John Adams --Gained land between Mississippi River and east coast; Brits abandon their Indian allies
What is the meaning behind the term "Virtuous Republic"?
--Classical view of model republic --Ideal citizen --"City on a hill" (John Winthrop) --Principals of the Enlightenment --Gov't gets authority from its citizens --A selfless, educated citizenry --Elections should be frequent --Gov't should guarantee individual rights and freedoms --Gov't power should be limited (checks and balances) --Need for written Constitution --"E pluribus unum" (Out of many, one) (Many different religions, races, ideas, Heterogeneous society - new idea from old World ideas (civs based on similarities) ) --An "important" role for women - raise, good, virtuous citizens ("Republican Womanhood")
Incorporating Louisiana into US
--Euro law - free blacks (many mixed race) most rights of free whites (Slave had more rights that in US also, easier to gain freedom, can go to court to make cases against abusive owners; Women had more rights than in US and GB) --Ironic --> Louisiana part of US (liberty, democracy, freedom), but more people now were subjected to inequality and discrimination based on race and gender
Federalist Era Foreign Policy
--French Rev divides Federalists and Republicans; --Reign of Terror in France - Jefferson says regrettable but necessary, Hamilton horrified --Britain says US owes them money (they did); Brits seize ships and cargo --Washington's Neutrality Proclamation of 1793 - US neutral in war between Brit and France, warned citizens to be impartial
Trail of Tears/Indian Removal
--Indians trying to prove that they are citizens --Historically, Cherokees occupied lands in several southeastern states. --Between 1721 and 1819, over 90% of their lands were ceded to others. --By the 1820s, Sequoyah's (mixed blood) syllabary (alphabetized his language, wrote it down) brought literacy and a formal governing system with a written constitution. --Once an ally of the Cherokees, President Andrew Jackson authorized the Indian Removal Act of 1830, following the recommendation of President James Monroe in his final address to Congress in 1825 (Moved 60,000 people, making them second-class citizens, getting their land) --Indian Removal Act of 1830 (Why then? 1830, discovered gold in Cherokee land, act said that cherokees not allowed to conduct tribal businesses, contract, testify in courts against whites, or mine for gold); Georgia held lotteries to give land away and gold to whites Opposition to the Removal --Cherokee Nation v. GA (1831): Cherokees plead for their rights as citizens against GA's actions of taking their land; Marshall determines Indians as "wards" of American, but do not have the rights of citizens so Supreme Court cannot changed Georgia's interference in native lands --Worcester v. GA (1832): Reverend Samuel Worcester, missionary to the Cherokees (white man) challenges GA's attempt to get rid of Indian title to land in state, won case in Supreme Court, established that Indian nations were distinct peoples within the US (Jackson says, "Marshall has made his decision, not let him enforce it." (He doesn't care what Marshalls says, he is the president and will do what he wants, refusing to enforce Supreme Court laws (grounds for impeachment), but not enough support, so censure him) --other opposition by John Ross (mixed Scottish and Native blood), a small faction of Cherokees (called Treaty Party) ceded to the US gov't in hopes they would get a better deal (Treaty of Echota, promised land and money to give up lands east of MS river and move west); tried and hanged by Cherokee council for treachery --Treaty of Echota used a justification by US gov't ("but you guys consented...") to remove the 18,000 indians east of MS river --Trail of Tears: 25% of 18,000 forced from their homes and onto the trail West died; poor management, started in fall and winter instead of spring (bad idea for travel); before being moved, Indians ghettoized and held in prison camps; gov't subcontracted to private business, corruption abounded --those who remained hid, Eastern band of Cherokee of Cherokee, NC
Dorr War
--It occurred in Rhode Island and was a struggle for universal manhood suffrage in the state 1841-42 --Supporters of democratic reform organized a People's Convention, which drafted a new constitution for the state of Rhode Island. --Thomas Dorr, a wealthy lawyer, was inaugurated as governor of the state of Rhode Island under the constitution drawn by the People's Convention.
British Disadvantages
--It would be an enormous task to tame the 13 colonies (a lot of land, need a lot of resources) --Public back at home - probably didn't want to taxed for another war --Soldiers plundered homes, raped women - create more enemies in American, strengthen resolve against them --They underestimated the Americans
Black Soldiers on British Side
--Many black slaves fought for crown - promised freedom from their masters --10,000 fought for British --Ethiopian Regiment --General William Howe banned recruitment of blacks and discharged black troops --1779 - General Henry Clinton - new commander of Brit army (Phillipsburg Proclamation - shelter and freedom for any patriot-owned slave, didn't even have to fight) --But some reports - blacks re-enslaved in the Caribbean --Granted freedom if you go to the West Indies or Canada (Nova Scotia)
American Advantages
--Military experience (Some - from French and Indian War --Home turf - knew the land (Like failure of encomienda system), didn't have to travel to fight --Passion for independence - fighting for a cause they believed in, desire for the cause - huge, defending themselves --Popular resentment against predatory Redcoats (Anger - a good motivator) --New style of war (Guerilla war fare, very dirty, tricksy, "unfair", sneak attacks, tricks, hiding) --**Aid from Britain's rivals - France is key (British were blockading the ports of America, France (and Dutch, and Spanish) comes in and brings in a second front)
British Advantages
--Military superiority (Well-trained, large army, World's best navy, Experienced officers) --More money, even though in debt, no limit on amount of loans they can get, spend more money than Americans --Divisions among Americans (Many Americans still loyal to crown, division over the independence, Lots of Southerners didn't want to leave, they liked protection of British Empire, Loyalists) --More organization, an actual gov't behind them
Differences between State Constitutions
--Southern states - least democratization --Maryland - high requirements for office-holding (ex: 5,000 pounds to be governor) --Vermont - only state to separate economic standing and voting (didn't have to own property or pay taxes to vote) --Most had strong governors with veto power. --Most had bicameral legislatures. --Property required for voting. --Some had universal white male suffrage. --Most had bills of rights. --Many had a continuation of state-established religions while others disestablished religion
Rise of the West
--after war of 1812 --> people moved westward for land --6 new states in 6 years after end of war in 1815 (Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi, Maine, Indiana, and Illinois) --why/how: improvements in transportation and communication --example of western migration increase: pop of Ohio 1800: 45,000 1810: 231,000 --people acquire land from gov't (pay per acre) or by land speculators on credit (also "squatters" who didn't pay for land at all, there illegally) --slavery encouraged with westward expansion --farmers focused on grain and livestock production to use in urban markets in NE
Andrew Jackson's Presidency
--inauguration - 20,000 people (more like today's presidents), reign of king mob Andrew Jackson was the 7th president of the United States, who was born in 1767 and died in 1845. He won the election in 1828 and was inaugurated in March 1829 and completed two full terms. His first issue as president was the Eaton affair (or Petticoat affair) that concerned rumors from the wives of his Cabinet (specifically Floride Calhoun), about Secretary of War Eaton and his wife Peggy Eaton. They accused Peggy of being a former prostitute and committing adultery, and this greatly angered Jackson, especially because of the past rumors of his late wife Rachel, so he set out to defend Peggy. Backed up by Van Buren, he asked for the resignation of most of his Cabinet members and then later created an informal "Kitchen Cabinet" of trusted advisers. Throughout his 8 years as president, he worked on the Indian Removal Policy (or the Trail of Tears), which began as a series of negotiations and replacements, but eventually led to the total forcing of Indians to the West. Jackson also worked on various reforms like solving the issues of the Tariff of Abominations signed by Adams in 1828 and the Nullification Crisis in 1832. Jackson was willing to use military force to enforce the tariff collections and has Congress pass a "force bill" to do so whenever a President deemed necessary. While dealing with the National Bank, Jackson for the first time used a presidential veto for his own wishes instead of for unconstitutional purposes. After this issue, many began to view Jackson as "King Andrew" because of his major influence on the government. Despite beginning his administration with wanting to lessen the federal government's power, he actually ended his presidency as one of the most powerful leaders in US history. Jackson was also the first president to experience an assassination attempt. His presidency is important because he was the first president from the west, the first president without a formal education, and the first president to have used the veto as a presidential power of interest. He also abolished the U.S. bank, implemented Specie Circular, balanced the budget, and left Van Buren with the Panic of 1837.
New Democracy and Rise of the Common Man
--population shift to West, West becomes a definite section of the US --changes in demographic of voters (more Southerners, Westerners, poor, less-educated, white male working class, electorate props up slavery b/c lower-class white men are higher than slaves, one step away from lowest class (one rung above African Americans) --Jackson appealed to the common man b/c he was one --high voter turn-out (why? first gen of universal male suffrage, so excited to demonstrate their right to vote) --Jackson had appeal because there was a distrust of Easter "establishment" and elite, wealthy and special privilege --rise of a New Democracy, common man empowered (Hamilton would have though it a "mobocracy")
What was the reaction to the stamp act?
1. protests - argued that British principles said that community's right to be taxed by only its representatives (American has none so should not be taxed); protesters - Loyal Nine took lead in opposing Stamp Act 2. Virginian resolutions: VA House of Burgesses, presented by Patrick Henry (americans have right to consent to taxation) 3. Sons of Liberty: Alexander McDougall, Isaac Sears, John Lamb; protests in streets of NYC, shouting liberty, SOL unite ethnic groups, lead boycott of British goods; group of laborers, blacks, youths destroyed home of Major Thomas James, brit officer supporter of stamp act
New Sweden/Delaware
1626, the Swedish South Company was established in Europe; the main purpose being to extend the Swedish influence into North America. New Sweden was founded and colonized by the Swedes in 1638 along the Delaware River. In 1655, armed Dutch ships and soldiers came upon the Delaware River in an attempt to take over the land of New Sweden. The Swedes, realizing that resistance would be useless, surrendered to the Dutch, and the Dutch West India Company then annexed the region to the middle colonies, thus officially changing the name to Delaware. Although the Swedes did not rule the area that became Delaware any longer, their influence was still strong for years to come. However, when William Penn, an Englishman, was granted his charter for the middle colonies, the once Swedish nation indefinitely came to an end.
Currency Act
1764, reaffirmed ban on colonies printing their own money
Second Continental Congress
1775, after fighting between Brit soliders and armed citizens of Mass.; establish continental army with GW as commander (b/c he is VA, unite colonies, get south involved); printed money --The Second Continental Congress, a second meeting of the initial First Continental Congress, was held in 1775 in order to decide what the colonies should do about the threat the redcoats presented. Delegates from across the American colonies decided upon the creation of a colonial militia. Although they wanted to protect themselves, only the radicals were in a revolutionary mindset at this time. They approved the Olive Branch Petition in the hope of making peace with Great Britain. However, with the insult of the rejection of the petition, their revolutionary spirit set in. The declaration of independence was later adopted by the Second Continental Congress, describing colonial grievances against the crown and stating the independence of the colonies from Great Britain. This document was treasonous, and thus some like to think of it as the official start of the American war for independence.
First Years of the War/Phase 1
1776-1778; Looks bad for Americans... General William Howe's pursuit of Washington (defeating Americans) --Washington's eluding of Howe at New York City - barricade himself in NYC, escape to NYC, close to losing --Washington's surprise attacks at Trenton and Princeton, NJ (Crossing the Delaware River, The American Crisis - An essay by Thomas Paine read by George Washington to his troops shortly before crossing the Delaware River-- "THESE ARE THE TIMES THAT TRY MEN'S SOULS"); Christmas Day Night, British are celebrating, so they surprise the drunk and sleeping British; Defeat the British --American victory at Saratoga (first major victory of an actual battle in the War; French were waiting for a win from Americans to join war) --British occupation of Philadelphia (attack, seize, & occupy Philly, stay there for the winter (77-78) --Washington at Valley Forge (winter of 77-78) - stay the winter at Valley Forge, lots of death, not enough resources --American alliance with France and Spain - Spain joins alliance after winter at Valley Forge
Middle Years/Phase 2
1778-1779, early 1780; --British recruitment of southern loyalists, slaves; shift strategy south (Southern Strategy) --Why? :: South still benefiting from supplying GB, either way the south profits from selling raw materials; Brits to get support of the many loyalists in the south) --Gain more men from offering freedom to the slaves --Many colonies official royal colonies - different from New England --Less populated, less worked-up --General Cornwallis (British) --Nathanael Green (p. 176) (American) - war hero, wins war in the South --British occupations of Savannah, Charleston; (add that to NY and Penn) --Shortage of funds - Congress bankrupt, did not pay soldiers for months --Defection of Benedict Arnold (Double agent, big American general, he flips, almost succeeded in giving the Brits fort as West Point on Hudson River --Disgruntlement among soldiers - problems with moral b/c war looks like it's going down --Mutiny - some stationed in NJ killed 3 officers and defected, marched to Congress
Judiciary Act
1789, created federal court system and organized Supreme Court (chief justice John Jay), overturned in 1803 by Marbury vs. Madison
Alien and Sedition Acts
1798, new Naturalization act, requirements for immigrants to become citizens much harder to achieve (14, not 5, years of residency); Alien act - allowed deportation of persons who were seen as "dangerous" by the gov't; Sedition Act - allowed prosecution of any public assembly or publication that criticized the gov't (target - Republican press, Federalist saw as dangerous) --> what about freedom of speech --Sedition act late retracted by Jefferson in 1801 b/c violated first amendment
Gabriel's Rebellion
1800 -Plan organized by an educated Richmond blacksmith to march into the city and demand the abolition of slavery -The people involved used terminology reminiscent of the Rev. "death or liberty" and compared VA to the tyrannic British
Louisiana Purchase
1803 Thomas Jefferson sent James Monroe and Robert Livingston to Paris with the mission of buying New Orleans. This purchase would award the United States with control over the Mississippi River and a major trading port. Napoleon not only offered New Orleans, but also France's North American territory for 15 million dollars. Livingston and Monroe signed the Louisiana Purchase treaty, adding 828,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River. This purchase greatly increased land available for American settlers, but Jefferson received a lot of criticism for abandoning his democratic ideals (i.e. acting without the people's approval) when the purchase was announced on July 4th. This represents Jefferson's shift from idealism to pragmatism during his presidency. --events leading up to this: Haitian Rebellion (led by former slave Toussaint L'Ouverture), against French, Napoleon sends forces over (20,000), yellow fever and Touissaint's army defeats French, weakens French along with fighting Europe during French Rev (so Napoleon can't focus on New World colonies, so sells off NA territory to US for low price) --demonstrates TJ's shift from strict to loose interpretation of Constitution (he didn't really have the right to purchase this land w/o Congress approval, but done for betterment of the country --> didn't let his party beliefs limit his actions if they for the greater good)
Embargo Act
1807; Forbade export of all goods from US and foreign vessels could not take cargo from US ports; Jefferson got Congress to hastily pass the act; Reasoned that a US embargo would force Brit and France to respect its rights; Loose construction of the Constitution; Congress' power to regular commerce meant it could stop exports; Undermined TJ's states' rights philosophy; Embargo Act - disaster to US economy --goal - stop GB and France from its restrictions on US trade (neither country changed their policy), failed; repealed in 1809
Frederick Douglass
1817-1895, former slave and abolitionist leader --worked with Garrison --began his own newspaper after fall out with Garrison --> The North Star (references underground railroad (slaves followed the North star)) --eloquent speaker of abolitionist movement
Missouri Compromise
1820, Monroe is President; Missouri wanted to be a state, but they would be a slave state if they were admitted to the union --> 2 years of harsh debate in Congress about slavery and Missouri statehood; Anti-slavery restriction headed by James Tallmadge (Rep-NY, republican) which said that slavery be prohibited in Missouri and children of those already enslaved be freed by age 25 in Missouri --> Passed in House, not in Senate, Then Senator Jesse Thomas - compromise: Missouri allowed to make their state constitution w/o Tallmadge's slavery restriction, but Maine (not slave state) brought into Union to balance slave/anti-slave state; Slavery banned for further states north of Missouri border in the Louisiana purchase (to ensure future balance) --Another problem: Missouri constitution presented to Congress (allowed slavery, even banned free blacks from entering (some believed this to violate Constitution - states had to recognize citizens' rights of other states)) --Henry Clay Compromise: congress accepted constitution, told Missouri that they could not take away any rights of citizens from other states as under the US Constitution (Missouri ignored this part though) --Many arguments against slavery were not because of moral indignation - political motivation (many Northern Republicans supported the anti-slavery movement in Missouri because they saw that the South had too much influence in gov't (ex: all presidents except Adams from VA)) --Federalists opposing slavery because it opposed Southern state power --36 30
Mormons/Church of Latter Day Saints
1823, founder Joseph Smith (led to Golden Tablets by an angel, made Book of Mormon) Tenants of Mormonism: --church descended from lost tribes of Israel --polygamy --no separation of church and state Smith and followers driven out of NY because of public's alarm of their teachings, moved to Illinois where Smith was murdered --Successor - Brigham Young, led followers to Utah to seek refuge to practice their faith --Mormon trek demonstrate American belief that God intended us to reach the Pacific coast and populate the whole of the continent (Even though Mexico owned most of western land at this time)
Harriet Tubman
1823-1913 --mother of underground railroad --helped 300 slaves escape to freedom --$40,000 bounty on her head --served as union spy during Civil War --called Moses because she led the slaves out of slavery into the promised land
Seneca Falls and the Declaration of Sentiments
1848 draft the Declaration of Sentiments (Dec of Ind + females), condemned inequality, suffrage, divorce rights, marriage rights, domestic sphere --Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton --some men attended Dec of Sentiments (including Frederick Douglass (yay!!) --partnership of Stanton and Douglass --Stanton - wrote Woman's Bible, criticized treatment of women in the Old Testament --led to more conventions around the country in support of women's rights and abolition
New York City Draft Riots
1863, Lincoln issues a Conscription Act (draft) - however, if you have enough money, you can pay to be exempt and have someone stand in for you (rich people can buy their way out of service) --more working class people serving --> already not huge supporters of Civil War b/c fearful of what it would mean if more blacks were free workers (takes their jobs,etc) --those who didn't have money for this, rioted in NY, ransacked and burned buildings, beat people up lynched and murdered African Americans (who they blamed), cut wires in communications, 100 people killed --demonstrates the complexity of the Civil War -->not all Unionists were anti-slavery or saw African Americans as equals
____% of free Americans remained loyal to Brit crown.
20-25%
John Adams
2nd president; smart and qualified, but not personable enough to be great president --XYZ affair - French officials were designated the last 3 letters of alphabet --> poisoned America's relations w/ France (The XYZ Affair occurred in 1798. America was in practice as a neutral country, and were granted the rights to trade nonmilitary goods with European countries, such as France and Great Britain, who were in their own wars in Europe. Despite America's rights to trade with France, the country seized American ships unlawfully. Candidates from America went to France to settle negotiations of peace, but French leaders demanded to be bribed, or they would not negotiate with America. John Adams made this affair open to the public, and it became known as the XYZ Affair and shamed the French and American alliance. In fact, it almost engaged the two countries in a minor war, but eventually, even after allying with Great Britain, America was able to establish peaceful relations with France once again. It also made France respect the U.S. as a nation after seeing that Americans were will to pay "millions for defense but not one cent for tribute.") --Quasi War with France - for French Jay treaty was Brit-Amer alliance, American betrayal of France --both Brit and France seized American ships (Amers supplying both sides, neutrality really just making them an enemy to both countries) --US sent troops to seas, no official war Domestic affairs not going any better - see Alien and Sedition Acts
What were some issues the early years of the new republic under the new Constitution and president?
