American Cultures Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What was Pinckney's Treaty?

A treaty between the United States and Spain signed in 1795 that established intentions of friendship and gave the US access to the Mississippi River and New Orleans.

What is Jay's Treaty commonly known for?

A treaty credited with averting war between the United States and Great Britain, signed in 1794.

What did the Treaty of Greenville accomplish?

It ended the Northwest Indian War and limited strategic parcels of land to the north and west.

What were the Alien and Sedition Acts?

Four bills passed in 1798 that made it harder for immigrants to become citizens and criminalized criticism of the federal government. Signup and view all the answers

What was the XYZ Affair?

A diplomatic incident that led to the Quasi-War between the U.S. and France. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'precedent' in the context of Washington's presidency?

An example set by Washington that future presidents would follow. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Elastic Clause in the U.S. Constitution allow?

It grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Louisiana Purchase?

A land deal between the U.S. and France in which the U.S. acquired around 827,000 square miles of land for $15 million. Signup and view all the answers

What was the War of 1812?

A war fought between Great Britain and Native Americans against the United States from 1812 to 1816. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Whiskey Rebellion?

A tax protest that began in 1791 during George Washington's presidency. Signup and view all the answers

What is impressment?

The capturing of American seamen and forcing them to serve in the British military. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Embargo Act?

To cut off trade between the U.S. and all foreign countries. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Non-Intercourse Act aim to do?

To stop trade with Britain and France. Signup and view all the answers

What was the British Blockade?

A blockade of ships set up by the British along the East Coast to limit U.S. trade and naval operations. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the War Hawks?

People who supported going to war if necessary. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the War Doves?

People who opposed war and preferred negotiation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Treaty of Ghent?

The peace treaty that ended the War of 1812, signed two weeks before the Battle of New Orleans. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pinckney's Treaty

Signed on October 27, 1795, in San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
Established friendship between the United States and Spain.
Granted the U.S. access to the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans.

Jay's Treaty

Signed in 1794 and officially known as the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation.
Resolved lingering issues from the Treaty of Paris (1783) post-American Revolutionary War.
Avoided war with Great Britain and facilitated a decade of peaceful trade during the French Revolutionary Wars.

Treaty of Greenville

Signed on August 3, 1795, at Fort Greenville in Ohio.
Ended the Northwest Indian War, following the Native American defeat at the Battle of Fallen Timbers.
Limited land access to the U.S. north and west of Ohio.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Enacted in 1798 by the Federalist-led 5th United States Congress under President John Adams.
Raised the citizenship naturalization period and allowed deportation of non-citizens deemed dangerous.
Criminalized false statements against the government, violating the First Amendment.
Aimed to suppress immigrant voting for 14 years and prevent potential rebellion.

The XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident in the late 1790s that led to the Quasi-War between the U.S. and France.
Involved U.S. diplomats blackmailed for money by French negotiators.
Resolved with the Convention of 1800, restoring peace between nations.

Precedent

Set by George Washington when establishing the first cabinet of advisors.
Created a model for future presidents and administrations.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Established the U.S. federal judiciary system.
Signified the division between Federalists (Hamilton) and Democratic-Republicans (Jefferson).

Elastic Clause

Found in the U.S. Constitution, allowing Congress to pass necessary and proper laws.
Provides flexibility for Congress to expand its powers beyond those specifically enumerated.

Louisiana Purchase

A land acquisition from France in 1803 totaling around 827,000 square miles for $15 million.
Negotiated by Thomas Jefferson, raising constitutional concerns regarding presidential authority.

War of 1812

Fought from 1812 to 1816 between the United States and Great Britain, along with Native American alliances.
Significant conflict that shaped U.S. national identity and foreign policy.

Whiskey Rebellion

Tax protest starting in 1791 against the "whiskey tax," imposed on distilled spirits by the federal government.
Demonstrated the government's authority to levy taxes on domestic goods and manage civil unrest.

Impressment

The practice of British capturing American sailors and forcing them into the Royal Navy.
A major grievance for the U.S. leading up to the War of 1812.

Embargo Act

A law enacted to halt all trade with foreign nations, aiming to protect American interests.
Led to significant economic hardship domestically.

Non-Intercourse Act

Legislation aimed at resuming trade with all nations except Britain and France.
A response to ongoing tensions and trade restrictions from Europe.

British Blockade

A restrictive naval strategy limiting U.S. trade and movements along the East Coast.
Aimed to weaken U.S. economy during conflicts with Britain.

War Hawks

Advocates for military action, motivated by national interests, particularly prior to the War of 1812.
Influential in pushing the U.S. towards war.

War Doves

Opponents of war, favoring diplomatic negotiations over military engagement.
Represented a significant perspective in American politics during conflict periods.

Treaty of Ghent

Peace treaty concluded in December 1814, shortly before the Battle of New Orleans.
Marked the end of the War of 1812 and restored pre-war boundaries.

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Description

Test your knowledge of pivotal treaties in American history with these flashcards. Focus on agreements like Pinckney's Treaty and Jay's Treaty, which shaped U.S. relations with Spain and Britain, respectively. Perfect for students of American cultures and history enthusiasts.