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Jamestown
100 members of the Virginia Company founded Jamestown when they traveled to America. Tobacco quickly became its primary export, it was founded on the concepts of hard work and the idea that if you do not work, you do not eat.
jamestown -
Mercantilism
An economic theory that promoted government regulation of trading and economy. Increased trade, growing colonies and agricultural economies contributed to this.
mercantilism -
Pilgrims and Puritans
The pilgrims came to America on the Mayflower and formed the Mayflower Compact; the first written framework of government for the future USA.
The Puritans were known for the "City on a hill", and considered themselves an example for the world. They worked hard and practiced religious tolerance in comparison with the Church of England. The "Halfway Covenant" was a sort of partial church membership.
pilgrims -
Bacon's Rebellion
There were many reasons for Bacon's rebellion, one of which being Native American attacks. This enraged them, and they demanded protection from the government. As well as this, economic and weather problems were arising, causing unrest in the colonies.
Bacon's rebellion -
The Great Awakening
An evangelical movement that would leave a big imprint on American history and Protestantism later on. This Awakening prompted the American colonists to feel as though religion were in their own hands rather than in Englands, which was part of the reason many people came to the Americas in the first place.
great awakening -
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French and Indian war
Britain and France were in conflict over claimed land in the Americas. France won over support from the Native Americans and Spain, in the end losing the war. Britain received Canada from France and Florida from Spain, in exchange allowing France to keep its West Indian sugar islands and handing Louisiana over to Spain. This greatly strengthened the colonies by allowing westward expansion.
french indian -
Declaration of Independence
This was adopted by the second Constitutional convention, it declared that the thirteen colonies were henceforth independent from Britain. In it were a list of grievances following a preamble that stated what issues they had with King George and the British rule.
Dec. of Independence -
Articles of Confederation
This was the first constitutional document of the US. At first it had a weak central government with more power given to the states, since the people were wary of a situation similar to Britain happening again. Shay's rebellion ends up happening which shows that the federal government must be improved, and taxes increased. -
British Violations of Treaty of Paris
The British, unwilling to give up control, maintained their forces in Detroit. They used Native Americans as a means to stir up the area, specifically Kentucky. The excuse that they came up with was that the Americans never compensated loyalists to Britain for their confiscated property.
treaty of paris -
Land Ordinance of 1785; Land Ordinance of 1787
This made it so that settlers could purchase land farther west. The land there was to be divided into small townships that were six miles wide and stretched six miles long. This gave the government some revenue as well, somewhat easing the burden of a no-tax economy under the Articles of Confederation.
Land ordinance -
Constitution
The constitution was finally created to allow the central government more power. It was allowed to tax, raise and army, and checks and balances was created so that one branch of the government could not get too much power and start a monopoly.
Anti-federalists opposed this, as they were more concerned with individual rights of the people.
The amendments were made to list the freedoms and rights of Americans.
Constitution -
Hamilton economic policies
Hamilton wanted a national bank, as well as for the federal government to assume state debts. He also believed in protective tariffs to aid the growing economy in the north.
Jefferson largely disagreed, saying that these ideas would give the federal government too much power. Stronger political rifts were formed as people began to choose whether they sided with Hamilton or Jefferson.
hamilton -
Bill of Rights
This was written by James Madison to aid in extending the freedoms and rights of the people. This softened the conflict between states and the federal government. It contained the amendments, a list of restrictions on federal power.
Bill of Rights -
Washington's Neutrality Proclamation
Washington warned against the colonies going into war too fast, and decided to remain neutral in the matter of the French vs Britain war.