90% rural, few large towns; foreign challenges by GB (they want their colonies back!) and Spain threaten unity; financial issues - large public debt, worthless paper money, high inflation
Racial hierarchy Spanish America
A major part of the racial hierarchy in Spanish America was linked with the Encomienda System, a class system imposed by the white Spanish settlers in South America during the 16th century. Many of the levels within the class system were based on race, such as two of the groups, the Mestizos, who were of mixed European and Native American descent, and the Mulattos, who were of mixed European and African descent. Both of these groups were considered lesser to the Peninsulares and Creoles, who were thought to be superior due to only being of European descent. The racism towards Africans and Native Americans did not simply vanish after the official abolition of the Encomienda system in the 18th century; indeed, these racist views would become a large part of both North American and South American history and the treatment of nonwhites. The racial hierarchy in South America exemplifies a major trend, racism, in the history of colonizing the Americas.
Enlightenment (effect on colonies)
A result of the European Enlightenment that originated in France, the American Enlightenment arrived in 18th century. The period is described as the age or reason where thinkers such as Benjamin Franklin began applying the scientific method to life. These new ideas caused many Americans to question their strict religions, and new beliefs including Arminianism and Deism developed. The Enlightenment radically changed the way many people viewed the world.
Colonial strategies of England, France, Netherlands
After defeating the Spanish armada in 1588, England becomes more stabilized and begins to colonize in North America. Eventually, the monarchy of England would end up chartering many of the first colonies, thus leading to the colonies' English names. The French and the Dutch were the other two main nations to colonize in the New World, as the French often held colonial rivalries with England. After the Dutch also won independence from Spanish rule they entered a gold age and developed an empire in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Brazil, but also as a major sea power forming the New Netherlands in America, which was eventually given to the English. Throughout this period of colonization, these European powers established administrations through economic exploitation and increasing their own prestige. --French and Dutch much more accepting of natives, not settler colonies (Trading colonies) --England --> less tolerant, settler colonies, more people sent over(women, children, etc)
Trenton and Princeton, New Jersey
After losing thousands of soldiers and struggling to keep everyone motivated, George Washington led surprise attacks at Trenton and Princeton, New Jersey. The Trenton attack against Hessian soldiers began in the early morning of December 26, 1776, hours after the winter/Christmas peace. The Princeton attack against the British force occurred on January 3, 1777, just two days after the New Year's' celebration. Because of the holidays, many of Britain's soldiers were either drunk or passed out when American troops striked. Washington read Thomas Paine's inspiring essay The American Crisis to his soldiers before the Trenton attack. These attacks are important because after the long winter, France recognized American military strength and convinced Spain to join in the Revolution. This foreign help allowed America to increase their chances of winning.
Declaratory Act (1766)
After the extensive and fervent protests against the Stamp Act in 1765, Parliament repealed the act and replaced it with the Declaratory Act in 1766. The Declaratory Act asserted Parliament's authority by stating that they had the power to change colonial government and to impose all laws and taxes in the same manner in the colonies as in Great Britain. Parliament's claim of the colonies' virtual representation served as their justification for their right to tax the colonists. As Great Britain was still smothered by debt from war and needed money from the colonies, the passing of the Declaratory Act ensured further conflict from the colonists.
Battle of New Orleans
Although the US signed the Treaty of Ghent on December 24, 1814, to end the War of 1812, the news of this treaty did not travel across the sea fast enough, so the US militia led by General Andrew Jackson met the British force led by General Sir Edward Pakenham to fight the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815. This bloody battle was fought primarily over New Orleans because the city served as a vital seaport and was considered a gateway to the newly purchased western territory. Jackson's victory in New Orleans not only elevated his status as a national hero, but ultimately raised nationalism throughout the country overall.
William Bradford (1590-1657)/ "Aboard the Mayflower"
An English Separatist and Puritan, who eventually became governor of the Plymouth colony (from 1621-1657) after traveling as a Pilgrim on the Mayflower (in 1620). Before arriving in New England, he lived in Holland with other Puritans. He also was one of the signers of the Mayflower Compact and wrote a journal of the Plymouth Colony from 1620-1657 called Of Plymouth Plantation. "Aboard the Mayflower" is one of the excerpts from his journal that discusses the 66-day travel on the Mayflower from England to America. The source discusses the Puritan view and God's grace, and especially shows the ways in which Puritans kept everyone following rules. In order to avoid God's wrath, people should be kind and not break laws or standards. Bradford is important because he represents the ideals of a Puritan leader, and his writings are examples of how the Puritans maintained control in society.
Paul Revere
An early revolutionary from Boston, Paul Revere was an indispensable leader in America's fight for independence. A man of many talents, Paul Revere assisted the organization of the Sons of Liberty in political protests, portrayed the Boston Massacre in a form of propaganda, and delivered the Suffolk Resolves at the first Continental Congress in 1774. Revere is also known for his famous "Midnight Ride" when he sent news, messages, and copies of important documents to New York and Philadelphia, more specifically, he was appointed to ride to Lexington and Concord with the news that regular troops were about to march into the countryside of Boston.
Pre-presidency Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson was born in 1767 on the North Carolina/South Carolina border. His father died when he was a baby and his mother and brother died in his early teen years. Jackson was extremely bright despite his challenging circumstances, and he even read a copy of the Declaration of Independence when he was just nine years old. Jackson moved to Hermitage, Tennessee where he started his journey of becoming a lawyer, judge, senator, general, business man, Governor of Florida, and eventually President. Jackson was considered a war hero during the War of 1812 as he is most famously known for his defeat of the British at New Orleans, where he acquired the nickname "Old Hickory." Jackson planned to push Native Americans west and keep slaves in the south, because he did not envision them as a part of the U.S. Jackson shaped many American ideals that are still an integral part of the U.S. today by promoting democracy, the self-made man, and determination. Andrew Jackson is one of the most controversial presidents and there are many comparisons between our President today and Jackson, but he showed that a common man with humble beginnings could rise from nothing to the most powerful man in America.
Fort Sumter
April 1861, first battle of Civil War, Lincoln had notified SC's gov that he was going to replenish the garrison's food supplies, then Davis ordered fire on the fort, Lincoln officially proclaimed the South was in rebellion (called up troops, war began) --after Sumter, 4 more states secede (TN, NC, AR, VA) added to SC, TX, MS, GA, FL, LA, MO
What were the first battles of the Revolutionary war?
April 19th, 1775Lexington and Concord: Brit soldiers march from Boston to Concord to seize stockpile of arms there; Minutemen - local militia who responded when needed (tried to resist Brit advance); brit soldiers began in Lexington, pushed onto Concord, few casualties; 43 Americans, 73 Brits dead in the end "The shot heard 'round the world" - beginning of the War for Independence; April 20th full scale battle underway
Nativism; Know Nothing or American Party
As a result of the influx of foreign immigrants to the United States in the 1840s and 1850s, the nativism movement emerged, a movement made up of those who opposed immigration, especially that of the Irish. Since the Irish were Roman Catholics, they met much resistance by American Protestants, who had an extreme distaste for the Catholic Church. Nativists blamed the Irish for causing many societal problems, such as crime, corruption, and drinking, and were accused of taking jobs from the American working class. In 1854, the nativism entered the forefront political world with emergence of the American, or Know-Nothing Party. The party was defined by anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant sentiments, and gained representation in states such as Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and California. This party appealed particularly to northerners, due to their anti-immigrant, anti-slavery, and pro-temperance ideals. The appearance and success of this political party shows the strength of new anti-immigrant feelings that defined both social and political life in the 1840s and 1850s.
Powhatan and Opechcanough
At the time of the colonists, the Powhatan empire covered present-day eastern Virginia. Powhatan, the paramount chief of most of the indigenous tribes in the Chesapeake Bay region, was known for his dominance & friendly relations with the English at the time of their arrival in 1607. When Powhatan died eleven years later, Opechancanough, his younger brother known for his leadership and military prowess, took control of the Powhatan tribes. After capturing John Smith while exploring the Chickahominy River, Opechancanough explored and observed Smith as a guest of his community, and found him to be harmless. Also, at this time the relationship had been relatively peaceful between the English and Indians, but the growing amount of English settlements was making the Indians fearful for hunting grounds; Therefore, Opechancanough led an Indian massacre in 1622 and launched the third Anglo-Powhatan War in 1644 in attempts to expel the colonists.
Bacon's Rebellion
Bacon's Rebellion was one of the most dramatic uprisings of the seventeenth century in which the settlers of Virginia fought against the government. In the mid 1600s, the governor of Virginia, William Berkley, had established heavy tobacco taxes due to the overproduction of tobacco plants, which created extreme poverty among the working class. After rising tension a "spark" between Natives and colonists began the rebellion. Settlers demanded more land from the Indians, but Berkley refused because of his fear of an uprising. Some innocent Indians were massacred to put down a potential Indian uprising. Nathaniel Bacon, a wealthy tobacco planter, led the rebellion, and in 1673 he had gained support from the mass majority of Virginia by calling for the removal of the Indians, reduction in British taxation, and an end to Berkeley's rule. Bacon created an army that burned Jamestown to the ground, despite the orders for it to disband. Berkley fled, and Bacon took over the Virginian government; however, the arrival of an English fleet of ships ended the Bacon Rebellion completely. Twenty-three of Bacon's supporters were hanged, and Bacon himself had died shortly after he took power. Although it was eventually quelled, the Bacon Revolution produced changes that included a more assertive class of small farmers (some former indentured servants) who desired lower taxes and greater freedom and independence.
Barbary Pirates
Barbary Pirates (from Northern coast of Africa) demand bribes, tributes so that they don't take US ships; Before, TJ opposed large armies and navies, but TJ realized that without real military out nation is at risk, so built up navy and defeated the pirates of Tripoli
Baron von Steuben
Baron Von Steuben was a Prussian military officer who served as a major general in the Continental Army in 1778. He played a large role in the revolutionary war, as he trained and recruited men for the American military effort. As Inspector General, his job included inspecting resources and scrutinizing equipment. His work on sanitation standards, camp layout, and documented records would be used for a century to come. It is because of foreign aid like Baron Von Steuben that the Americans were ultimately able to win the war.
Progress of the War (1863-64)
Battle of Chancellorsville, VA 1863 --> another Confederate victory (add to their momentum) (however, lose their 2nd in command Stonewall Jackson, huge blow to war effort) --Lee inspired by this victory, decides to invade the North, gets are far as Gettysburg, PA (why?: Lee knew men, money, and supplies running short --> give one big push, put all the effort in one action, hope it is enough; the North (as shown by Lincoln's emancipation proclamation) was willing to fight as hard and as long as needed) Turning Point at Gettysburg (July 1st-3rd 63) 165,000 troops involved --Lee makes a bad decision - gets Major-General Pickett to commit to "Pickett's charge": 14,000 men run up hill where Union soldiers are to surprise attack them and distract them; then Lee would flank from either side to capture Gettysburg --Pickett's charge is the south's last charge, 7,000 killed in an unsuccessful battle --Lee retreats back to VA and does not come try to go on Union soil again on July 4th --same day as retreat, Vicksburg surrendered by Pemberton of Confederacy (30,000 men surrendered) -the last Southern port city NOW: MS valley, TN, 2 major battles lost (now European alliance unlikely)
Walking Purchase
Because of the rising population in Pennsylvania, conflicts arose between natives and settlers over land. At a council in 1721, a group of leaders, Indian and colonial alike, met and reaffirmed William Penn's chain of Friendship, but the conflicts over land persisted. The Walking Purchase of 1737 was a fraudulent deal brought to Pennsylvania from other colonies. The agreement was that the Indians would give to the settlers however much land they could walk over in thirty-six hours. The governor, James Logan, hired a team of swift runners who marked off more land than the Indian anticipated. By 1760, the harmony in Indian-Colonist relations was weakened by hostility and suspicion and left the natives longing for the days when William Penn treated them fairly.
New trails westward; Gold Rush 1849
Beginning on January 24, 1848, when gold was found by James Marshall on John Sutter's Mill near Sacramento, California, The 1849 California Gold Rush brought thousands of "forty-niners" to California. American, Irish, German, Italian, and Australian young men traveled by sea and on land through routes cutting across present day Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, and Nevada to extract about 75,000 pounds of gold. Although about $81 billion worth of gold was extracted in the area during the Gold Rush peak in 1852, the Gold Rush had many other significant results. The Gold Rush assisted in the spread of disease killing a large population of indigenous people, greatly increased California's population, destroyed California's landscape, transformed San Francisco into an international city, consumed an enormous amount of resources, and strengthened the slavery issue as slavery greatly increased during this time of mining.
Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold was one of George Washington's top commanders during the Revolutionary War. Unfortunately, Arnold defected and almost turned over a fort near West Point, New York to the British. The loss of this fort would have been a setback for the Americans because of its strategic location on the Hudson River. --end of 1779
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), a founding father of the United States, has in influential role throughout America's time of revolution. Along with inventing the stove, bifocals, and the lightning rod, Franklin also was the American Ambassador to France and Governor of Pennsylvania from 1785-1788. His biggest role in American history is in the American Revolutionary War. He aids France in allying with the U.S after the win at Saratoga, he attends the Continental Congress, he signs the Declaration of Independence, and he negotiates the Treaty of Paris in 1783 between Britain and America ending the Revolutionary War. Franklin was a part of many significant turning points throughout America's beginning and still influences Americans as students study the United States formation and celebrates our Independence.
Black Soldiers
Black soldiers in the American Revolution consisted of slaves and free blacks who were involved for a variety of reasons. Although it was initially controversial on whether or not to allow black people to fight, eventually both the Americans and British offered freedom in return for aide in the war. Many troops were integrated but there also existed some completely black regiments, like the Rhode Island Regiment and Dunmore's Ethiopian Regiment. Some slaves also joined in order to escape their masters or be a substitute draft. Ultimately, although black soldiers proved useful in the revolutionary war, the equality they held fighting in a white man's war proved to be merely a façade; after the war, slavery remained as an institution and racism prevailed against the black population.
What was the colonists' reaction to the Tea Act?
Boston Tea Party, Dec 16, 1773; colonists disguised as Indians, 300 chests of tea dumped into the harbor; Samuel Adams (the crazy Adams cousin); 4 million dollars (in today money) lost
Nullification Crisis
Cause: Tariff of 1828 (Tariff of Abominations) --> protected Northern industries, Souther states angry; Tariff lowered profits on Southern materials (south states saw it as a front to their power, help the North and hurt the South); it raised taxes on the imports of raw materials (wool, etc) from other countries, affected South's profits, supposed to help businesses --John C. Calhoun, opposed bill, wrote "The South Carolina Exposition and Protest" that challenged Tariff (Jackson hadn't passed the tariff himself inherited it from JQA) --Jackson takes it as an affront to him, Calhoun opposing him and stabbing him in the back (also doesn't like him b/c of Peggy Eaton Crisis) --opposition based on ideas from VA and KY Resolutions --> SC says tariff is unconstitutional, declare it null and void (since power of federal gov't comes from the states SC can do that), but no other southern state joined their fight --Henry Clay Compromise on Tariff (for gradual rate reduction) passes, SC rescinds nullification (Jackson had threatened to send in troops to occupy SC, but crisi averted ) --this argument used during Civil War --example of how Jackson changed his beliefs depending on what he wants (used his power (fed) to threaten SC, goes against his ideas of states rights) --example of Jackson's pettiness and vindictiveness --> probably agreed with SC's decision, but b/c Calhoun went against him, he did not support SC
Panic of 1837
Causes: --Jackson's second term, he removed federal funding for Bank of the United States, instead that funding be put into "pet banks" (local banks) --Specie Circular which said that gov't only would take gold or silver as payment for public land --circulation of paper money whose value was questionable --Wildcat Banking --> because no federal regulations (charter on BUS expired 1836, but Jackson had seen to its demise long before that) local banks distributing worthless money ---> led to economic depression until 1843, 25% unemployment, businesses failed, landsales plummeted, credit not available, paper money lose their value
Women in the War
Clara Barton (helps to found American Red Cross) Mary Livermore (US Sanitation Commission, where she is a paid gov't employee (yes!!!)) --both nurses --exemplyfy a new "acceptable" profession for women: nursing --hundreds, thousands of women serve as nurses (suffer sexual discrimination and harassment) --some women served in factories, schools, and gov't offices
Conquistadors
Conquistadors comes from the word conquests; they were the explorers involved in the Spanish conquests in the New World. The most famous conquistadors were Fernando Cortez and Francisco Pizarro. They claimed the Aztec and Incan empires for Spain in the early 16th century. The Aztec Empire and the Incan Empire were the first of many of the Spanish conquests in the New World. Others included Coronado, DeSoto, and Ponce de Leon. The land Spain gained from these conquests, primarily in Latin America and the Caribbean, became important colonies bringing great wealth, raw materials, and new goods to Spain. Cortez and Pizarros are examples of the violent, disruptive treatment of the native by the invading, white explorers and colonists in the New World. Their actions and the devastation they wreaked would forever change the Americas and its native people.
Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819)
Dartmouth College v. Woodward was a court case in which William H. Woodward was sued by the board of trustees at Dartmouth college. The Supreme Court held that the charter of Dartmouth College granted in 1769 by King George III of England was a contract, and could not be impaired by the New Hampshire legislature. The charter gave control of the college to the board of trustees, which, as a result of a religious controversy, removed John Wheelock as college president in 1815. In response, the New Hampshire legislature passed an act that amended the charter and established a board of overseers to replace the trustees. The trustees then sued William H. Woodward, college secretary and ally of Wheelock, but lost in the state courts. Daniel Webster was a famous lawyer during the time, and he represented the trustees before the U.S. Supreme Court, which reversed the decision of the New Hampshire courts. The Supreme Court reasoned that Article 1 of the federal Constitution prohibits states from altering the obligations of a contract, in this case, a charter. This decision impacted business charters, which were in place to protect businesses and corporations from government regulation. This is important because it is a prime example of the Supreme Court overriding the decision of the state courts.
Who disguised herself as man so she could fight in the revolutionary war?
Deborah Sampson
Women in the Revolution
Deborah Sampson, Mary Hays McCauley, Esther Reed, Sarah Franklin Bache, and Mercy Otis Warren, were a few of the many women who had an effect on and were affected by American's struggle for independence in the late 18th century. These women and others found ways to enlist in the Continental army, supplied troops with nourishment and homemade goods, fundraising, documented the war through literature, and obtained valuable information about British troops. The most widespread shift spurred by the war within the female community, however, was the increase of their awareness about current events, exemplified by ideas articulated by women such as Abigail Adams concerning social justice and equality, or lack thereof. Their participation in community discussion inevitably led women such as Lucy Knox to question the patriarchal structure of colonial America. Though the new country was in the process of securing its citizens' natural rights, women were excluded from the discourse, being seen only for their domestic "purpose." In some ways, however, this alleged obligation benefitted women. Influential men began proposing higher quality of education for women so they'd be able to raise intellectual children. While American independence did not allow women to obtain any rights or concrete roles in the new government, it laid the groundwork for females to advocate for themselves in the future by ameliorating their education and introducing their ideas to communal discussion.
Penitentiary Reform
Dorothea Dix, teacher from MA, interested in jails so write a report on one, is appalled by her findings --> only one institution per state for criminals (men, women, and children), people with mental/physical ailments (reports of child assaults, horrible treatment) --created a separate institution for those of mental and physical disability in 1849 --Female Moral Reform Society --women are allowed to do this kind of work because these are "motherly" and "virtuous" deeds --> still under the Republican Motherhood umbrella --but still a step in the right direction
Dred Scott v. Sanford; Roger B. Taney
Dred Scott vs. Sanford was a supreme court case in 1857 over the rights of slave Dred Scott. Scott traveled with his master to the free Wisconsin Territory, and after returning to Missouri, his home, he sued for freedom on the grounds that he had resided in free lands. The Supreme Court, with Richard B. Taney as Chief Justice, ruled that only white people were citizens of the United States, and therefore Scott had no right to bring a case to the court at all. Taney then declared, continuing to speak on the case unnecessarily, that congress had no right to declare territories free, therefore declaring that any act of the Republican party to limit the expansion of slavery to the territories, as unconstitutional. This was the Supreme Court's opportunity to progress the abolitionist movement, and they failed miserably. This decision caused regard for the Supreme Court as an impartial body to plummet in the north, as well as the idea of popular sovereignty to dissipate. This entire ordeal also caused Kansas not to be admitted as a state until the beginnings of the Civil War, when they enter as a free state.
The Corrupt Bargain
Election of 1824; Henry Clay gives his support to John Quincy Adams after realizing he can't win (b/c Jackson was threat to him as a Westerner) and the House of Representatives chooses Adams as the President.; two weeks later, Adams appoints Henry Clay as his Secretary of State.... (buy his way into power) --Jackson cries out corruption and calls this the "Corrupt Bargain." --Jackson promises he would run again for the Presidency in 1828 and would smash Adams (and he does)
Eli Whitney and the Cotton Gin
Eli Whitney (1765-1825) is most well-known for inventing and patenting the cotton gin in 1793. Although Whitney was not the sole inventor of the cotton gin (a slave in Georgia helped in the creation process), this machine completely altered the tide of both the economy and slavery in the United States. The cotton gin separated the cotton seeds from the fibers, which greatly sped up the process of producing usable cotton because before this invention the seeds had to be disentangled from the fibers by hand. Thus, the once costly production of cotton became a profitable industry, and with it slavery, which had been declining due to the cotton industry's former lack of success, became an even more integral part of the South's economic prosperity. Whitney's cotton gin not only enabled the continued and heightened use of slavery in America due to the rise of cheaper, easier cotton production, but it also was a catalyst for the Industrial Revolution as the Cotton Kingdom promoted the invention of other new technologies that would further advance the cotton industry.
Cultural Nationalism
Emergence of American literature and art: --Washington Irving - "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (headless horseman, Icabod Craine --> writing about colonial period) --James Fenimore Cooper - The Last of the Mohicans (about French and Indian War) --Nathanial Hawthorne - The Scarlet Letter (about Puritans, minister has affair with married woman, gets pregnant, makes her wear the scarlet letter ) --Portraying certain American characteristics (2nd/3rd generation Americans (end of line of gen of founding fathers)) Examples of emerging American Exceptionalism and Nationalism ("holy cult of freedom" in Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville, Americans are separate from other members of human race) --How we speak, how we write - English, but different (Noah Webster created a spelling book and later a dictionary, First book that codified how Americans spelled and said things, virtuous citizen, education is key)
Ethan Allen
Ethan Allen was the leader of a rebel group called the "Green Mountain Boys" who went on to capture Fort Ticonderoga in New York and forced it to surrender. Alongside this accomplishment, Ethan Allen would created new state of Vermont and petition for it to join the United States in mid 1770s.
European Alliances
European Alliances in the American Revolution, such as France, Spain, and the Dutch, aided the colonists extraordinarily. France was the first ally to be formed with the American army. By winning the Battle of Saratoga, the Americans justified their fight and proved to the French that they were capable of winning the war, thus providing the French reason to aid in the cause. The Spanish and the Dutch followed, all three providing tremendous resources, men, and most importantly, strong navies. European alliances were one of the main reasons the colonists won the war.
Consequences of exploration (good and bad)
European exploration reached its catalytic beginning in 1492 with Columbus discoverance of the "New World." As exploration expanded and grew to a national phenomenon, people sought after fame and fortune. Exploration resulted in religious freedom for some groups, such as the Puritans and Pilgrims. It also provided economic growth for proprietors who owned entire colonies for the sole purpose of profit. For those residing in the New World, they faced starvation, disease, and resistance from Natives. While trading and expansion resulted from these journeys, slavery, conflict, and mass casualties can also be attributed to exploration. Without this socioeconomic shift, it is unlikely that Europeans would have ever colonized the Americas.
Angry Farmers! (Regulators in South and North Carolina, Green Mountain Boys)
Farmers, organized laborers, we fought in this war, now they're being ripped off; Condemning rich and elite, in colonies and England, 8,000; Complaints of corrupt county authorities; Lots of dissention, groups within colonies fighting each other, warring factions; 1771 - Battle of Alamance NC, farmers put down by colony's militia; Ethan Allen - so violent, Sons of Liberty kicked him out; He and his followers (Green Mountain boys, band of angry farmers) created state of Vermont This name applies to several groups of insurgents who, in 1764, wanted to protect the rights of their community. The North Carolina Regulators threatened to rebel and not pay taxes. The South Carolina Regulators, in 1767, opposed corrupt government and cleared their homeland of outlaw bands of terrorists. Battle of the Alamance:: The North Carolina Regulators found their movement peak in this battle on May 16, 1771. With an army of 2500, these Regulators fought a band of eastern militia started up by the governor of North Carolina, and 300 casualties were inflicted. The Regulator uprising fell apart and colonies found it harder to resist British.
What are the major differences between the two political parties of early America?
Federalists (roughly today's democrats) - strong central gov't, loose interpretation of Con, support commerce (business), capitalist, globalist Democratic Republicans (roughly today's Republicans) - states' rights, strict interpretation of Con, agriculture (farmers), isolationist (US focused, not world) --major foreign policy division (post French Rev, fear of social revolt like Robespierre --? Hamilton said we must have social elite to maintain peace)
Fort Ticonderoga
Following the outbreak of war at Lexington and Concord, Benedict Arnold, Ethan Allen, and the Green Mountain boys, a rebel group lead by Allen, compiled with militiamen from Connecticut and surrounded Fort Ticonderoga in New York. On May 10, 1775, they made a surprise attack on the sleeping British and ultimately forced them to surrender. This supplied the Americans with canons and other weapons that would be used later on in the war. The surrender of Fort Ticonderoga was truly the first American victory in the Revolutionary war and provided a mental encouragement for the Americans.
What fort was surrendered at the very onset of the Revolutionary war?
Fort Ticonderoga - Ethan Allen and Gree Mountain Boys & militiamen from CT surrounded Ticon. in NY, Brit fort surrendered; after this, full scale war --May of 1775
Temperance
France Willard --> Women's Christian Temperance Union (against men going out and drinking, alcohol content not regulated, so very dangerous; women have an interest in this because less infidelity and less domestic abuse perpetuated by drunk, violent husbands --Beecher Family --1826 - American Temperance Society: crusade against "Demon Rum"
First Executive Cabinet (people and what it meant)
GW precedent (not in Const) -Cabinet members - Sec of State (Jefferson), Sec of Treasury (Hamilton), Sec of War (Henry Knox), Attorney General (Edmund Randolph), vice pres - John Adams --feud between Ham and Jeff characterized cabinet --may have worked b/c of differing ideas
George III
George III was a British monarch who came into power in the year 1760, during the French and Indian War. He was mentored by poor advisors, which led him to make many rash and degenerative decisions concerning the colonies. The colonists claimed that the goal of his administration and acts was to create "absolute tyranny" over the colonies. George III is a significant historical figure because a large part of the Declaration of Independence serves as a list of grievances directed against him, including everything from quartering troops in colonial homes to taxing the colonist without their consent.
Georgia
Georgia became a colony in 1732 and was named after King George II of England. This land was originally a part of the Carolina Colony, but it was hard to rule such a vast variety of climate and land. It eventually became independent, yet stayed unpopulated because of the Indians and because the businessmen lost interest and gave the reign of Georgia back to the King. Since Georgia is close to Spain's territory in Florida, the Spanish decided to expand their land to Georgia. Now that Spain took interest in the land, England came to the conclusion that they wanted it back. England wanted a buffer zone, so they sent James Oglethorpe to recapture it. Once England regained ownership they designated it for poor and former prisoners. Georgia developed many military posts to protect its borders from Spain. It was also good for growing rice and supported African slavery.
Great Awakening
Great Awakening was a group of religious revivals in the American colonies from the 1720s to the 1740s. Preachers were worried that people were becoming too concerned with things other than religion. Unlike the somber, largely Puritan spirituality of the early 1700s, the revivalism ushered in by the Awakening brought people back to "spiritual life" as they felt a greater intimacy with God. Taught people that they could be bold without going against religious authority - more personal God. George Whitefield was one of the prominent preachers of the Great Awakening, speaking to massive crowds as her traveled throughout the colonies. He, as well as other preachers, gave a message to the colonists saying that they must believe in Jesus Christ and ask for repentance from their sins in order to make it to heaven. Other prominent preachers were Jonathan Edwards, and Cotton Mather. As a result, Americans became divided into two groups: "Old Lights" (reject the Great Awakening) and "New Lights" (believe in the Great Awakening).
Women in Abolitionist movement
Grimke Sisters: Angelina and Sarah (from South) --extend rights of universal freedom to slaves and women --Catherine Beecher didn't improve of this, outside of the domestic sphere --Angelina: lots of controversy, seen as traitors in South --Lucy Stone - start the American Women's Suffrage Association, edit Woman's Journal --women's involvement in abolition movement caused a split in it by 1840 whether women should be a part of it --Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton - attended World Anti-Slavery Convention in London, recreate it at Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments (women's rights) --partnership of Stanton and Douglass
Hamilton vs. Jefferson
Hamilton -Genius financier; Gov't by the upper class (John Jay "those who own the country ought to govern it"); Distrust common people (mobocracy); Nat'l debt: Wants to hasten the country to world trade position; Fed. Gov't should protect business not interfere; Pro- British; Broad/loose constructionist; Founder of West Point Academy; War is a way for Americans to take their place in the world Jefferson -Rule by the people; gov't for the people; Freedom of speech; Appeal to middle class and underprivileged; Best gov't is one that governs least; Nat'l debt is disgrace; Pro-French - democratic revolution; Strict/narrow constructionist; Founder of UVA; War is barbarous; Agrarian: Man happiest when farming; other nation spoke of this but America had a chance to be a pastoral nation. 6 million self-sufficient farmers
What were the two groups that emerged in the first years of America (post-Washington)?
Hamiltonian Federalists and Jeffersonian Democrat-Republicans
13. Harriet Beecher Stowe and Uncle Tom's Cabin
Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) was one of thirteen born into the well-known Beecher Family. She grew up surrounded by her siblings who became teachers, preachers, and advocates of abolitionism, temperance, and the women's rights movements. As an author and social activist, Harriet Beecher Stowe was best known for her work, Uncle Tom's Cabin. Written as a response to the Fugitive Slave Act, Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) was based on Harriet's own life and observations she had made about the surrounding world. Even though the book was immensely popular - it sold 300,000 copies in the first year - it outraged the south and many people in the world. Uncle Tom's Cabin showed the world what was happening during this time of slavery because there was no audio or video. It really helped to make slavery a moral cause. After the Civil War had broken out, Harriet traveled to D.C. where she met Abraham Lincoln who said to her, "So this is the lady who started the Civil War?".
General Henry Clinton
Henry Clinton was a British Commander in Chief in America during the American Revolution. Clinton arrived in North America in 1775 as second in command to Sir William Howe. He fought with distinction at Bunker Hill and Long Island and was left in command in New York when Howe went south to Pennsylvania. Clinton became Commander In Chief of the British Army in America upon Howe's recall in 1778, and he led his forces to victories at Monmouth and Charleston. He led the main body of his army in an offensive in the Carolinas in 1780. After Charleston fell, he returned to New York, leaving Lord Cornwallis, his second in command, in charge of the resulting operations that led to the British surrender at Yorktown and the Treaty of Paris recognizing American independence.
Lincoln's Political Endeavours post-Gettysburg Address
Homestead Act: start of transcontinental railroad in 1863 under Lincoln's presidency --funding for this railroad --> keep western states happy Limits of Wartime Dissent by executive orders - critics of war effort/ gov't arrested, suspend habeas corpus - right of freedom of speech to criticize the government (civil liberties suspended if conflict with war effort) --other times this happened: John Adams and Alien and Sedition Acts, and FDR and Japanese Internment camps --increase tariffs --new paper currency: "greenbacks" (issued by federal gov't and fed chartered banks, the kind of money we have today (helps to keep the economy going, cheaper to print paper money than to coin gold and silver coins)
Connecticut
In 1662 the colony of Connecticut was formed by the combination of Hartford and New Haven. Both Hartford and New Haven were created because of religious disputes in Massachusetts. Connecticut, like other colonies, had frequent battles with local Native American tribes. Connecticut's battles with Native Americans made lands further inland available to be colonized by Europeans, but caused further loss of Native American lives. The Fundamental Orders describe the government set up by Connecticut towns, setting its structure and powers. They wanted the government to have access to the open ocean for trading, and to allow more men to vote and hold office. The Orders have the features of a written constitution with separate branches of government and are considered by some as the precursor to the US Constitution.
Stamp Act (1765)
In 1765, the British Parliament passed an act called the Stamp Act in order to help finance the British empire's operations. Parliament attempted to raise money from direct taxes rather than through the regulation of trade by requiring that all sorts of printed materials produced in the colonies carry a stamp purchased from authorities. This meant that the Stamp Act was an internal tax and thus affected everyone, in particular those who were in the public sphere. The opposition to the Stamp Act argued that by imposing the tax without colonial consent, Parliament directly challenged the authority of local American elites. The opposition to the Stamp Act became one of the first unifying moments in American history, as the Stamp Act was the first great drama and first major split between the colonists and Great Britain. The Stamp Act led to the Stamp Act Congress in which twenty seven delegates decided to boycott British goods until Parliament repealed the acts. The significance of the Stamp Act though is that it was the first time the colonies had banded together against the British and thus was the beginning of the unification of the people in America.
