history Flashcards
(50 cards)
What economic policy involved colonies providing raw materials to the mother country?
Mercantilism
This policy was prevalent from the 1600s to the 1700s.
What was the primary purpose of the Massachusetts Bay Colony?
Founded by Puritans seeking religious freedom (1630)
The colony was established in the early 17th century.
What did the Proclamation of 1763 limit?
Colonial expansion west of the Appalachians
Issued after the French and Indian War.
What were the Coercive Acts also known as?
Intolerable Acts
Passed in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party.
Who authored the pamphlet ‘Common Sense’ advocating for independence?
Thomas Paine (1776)
This pamphlet played a significant role in influencing public opinion.
What was the Articles of Confederation?
First U.S. government structure; weak central authority (ratified 1781)
It was the first constitution of the United States.
What did the Northwest Ordinance establish?
Set procedures for territories to become states; banned slavery in the Northwest Territory (1787)
This ordinance was crucial for westward expansion.
What was Shays’ Rebellion?
Uprising of farmers protesting economic injustices; revealed weaknesses in Articles of Confederation (1786-1787)
It highlighted the need for a stronger federal government.
What was debated at the Constitutional Convention?
State representation and federal power (1787)
This led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
What does the Elastic Clause allow Congress to do?
Make laws deemed ‘necessary and proper’ (1787)
This clause provides flexibility in legislative powers.
What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution known as?
Bill of Rights (1791)
Added to appease Anti-Federalists and protect individual liberties.
What did Alexander Hamilton’s Financial Plan advocate for?
A strong central government, a national bank, and industrial growth (1790s)
This plan was pivotal in shaping the U.S. economy.
What was the Sedition Act of 1798?
One of four laws under the Alien and Sedition Acts, limiting free speech during political tensions
Signed into law by President John Adams.
What was the Hartford Convention?
Federalist meeting criticizing the War of 1812; led to the decline of Federalist Party (1814-1815)
It reflected regional discontent with the federal government.
What did the Missouri Compromise achieve?
Resolved slavery disputes by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state; established 36°30′ line (1820)
This was an early attempt to balance slave and free states.
What was the Market Revolution?
Growth of industry, transportation, and national economy (early 1800s)
It transformed the American economy and society.
What is Jacksonian Democracy?
Political movement favoring the ‘common man’; expanded suffrage for white males (1820s-1830s)
It marked a shift towards greater democratic participation.
What significant action did Andrew Jackson take regarding the Second National Bank?
Vetoed the recharter of the Second National Bank (1832)
This was a key moment in his presidency and economic policy.
What was the Dred Scott Decision?
Supreme Court ruled that enslaved persons were property and could not sue for freedom (1857)
This decision intensified national tensions over slavery.
What did the Kansas-Nebraska Act allow?
Popular sovereignty to decide slavery; led to ‘Bleeding Kansas’ (1854)
This act further polarized the nation on the slavery issue.
What did the Homestead Act do?
Gave land to settlers willing to develop it, encouraging westward migration (1862)
This act was crucial for expansion into the West.
What was declared by the Emancipation Proclamation?
Freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states (1863)
This was a pivotal moment in the Civil War.
What was the significance of the Battle of Antietam?
Key Union victory; led to the Emancipation Proclamation (1862)
It marked a turning point in the Civil War.
What did the Compromise of 1877 result in?
Ended Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South (1877)
This marked a significant shift in U.S. policy towards the South.