Neutrality -
Founding Fathers' attitude towards political parties
Washington: disagreed with parties and warned against them
Hamilton: was largely federalist
Jefferson: Was a democrat leader
Franklin: Independent, viewed parties as a duel-headed snake and disliked them
founding fathers parties -
Washington's Farewell Address
Washington states in this address that he dislikes the idea of parties and did not want them, as they would divide the US. He also did not want outstanding geographical distinctions or long-term alliances with foreign countries.
farewell -
Alien and Sedition Acts
These were passed by John Adams, which made it much harder to become a citizen and prohibited freedom of speech. It stated that one must live 14 years in the US in order to be a citizen, whereas in the past it was only 4 years. The sedition act stated that people could not speak out against the government, which violated one of the basic parts of the bill of rights.
alien and sedition -
Election of 1800
The results for this election were peculiar compared to the others. The results were tied, so the mainly Federalist House of Representatives had to decide on the president. Hamilton disagreed with both Burr and Jefferson, but saw Jefferson as a better man; he vouched for him and Jefferson ended up winning the election.
election of 1800 -
Louisiana purchase
Thomas Jefferson purchased the land that Napoleon had owned for a mere 3 cents an acre. This ended up doubling the size of the US.
Jefferson's reasoning for this was mainly agricultural, as he wanted the states to become agrarian. With land, people would have incentive to move over and begin farms.
Louisiana Purchase -
Marbury vs Madison
This was the first case to discuss judicial review, and whether it is in the Supreme court's power to declare something "unconstitutional".
Marbury vs. Madison -
Cult of Domesticity
This is the idea that a woman's job is to stay in the home, cook, clean, and raise the children.
Cult of Domesticity -
Eli Whitney
Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin: a device that would be widely used in plantations to make removing cotton seeds much more efficient, and thus profit higher. Its innovations increased the demand for slaves in the south, as well as set up the precedent for efficiently assembled weapons.
Eli Whitney -
War of 1812
The causes of this war were British impressment on American ships, warhawks who pushed for war against Britain, and the threat of the British arming Native Americans on the frontier.
war of 1812 -
Lowell system
This was a labor system implemented into factories: young women would be brought onto the labor force in textile factories to work. Wages were fairly good, factories were kept clean, and they upheld strict ideals such as mandated church schedules and curfews.
Lowell -
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Hartford Convention
In this convention, Federalists made several demands which (if they were not met) warranted secession. They wanted money from the Embargo act, as well as ban back-to-back presidents being from the same state.
Hartford convention -
American system/Clay-Whig Policies
This includes: the tariff of 1816, benefiting both the north and south; chartering a second national bank; internal improvements.
American system -
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Irish Immigration to America
The 1845 Potato Famine and earlier poor living conditions caused an onslaught of Irish to immigrate to America throughout a period of twenty to thirty years. Over one million Irish people had died within a period of five years after the fungus had infected their crops. In America they were subject to a lot of discrimination; 70% of servants in Boston were Irish, as they were believed to be a "servant race".
Irish -
Missouri Compromise
This compromise was created by Henry Clay after a conflict concerning whether Missouri should be a slave or free state. In this compromise, Missouri was made a slave state, but a northern part of Massachusetts was to become a free state so that the balance could be restored and both sides could be happy. The 36'30 line was also drawn to distinguish which states would be free and which would be slave.
M comp. -
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine was originally written by John Quincy Adams but later delivered as a speech by James Monroe. It declared neutrality in European affairs, asked for foreign powers not to intervene with America, and threatened to send the British navy if its qualms were ignored.
Monroe Doctrine -
Emerson, Cooper and other early 19th century authors
A few authors in the 19th century were:
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, a man who was a part of the transcendentalist movement and criticized politics and the corrupt ways of society. He often encouraged people to be themselves.
-James Fenimore Cooper, known for works about frontier life and romance.
19th century authors -
Tariff of Abominations
The Tariff of Abominations (Tariff of 1828) was a tax on foreign goods passed to protect northern and western industry from competition. The south was ignored on this deal, as they relied on imports and this raised costs. Calhoun, a vice president from South Carolina, disagreed with this tariff and wrote a doctrine that emphasized states rights to nullify federal law within its borders.
history.house.gov -
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Nullification Crisis
The nullification crisis was a dispute between South Carolina and the federal government over the right of states to discount federal law within their borders. On December 10th, 1832, Jackson issued a proclamation in response to South Carolina's threat of secession; the federal government was given supreme power.