Boston Massacre
In 1770, British troops were stationed in Boston, and many of these soldiers sought work in the city, such as one soldier who went to Boston's waterfront for a job where he was insulted by the employees there. They then planned to meet that night to settle their dispute. That night at the confrontation, a group of Bostonians came armed with only rocks and snowballs, while the group of soldiers came armed with guns. One soldier believed that he heard "Fire", so he began to shoot, causing the other soldiers to fire at the crowd also. In the end, five Bostonians were dead (including Crispus Attucks, who was a man of Native American and African descent and considered the first martyr of the revolution), but only one soldier and the commanding officer were accused of manslaughter while the others were acquitted by one Boston's best lawyers, John Adams. The Boston Massacre encouraged the repeal of the Townshend Duties and the withdrawal of British troops from Boston which began the uneasy intermission of calm between revolutionaries and the British in the early 1770's.
Motives, Developments that lead to Era of Exploration
In Europe during the early 15th century, the Renaissance, Reformation, Crusades, technological advances, and support from monarchs were all catalysts for the Era of Exploration. The During the Crusades, Europeans sought quicker routes to Asia, thus compelling them to test new waters. The Renaissance brought and academic rebirth and instilled in explorers and people alike new curiosities about lands and people unknown. The reformation offered a valid reason to justify people's curiosity in exploration as missionaries were sent out to proselytize, and refugees left their countries to practice a newer form of Christianity (i.e. Puritans and Pilgrims). Their exploration was made possible by the funds of monarchs and investors who sought fame and fortune and saw exploration as an opportunity to achieve this. In addition, exploration was made easier through technological advances such as the astrolabe, maps, lateen sails, and improved maps. The motives for exploration are often condensed into the phrase "God, Glory, and Gold". The motives for exploration are relevant in that they not only led to extensive exploration by Europeans, but millions of Native Americans were affected by this exploration. The dynamics of the world from economics to the way societies were structured were deeply affected by the Era of Exploration, and the world we live in today is a result of this Era.
Treaty of Paris (1783)
In September of 1783, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay negotiated with fellow British negotiators on the terms and conditions of the American colonies gaining independence. They negotiated and won the recognition of America as independent from Great Britain, and they also gained control of the region between Canada and Florida, east of the Mississippi River. The Americans even gained the right to fish in the Atlantic waters off of Canada. They also came to an agreement with Great Britain that those who had remained loyal to Britain would not face persecution from the Americans and that any land that had been seized would be returned to the rightful owner in the post-war time. The significance of this treaty is that it led to the first independent nation in the Western Hemisphere. This was the beginning of the American colonies becoming states, and eventually, the United States of America.
Spanish/Portuguese exploration
In the early 15th century, spurred by the development of new technologies, the need for new trade routes, and the urge to gain personal and national glory, the Spanish and Portuguese began extensive exploration. Prince Henry the navigator was a major contributor to Portuguese exploration. In 1419 he started a school for navigation in order to stress the importance of nautical expertise. Christopher Columbus, an Italian sailing for Spain, was also a major contributor to early exploration. He was searching for an alternative route to India. On his four journeys stretching from 1492-1504, he stumbled upon central American islands. He died in the present day Dominican Republic, still believing he had found India. Vasco da Gama, sailing for Portugal, had a similar goal as Columbus, reaching India by sea; however, he actually achieved his goal, becoming the first European to reach India by sea. Finally, Ferdinand Magellan was also a notable Portuguese explorer, completing the first circumnavigation of the world in the early 16th century. These Spanish and Portuguese explorers opened an entire new world for exploration, conquest, and colonization.
John Rolfe/Pocahontas
In the early years of Virginia, John Smith was in danger of execution by Powhatan. Powhatan's daughter, Pocahontas, saved him. In 1613, she was taken captive by the colonial people and married John Rolfe, a tobacco farmer, in 1614. It is possible that this marriage was an alliance between the Algonquian Indians and the settlers, but there is no solid proof. Pocahontas had converted to Christianity and was considered a successful result of missionaries.
Oregon Question, 54-40 or Fight
In the election of 1844, James K. Polk's campaign slogan was 54-40 or fight. At the time, Mexico owned the territory of Oregon and Polk promised that if he was elected he would acquire the land up to the 54-40 line for America, or he would initiate the Mexican War. Mexico and the United States, along with Russia and Great Britain were vying for the Oregon territory above the Adams-Onis Line. Once elected president, Polk evidently got neither the land up to the 54-40 or a fight. In 1846, he settled for the 49th parallel and American settlers began traveling to the territory. The same year the the Mexican-American War began, ending in 1848 with the surrender of Mexico. The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo was signed and the United States still had control of the Oregon territory.
Winter of Valley Forge
In the first years of the Revolutionary war, from 1776 to 1778, the Americans were getting beaten strategically and militarily by the British. The British managed to seize, occupy, and attack the city of Philadelphia, forcing Washington and his troops to stay miles away at Valley Forge for the entire Winter of 1777. Conditions here were less than ideal as Americans suffered terrible deprivations such as disease, hunger, and exposure as they were faced with severe shortages of clothing, food, and adequate shelter. However, while morale plummeted and over 2,500 American soldiers died, the suffering troops were held together, improved, and united by the loyalty to the Patriotic cause and to general Washington.
Crittenden Compromise
In the winter of 1860, still under President Buchanan, the Kentucky Senator, John J. Crittenden presented a plan to amend the constitution in order to resolve the issue of slavery. By making the plan a series of constitutional amendments, supporters hoped to end the issue once and for all. The plan attempted to extend the 36 30 line of the Missouri Compromise all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Any state north of the line would forbid slavery and any state south of the line would be guaranteed slavery. For territories that were not yet states, the line would still apply once they became a state. The plan also provided protection from or compensation for fugitive slaves. Lincoln strongly disagreed with the plan because he was against any expansion of slavery. Ultimately, the plan was not passed, although it did have a large amount of support in the senate. It was generally decided that it did too little, too late and by Lincoln's inauguration in March, seven states had seceded.
How did the British respond to the Boston Tea Party?
Intolerable Acts, 1774; Lord North (Brit PM) must now demostrate Brit authority, whip the naughty children
Which tribes sided with the British and which with the Americans?
Iroquois - Brit Oneida - American Many southern tribes - loyal to the crown
Native Americans Post Rev War
Iroquois forced into reservations/Canada - no longer a threat -General "Mad" Anthony Wayne (mwah) --> Battle of Fallen Timbers 1794 (Wayne destroys natives, forest, marches past Brit fort and builds American outpost) --Tecumseh fought Gen Wayne --lost, Treaty of Greenville in 1795, natives gained money not land --Brits then abandoned forts in old Northwest --opened lands of NW territory to white settlement
Jamestown/ "Colony on the Edge of Ruin"
Jamestown was a colony founded in Virginia by the young business men searching for opportunities for economic gain. It was colonized in the early 17th century. While most men could have sustained themselves by farming corn, the large majority opted to grow tobacco because of its exponentially larger value when sold. Because there was a focus on tobacco being farmed, resources like land and food began to lessen, compelling the Puritans to push for more land onto Indian territory. This combination of factors led to the colony's decline, and the death of almost all of the colonists in Jamestown. Because it was one of the first major colonies, Jamestown's decline was a working example of what would cause a colony to fail rather than succeed.
Election of 1800
John Adams (running for reelection) - Fed vs. Jefferson, Burr Demo-Repubs --tie with Burr and TJ --> goes to House of Reps to decide; Hamilton sides with Jefferson, deciding factor in TJ's win --TJ becomes 3rd president, Demo-Repubs control Congress --12th amendment added to Constitution, saying Pres and VP should run together on same ticket (before runner-up was VP)
Who was the lawyer who defended the Brit troops of the Boston Massacre?
John Adams - main prosecutor in Boston, defends the soldiers honestly; Rich American, fearful of poor working people; So really wanted to defend the soldiers; 7/8 soldiers acquitted, 1 accused of manslaughter, commander accused of manslaughter
Midnight Judges and Marbury vs. Madison
John Adams filling all the positions w he can up to his last night as President (because the other party will soon control the executive branch); William Marbury, one of the judges appointed by JA last minute; his papers need to be delivered by Sec of State (already signed by JA before he left office); James Madison --> TJ's sec of State, is ordered not to deliver Marbury's papers to Supreme Court to prevent more Federalist jugdes from being in the Court --Marbury sues Madison; Marshall (Supreme Justice in Court) told by TJ that is the case does not turn out the way he wants, then he as president will ignore the Supreme Court's decision (checks and balances jeopardized, Marshall has to be smart in order to prevent a democratic crisis in gov't) --Marshall's ruling: Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional (it had said that courts have the right to order executive officials to deliver judges' commissions); this went beyond this branch's power (b/c it was more than Congress's), so was void); Jefferson got his way, but this declaration of an act being unconstitutional and therefore void established the power of the Judicial Branch to judge laws based on the Constitution
John Brown and John Brown's Raid
John Brown was a radical anti-slavery figure during the mid 1800s. He believed that God told him to end slavery using whatever tactics necessary. After the attack on the anti-slavery town of Lawrence during Bleeding Kansas John Brown traveled to a nearby pro-slavery town, Pottawatomie Creek, where he and his followers raided 5 families houses at night, killing the men by dismemberment. After this massacre John Brown fled to Canada where he stayed until returning in 1859 for the Raid of Harper's Ferry. Brown had envisioned leading his group of 21 up and down the river freeing slaves, however he was not a skilled military leader and was quickly stopped by General Robert E. Lee's forces. Brown was tried and for treason, in which he was found guilty and hanged. John Brown became a figure that clearly showed the divide between the North and the South. Those in the North commended him for his anti-slavery accomplishment, while those in the South condemned him for his inhumane tactics.
John Winthrop
John Winthrop was the first governor of the Puritans' Massachusetts Bay Colony starting in 1628. Before reaching the New World, he developed the Puritan Covenant with God and the subsequent idea of creating a City on a Hill. Integrating these tenants into society, Winthrop held a relatively secure grip on the colony. He did not tolerate people such as Anne Hutchinson who threatened his power. In the end, Winthrop's rigid Puritan governance made church membership less attractive to future generations, and despite salvation attempts such as the Halfway Covenant, the reign of Puritanism never returned to its original 1628 strength. Nevertheless, as a driven leader, Winthrop was a notable figure in establishing a self-reliant colony that ultimately became an influential figure in America's history.
Jonathan Edwards/Sinners in the Hands
Jonathan Edwards was a Congregationalist preacher during the Great Awakening (1730s-1740s). He, Theodore Frelinghuysen, and Presbyterians William and Gilbert Tennent started preaching very emotionally. Edwards's most famous speech was called "Sinners in the Hands of and Angry God". In this sermon, he compared sinful humans to bugs that were about to be tossed into the never-ending fire of hell. His sermon made the listeners fearful that they would be going to hell, so they cried how questions like, "How can I be saved?" as he spoke. He explained that only by asking the Lord for forgiveness could one be saved. Edwards and his role in the Great Awakening demonstrated the increasing amount of ideas that opposed those of Puritanism.
Declaration of Independence
July 1776: there was a divide to declare war; Last minute move right before vote - let us define our independence before we vote on it ---> then Declaration of Independence (Effort to get other delegates to actually pass this) --Did not made the colonies independent - they still have to fight for it (intended to gain international support and to put in writing grievances against the crown - they need international support --> No way we win without money and armies and navies from France, Dutch, Spain --Considered treasonous until independence won --Almost not passed because of slavery issue (TJ condemned slave trade, blamed crown, but cut out at insistence of GA and SC) --Defining principles: national sovereignty, human equality, natural rights, government by consent of governed, right of revolution, from property to "happiness"; People have authority "to alter or to abolish" gov't if they so please
What were the two land ordinances passed by AOC?
Land Ordinance of 1785 Northwest Ordinance of 1787
What was the Federalist Era?
Led by Washington and Hamilton, the first administration under the Constitution overcame various difficulties, firmly established the political and economic foundations of new federal government; first Congress under Constitution (led by Madison) contributed to the new republic - added The Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments to Con, protected against absolutism); between 1789 and 1820, conflict over the increasing power of the national gov't created intensified, sectional tension
Lord Cornwallis and Yorktown
Lord Charles Cornwallis was a British commander in the South during the American Revolutionary War. In March 1781, Nathaniel Greene, an American general, surrounded Cornwallis in Yorktown, Virginia, located on a peninsula in Chesapeake Bay. Cornwallis called to General Howe in New York for help, but George Washington and his troops blocked them. Cornwallis then called to the British navy for help from the sea, but a French fleet controlled the mouth of the Chesapeake, preventing the Brits to reach Cornwallis. In October of 1781, Cornwallis finally surrendered his army, loosing Britain's southern strategy. His surrender also made the British realize that the war was going to take much more effort and money than planned, which ultimately led to their loss of morale, as well as their control over the colonies.
Educational Reform
MA on forefront of public education program, 1st state to establish tax support for local public schools --by 1860 every state offered free public education to whites --US had one of highest literacy rates --Horace Mann - Father of American Education, believed children were clay in the hands of their teachers and school officials, discouraged corporal punishment, established state teacher training programs (which encouraged a new job opportunity for women -teaching), bring together fractured socio-economic society by bring togther children of all economic backgrounds in a common learning experience -- 3 R's , reading 'riting 'rithmetic --Emma Willard - created NY female seminary (college for women, not called uni because it scared the patriarchy), train female teachers --Mary Lyons --> in Mt. Holyoke in MA established first official college for women in 1837
Civil War (1861-62)
Major Battle: First & Second Bull Run (61 & 62, VA, Robert E. Lee wins both, bolsters up Southerners, both sides see that the war will not be quick or easy); --Antietam (Sept. 62, in MD, bloodiest battle in American history (6300 men died from one day battle, 18000 wounded, 2000 died later), in MD, Lee decided to go on offense, invades the north and hopes get border states to join the confederacy (also he wants to gain international support from Britain and France, capture DC, influence elections in Congress), Union wins decisive battle, but George B. McClellan (union leader) allow Lee to retreat (so strategic victory for South, inflict a lot of damage and retreat) In the West (TN and MS) --Ulysses S. Grant leading Union (win in Fort Henry and Donelson in TN --Naval forces under Admorial David G. Farragut (Union), occupy New Orleans (largest city in South) --surprise attack on Grant in Battle of Shiloh (withstand it) After these Union victories, union momentum in West stalls
Marquis de LaFayette
Marquis de Lafayette was a young French general who traveled to America in order to help the Americans win the Revolutionary War. He helped to recruit and train troops, giving the Patriot army a new breath of life and a boost in moral. In the Battle of Yorktown, Marquis de Lafayette aided Washington's troops stop Howe's army from joining Cornwallis, thus securing a victory.
Maryland
Maryland was a colony founded by the British in 1632 in the Chesapeake area near Virginia that had a large tobacco profit. All land and power was given to Cecilius Calvert, who wanted to make Maryland a feudal colony but restricted by British laws. He gave most of the power positions were given to Catholics, but the majority of the people were Protestant, which, tied with the expansion of tobacco farming and the feudal government, caused a war in Maryland. The Protestants began rebelling against the laws enforced on them by the powerful Catholics and set up an assembly resembling the House of Commons. In 1649, to ease the tensions, the Act Concerning Religion was created based on a toleration of all sects of Christianity and a guarantee of "free exercise" of any Christian religion, but it did not extend to Jews or other religions.
Panic of 1819 and McCulloch v. Maryland
McCulloch v. Maryland was another of John Marshall's well-known Supreme Court cases involving the tax laws directly after the Panic of 1819. During the Panic, which lasted for 3 years, European demand for American agricultural products officially settled causing an economic outburst. With this, the demand for western land decreased and speculators lost millions. The Bank of the United States (and then state banks) began to ask for loan repayments forcing farmers and businessmen to declare bankruptcy; as an effect, unemployment reached a new high. This event caused political upset and increased Americans distrust in banks, especially the national bank. Because of this, several angered states began to tax the national bank's local branches, which then led to the Supreme Court case. Maryland argued that the Constitution did not give the federal government authority to pass certain laws that had been allowed in the recent years ("constructionist" view), including the charter of the new national bank, and they also said that states had the right to tax back. But, Marshall claimed that if the taxes were for the "general welfare" of the nation (as said in the Proper Clause of Article I, Section 8), then they were legitimate and therefore constitutional; also, he declared that a state lacks the ability or power to destroy a corporation made by the national government because federal law overpowers state law. This case is important because it is another example of an increase in federal government power compared to the states. --Panic of 1819: example of a boom/bust economic occurrence
Mercantilism
Mercantilism is an economic theory saying that the government should have control over economic activity in order to elevate the nation's success and power. It was a system that depended on more money (gold/silver) coming into the country than leaving it. England adopted this system with the colonies, and, consequently, they saw the colonies as a raw market and a place to export their goods. They even began to make colonies use English ships and ports to trade with other nations. Thus, England ensured that it was always making more money than it was spending.
Nathaniel Greene
Nathaniel Greene was a major general for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. In 1780, Greene was appointed to command the southern faction of the Continental Army and he successfully trapped Cornwallis and limited the British control of the coastal areas. After Greene trapped Cornwallis, the American army went on to win the war in 1781. Greene's war efforts expedited the American victory because he showed the British that the Americans were not going to stop putting up a strong fight. Eventually, this led the British to surrender.
What were the two political parties under Jackson's presidency?
National Republicans (Federalists) and Democrats (Jeffersonian Demo-Repubs); in general both parties shifted towards the right more
What did Americans feel entitled to after winning the war?
Native Americans' land --> TJ supported this too; they were victorious, they deserve this land irony - white Americans now free, they then devastate the tribes of America and take away their freedom --American Independence = "greatest blow that could have been dealt" to the Indians; now balance of power was shifted to Americans w/ Treaty of Paris
New France/Samuel Champlain
New France was the French colonies in continental North America. The French Navigator, Jacques Cartier, took possession of New France in 1534 for King Francis I. At first, New France included the shores of St. Laurence River, Newfoundland, and Acadia, and it later expanded to the Great Lakes and trans-Appalachian west. Samuel Champlain was a French explorer acknowledged for his establishing and governing the settlement of Quebec in New France in 1608. He is also recognized for mapping the Atlantic Coast and Great Lakes as well as taking an administrative role as the governor of Quebec in 1620.
