American History: Key Events and Figures

Henry Clay's American System

• The American System advocated for a national bank, protective tariffs, and internal improvements.

John Peter Zenger Trial Ruling

• The Zenger trial established a crucial precedent for freedom of the press, holding that truth was a defense against libel.

Lincoln's 1860 Election Stand on Slavery

• Lincoln opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, but he did not advocate for abolition in existing slave states.

Lincoln's Primary Civil War Goal

• Lincoln's primary goal was to preserve the Union, not to abolish slavery initially.

Eli Whitney's Contributions

• Whitney invented the cotton gin, drastically increasing cotton production, and later developed interchangeable parts.

14th Amendment Purpose

• The 14th Amendment was passed to ensure equal rights and protection under the law for formerly enslaved people.

Marbury v. Madison Legal Concepts

• Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to review laws for constitutionality.

Antebellum South vs. North

• The antebellum South primarily relied on agriculture, particularly cotton, and had a very different economy compared to the industrialized North.

Kansas-Nebraska Act's Comparison to Earlier Compromises

• The Kansas-Nebraska Act revoked the Missouri Compromise, leading to violence between pro and anti-slavery factions. This contrasted with earlier compromises focusing on a specific line for slavery.

Bartolome De Las Casas' Views on Native Americans

• De Las Casas strongly criticized the treatment of Native Americans, advocating for their humane treatment.

Jamestown Settler Difficulties

• Jamestown settlers faced challenges due to disease, starvation, poor planning, and conflict with Native Americans.

Jackson Supporters' Suspicions of the Second Bank of the United States

• Jackson supporters were skeptical of the Second Bank of the United States as they believed it favored certain wealthy individuals and interests. It was thought to be a threat to common people's financial well-being.

Know-Nothing Party

• The Know-Nothing Party was a nativist political group promoting anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic beliefs.

This quiz tests your knowledge on significant events and figures in American history, including the American System, the Zenger trial, and Lincoln's policies. Dive into the impacts of these historical milestones, from constitutional amendments to landmark court rulings.