On March 1st, 1833, the Force Bill was passed which authorized military use if states did not comply with tariffs.
brittanica -
Indian Removal Act
Signed in by Andrew Jackson, the Indian Removal Act stated: in exchange for unsettled land west of Mississippi, Indian lands within state borders would be taken by the US government. Most tribes resisted this policy, resulting in a forced migration between 1838 and 1839, and nearly 4,000 Cherokees dead. This tragedy came to be known as the "Trail of Tears".
Indian Removal Act -
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The Liberator/William Lloyd Garrison
William Lloyd Garrison was a radical abolitionist who published a paper called "The Liberator" which spoke out against slavery. In 1833 he assisted in organizing the American Anti-Slavery Society, and wrote their Declaration of Sentiments. Later on he accepted further ideas of women's rights and non-resistance. He continued to radicalize more and more, going so far as to burn the Constitution at one point.
Garrison -
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Bank of the US
Jackson, though seemingly neutral towards the bank in the beginning of his presidency, quickly became distrustful of it and worked hard in his opposition against it. He vetoed the Bank Recharter Bill, and ordered that federal deposits be moved to "pet" banks in states.
war against the bank -
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Transcendentalism
This group of people believed that men and women, equally, had knowledge about the world that transcends what we can see or feel physically. It is an understanding and way of life rather than a religion. They gave leadership to Ralph Waldo Emerson, who also had very naturalistic ideas about humanity and intuition. A man named Henry David Thoreau attempted to put this into practice by living in a hut in nature on his own, writing of his ideas.
Transcend -
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Manifest Destiny
This is defined as the idea that it is an American's God-given right to move west and take up land. This optimistic and forward way of thinking was fueled by the mindset of equality in the Jacksonian era. Additionally, religion prompted people to move west since they believed God had blessed America, thus granting it ample growth. Native Americans were considered heathens, so missionaries wanted to "save lives" by converting them to Christianity.
Manifest -
Election of 1844
James K. Polk (democrat) won against Henry Clay (Whig). Previously, John Tyler was serving as president and had intended to run another term, but he had been expelled from the Whig party after vetoing reestablishment of a national bank. He lacked support from the Democratic party as well, and thus was not renominated. The Whig party chose to run Henry Clay instead, who was against annexation.
Election of 1844 -
Dred Scott Case
Dred Scott was a slave who traveled to Missouri, suing on the grounds that Missouri was a territory included in the Missouri compromise; thus deeming him a freeman. The court ruled that simply going to Missouri did not make him a freeman, and also that he was not on the grounds to sue, as he was not considered a citizen. Further, court ruled that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. The north refused to accept this.
DS case -
Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo
This brought an end to the Mexican-American war after Mexico's surrender. Peace was negotiated by Nicholas Triste, who had accompanied General Winfield Scott in two earlier peace negotiation attempts. Mexico ceded upper California and New Mexico to the US, and recognized the Rio Grande as the southern border of the US. The government paid Mexico $15,000,000 and all debts owed to them by the Mexican government.
Mexican cession -
Seneca Falls convention
It was concluded at this convention that women are man's equal; that women should be educated on the laws they live under; that men and women should be equally expected to behave with moral dignity and social repose; and finally that men and women both should be able and allowed to teach and speak out on moral or political issues.
Eliza Stanton and Susan Anthony worked together for women's rights.
seneca -
Compromise of 1850
California was admitted into the Union as the 16th free state. To please the south, no federal restrictions on slavery were placed onto Utah or New Mexico. As well, the Fugitive Slave Law was passed, which allowed owners to reclaim runaway slaves, placing northerners under penalty of law if they did not comply. Northerners claimed that the law was unfair, and much controversy was discussed having to do with it.