Which state nearly gave women the right to vote?
New Jersey - 1776 constitution, right to vote to all "inhabitants", changed in 1807 to include "male" and "white"
New Netherlands (include Henry Hudson, Patroons)
New Netherlands, later named New York by the British, was founded by the Dutch West India Company in 1621 as a part of the Middle Colonies. Henry Hudson was an English sea explorer who sailed up the Hudson River and discovered the Hudson Strait and the Hudson Bay (later named for him), and thereby laid the foundation for the Dutch colonization of the area. The Dutch government offered patroons which granted land and privileges to certain people. The colony was controlled by the Dutch until the English later captured the land around 1664 and it fell under the control of the Duke of York and the King of England.
Were the federalists of the 1780s and the 1790s the same?
No - 1780s - federalists supported Constitution, went againt AOC; 1790s- political party that supported Hamilton financial plan and GW presidency -Ex: Jefferson supported Constitution in 1780s (federalist); but was Demo-Repub in 90s
Gettysburg Address
Nov 1863 less than 3 minutes, less than 300 words, talks about the "nation", no polarizing language about Union vs Confederacy, reunificaiton and healing, all men are created equal, the nation's mission, democracy --the deaths of the Union soldiers on the "hallowed ground" of Gettysburg should not be in vain --> America will not perish, it is by the people for the people of the people
Caning of Charles Sumner
On May 22, 1856, in the U.S. Congress, Representative Preston Brooks (Democrat from S.C.) attacked Senator Charles Sumner (Republican from Mass.), an abolitionist, with a walking cane in retaliation for a speech given by Sumner two days earlier (called the "Crimes Against Kansas" in reaction to the Kansas-Nebraska Act) in which he fiercely attacked slaveholders including a relative of Brooks. The beating nearly killed Sumner and it drew a sharply polarized response from the American public on the subject of the expansion of slavery in the United States. Southerners cheered Brooks, and Northerners were abhorred by the violence. Though it did not happen in Kansas, it is considered part of the "Bleeding Kansas" episode, which included several violent events following the suspicious election whereby Kansas voted to enter the union as a slave state. It has been considered symbolic of the "breakdown of reasoned discourse" and irreconcilable sectionalism that eventually led to the Civil War.
What did happened immediately after the repeal of the Stamp Act?
Parliament passed the Declaratory Act - declares they have the right to tax the colonies (the Stamp act was repealed b/c of colonists' argument that brits had no right to tax them) --1766
Force Bill
Passed by Congress at the urging of President Andrew Jackson, the Force Bill consisted of eight sections expanding presidential power and was designed to compel the state of South Carolina's compliance with a series of federal tariffs, opposed by John C. Calhoun and other leading South Carolinians. Among other things, the legislation stipulated that the president could, if he deemed it necessary, deploy the U.S. Army to force South Carolina to comply with the law (1833)
Townshend Act (1767)
Prime Minister Townshend (also known as "Champagne Charlie", alcoholic) levied new tax in 1767 on certain imports, such as tea, paint, glass, paper and lead. He hoped the act would cause less reaction, but the colonists realized the act affected a large amount of people. The colonists began to boycott British goods (again), started creating American-made goods (as symbol of resistance), and reawakened popular protest. The Townshend Act lasted until 1770, when the Boston Massacre left the British with angry, rebellious citizens. This event is important as it was one of the last internal taxes that invoked widespread American rebellion against the British.
End of Federalist Era
Revolution of 1800 --> usher in Jefferson and decline of Feds --Hamilton killed in duel by Aaron Burr (TJ's vice pres) --Jeffersonian Era led to War of 1812 with British --when Jeff in office, changed from idealist to pragmatist when sees the need for a strong fed gov't (so Fed gov't expands under his presidency)
State of Society in the South
Rioting (like in the North) --> food riots, desertion, Southern Unionists believed in preserving the Union (romantic idea of heroism and honor gone --> all food going to soldiers, people fed up and hungry)
Owenites
Robert Owen - utopian socialist, disliked degradation and treatment of workers in industrial revolution, so created model factory village in New Lanark, Scotland (rules of work discipline and comfortable housing, free pulic education) --by 1815, largest cotton manufacturer in the world --promoted communitarianism to ensure workers had rights --then purchased Harmony community in Indiana --> established New Harmony --children removed from household at early age to be education at schools in order to submit to community's common good --Owen promised women would not be enslaved by their husbands in New Harmony --only survived a few years, not very harmonious --but Owen's ideas influenced labor movement, educational reforms, and women's rights
How did the Second Great Awakening influence social reform in antebellum America?
SGA - individualism, redefining spirituality, radical ideas, democratization of religion, encourage personal relationship with God --> people began to think for themselves
Sam Adams and Sons of Liberty
Samuel Adams was a strong opponent of British taxation. Born in 1722 in Boston, Adams is best known for organizing colonial resistance to British policies in Massachusetts, including protests to the Stamp Act and the Boston Tea Party. Adams also played a vital role in the organization of the Sons of Liberty and Committee of Correspondence in Boston. The Sons of Liberty was an organization formed in the American colonies in the summer of 1765 to oppose the creation of the Stamp Act and Navigation Act. They encouraged colonial resistance through the use of petitions, assemblies, and propaganda, and they occasionally resorted to violence against officials of the crown. The Sons of Liberty proved to be imperative in the prevention of the enforcement of the Stamp Act, and they continued to be an active pre-Revolutionary force until 1783 at the conclusion of the war.
Saratoga
Saratoga was the first American victory in an actual battle. It occurred due to poor communication between two British generals. The British surrender at Saratoga strengthened the American moral. This victory, although not decisive in it of itself was the needed victory for France to intervene. Following this battle, in 1778, Benjamin Franklin signed a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with France in which France agreed to aid the United States by providing military existence. France's role was vital in America's ultimate victory. --in NY
Women's Issues
Separate Spheres Concept - woman's sphere was in the home (refuge from cruel world); civilize the husband - OK to deal with things outside of home as long as they dealt with family and morality (spur growth in women's education and women's involvement in other reforms) - women fighting to get more property and marriage rights - still many people oppose even this limited idea of freedom for women Issues of early 19th century - unable to vote, legal status of a minor, single could own property, married no control over property or children, could not initiate divorce, couldn't make wills, sign a contract, or bring a suit in court without her husband's permission (many of these laws differ state by state) - Law of Coverture - women had rights, but only thru the men in their lives (Fathers, brothers, husbands)
End of the War
Sherman's March to the Sea: starts in Nashville by Union (why? occupied city, not destroyed by battles), go down "I-75", thru Chattanooga, burn Atlanta, burn parts of Savannah, burn Charleston, ended in NC --Lincoln wins reelection in 64 in a landslide, another thorn in the South's side --Union occupies Richmond --Congress passed 13th amendment in Jan of 65 (13th amendment is assurance of abolition of slavery b/c Emancipation was been an executive order during wartime, so may not have carried thru beyond the war) --Lee surrenders to Grant at Appomattox Courthouse on April 9th 1865
What forced the British to withdraw their forces from Boston?
Siege and Battle of Bunker Hill (Breed's Hill); Brits took out militiamen from this hill, but cost them heavy casualties; once cannon was brought in by Americans, Brits withdrew, leader (Sir William Howe) abandoned city, tore down liberty tree as they went --Bunker Hill June 1775
Lost Colony/Sir Walter Raleigh
Sir Walter Raleigh, an European man, self-funded an exploration to the new world in order to establish a colony. In the late 16th century he established his colony on an island near the coast of North Carolina. This colony now known as "The Lost Colony" or Roanoke was the first English colony, and home to the first American born English child, Virginia Dare. Sir Walter Raleigh journey back to England and a few year later he returned to find that the colony was gone. Nothing remained except the name "Croatoan" etched on a tree. Croatoan was the name of a nearby Native American tribe. The disappearance most likely happened because of a variety of attacks and natural phenomenon. Although the first colony was ultimately a failure it was the first English colony in America and set the stage for the rest of colonies to come.
Stephen A. Douglas and Popular Sovereignty
Stephen A. Douglas (1813-1861), an Illinois Senator, is most well-known for his ideas about popular sovereignty, which was a supposed solution to the Kansas-Nebraska crisis. Douglas believed that in order to build a transcontinental railroad, which would run through Kansas and Nebraska, these territories had to become states and have organized governments so that western expansion (railroads, etc.) could be successful. He introduced the idea of popular sovereignty in a bill in 1854 as a way to appease the sectional conflicts arising from the slavery debate over these territories. Douglas hoped that popular sovereignty, which argued that local voters should be the ones to determine whether or not the state would allow slavery, would unite the Democratic Party around their core belief of states' rights trumping the federal rights of Congress, who usually decided if a new state was pro- or anti-slavery. This idea would, Douglas believed, would also pacify the increasingly divisive North-South debates and conflicts over the balance of slave and free states. In addition, popular sovereignty contradicted the Missouri Compromise of 1850, as both Kansas and Nebraska were states above the Compromise's line, which meant that they both should have been free states under this act. However, Douglas's proposal of popular sovereignty, while made with good intentions of preventing more sectional violence, led to the corrupt elections in Kansas where pro-slavery Missourians (also known as border ruffians) intimidated voters and illegally voted in order to allow slavery in this state. This directly led to the violent actions and civil war known as Bleeding Kansas (1854-55), by the end of which 200 people had been killed due to the debate over slavery.
Stono Rebellion
Stono Rebellion was a slave rebellion in September 1739, in Stono, South Carolina. The slaves captured a store that contained weapons. By beating drums, they collected more followers and began marching to Florida, killing whites and burning buildings along the way. They were going to Florida because Spain promised "Liberty and Protection" to slaves from the British colonies. Their numbers rose to about one hundred slaves, but they were put down during a battle with the South Carolina militia. This led to a stricter code of slavery in South Carolina.
Phase II
Stretching from in the early and middle years of the war, from 1776-1780s, the middle phase of the revolutionary war was a low point for the Colonies. In 1776, General Washington lost Fort Washington and Fort Lee to the British army. The first major revolutionary win came at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 when Washington forced British troops to surrender, thus preventing New England from being isolated from the rest of the colonies. The British surrender at Saratoga was integral to boosting morale, saving New England from isolation from the rest of the colonies, and most importantly, convincing the French and Spanish to support the colonial war effort. At the same time, General Howe of Great Britain moved from New York to Philadelphia. Washington met Howe, but lost the city, and was forced to move his troops to Valley Forge to suffer through a long winter. Because the British held the city of Philadelphia, colonial troops had to face the cold winter. Many troops died during their time at Valley Forge. With the spring came the finalized alliance with France which brought hope and power to colonial efforts.
What were the main social reforms in antebellum America?
Temperance, Asylum and Prison reform, abolition, women's rights, and education
Elections of 1852 and 1856
The 1852 presidential election consisted of a whig, General Winfield Scott, a free soiler, John Parker Hale, and a democrat, Franklin Pierce, the latter being the victor. It was during this campaign that the Know-Nothing party began to develop. However, Pierce was an overall weak president due to the way he avoided controversial decisions. For example, when tasked with deciding if Kansas and Nebraska should be admitted into the US as slave or free states, he chose Douglas's idea of popular sovereignty or simply letting the population vote. The election was obviously rigged, but he still let the south overrule and add them as slave states. This infuriated many northerners, and many northern democrats left their party to combine with former Whigs, Know-Nothings, and free soilers to create the Republican Party. The 1856 election brought democrat James Buchanan into office, another notoriously weak president as seen during his decisions in the Dred Scott case. The Democrats split after Buchanan into Northern Democrats and Southern Democrats, paving the way for Abraham Lincoln in 1860.
Aztecs/Incans
The Aztec and Incan Empires were the two most powerful civilizations in the Americas at the time of European conquest in the late fifteenth to early sixteenth centuries. The Aztecs, located in modern-day Mexico, constructed a powerful and extensive empire surrounding their capital city, Tenochtitlan. In 1519, the Aztecs and their leader, Montezuma, were defeated by Fernando Cortez, a Spanish conquistador. The Incans, led by Atahualpa, were similarly powerful, located in modern-day Peru and equipped with complex road and irrigation systems, but in 1531, they were defeated by another Spanish conquistador, Francisco Pizarro. The downfalls of both of these powerful empires are just an example of many detrimental effects that European conquest had upon the inhabitants of the New World.
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights are the first ten amendments added to the constitution. They were written by James Madison to provide greater protection for individual liberties. The Bill of Rights provides this protection by placing limits on government power. For the amendments to pass, they had to make it through both the House of Representatives and the Senate as well as be ratified by the government of each state. As a country founded on enlightenment ideas, the natural rights of man were important to protect. Today, Americans pride themselves on the freedoms they receive in this country, many of which were first established by the Bill of Rights.
Boston Tea Party (1773)
The Boston Tea Party was the American response to the Tea Acts in Boston in 1773. With the Tea Acts, the British government offered for the East India Company to be exempted from taxes, allowing them to put out low-priced tea into the American market. As a result, this would eliminate their competition and give them a monopoly on tea, allowing them to then raise their prices. Because the colonists believed that by paying for the tea they would encourage Britain's right to tax the colonies, they acted out against the British. A group of colonists disguised as Indians boarded three ships in Boston Harbor and threw more than four million dollars' worth of tea into the water. This event was important because of the British response to the event. Britain responded by closing the Boston Harbor and placing the Intolerable Acts on the colonists, imposing martial law on Boston. The Boston Tea Party further widened the divide between Britain and the colonies, helping push towards the impending revolution.
Carolinas
The Carolinas, named in honor of King Charles IX of France, were founded in 1663. Following their establishment, they quickly became part of the tobacco, rice, indigo and lumber industries. The Carolinas were given a royal grant for proprietors and the colony to make money but, the Carolinas were not royal colonies because the crown did not fully invest in them. The Carolinas eventually split due to businessmen cashing out and arguments among them.
Coercive Acts/Intolerable Acts
The Coercive/Intolerable Acts were a series of laws and acts passed in 1774 by the British Parliament on the colonists in the city of Boston, Massachusetts as a response to the Boston Tea Party. Parliament closed all ports and trade in Boston until the money from the Tea Party had been repaid to the East India Company. The Charter of 1691 was also vastly changed as now they forbade colonists from assembling in town meetings and gave the Governor the authority to appoint previously elected members of the city council. It also gave soldiers and commanders the right to lodge in the private homes of the colonists. These many laws, in addition to the Quebec Act, angered many colonists who resented this British authority. The "boston cause" became a concern for citizens of all of the colonies, and it led to the first real organized movement of rebellion against Britain. They established a continental congress, and began to boycott British goods. It was a true beginning to the revolution.
Columbian Exchange
The Columbian Exchange was the trading of foods, animals, and diseases when Christopher Columbus came to the Americas in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. The European explorers who accompanied Columbus brought foods such as coffee beans, rice, and sugarcane, which would later become staples of the American diet, diseases, such as the flu and smallpox, and animals like the horse and the pig to the Native Americans. The Europeans who had been to America and then journeyed back to Europe brought items such as peanuts, tomatoes, potatoes, and maize with them. And the Europeans also supplied the Africans with trinkets, liquor, and guns at this time. The Columbian Exchange exposed people around the world to new cuisines, animals that were beneficially used for food or transportation, and diseases which were evidently detrimental to regions that had not built up a resistance to them. This exchange was also a huge step in making the modern world culturally integrated.
9. Compromise of 1850; Fugitive Slave Law 1850
The Compromise of 1850 was devised by Senator Henry Clay in 1850 as an effort to prolong the avoidance of the slavery issue. California was admitted as a free state, Texas as a slave state, but the New Mexico and Utah territories slave states were to be determined by popular sovereignty. Hoping to appease both Southern and Northern States, a much stricter ruling regarding runaway slaves was implemented in 1850 named the "Fugitive Slave Law." A rather hypocritical act for the Southern states, this law gave federal authorities the right to intrude on state affairs to return runaway slaves. While Senator Clay sought a compromise that would pacify sectional tension, both the Southern and the Northern states grew considerable opposition at the advancements of the other side, contributing to the list of events leading to the Civil War.
Constitutional Convention issues
The Constitutional Convention was an event held in Philadelphia in 1787 in which colonial elites such as Washington, Madison, and Hamilton discussed three major issues. The convention debated the points of big vs. small states, North vs. South, and central government power vs. state power. Big states believed that they should have more representation in congress than smaller states as they are larger and thus have a greater population, while smaller states believed they should have equal representation. They decided to compromise, having a bicameral congress with both a house with equal representation and a house with representation based on population and size. In the issue of the North vs. South, they discussed the South's reliance on slaves and if they should count in representation. They decided that 3/5 of the slave population could count in representation and the electoral college and the federal government should have control over foreign and interstate trade. Lastly, the convention discussed how much power the federal and state governments should have. They chose to have a Bill of Rights in return for ratification to protect individual rights and abuses of power. These issues are important because they fixed major problems in the Articles of Confederation and is the basis of the American political system. --VA plan (Madison) - 2 houses, rep determined by population in both houses (One house is directly elected by voters, other is elected by the other house (nominated by state gov'ts)) --NJ plan (more like AOC) (Unicameral, every state will have one vote)
Gaspée Affair or incident (1772)
The Gaspee Affair was an attack on the British ship HMS Gaspee that occurred in Rhode Island in 1772. A local ship coming from Newport tricked Lieutenant William Duddington, the captain of the HMS Gaspee, into following it and eventually becoming grounded at what is now referred to as Gaspee Point. John Brown led a group affiliated with the Sons of Liberty to the grounded ship from Providence, and proceeded to attack, loot, and burn the ship and capture its crew. Because local courts tended to oppose the Royal Navy, no arrests were made. This infuriated Parliament. This is one of the first examples of acts of violence by Americans on the British that factored into the outbreak of the revolutionary war.
