American History: Puritans to Civil War

English Protestants who believed the Church of England needed further reform, aiming for a simpler and more biblical approach to worship. They emigrated to America seeking religious freedom.

A group of Puritans who sailed on the Mayflower and established Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts.

A document signed by the Pilgrims on the Mayflower in 1620, establishing a framework for self-government in their new colony.

A religious reform movement emphasizing personal salvation through Christ, strict moral discipline, and societal reform.

Puritan society emphasized humility, simplicity, and obedience to God's will. Their lives were heavily influenced by their religious beliefs and the Bible.

The American Revolution led to the creation of a new nation, and the first generation of Americans faced challenges in building a new system of government.

Puritans believed in a covenant relationship with God, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the importance of salvation.

For Puritans, piety meant a deep reverence for God and a commitment to living a life of obedience to His will.

A feeling of love, devotion, and deep connection to one's country.

The fight between 13 American colonies and Great Britain from 1775 to 1783, resulting in the independence of the United States.

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that argued for American independence from Britain.

A series of pamphlets by Thomas Paine that rallied Americans to support their newfound union and contribute to the Revolutionary cause.

Nonfiction prose is a type of writing that is based mostly on facts, even if it includes fictional elements.

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, formally severed the 13 American colonies' political ties with Great Britain.

The Founding Fathers, including Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin, were key figures who led the American Revolution and shaped the new nation's government.

The three unalienable rights listed in the Declaration of Independence: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

A system of government where power is shared between a national government and smaller regional governments (like states).

A literary movement emphasizing nature, symbolism, individual experience, and the power of imagination.

A type of Romanticism that explores darker themes, like death, anxiety, and horror. Often features mystery, suspense, and psychological elements.

A literary movement rooted in intuition, individualism, and a strong connection to nature. It seeks understanding of basic truths through direct experience.

A novel that explores themes of obsession, the relationship between humanity and nature, and the changing American society. The whale is a symbol of something beyond human understanding.

The branch of government responsible for creating laws, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The ability to create suspense and keep the reader engaged throughout a story.

A literary technique used to create humor by exaggerating the absurdity of a situation.

A conflict between the Union (North) and the Confederacy (South) in the United States, lasting from 1861 to 1865.

The institution of forced labor, primarily of African people, practiced in the South. Slaves were vital for agriculture and industry, contributing to the South's economy.

The movement that sought to end slavery in the United States. It played a significant role in shaping national politics and society.

Written accounts by former slaves about their experiences, often emphasizing themes of freedom, home, redemption, and escaping bondage.

Treating a person unfairly because of their race or ethnicity.

A term used to describe the withdrawal of support for individuals or organizations deemed offensive or problematic, often through social media shaming.

The process of re-evaluating historical events and interpretations based on new evidence and changing perspectives.

The act of discriminating against an individual or group based on their membership in a specific racial or ethnic group, often a minority or marginalized community.

The period after a war, especially the American Civil War, marked by rapid growth in industry, cities, and population, and a rising middle class.

Jack London's novel that reflects Darwinian ideas about survival, using a journey of a dog to explore the brutality of nature.

A literary movement that explored the impact of rapid technological change, urbanization, and war, often using experimental techniques.

A cultural phenomenon of the 1920s, characterized by the flapper, a young woman who embraced freedom and challenged traditional norms through fashion and behavior.

Criminal gangs that emerged during Prohibition, engaging in illegal activities like manufacturing and distributing alcohol.

A vibrant cultural movement that flourished in Harlem, New York City during the 1920s, showcasing African American artistic expression in music, theater, visual arts, and literature. It celebrated African heritage and challenged racial stereotypes.

A premier nightclub in Harlem during the 1920s and 1930s, known for featuring top African American entertainers during the Prohibition era.

A central theater in Harlem, located on the main commercial street, that played a vital role in showcasing and developing various musical genres from jazz to soul.

A period of significant cultural change in the 1920s characterized by modernism, optimism, and a vibrant city life. This era influenced music, fashion, literature, and various aspects of American society.

A significant period in African American history (1910-1930) that witnessed a surge in cultural expression, artistic innovation, and a growing fight for civil rights. This movement celebrated Black heritage and identity.