1850 -
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Know-Nothings (Nativists)
This was a party that strongly opposed Catholics and immigrants, fearing that Catholics were more loyal to their Pope than to the US. They thought that these groups of people would take over America, so they worked to prevent Catholics and immigrants from receiving political office positions. It was called the "know-nothing" party since its members were under oath not to mention their beliefs.
Nativists -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Stephen A. Douglas proposed the Kansas-Nebraska act, and to win southern support, offered popular sovereignty as an alternative. It allowed each state to decide for themselves whether they were a slave or free state. The north was utterly outraged by this decision, and the Whig party was split into two. Those who supported the bill, and those who opposed it. The republican and democratic parties were formed with the leftover Whigs.
KN act -
John Brown: Harpers Ferry
John Brown was an extremist abolitionist, who led a raid into Harpers Ferry in hopes that the slave population would join and ransack the city for weapons to help the cause. Unfortunately for him, this was not the case. His men were quickly killed of by officers and he was sentenced to death for treason, hanged on December 2, 1859.
This event divided the north and south even more so, staking the grounds for the coming civil war.
harpers -
Lincoln/Republican policy on slavery (1860)
Lincoln's policy on slavery in 1860 was that slavery should remain undisturbed in the states where it thrives, but that it should be prevented from spreading elsewhere. He thought, in order to keep the peace in the country, that slavery should be controlled yet untouched in slave states.
Many people at this time thought that slaves should have been sent back to Africa after freedom.
Lincoln -
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Civil war
The civil war began due to the unrivaled differences between northern and southern thinking. 7 slave states seceded after Abraham Lincoln was elected to form the Confederate states of America, then opening fire on Fort Sumter and forced it to lower its American flag. Lincoln sent militia to suppress it, and fighting began. France and Britain remained neutral.
civil war -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation declared all slaves (in rebel states) as freemen. Border states were not affected. The purpose of this was to greatly cripple the Confederacy and show the executive power of the US government. At the time it did not free slaves, but it did serve as an important cornerstone in the war against the Confederacy.
Emancipation Proclamation -
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Republican Reconstruction
Post civil war, the republicans wanted to create racial equality and wanted to punish the south for its ideals.
In the election of 1876, Hayes (Republican) won the electoral vote but lost the popular vote to Samuel J. Tilden (Democrat). The Compromise of 1877 made sure that Hayes was placed into office-- the 2nd corrupt bargain. Hayes then ended Reconstruction in the south.
http://www.ushistory.org/us/35b.asp -
Post Civil War Southern Society
After reestablishing themselves in the original confederate states, white southerners passed the "Black codes". These restricted black people's rights and abilities, and guaranteed that they would continue to be labor workers despite slavery being over. In order to control this, many farm owners had slaves sign contracts, which, if broken, may lead to imprisonment, fines, or forced free labor.
http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-codes -
Dawes Act
This was passed in order to give the President the power to divide Native Americans' land and allot small portions to each individual. -
The Phillipines in the Spanish/American war (cont.)
Jose Rizal (a wealthy Mestizo) began his career in politics because of his frustration with the restrictions Spanish society placed on him because of his cultural background. He wrote several novels deemed "seditious" by the Church, and after founding a peaceful political group in 1892 he was exiled. During his time away, "Katipunan" was founded, with the goal in mind to overthrow the Spanish government.
https://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/intro.html -
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Spanish American war
The US declared war after the Battleship Maine was sunk by Spain on Feb. 15. The first battle was the "Battle of Manila Bay" (May 1), in which the US destroyed the Spanish fleet. Guerillas remained in Manila until 15,000 more US troops arrived in July. "Yellow journalism" was used heavily, coining it the first "media war". Spain lost Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines Islands, Guam and more. The conflict was resolved after the Treaty of Paris.
https://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/intro.html -
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Open Door Policy
A statement created to maintain equal privileges among countries trading with China. It was dispatched to Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan with almost 100% approval (although evasive).