Half-Way Covenant
The Half-Way Covenant was created in 1662 within the churches of New England. The Covenant states that partial membership into the church was given to children of first generation church members. Partial membership entailed being able to be baptized as an infant but not be admitted to the Lord's Table until having given the profession of their faith. Church officials saw a decline in religious interest and attendance in services and, consequently, the rule was put into place in order to promote religious participation. Holy officials wanted everyone to be attending Church because it gave the Church a vacuum of power within the New England. Also, with regular attendees comes regular tithes, benefitting the church financially.
12. Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act was a law passed under the Franklin Pierce administration in 1854 that gave Kansas and Nebraska popular sovereignty (allowing the people to decide whether or not slavery should be allowed in their state). The act was drafted by senator Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois who wanted the transcontinental railroad's terminus in Chicago, and to appeal to the south, Douglas's proposal included the repealing of the Missouri Compromise exclusion of slavery and in place of it granting Kansas and Nebraska popular sovereignty. This bill proved to be highly unsuccessful as it led to Bleeding Kansas, splintering of the Whig Party, and dividing the Democratic Party along southern and northern lines. Many of the northern Democrats abandoned their party to join the Whigs and Know Nothings to form the new Republican Party.
Land Ordinance, Northwest Ordinance
The Land Ordinance of 1785 was created to regulate land sales in the region north of the Ohio River, also known as the Old Northwest. The land sold created grids and could be purchased in sections from the government. The ordinance was also used to set aside money to establish public education. While all efforts were made with pure intentions, settlers violated rules and pushed settlements westward before land could be surveyed and sold. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 established land for five states north of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi River. The ordinance allowed the land to be recognized as an equal part of the political system rather than being ruled over by the government. The ordinance helped create Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin and prohibited slavery in the Old Northwest. Although slavery was prohibited, landowners still brought slaves into the area and claimed the slaves agreed to work for long periods of time.
Rise of Lincoln; Lincoln-Douglas Debates
The Lincoln-Douglas debates were in July of 1858 between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. They were both running for the Illinois Senate, and these debates were essential in spreading Lincoln's name and ideas. On Lincoln's side of the debate, he argued for the complete abolition of slavery. On the other hand, Douglas argued for the idea of popular sovereignty. The idea of popular sovereignty was that the citizens within each state would vote on whether or not they wanted to be a slave or free state. This gave more power to small, local governments: an idea that Douglas was very much in favor of. With these ideas, Douglas portrayed Lincoln as a radical politician that would destroy the fundamentals of American democracy. Lincoln lost and Douglas was elected to the Senate. However, Lincoln's ideas that he brought to the debates circulated, and eventually aided him in winning the presidential election of 1860.
Mexican-American War
The Mexican-American War was the consequence of the dispute over Texas. President James K. Polk officially declared war against Mexico in 1846 following a conflict on Mexican soil. It was the first war fought primarily on foreign territory and many thought the war unjust due to the clear military superiority of the United States over Mexico. The war concluded with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in which Texas was officially annexed to the United States. In addition, the United States gained California and the south-western territory. This treaty made the United States significantly larger and further increased the idea of westward expansion and problems such as slavery arose with new territory.
North American tribes
The North American tribes consisted of over 300 indigenous groups in North America, most notably were the tribes of the 15th-18th centuries which include the Inuits in Alaska, the Haidas in the Northwestern Pacific Coast, the Pueblos and the Anasazis in the Southwest, the Hohokam in Arizona, the Hopewell in the Midwest, and the Woodland tribes in the Atlantic coast including the Iroquois. The North American tribes were a very advance peoples with technologies such as irrigation systems and mounds as well as political systems like the Iroquois League. Without the natives' help and knowledge, the settlers would have had a much harder time growing crops such as corn, tobacco, cotton, potatoes, etc. and a lot of their colonies would have failed without this knowledge shared by the natives. These crops also became integral parts of the Columbian Exchange and completely changed world trade and the Western economy and diet. But the Westerners affected the natives as well. Disease, murder, and the taking of land led to a gradual decline in strength of the Native tribes. While the number of Natives diminished, their influence grew and became permanently ingrained in Western Culture.
Pennsylvania/Quakers
The Pennsylvania Colony was founded in 1681 by William Penn, and is also known as The Holy Experiment. Penn inherited a charter after his father died from King Charles II of England, which gave him part of present-day Delaware and New Jersey from New York. While the Pennsylvania Colony was a Quaker community, Penn gave his colonists religious liberty, as well as cheap land. Even though Quakers are now viewed as extremely self-disciplined, they used to be fairly rebellious and faced violent persecution in American colonies and England. The Quakers were large moral reformers and directed all of their energies to combat social injustices, starting around the mid-1700s. Some basic Quaker beliefs are religious toleration and the Society of Friends, as well as members' reliance on "inner light" to communicate with God without a preacher. They also thought that many beliefs can lead to heaven, rather than just one denomination.
Pilgrims
The Pilgrims were similar to Puritans in many of their belief except that they wished to separate from the Church of England instead of purify it. After a twelve-year retreat in Holland, the Pilgrims were granted a charter to establish a colony in the New World. These individuals spent 66 days aboard the Mayflower, where prominent members of the community signed a document titled the Mayflower Compact. The Mayflower Compact became the governing document of the Pilgrim community and it explained that the government should submit to the will of the governed. Although they planned to land in Virginia, the Pilgrims reached the bay of Cape Cod in 1620. Plymouth Rock is presumably the location in which these settlers first set foot and the settlers named their colony after this landmark. Additionally, The Pilgrims are notorious for working with and celebrating the first thanksgiving with the Native-Americans. Finally, despite their early differences, the Pilgrims' colony merged with the Puritans' (the Massachusetts Bay Colony) in 1690. America's spirit, including its work-ethic, governing with the consent of the governed, the separation of church and state, and early focus on God, all originate from the Pilgrims' behavior and values in the seventeenth century.
Proclamation of 1763
The Proclamation of 1763 was a peace treaty between Britain and France following the French and Indian War. After winning the war and gaining control of the American East Coast, Britain (specifically King George III) agreed to limit colonial expansion to the Appalachian Mountains. This proclamation was less to protect the Native Americans' land than to settle border disputes. It greatly angered both colonial speculators and settlers who hoped to take advantage the western lands. This proclamation served as one of the first British jurisdictions that angered colonists from all thirteen colonies. Many settlers began to resent the British crown while others partook in rebellion by ignoring the proclamation all together. The response to the Proclamation of 1763 marks the beginning of widespread resentment of British reign.
Quebec Act (1774)
The Quebec Act was passed by the British Parliament in 1774 in hopes to stifle America's chance of winning the anticipated upcoming war for their freedom from Britain. Around the same time of the Intolerable Acts, the British Parliament declared French Catholics living in Canada the right to religious freedom. Britain used this as a tactic of supporting America's neighboring competitor and worrying the American protestants. Parliament knew the American Protestants would never ally with the Canadian Catholics, but the Americans would be forced to ultimately ally with the English Protestants in the issue of a crisis and prevent a war.
Republican Motherhood
The Republican Motherhood was an ideal throughout the American Revolution which established that women's most necessary role was to raise good, virtuous citizens. Most citizens, even women, at this time believed that it was their essential duty to train and educate their sons and daughters in order for them to grow up to be selfless, educated citizens. This ideal reinforced women, once again, as the secondary gender, whose main purpose was merely to raise honorable children. Of these children, the daughters were specifically brought up to retain the republican ideals and teach those ways to the next generation of women. This ideal was very much in line with the "Virtuous Republic" title that America was attempting to truly acquire at the time.
Salem Witch Trials
The Salem witch trials were a series of investigations and prosecutions in 1692 of accused "witches" in colonial Massachusetts. The trials started when two girls accused their servant, Tituba, and two other low-class women of bewitching them and working with the devil. Because they were outcasts and easy targets, it was not difficult for the people of Salem to believe they were involved. After Tituba confessed and claimed there more in the town, a mass hysteria ensued as people searched for other witches, putting everyone against each other. Many people accused others simply because they were afraid of being accused themselves. Because of the mass amount of people accused, a special court was put into place to handle the trials. While being tried in court, many were forced into a confession and were hanged. In the end, the trials resulted in the accusation of over 200 people and the death of 20 men and women. These events show how dangerous it can be when a community is taken over by mass hysteria.
Phase III
The Southern Campaign began in the 1780s at the time of British failure in the north during the American Revolutionary War. Britain looked to exploit the south searching for the southerners still loyal to the crown and southern agricultural products were in Britain's interest. However, the American victory at Cowpens, South Carolina and Guilford Court House, North Carolina became the turning point in the war. Following these victories, British general Cornwallis surrendered to Nathanael Greene as Washington and the Spanish and French navies had cut off Cornwallis's support. Cornwallis's surrender was the final push towards American victory that led Britain to withdraw troops and begin negotiating peace treaties in the form of the Treaty of Paris signed in 1783. Britain's shift in focus on the Southern Campaign allowed for American victories and an increase in morale that led to the American independence.
Stamp Act Congress
The Stamp Act Congress was a gathering of twenty-seven representatives from nine colonies in New York between the days of October 7 and 25, 1765. This meeting sought to concoct a unified protest against recent British taxes--particularly, the 1765 stamp act. Although they agreed that their "allegiance" was to the "Crown of Britain," they maintained that in order for a nation to retain their liberty, consent to taxation was critical. Soon after this meeting, merchants in the colonies refused to purchase any British goods until the Stamp Act was repealed by Parliament. This meeting was the first notable collaboration of the colonies, thus unifying and strengthening America.
Suffolk Resolves
The Suffolk Resolves of 1774 were written by the Committees of Correspondence from several counties in Massachusetts in opposition to the Massachusetts Government Act, which revoked many rights established in the Charter of 1691. This convention in Faneuil Hall in Boston encouraged Massachusetts counties to resist what they saw as authoritative oppression by closing their courts, boycotting, and forming a colonial government. These measures of resistance became known as the Suffolk Resolves, and were delivered by Paul Revere to the Continental Congress who officially adopted them. This was the first real indication of people in Massachusetts, and the colonies, coming together to fight for a common cause. It was one of many instances where colonists chose resistance over submission to the British government, leading ultimately to the American Revolution.
Sugar Act (1764)
The Sugar Act of 1764 was an act established in the colonies by the British monarchy. It was an external tax as opposed to an internal tax, meaning it was a tax that only affected the people within the industry as opposed to all citizens. It changed the protective tariff put on molasses being exported from England to the colonies, and also put harsher punishments on smugglers. However, this act did not make enough money to continue to be enforced, and the British did not have the ability to enforce it. The merchants and traders who it was affecting found ways to evade the tariff, and created a larger system of smuggling to avoid the tax. Two other restrictive acts were put in place following the Sugar Act, the Revenue Act, which put taxes on wool and hide shipping, and the Currency Act, which banned colonies from printing money. These acts and taxes were early catalysts to America's desire for economic independence from British, as well as examples of Britain's oppressive attempts to boost their own economy at the cost of the colonies.
Tea Act
The Tea Act of 1773 was Britain's attempt to fix the financial issues of the British East India Company. The goal of the British was to sell low-priced tea to the colonies in order to create a monopoly on tea, and therefore be able to repay investors in the British East India Company. By sending low-priced tea to the colonies, the British government was able to undercut merchants and smugglers, which the colonists eventually discovered and rebelled against. $4,000,000 of tea was dumped by colonists into the Boston Harbor, and Britain's response to this was the Intolerable Acts. The Intolerable Acts were extremely harsh punishments put on the colonists for their involvement in the Boston Tea Party, and were strongly disliked in the colonies. This act and its after effects were primary reasons the colonies officially decided to declare independence from Britain.
Texas Revolution
The Texas Revolution, which spanned from 1835 to 1836, was a rebellion of US colonists and Mexicans living in Texas against the Mexican government. After Mexico gained independence from Spain, they sold and leased parts of the northern land of Texas to real estate agents (Empazarios) such as Sam Houston and Stephen Austin. These agents then sold the land to US citizens. In 1830, Texas leader Santa Anna realized that large amounts of US citizens living in Texas could lead to possible rebellion and ended immigration to the territory. Despite his efforts, the US population in Texas continued to grow through natural means, and Texans began to form their own identity. The revolution began in 1835 with leaders such as Davy Crockett and James Bowie. Battles like the Alamo, in which less than two hundred Texans held off 2,000 Mexican troops for over three weeks were later used as an inspirational call to arms in the Mexican-American War. The Texas revolution ended with the creation of 'The Lone Star Republic', although Texas was not recognized as a legitimate republic by Mexico.
Transatlantic Slave Trade
The Transatlantic Slave Trade was the process of capturing, transportation, and sale of slaves from Africa to the Americas from the 1500s until the 1800s. Of the 10 million Africans kidnapped, Europeans sent 35% of Africans to Brazil, 5% to North America, and 60% of the slaves were sold in the West Indies to work on the sugar cane plantations. The process of being shipped from Africa to the Americas is called the middle passage in which captains would pack another 25-30% of people onto the boat in order to have a greater number of slaves to sell when they reached the Americas. The Middle Passage had a death rate of 20% which exploits the captors, captains, and buyers concern for a greater profit rather than the inhumanity of the process. The consequences of the Transatlantic Slave Trade include not only the deaths of over 2 million Africans, but also the prolonged enslavement of the innocent people of Africa who were unable to protect themselves from the captors who raided their homes and kidnapped their people.
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent, signed in December of 1814 in Ghent, Belgium, was the peace treaty that ended the War of 1812 between Great Britain and the United States. On the surface, the treaty did not alter American or British life from before the war; each functioned after as it did before. However, symbolically, the treaty reinforced the American victory in the Revolution and severed any remaining political ties with Britain. Furthermore, the United States decided to remain isolationist after the Treaty of Ghent was signed by avoiding foreign conflicts. For the most part, this relative isolationism lasted until the US became involved in World War I in 1917.
Gadsden Purchase; Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in February 1848 between the Mexican Government (Santa Anna) and American government (James K. Polk) marked the end to the Mexican-American War and officially confirmed the annexation of Texas and ceded California and present-day New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah to the United States in exchange for $15 million. The Gasden Purchase followed in 1853 where the US purchased a small amount of additional land from Mexico. The land from these two deals completed Manifest Destiny and allowed the US to reach from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts. However, as these lands gained in population, it raised tensions as the expansion of slavery which would eventually lead the Civil War.
Causes of War of 1812
The War of 1812 was continual conflict between the U.S, Great Britain and the Native Americans. Before James Madison took office, Thomas Jefferson encouraged the removal of Indians on the Mississippi River and west of the Appalachian Mountains. With the Louisiana Purchase, he was hoping he could force the Indians into debt and make them sell their land to the U.S. Following Jefferson's desire for land and the removal of the Indians, the tribes began to express their own desires for autonomy from the U.S. government. The Indians wanted to revert to traditional Indian culture and resist Federal Policies. One of the most notable Indians that resisted U.S control was Tecumseh, a Shawnee. Tecumseh traversed the Mississippi Valley in search for an alliance within the Indian tribes. While doing so, Tecumseh called for attacks on U.S troops, but shortly after, American forces made their move at the Battle of Tippecanoe. During this time, the British had not yet completely left the States. They still had forts in Mississippi and reports suggested they were supporting Tecumseh and his alliance. This was another contributing factor to the war. Assaults on American shipping continued as well (impressment). All of these factors ultimately led to a declaration of war even though the vote to go to war was deeply divided by the North and East, and the South and West.
Writs of Assistance
The Writs of Assistance were documents written by British Parliament and served as search warrants for all ships. In 1760, Britain was aware of the illegal smuggling of imports to New England and began putting these writs into place. British officials were authorized to search any ship. Many colonists argued this was unfair and violated their rights. The writs were permanent and British officials could pass them around to each other. Therefore, Americans thought the British were allowing these writs to be put above the law, and this caused another rift between America and Britain that helped spark the revolution.
Lexington/Concord
The battle of Lexington and Concord was fought between the American minutemen and the British regulars in 1775. The British soldiers were given orders to find and destroy the colonial militia's military supply. Upon reaching Lexington, there was a standoff between the British and Americans, leading to the "shot heard round the world". It is still up to debate which side shot first and was, therefore, the war's aggressor. The British were then pushed on from Lexington towards Concord. Although the battle had few casualties, it marked the first military engagement of the American Revolution and was a driving force for uniting the colonies behind the independence movement.
Rhode Island (Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson)
The colony of Rhode Island, located in the present day Rhode Island state, was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams. After he was banished from Massachusetts, Williams was seeking to establish a colony which granted religious freedom and separation from church and state beyond what the Puritans had allowed. He received a Royal Charter, or recognition of Rhode Island as an official colony, in 1644. In Rhode Island, there were no religious compulsory oaths, no compulsory attendance at church, no taxes to support the state church, and there was universal male suffrage. It's capital city was Providence. Anne Hutchinson was also a religious liberal who challenged Puritan beliefs, resulting in her excommunication from the Massachusetts colony. She practiced Antinomianism, or the idea that people have control over their salvation outside of the church, and settled on an area in present day Rhode Island. --first cracks in Puritan faith --> later completely fall apart with Salem Witch Trials
Constitution Articles I-III
The first three articles of the constitution were written during the Constitutional Convention located in Philadelphia which began in September of 1787 and lasted till May of 1787. Written by fifty-five men including James Madison, George Washington, George Mason, and Benjamin Franklin, the constitution contains three articles which establish the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. The first article of the constitution provides and limits the power of Congress, or the legislative branch of the government responsible for making laws. Additionally, it establishes two sections of congress--the House of Representatives and the Senate. The second article states that the executive branch consists of the president and vice president, and outlines their qualifications and degree of power. The third and final branch of government, judicial, declares that Congress was to establish a Supreme Court and lower courts in addition to state courts. These three articles set up a system of government with separation of powers and a system of checks and balances whereby each branch would prevent the other branches from usurping more power for itself.
