American Cultures Flashcards

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.