1) Each power should keep free access to a treaty port or other varied interest within its sphere
2) Only the Chinese govt. should collect trade taxes
3) No one with a sphere should be exempt from paying railroad charges or harbor dues.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Open-Door-policy -
Dubois vs Frederick Douglass
Dubois believed that African Americans should use their hard work to "prove" to the whites that they should be treated equally, whereas Douglass thought it was their right and wanted to force equality rather than wait for it to happen. Dubois thought that blacks could gain this social equality not through violence and protesting, but through achievement and programs made to aid them in success.
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/douglass/aa_douglass_leader_1.html -
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League of Nations
Wilson first proposed his 14 points to Congress, failing to convince them that the US should join the League of Nations. However, several other countries did join, wanting to foster international peace and cooperation. It was a council of 5 primary members, 4 rotating members, and a Court of Justice. Henry Cabot Lodge denied Wilson the opportunity to let the US join out of fear that it would prevent the US from defending its own interests.
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1914-1920/league -
Reform
Upton Sinclair (Muckraker: journalist who exposed issues in the US) published "The Jungle" which led to more food and safety regulations. At the same time, alcohol distribution was limited with the 18th amendment thanks to the Temperance movement, and civil rights protesters worked to gain equality socially and politically in the US. The 19th Amendment would be passed, allowing women to vote.
https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/politics-reform/resources/reform-movements-progressive-era -
Post WWI attitude of Americans
After WWI, consumerism and independence were big themes throughout the US. Youth culture was also prevalent, introducing new dances and lifestyles into the 1920s while rejected older Victorian ideals. People were generally hopeful for the future, and wanted to avoid war as much as possible. The govt. leaned towards isolationism, and the US focused in on itself and its culture. Mistrust of foreigners was also prevalent.
http://classroom.synonym.com/postwar-american-attitudes-1920s-10725.html -
Mellon economic policies
Andrew Mellon (Secretary of Treasury) had philosophies of tax reduction, balancing the budget, and debt reduction. He thought that business's load would lighten with the lightening of its tax load, thus transferring the relief to the nation. The Great Depression overcame his plan in 1929, reducing Mellon's reputation in the US. He was eventually replaced by Mills and went to be an Ambassador in Britain.
https://www.treasury.gov/about/history/Pages/awmellon.aspx -
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Naval Building Limitations
Concern over rising Japanese militarism and the international arms race prompted policymakers to work on reducing threats. Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes invited 9 nations to talk about reduction in naval capacity and the conflict in the Far East. The 5 power treaty; signed by the US, UK, Japan, France, and Italy. They agreed on a 5:5:3 ratio in terms of naval capacity. Some found loopholes in the restrictions of tonnage.
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1921-1936/naval-conference -
Kellogg Briand pact
This was an agreement to outlaw war, also called the "Pact of Paris". It did little to prevent World War II despite its efforts. US peace advocates began a new movement to end all war, including disarmament and naval conferences in Washington in 1921. French minister Briand proposed a peace pact to outlaw war between the US and France, but the US suggested they include all nations in the pact. 15 nations signed it at Paris.
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1921-1936/kellogg -
WWII draft
The WWII draft was the first peacetime draft imposed in US history during the Roosevelt administration. At this time, Selective Service was created. Originally only men from 21-36 were drafted, but once the US officially entered the war men from the ages of 18-37 were chosen.This differs from the WWI draft in that the US was prepared ahead of time. Blacks who were originally passed over could serve.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/united-states-imposes-the-draft -
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Progressivism
This began as a social movement originally, then moving into a political movement. It believed in social welfare, and that the social problems of the time could be solved with aid in education, a safe environment, and efficient workplaces. Jacob Riis, Jane Addams, and Ida Tarbel were strong voices for the movement. Their main audience were college education people living in the cities. This movement ended along with WWI.
https://www2.gwu.edu/~erpapers/teachinger/glossary/progressive-era.cfm