First wave of immigration, 1820-1860
The first wave of immigration that occurred in the United States happened in the early and mid-1800s in response to the political upheaval that was taking place in Europe as the 1848 Revolutions ran throughout. The immigrants were coming from Western Europe in particular due to these revolutions. The other group of immigrants that were arriving in America were the Irish as the Ireland was facing the crisis of what would be later named the Potato Famine. This immigration was significant because immigrants could be hired for cheap labor in the East which consequently took away the jobs of many Americans. This forced many people to move westward and partake in Manifest Destiny as the West was the only place in which many people could find work and make a living. Another significant aspect of the first wave of immigration was that it led to the formation of the Know-Nothing Party, a political party that was pro-slavery and "anti-other", including immigrants.
Puritan values/beliefs
Their ideals - shaped American values --Work ethic, sense of mission, moral sensibility --Looked down on sex outside marriage, but marriage important --Alcohol OK if not lead to drunkenness ○ Valued poetry ○ Not drab in clothing - like bright colors Did not set up church-run state, separation of church and state (though gov't should uphold God's laws) • Voting laws - more men could vote, 55% to England's 33% The Puritan Idea of Covenant • Covenant - central idea in Puritan life ○ A contract between God & man, ministers & congregations, magistrates & community members, men & families --City on a Hill Idea: truly Christian community, rich are charitable, poor work hard
Thomas Hutchinson
Thomas Hutchinson (1711-1780), along with Benjamin Franklin, led the first movement to unite the colonies in 1754, called the Albany Plan of Union, which ultimately failed due to lack of support. Despite his early display of support for the colonies, a group of Bostonians led by Ebenezer Mackintosh ransacked and destroyed his house in August of 1765 in response to the Stamp Act. At this time, Hutchinson was the governor of Massachusetts, and the group who attacked his home was opposed to the Stamp Act and mostly consisted of working class members of society. They believed Hutchinson supported the Stamp Act, or they simply saw him as the enemy for merely being in a position of power and not doing anything to stop this act and the oppression it brought upon the colonies. This demonstration not only represents the violent passion many people in the colonies felt concerning British taxation, but it also shows the lower classes' building resentment of the rich elite.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was an important figure in the American road to revolution. He was a Virginian most famous for writing the Declaration of Independence in 1776 which articulated the motives for the colonists' separation from Great Britain. He also served as ambassador to France. Jefferson's role was vital in the independence, particularly due to his role in France's alliance with America which helped the Americans win the war.
Thomas Paine/Common Sense
Thomas Paine was a British philosopher and statesman who came over to the American Colonies in 1774 after lacking the success he sought in Great Britain. Upon mixing with the colonial revolutionaries, Paine wrote Common Sense in early 1776. A text that catered to the general public (as opposed to the educated) , Common Sense touched on the absurdity of Great Britain ruling the colonies and how a new American government founded in enlightenment principles would be beneficial to all. Paine's work was significant because it caused the greater colonial population to be passionate about a revolution , allowing the Second Continental Congress to feel confident enough to break ties with England just 6 months after the text was distributed.
Tituba
Tituba was an enslaved woman who was brought from Barbados by her owner, Samuel Parris, a puritan minister in Salem. She was the first to be accused during the Salem witch trials of the late 1600's by Elizabeth Parris and Abigail Williams, two of the supposedly bewitched young girls. While being questioned, Tituba admitted to practicing witchcraft in the form of a "witchcake" and was sentenced to imprisonment. Along with her confession, Tituba also stated that there were other witches and wizards who forced her to harm the young girls causing an outbreak of paranoia. Tituba's confession was a large factor leading to the continuation of Salem's witch hunt and subsequent death of twenty-five men and women.
Pontiac's Rebellion
To prevent the invasion of whites, Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa Indians encouraged Ohio Country natives to rise up in 1763. The Ottawas attacked Fort Detroit in May 1763. Many people view this as the beginning of Pontiac's Rebellion. Other Indian tribes also raided English settlements in the Ohio Country and in western Pennsylvania during 1763. By the late fall, the Native Americans had killed or captured more than six hundred people. In the autumn of 1764, the English military took the offensive against the natives. Although Pontiac did not formally surrender to the English until July 1766, Pontiac's Rebellion had ended in the autumn of 1764. The uprising shows the difficulties natives in the Ohio Country faced with France's withdrawal from North America and illustrates the fragile grasp England had over the Ohio Country.
Initial Outlook, Civil War, Union vs Confederate Advantages
Union: more people to enlist, more weapons (b/c North more industrialized, factories, etc), more railroads (makes transportation of people and supplies much easier), money/capital --disadvantages: did not execute well, officers not trained to lead crowds of untrained enlistees, narrow military visions (focused on capturing Richmond and occupying the South - attack sporadically, withdraw after battle and allow South to retreat) --South: moral, passion/cause they were fighting for, fighting occurred mostly on their own land, Lee - leading general, outsmarted the North many times --in many ways the two sides represent the Americans vs. the Brits in Rev (south=revs, north=brits)
Encomienda System/Why Africa?
Unsuccessfully employing Native Americans as the labor force of the Encomienda system , the Spanish brought the first shipment of enslaved Africans into the New World in 1815 to fulfil their labor force in the Spanish Colonies. The enslaved Africans were more suitable as the labor force because unlike the Native Americans, the slaves did not know the land of the new world, were already exposed to European diseases, and were better at farming than the Native Americans. Although the Encomienda System failed and was ended in the 18th century by the Spanish Crown, the harsh labor system shipped 10 million Africans to the Americas on overcrowded ships, 20-30% of them dying just on the journey to the Americas. This system exemplifies how profit was placed over humanity, disregarding the enslaved Africans for their own gain.
Election of 1836 and Van Buren's Economic Decisions
Van Buren wins handily against 3 Whig Candidates (Whig party is not very unified); "Old Kinderhook" --> possible origin of "OK"; 2 terms as President; inherits economic crisis left by Jackson's policies (Panic of 1837) --under Van Buren: Independent Treasury, completely separates federal gov't from banking system; split Democratic party (business-centered Democrats flipped to Whigs, more agrarian side supported VB
War Hawks
War hawks were politicians who called for war against Britain in the early 19th century, specifically the War of 1812. The war hawks, consisting of some prominent political figures such as Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, believed that force and aggression was all that could prevent Britain's imperialistic nature. Henry Clay was the Speaker of the House in the early 1800s, well-known for stating his beliefs in the need for expansion and war against Britain. John C. Calhoun was a member of Congress who supported Henry Clay and his ideals. The War Hawks played an important role in American history as they helped push the United States towards using military action against Britain and ultimately helped lead the way into the War of 1812. --Second Generation Americans (not founding fathers generation) --> hadn't lived through a war, ignorant in that respect
Shay's Rebellion
Western MA 86-87, tax revolt, theme of divide between coastal elites (old school, Boston) and western farmers and pioneers pushing west --80s not going well, a lot of farmers go into debt b/c of inflation, can't pay mortgages, so getting farms seized, debtor's prison - if you bankrupt, in debt --30% either sell their farm or prison --MA- problem was payment for Rev soldiers, AOC did not establish a national currency, money that they were owed weren't worth anything, a lot of people weren't paid at all (IOU) --Farmers feel also feel left out of political process --Daniel Shays - former officer sought to shut down the courts as a form of protest and to prevent foreclosure of their farms and collection of taxes --Using same arguments against MA gov't as Americans with Brit gov't
Bleeding Kansas
When Kansas held elections in 1854 and 1855 regarding slavery, hundreds of pro slavery Missourians (called Border Ruffians) crossed the border into Kansas in order to cast fraudulent ballots. These people interfered with Kansas' popular sovereignty. President Pierce accepted this fraudulent election. Outraged, free states rallied and formed a rival, free government in Kansas. This led to the Sack of Lawrence, in which a pro-slavery mob attacked the free stronghold city of Lawrence, burning public buildings and pillaging homes. Ultimately, John Brown led a raid, violently killing people in a small pro-slavery town. This event was later known as Pottawatomie Creek Massacre. This brings on the period known as "Bleeding Kansas" in which Kansas (and later the nation) was ripped apart by fighting over slavery. This was also accompanied by violence in the Senate and signaled the start of real violence that would end with the secession of ten southern states and the start of the Civil War.
Glorious Revolution
When King Charles II died in 1685, his brother, James II (a catholic) took over and instituted religious toleration for Catholics and Dissenters (Protestants who belonged to a denomination other than the Anglican Church). When James had a son in 1688, the prospect of a Catholic succession arose, and a group of English aristocrats arranged for William of Orange and James' protestant daughter, Mary, to assume the throne in a bloodless coup. Thus, in this "glorious revolution," the struggle for power over England between Parliament and the crown came to a resolution. Parliament established its supremacy and secured the Protestant succession to the throne. It also expanded Britain's colonial control to matters of finance, national policy, and foreign affairs. --formed a Constitutional Monarchy
The Treaty of Paris 1763/Proclamation of 1763
When the Treaty of Paris, also referred to as the Peace of Paris, was signed in 1763, it officially ended the French and Indian War sometimes called the Seven Years War. The British gained Canada and all land east of the Mississippi River from France in exchange for the return of Guadeloupe and Martinique (Caribbean), and the Spanish also ceded Florida to the British in the aftermath of this treaty. The Proclamation of 1763 was a declaration by the British government after the French and Indian War stating that there was to be no further settlement of lands west of the Appalachian Mountains. Many American colonists were upset by the Proclamation, and continued to move westward despite of it; this, combined with numerous other factors, was a cause in the revolutionary attitude growing in the colonies.
Whigs and Tories
Whigs and Tories were the names for members of the opposing political parties in the United Kingdom from the 1600s-1800s. Whigs were members of the British reforming and constitutional party that sought the supremacy of Parliament. Tories were Loyalists and they opposed the American Revolution. A Whig party was later made in the US and they were leftover Federalists from the 1800s and the forerunners for the Republican party.
Issue of slavery in Dec. of Independence
While freedom and liberty were two of the main ideas and driving forces in writing the Declaration of Independence, the omnipresent issue of slavery was completely left out, undermined, and forgotten. Thomas Jefferson helped to create an improved nation based on individual rights, freedoms, and self-government. While his words in the Declaration of Independence presented the ideas of "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness", this principle was not extended to African Americans or indentured servants. Slavery was the exception to the rule of liberty proclaimed in the Declaration, and the question about our nation's dedication to human equality was debated. At the time of America's founding, there were around half a million slaves in the US, some of which were owned by founding fathers - most notably, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson's passage attacking and stating the controversial role of slavery was the most important section removed from the final draft of the Declaration. It took 87 more years including the Civil War, Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendment to end slavery.
Albany Plan of Union
Who: Ben Franklin and Thomas Hutchinson What: first attempt to unify so that colonists band together; failed because of no colonials legislature was willing to give up governing powers, not even with threat of mutual danger, states wanted to keep their rights/power Where: NA When: 1754 Why: demonstrates the disunity between the colonists only 20 years before their revolution,
Intolerable (Coercive) Acts
Who: Brit acts imposed on Americans What: closed port of Boston, curtailed local town meetings; increased Brit military power in colonies, could stay in private homes (people must put them up); martial law on Boston When: 1774 Where: Boston Why: this served to unite all the colonies, eventually; increase American indignation
Boston Massacre
Who: British troops and group of Bostonians (civilians) What: troops stationed in Boston, people in Boston do not like that, sent in to quell protests THE STORY: One guy goes to business on harbor, John Gray's Rope Walk, soldier is a little condescending, so employees tell him to clean the outhouse, soldier replies, escalating, fight brewing, they will meet that night. Brit solider goes back to fellow soldiers that trouble is coming, Grey's people tell everyone else, mob forms at dusk, they bring with ice rocks snowballs, soldiers come out with guns and try to keep the peace. Shouting cussing throwing rocks, one soldier thinks he hears "fire" and he does, then chain reaction and everyone is firing at crowd. They kill 5 Bostonians Where: Boston When: 1770 Why: the first martyrs of the revolution (Crispus Attucks, person of color, Indian-African-White along with 4 other people, first martyr of revolution); encourage popular indignation
Thomas Paine and Common Sense
Who: English craftsman, minor gov't official, emigrated to Philly in 1774 What: Denunciation of hereditary rule, monarchical government, colonial subordination; Constitutional Monarchy is all it's cracked up to be; Democracy - much better idea; Promotion of independence, political democracy, citizens' rights, free trade, insulation from imperial wars; American would never become an important part of history if it stays within Brit empire - on its own it will shine; Part of Brit Empire - benefit? No, burden, dragged in Euro affairs (Enemies of Spain and France by extension) When: January 1776 Where: Paine gained internation acclaim the publication of Common Sense Why: mass appeal; ideas not new, but presentation and audience were; People inspired to completely separate from Britain; Stop the ambivalence!
Proclamation of 1763
Who: France and Britain What: peace treaty between F & B; limited colonial expansion (line set along Appalachian mtns that where colonists couldn't settle past); Brits don't get Ohio Valley (Washington lost that for them at Fort Necessity) Where: NA When: 1763 Why: once again, limiting the colonists' power will be another reason for revolution & separation
French and Indian War
Who: French & Indians (on french side b/c french more tolerant, brits more violent & steal their land) vs. British What: war over land, control of east coast of North America, basically fighting for the continent --The British lost considerably in the first two years of the war, beginning with the first battle at Fort Necessary in Ohio. When William Pitt became the British Prime Minister in 1757, the tide turned and the British captured the pivotal French outposts at Forts Duquesne, Ticonderoga and Louisbourg, opening their passage to French Canada. In 1760, the French surrendered, ceding Canada to Britain. Where: North America When: 1754-1763 Why: taxation of colonies due to debt (trillions of dollars in today's standards) accumulated during this war ignited one of the main reasons behind cries for separation (taxation w/o representation)
Quebec Act
Who: Parliament's act What: Parli said border of Canada is now Ohio River; legal toleration of RCC people in Canada in order to win support Catholics in Canada (Parliament is empowering a local enemy of the Protestant protesters in 13 colonies) When: 1774 Where: above Why: now colonists use this to argue the point of religion against Brits, they say British trying to strengthen the Catholic Church; British ministry is "instigated by the devil", now they have religion on their side too
Townshend crisis
Who: Prime Minister Charlie Townhend What: he levied new tax (Townshend Act) on certain imports (tea, paint, glass, paper, and lead); on the surface it seemed like a return to external taxes, however colonists now fooled, this tax still affected all the colonists, more like internal tax; more boycott of Brit goods, more goods made in America as protest Where: NA When: 1767 Why: once again, the British are giving the Americans ammunition against them
Stamp Act
Who: affects everyone in colonies What: internal tax that required colonists to buy special paper for newspapers, custom docs, licenses (marriage, birth, business), diplomas, other legal docs; more like a watermark on the paper; repealed in 1766 Where: NA When: 1765 Why: opposition to the stamp act spanned social, economic, state divides --> brought Americans together, united against one enemy
Olive Branch Petition
Who: created by John Dickinson of PA; sent to Continental Congress What: reaffirmed colonists' sentiments that they still stand firming behind the crown, still loyal; example of colonial ambivalence over independence; arrived in Britain after Bunker Hill, too late --> colonies declared in a state of rebellion by Brits When: July 1775 Where: PA, NA Why: demonstrated colonial ambivalence, many Americans still not completely on board with the whole independence thing
Sugar Act
Who: imposed on colonists What: external tax, changed tariff on goods, now must through Britain first; affects lumber, iron, skin/hide, sugar industries; however fails because smuggling increases nd bypasses tax (so it doesn't raise enough money) and b/c it wasn't enforced by the British enough Where: NA When: 1764-68 Why: because of failure of Sugar Act, British started to impose internal taxes that affected everyone and led to even more disgruntlement in colonies
First Continental Congress
Who: reps from 12 colonies (not Georgia); the big players - John and Sam Adams (MA), Washington (VA), Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry What: authorized Committees of Safety (Local committees made to stop actions like businesses exploiting people because of lack of goods, like a local militia - idea of minutemen; transfer of power - gov't bodies whose power from GB to locals, will of people; more people, different types of people (farmers, city artisans, property less laborers) getting involved in power and politics); adopted Continental Association - stop of trade with Great Britain and West Indies (rice from SC still can go to Euro) & encouraged domestic manufacturing; endorsed Suffolk Resolves When: 1774 Where: Philadelphia Why: one of the first times most of the colonies come together to decide things as a united whole, they are ready for revolution
1st Rhode Island Regiment
Winter 1777-78, Valley Forge, things are looking grim, from 18 to 8 thousand soldiers, Philly occupied, Congress approved a regiment of free blacks and slaves --> Slaves would be purchased by state, then freed, but did not happen really - whites, free blacks, some natives were in it, Commanded by Colonel Greene, Fought at Rhode Island, Point's Bridge, and Yorktown **State militia, not Congress
14. Zachary Taylor and the Whig Party
Zachary Taylor, also known as Old Rough and Ready, was a the 12 president of the United States. Prior to his presidency, Taylor served as major general in the Mexican-American War. His status as a war hero helped him get elected in 1848 and he was one of America's only Whig-party presidents. The Whigs, an extension of the Federalist Party, advocated for a strong central government, industries, and westward expansion. Taylor won his election easily, supporting industry and opposing the extension of slavery, but when Taylor suddenly died from an intestinal infection in 1850, Millard Fillmore assumed his position. Fillmore was a weak leader and the issue of slavery became even more polarizing. With no decisions being made, the Whig party fractured over division of opinion. From the death of the Whigs, the Republican party formed, except their platform included citizens from northern, western, and border states. This formation eventually led to the emergence of Abraham Lincoln.
