American Identity and History

The process of immigrants adapting to a new environment, demanding quick adjustments and consuming national energy.

The region west of the Great Plains, including Hawaii and Alaska, known for its diverse landscapes and climates.

The area between the Appalachian mountains and the Cordillera, drained by the Mississippi river.

The region covering states from Virginia to Texas (except Missouri), known for its plantations and emphasis on personal honor.

The region stretching from Ohio to the Rocky Mountains, known for its wheat and corn production and Republican roots.

The region encompassing New York City, New England, and the Mid-Atlantic states, with its focus on shipbuilding, fishing, and trade.

The area in the Southwest known for its ancient cultures, Native American and Spanish influence, and a harsh climate.

The region of Utah, Southeast Idaho, and Salt Lake City, home to the largest population of Mormons.

The area including California, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, and Hollywood, known for its diverse industries, population, and cultural significance.

The region encompassing Washington and Oregon, known for its forests, rainy climate, and volcanic mountains.

A geographical feature separating the East and West, supporting diverse agricultural activities due to its moist years.

A geographical feature characterized by low-growing grass, suitable for cattle ranches, particularly during moist years.

A geographical feature impacting westward expansion, known for its diverse environments and natural resources.

A geographical feature impacting the settlement and economy of the Northeast, known for its coastal access.

A geographical feature influencing the development of the Midwest, impacting agricultural production and contributing to the region's character.

The negotiation with Britain for control of the Oregon Territory, which was settled by a treaty that divided the territory along the 49th parallel.

American settlers migrated westward, seeking land and opportunity in California, New Mexico, and Texas. This led to tensions with Mexico, culminating in the Mexican-American War.

Following a successful revolt, Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836. In 1845, Texas was annexed into the United States, leading to increased sectional tensions over the issue of slavery.

The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Mexico ceded a large portion of its territory to the US, including California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico.

By the mid-19th century, a majority (85%) of the US population lived in rural areas, with distinct regional development patterns in the Northeast (centered on trade and industry), the South (dominated by agriculture), and the expanding territories in the West (characterized by frontier settlement).

The early 19th century saw significant immigration from Northern Europe. These settlers primarily became farmers and merchants, moving westward beyond the Appalachian Mountains.

The 1830s to 1850s witnessed a surge in European immigration to the US, with a significant influx of Irish immigrants, particularly in eastern cities, which contributed to changing urban demographics.

The continuous westward movement of settlers resulted in the development of essential transportation routes (like rivers and roads), the growth of river cities, the emergence of new urban centers, and the establishment of frontier settlements and communities.

A period marked by social and economic upheaval in the US, including the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, leading to a rise in leftist ideas and artistic movements like realism and social realism.

The process of the US entering and fighting World War II, resulting in significant military mobilization, societal changes, and government expansion.

A period of unprecedented prosperity and societal shifts following World War II, characterized by the rise of mass media, consumerism, and a Cold War-era tension.

A cultural movement that challenged societal norms and explored themes of alienation, rebellion, and nonconformity, often focusing on personal expression and counterculture.

A period of intense political fear and anti-communist paranoia in the United States, fueled by Senator Joseph McCarthy's accusations of communist infiltration in government and society.

A period of major readjustment and rebuilding in the South following the Civil War, marked by challenges in integrating freed slaves into society and the emergence of the Ku Klux Klan.

The first mass-produced car, made affordable by the assembly line, and a symbol of American mobility and individualism in the early 20th century.

A term describing the period around the turn of the 20th century, characterized by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and technological advancements, symbolized by skyscrapers, electric lighting, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

A new style of warfare that emerged during the Civil War, where civilians were deeply involved and targeted, battles went beyond traditional battlefields, and civilians became refugees.

A prominent photographer who extensively documented the Civil War, considered the "father of photojournalism".

A literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century characterized by realistic depictions of everyday life, often focusing on social issues and the struggles of ordinary people.

A literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century characterized by a focus on the impact of environment and heredity on human behavior, often exploring themes of determinism and social injustice.

A literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century characterized by focusing on the distinct cultures, landscapes, and experiences of specific regions, often celebrating local traditions and dialects.

A period of rapid industrialization and economic growth in the US following the Civil War, marked by the expansion of railroads, the growth of cities, technological innovations, and the rise of big businesses.

The forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands, often in violation of treaties, leading to hardship and cultural disruption.

The period of time between 1860 and 1900, which witnessed significant social and political changes in the United States, including the Civil War, Reconstruction, rapid industrialization, and the rise of new social movements.

The dramatic shift from rural life to urban living, accompanied by the emergence of slums, poverty, child labor, and increased crime during the late 19th century.

The abolitionist movement that gained momentum in the 19th century, advocating for the immediate and unconditional end of slavery, often employing methods like the Underground Railroad and public speeches.

The movement that sought to gain equal rights for women, focusing on issues such as access to education, property rights, and marriage reform.

The practice of using the telegraph, railroads, and horses to transport news rapidly during the Civil War, allowing journalists to quickly report on battles and events.

A movement that emphasized individual expression and emotional intensity in art, often using abstract forms and bold colors. Jackson Pollock was a key figure in this movement.

A philosophical and artistic movement that emerged in the late 20th century, challenging traditional ideas and emphasizing irony, subjectivity, and the blurring of boundaries between art and life.

A period in the 1960s marked by widespread social unrest, protests, and violence, often associated with the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the rise of counterculture.

A cultural movement that emphasized peace, love, and personal freedom, often associated with psychedelic drugs, rock music, and communal living. It was a visible response to the Vietnam War and other societal pressures.

A major music festival held in 1969 that became a symbol of the counterculture movement, with over 400,000 attendees who celebrated peace, love, and music.

A period characterized by economic recession, political scandals (such as Watergate), and a general feeling of pessimism and disillusionment, leading to societal shifts.

The period when Ronald Reagan served as President of the United States (1981-1989), marked by conservative policies, increased military spending, and a focus on economic growth.

A period of economic growth, technological advancement (especially with the rise of the internet), and increased social tolerance, including a focus on multiculturalism and diversity.

A fundamental value in American culture that emphasizes individual freedom and self-reliance, often associated with the right to pursue one's own goals and happiness without undue government interference.

A core value in American culture that emphasizes the importance of relying on oneself, both financially and emotionally. Depending on others is seen as a sign of weakness.

The belief that everyone has an equal chance to succeed, regardless of their background.

A key American value encouraging competition in all areas of life, with winners and losers.

Material wealth is highly valued in American society, seen as a result of hard work and a measure of success.

The Declaration of Independence emphasizes the principle of equality and individual rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The Constitution enshrines fundamental principles like separation of church and state, forbidding aristocratic titles, and focusing on individual freedom.

The concept of 'The Promised Land' has different meanings for various groups, including a safe haven for the Puritans, a land of opportunity for immigrants, and a mythical ideal.

The belief that individual hard work and dedication lead to success and prosperity.

The term 'Native Americans' refers to the indigenous peoples of the United States, encompassing diverse cultures and nations.

The belief that Native Americans are a vanishing race is a myth, rooted in historical misconceptions and prejudice.

Native American cultures existed long before European colonization, with diverse lifeways and traditions.

Native Americans lived in a vast range of environments across North America, adapting to their specific regions.

The Eastern Woodland Indians occupied a large swathe of eastern North America, with distinctive homes, agricultural practices, and transportation methods.

The Great Plains Indians, known for their nomadic lifestyle and reliance on buffalo, resided in the western grasslands.

The Southwest Tribes inhabited the high and dry areas of Arizona and New Mexico.

The California-Intermountain Indians, known for their seed-gathering traditions and diverse basketry, lived in the eastern California region.