American History: Federalism and Enlightenment

Federalism

• A system of power-sharing between the state and national government.
• Designed to prevent states from fearing the loss of their rights and sovereignty.
• Supported the adoption of the Constitution.

Enlightenment

• Emphasized freedom of religion.
• Featured John Locke's concepts of natural law and individual rights like life, liberty, and property.
• Incorporated the scientific method, democracy, individualism, and the Whig ideology.
• Sought to apply scientific methods to human behavior and societal structures based on natural law.
• Focused on protecting human rights.

Mercantilism

• Influenced by British colonial ambitions.
• Promoted a balance of trade, favoring imports over exports.
• Britain's enforcement of mercantilist policies fostered a period of neglect.

Sectionalism

• Prioritizing regional interests over national unity.
• A key factor in the debate over slavery's expansion.
• Fueled by the rise of abolitionism in the North.

Nullification

• A state's action to void a federal law deemed unacceptable.
• The concept of states choosing not to follow federal laws.

Abolitionism

• Started in the South.
• Advocated for the abolition of slavery.
• William Lloyd Garrison was a prominent figure, calling for immediate emancipation.
• Frederick Douglass collaborated, giving speeches and engaging in activism alongside Garrison.
• The abolitionist movement splintered.

Social Darwinism

• Based on Darwin's evolution and natural selection theories.
• Wealth was seen as a sign of divine favor, with poverty signifying inferiority or laziness.
• Used to justify wealth and economic disparities.

Suffrage

• The right to vote, with marginalized groups, particularly people of color, actively fighting for this right.

Jingoism

• Extreme patriotism.
• Associated with a belief in the use of force to resolve international disputes.
• Theodore Roosevelt exemplified this mentality.
• Inspired by slogans like "Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain."

Manifest Destiny

• The belief that Americans were divinely ordained to expand westward.
• Justified the displacement and subjugation of Native Americans.
• Perceived American superiority compared to Native Americans.

Antebellum

• Characterized by the "Cotton Kingdom."
• Cotton's significant economic value and abundance facilitated the South's economic dominance.
• The cotton gin enhanced production efficiency.
• The South's control of the cotton market made it a vital contributor to the US economy.

Secession

• South Carolina initiated the secession movement from the US.
• Other states followed, forming the Confederate States of America.

Nativism

• Favoring native-born Americans over immigrants.
• The "Know-Nothing" party exemplified nativism.
• Sought to limit immigration numbers.
• Concerns centered on the perceived negative influence of Catholic immigrants.
• The movement fractured over the issue of slavery, leading to divisions and shifts in political alliances.

Popular Sovereignty

• The right of local residents to determine the issue of slavery.
• Implemented in the territories of Utah and New Mexico.

Separation of Powers

• The division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
• Each branch has distinct roles:
  • Legislative: makes laws
  • Executive: enforces laws
  • Judicial: interprets laws

Roger Taney

• Chief Justice during the Dred Scott case.
• Ruled that Dred Scott's status was not recognized in Federal courts.
• Contributed to upholding slavery.
• Ruled that the constitution applied only to white people.

John Brown

• Opposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
• Faced treason charges related to his actions in support of the oppressed.

Harriet Beecher Stowe

• Wrote "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1852).
• Portrayed slavery as both a political and moral conflict.
• Humanized enslaved people in the novel.

Alexander Hamilton

• Admired Britain's strong central government and commercial system.
• Head of the Department of the Treasury.
• Part of the Presidential Cabinet.
• Proposed plans to manage national debt and establish a banking system.

James Madison

• Key Federalist figure.
• Initially a Republican.
• Involved in discussions regarding issues like interstate commerce.
• Contributed ideas towards establishing a strong yet non-tyrannical government.

Thomas Paine

• Author of "Common Sense," a pamphlet criticizing King George III.
• Advocate for American independence.

George Washington

• Declined a third presidential term.
• Established the two-term precedent.
• Crucial in establishing the authority of the Federal government.
• Preferred the title "Mr. President."
• Emphasized impartiality in governance.

Theodore Roosevelt

• Developed the Roosevelt Corollary, extending the Monroe Doctrine.
• Guided by the motto "Speak softly and carry a big stick."
• Acknowledged the potential for US intervention in Latin America due to disorder.
• Advocated for American leadership on the global stage.

Charles Sumner

• Leader of the Radical Republicans.
• Senator from Massachusetts.
• Considered a martyr due to consequences of his actions.

Joseph Pulitzer

• Created the New York World newspaper.
• Known for yellow journalism.

Queen Liliuokalani

• Queen of Hawaii (1893).
• Surrendered the throne to the United States.
• Threatened retribution against those who orchestrated her removal from power.

Alfred Thayer Mahan

• US Navy admiral.
• Promoted the expansion of naval power.
• Supported the construction of modern battleships.
• Contributed to transforming the US into a major naval force.
• Advocated for the importance of sea power in national strength.

John C. Calhoun

• Prominent sectionalist leader.
• Opposed the Compromise of 1850.
• Died shortly after the Compromise was introduced.
• Defended southern interests, particularly regarding slavery.
• Argued against federal intervention in the slavery issue.
• Promoted the idea of popular sovereignty within the context of slavery.
• Defended slavery as a "positive good," rather than a "necessary evil."

Test your knowledge of key concepts in American history, including federalism, Enlightenment ideals, mercantilism, and sectionalism. This quiz explores power dynamics between state and national governments and the philosophical underpinnings that shaped early American society. Can you identify how these elements influenced key historical events?