Emancipation Proclamation
before there some congressional measures in 1862 (ban on fugitive slaves, abolition in DC and US territories), Lincoln position shifted (proposal of gradual, compensated emancipation in border states, and endorses colonization (Freed slaves sent back to Liberia to establish a colony) --> calm fears of whites who fear equality of blacks 1863 --in summer 62, Lincoln decided emancipation was the solution to political and military problems (hoped it would resolve lack of military's success, and that emancipated slaves would enlist and fight, also would help sway public opinion in north) --with this order, made Civil War about slavery, not states' rights, a moral issue --Jan. 1 1863, Lincoln signed EP --misunderstood doc: it "freed the slaves", but it didn't free any slaves; instead, it sends a message to the country about slavery without offending North and border states --he had power to do this as a executive order in wartime --Proclamation exempted areas under Union control (so just for states that seceded, did not free any slaves in the North or border states (keep them on his sides, good tactic) --message to any slave in bondage in South: if you make it the north, then you are free --merged war goals of abolition and union, increased # of northern free blacks and escaped southern slaves to enlist in Union, recognized already free blacks in north and their citizenship
Abolitionist Movement
began in early 1800s to create a free slave state in Liberia (take slaves, free them, send them back to Africa) by American Colonization Society (they were gradualists), conservative roots of more radical movement in 1830s --2 groups: Gradualists (emancipation should be done gradually) and Immediatists (abolition done immediately) --William Lloyd Garrison (immediatist) - believed in no compensation for slave owners, slavery was a moral, not economic issue; began a abolitionist newspaper called The Liberator (1831); had prodigy called Frederick Douglass
Sojourner Truth/Isabella Baumfree
born Isabella, later called Sojourner Truth (traveler of the truth) - stood up in front of male ministers and gave speech (Ain't I a woman?) --1852 - The Narrative of Sojourner Truth
The American System
by Henry Clay; new generation of politicians; nationalist trend to develop profitable home market (1. strong banking system, 2. protective tariffs to protect "baby industries", 3. vision of a network of roads, canals, especially thru Ohio Valley - idea of inter-state roads, which would be under the Federal gov't because it involved more than one state --> more power to Federal gov't) --intention: bring the country together --Madison (pres at time) refused to let Congress use tariff money to pay for roads, believes it to be unconstitutional, falls to states to pay instead --prominent role in American society for first half of 19th century -- under this system: West -receieved roads, canals, federal aid; East- backing of protective tariffs; South- South digs in deeper to their old ways instead of progressing like rest of nation (cotton gin, slavery, religion that justifies slavery)
Describe the changes between the phrases "City on a hill", "Virtuous Republic", and "The Benevolent Empire"
change in size (America is growing from city, to republic, to empire) --empire: demonstrated manifest destiny and the idea of spreading American culture and democracy
What was the Land Ordinance of 1785?
created a grid system so that one part of every town and its revenue went to public education; important idea for the future of idea --> education a major part of gov't duty
What was the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?
created a methodical process to statehood; unorganized territories overseen by Congress, not states; once pop reached 5,000 - could be organized into a territory and residents elect members to state legislature and send rep to Congress; once 60,000 --> write constitution and apply for statehood (ex: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin)
Brook Farm
created by George Ripley in 1841 in Massachusetts --modeled on french reformer Charles Fourier who envisioned communal living and working arrangements --blueprint of phalanxes (only 2,000 residents), type of settlement --disbanded after a few years
"Nothing about us without us is for us."
democratization beyond politics -- in order for any sort of change to truly affect us, we must get involved ourselves --other people deciding what you should do is worth nothing for you if they are not connected to you/one of you
Shouts of "slavery" during the revolution usually referred to _________________ not __________________.
denial of personal rights and freedoms by Britain, not enslaving Africans
What did John Adams do/create that would lay the groundwork for the US Constitution?
developed the state constitution that gave the governor an effective veto over laws passed by the legislature, included a two-chamber legislature and powerful judiciary, and was subsequently an important model for the U.S. Constitution
After Lexington and Concord and the first outbreaks of battle, what did the British do in response?
dispatched thousands of troops to America to suppress rebellion; ordered closing of all forts
Civil War: Results
end of slavery, over 600,000 killed, South devastated (economically, emotionally, physically), a divided nation, US resumes Industrial Rev (pulls us back together --> a New South with industrialization), US military strength recognized in Europe, Lincoln and Grant seen as nation builders by Euros --less than a week after war ends, Lincoln assassinated on April 14th
Market Revolution
eries of innovations in transportation and communication --1793 Eli Whitney's Cotton Gin; First Turn Pike (Lancaster, PA); Wilderness Road - major route for westward migration (Daniel Bone led clearing of the road from VA to KY); Cumberland National Road, 1811 ended in St. Louis (as did many other roads), "gateway to west"; Conetoga Covered Wagons, the original minivan, can hold a lot of people and a lot of goods; Yankee Clipper Ships (small, cargo, ocean); Robert Fulton and the Steamboat (made rivers a two-way street, don't have to follow the flow of the river, can go up stream now) 1807; Erie Canal System - biggest infrastructure project in US (under JQA) connected Great Lakes with NYC, 1825 --> used long boats, water rises and falls, not permanent river, no flow, lock system, boats designed to be flat (canal not very deep); first successful factory in Pawtucket, RI by Samuel Slater Central themes and ideas from Market Rev: --Manifest Destiny: America had the right to (and the mission to) spread its culture and freedom across the whole of the continent, supported by God on this mission --Evangelical Ideas (See 2nd great awakening) --idea of self-made man/American dream: that anyone can attain success if they smartly and diligently --manufacturing encourage by Embargo of 1807 (since no more foreign imports, US turned inwards for products) FONER: During the first half of the 1800s, the U.S. economy experienced explosive growth in output and trade, and a rise in the standard of living for millions of Americans. This dynamic and expansive growth was, in part, a consequence of the rise of factories, a transportation revolution via canal and rail, a communications revolution spurred by invention of the telegraph, increasing agricultural yields and the mechanization of farm equipment, a rising prosperity for financial institutions, and larger cities. Historians call this new economy the market revolution/market economy
Lewis and Clark
expedition 1804-1806; TJ - dispatched this exploration b/c hoped explorers create trading relations with western Indians, find route to Pacific Ocean --Came back with info about region (plants, animals, biology, geography, Indian culture), no route to Asia --Traveled all the way to Oregon --Sacajawea of the Shoshone tribe as well as her husband and son were also part of the expedition. She acted as a translator and was important for maintaining diplomacy between different tribes the group encountered
Legacy of Jackson
first American President to have a photograph (year before his death in 1844); he thought that his finest act as president was to end Biddle's Bank; takes the presidency as a common man, not a lot of experience in economic policy (just hated federal power), ruled not by reason but by vindictiveness; fostered idea that country does not need federal bank regulations; through 80 years of boom and bust, US economy endured until Congress established Federal Reserve in 1913
The Shakers
first community established in 1787, gained popularity in early 1800s; created as a refuge from sinful society, led by Mother Ann Lee (believed Christ directed her to set up a community in America (was from England)) --God has dual personality - male and female --sexes are spiritually equal --no natural births, gained members by adoption and conversion only; men and women lived separately in dorms --known for well-made, simplistic furniture --men and women engaged in frenzied dancing during religious rituals --not materialistic --example of larger movement of utopian communities
Elizabeth Blackwell
first female doctor, opened a "dispensary" (forerunner to modern private practice/drug store) --refused by 29 medical schools --male doctors ignored her, hospitals would not let her in the wards (so very few patients) --opened the New York Infirmary for Women and Children run completely by women physicians---foundation for more women to become doctors
The Whiskey Rebellion
first test on federal gov't, GW called up army; Jefferson said misuse of funds, angry at gov't power and taxes --what: 13,000 army, puts down rebellion in PA in 1791 --Rebellion was response to whiskey tax (from Hamilton's economic plan, first tax imposed on domestic product by new gov't)
Amelia Bloomer
first to publicize a costume with pants in her magazine The Lily in 1850s (designed by Libby Smith) --> leads to women being able to wear pants (helped also by bicycle craze (more practical that way))
Oneida
founded by John Humphrey Noyes in 1848 in upstate NY --preached his followers were sinless and pure because the second coming of Christ had already occurred (called Millenarianism) (so they were in heaven) --created a society that was a "holy family" of equals; complex marriage: any man could propose sex to a woman who could decline or accept, and it would be registered in the public record book --to become a member of the community one had to accept Noyes's teachings, and follow his rules. --strict system, regulating things like child birth (first example of eugenics), and sex --irony: regulated "free love" society
Grant's War of Attrition
had been lead general in the west, but drank a lot, unpredictable (why he hadn't been promoted before) --Lincoln had been thru 6-7 general, none of them successful, so puts the guy with most success (Grant) in charge of the Union army --allows him to do total warfare (Lincoln thinks it's the only way to end the war b/c South will not surrender), justified - civilians part of moral fight, they condone slavery --what is means: Everything and everyone is fair game (civilians, industry, land, etc.) --1864: Grant chases Lee around in Battles of Wilderness and Spotsylvania in VA (they end up at Appomattox Courthouse in VA in 65 to surrender after Sherman's march to the sea)
Evolution of Political Parties
ideas completely flipped after one-party happy time
General John Sullivan
led a savage warfare against hostage Iroquois, with the aim of "total destruction and devastation of their settlements and capture of as many prisoners of every age and sex possible"
Colonial Ambivalence
many nervous about cutting ties with strongest empire in world, GB -still proud to be british -people didn't want those poor people to get more land once mother country left (colonial leaders feared all the anarchy from below, how would deal with it if Britain left?) -NY & PA leader hesitant, elites panicking because farmers shouting for more power and freedom -Joseph Galloway - his hesitation was based on very prescient theories about the future of America w/o Britain - said Northern and Southern colonies would fight, America w/o Brits would constantly have internal conflicts (predicted civil war, many conflicts within America today)
What was the American System of Manufacturing?
mass production of interchangeable parts into rapidly-built, standardized products
What GW more aristocratically-inclined or more "for the common people"?
more elitist, ran things like royal court, not "pro-common"
Confederate Black Soldiers
most slave owners, the Confederate Senate, and most Southerners reject idea of slaves in fighting for the confederacy in 1863 --by 1865, Robert E Lee endorse this plan, and Confederate Congress authorizes the arming of slaves --however, war ends before any real recruitment of slaves in the South (especially for battle) --some involved in other roles within the army (cooks, cleaners, etc)
How did Enlightenment Ideas inspire people?
natural rights, universal freedom, beyond just rights of an englishman; John Locke - life, liberty, and property & his ideas --> justification for colonists' actions
Transcendentalists and Individualism
ownership of one's self rather than property was what determined the right to vote (expansion of democracy; idea of privacy, a part of your life other individuals and the gov't could not interfere in --transcendentalists like Henry David Thoreau believed modern society smothered individualism (thus Walden Pond) --Ralph Waldo Emerson also a transcendentalist
Transcendentalists
ownership of one's self rather than property was what determined the right to vote (expansion of democracy; idea of privacy, a part of your life other individuals and the gov't could not interfere in --transcendentalists like Henry David Thoreau believed modern society smothered individualism (thus Walden Pond), Resistance to Civil Disobedience (arguing against paying taxes b/c it would fund a war and he's a pacifist) --Ralph Waldo Emerson also a transcendentalist --goal: transcend the limits of intellect and allow the soul to create an original relationship with the universe --rejected secular authority and authority of churches and organized religions, law, etc. --their agenda: give freedom to the slave, give well-being to poor and miserable, give learning to the ignorant, give health to the sick, give peace and justice to society
Hamilton's Economic Plan
papers - Report on Public Credit (fiscal policy, favor wealthy, trickle down); Report on Manufacturers (factory system, tariff component); based on federalist ideals BE FAT: 1. Bank of the US (Nat'l Bank) - strict vs. loose construction; Bonds (loans for government) 2. Excise tax (whiskey) - frontier protests mean little, they are anti-federalists 3. Funding at par - Fed gov't pay off debt at face value with no interest, establish credit through loans 4. Assumption of state debts - obligates states to federal gov't; North/South tension - south doesn't want this policy 5. Tariffs - Revenue Act of 1789 was 8% on imports; goal $ and protect new industries --Jefferson thinks this plan encroaches on states' rights
What was the significance of General Pitt's promise?
promise of leader of British forces during french&indian war for tax relief for colonists in exchange for service and loyalty. So, once war is over and colonies still taxed, those who fought and were promised relief in exchange for that fighting were very angry --> another reason for rev
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
response to Adams/Hamilton and Feds; many though Feds too powerful; Fed gov't too much power; written by Madison and Jefferson What is says: fed gov't was created by states, there are instances when conflicts arise between rights and laws of states and the authority of the fed gov't, when such conflicts arise, interests of states take precedence over laws and actions of fed gov't, thus a state has the right to declare national laws null (decide to ignore) and void --this argument used during Civil War as legal support of what states were doing in seceding from Union --1798-99 --also a response the Alien and Sedition Acts under Adams' presidency (1798)
What was the British reasoning behind imposing the Tea Act on the colonists?
roots in global commercial developments --> Gov't bail out of BEIC (private company, but gov't interest in company) having some issues, not turning profit, not helping to strengthen Brit's hold on India, give them rebates and tax exemptions b/c Gov't need them to be profitable; Brit gov't - solution! Low-priced tea sold to Americans (lowered price of tea) taxed imported tea - pay for costs of colonial gov't, sell things a lot lower - BEIC now have a monopoly on tea, short-term loses accepted to drive out competition, then raise the prices to make a profit
Revenue Act
see sugar act, 1764, wool/hides had to go thru Britain instead of directly to other Euro countries
Washington's Farewell Address
served 2 terms and then stepped down; precedent most presidents followed (excepting FDR); warned against partisan gov't & political parties, alliances with countries like France, getting involved in Euro affairs; advised that US look inward and isolate (like Ming dynasty...and that turned out well...) --we followed GW's orders -after War of 1812, no involvement in foreign wars for over 100 years (WWI!!)
What were "freedom petitions"?
slaves' petitions urging the end of slavery presented to Mass's courts and legislatures in 1777
What are External Taxes and what some examples of them in the pre-war period of colonial America?
something that affects the market itself, not direct income tax, usually only affects certain goods/services - Sugar Act - Revenue Act - Currency Act - Navigation Acts
Liberty Tree
space became Liberty Hall later, symbol of liberty; an effigy of Andre Oliver (brit tax collector) hanged from noose on this tree
The Underground Railroad
symbolic, not an actual railroad, from South to North --hierarchy --code (Conductors=leaders of escape; passengers=escaping slaves; tracks=routes; trains=farm wagons transporting the escaping slaves (sometimes had false doors in bottom of wagons); depots=safe houses to rest/sleep)
What are Internal Taxes?
taxes that affect everybody (ex: Stamp Act)
John Jay's Treaty
temp. eased tensions with Brits (stealing ships and whatnot); caused formation of Demo-Repub party --Jay sent secretly by GW to negotiate with Brits 1794-95 (Hamilton reveals this fact, Jeffersonians hate GW b/c hated idea of America submitting to the British, no compromise!) What was negotiated: --British again pledges to remove their posts from U.S. soil --British will pay damages for seizure of American ships --British refused to guarantee against future seizures or impressments or stirring up trouble out west --U.S. forced to pay pre-Revolution debts owed to British merchants --basically canceled American-French alliance and recognized Brits as supreme economic and naval powers
Technology of the Civil War
the First Modern War: more people die faster b/c weapons are more efficient --transportation (Railroads) --communication (telegraph) --warships: Ironclad ships, Merrimac (South); first submarine in Union, H. L. Hunley --weaponry: long-range rifles, cannons, hand grenades, led to trench warfare --medical care: morphine (first gen of veterans with substance abuse problems)
Concerns of Market Rev
the cycle of boom and bust in the economy (since the National Bank had been disbanded under Jackson's presidency); rising inequalities of of wealth; increasing dependence of workers upon wage labor
Black Soldiers in Union Army
thousands who served and died 186,000 in army and 29,000 in Navy (10% of all union forces) --24 received Congressional Medal of Honor --3/5th of black troops were former slaves (their active participation in fighting -- made it less likely slavery would continue after War) --Robert Gould Shaw - proud to lead black troops (54th Massachusetts Regiment), led charge in Fort Wagner, first combative battle with black regiments --others do not idea of like black troops Fort Wagner (July 1863) in SC - 40% of regiment killed or wounded in unsuccessful attack
What was the climate like in the colonies from 1770-1773
uneasy calm (intermission); repeal of Townshend duties (1770); withdrawl of troops from Boston; boycotts stop; but it's not over yet Meanwhile: -John Wilkes - radical journalist back in Eng, scandalous writings about King, elected to Parliament &then expelled, cries of "Wilkes and Liberty" -Anglican Church Rumors: church planned to send bishops to America to establish religious courts -growing unease
What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
unicameral Congress (one house); required 9/13 to pass law, 13/13 to amend; reps absent a lot; no power - could not tax or raise armies; no executive or judicial branch (so first 8 years of the nation - no president) --unable to address economic and political problems --issues: who controls western lands, role of central gov't in land distribution, some states claim same land,
Why was GW a good choice for US's first president?
war hero, smart, elite, integrity, nonpartisan (warned against having parties), leaned a little bit federalist though, didn't want to be in power --> makes the best leader, did it out of duty to country and people
What was the role of women in the new American Society?
women aren't direct citizens, but still can be productive members of society by educating their sons and daughters (emphasis on sons); change family life - relationships between husband and wife - affection rather than control/dominance
Women and the Changes during the Market Revolution
women went to work in the growing number of factories --Cult of Domesticity: idea that women's role was to shape a nurturing, loving, and virtuous private home environment shielded from the competitive tensions of the market economy