Native American Relations and Early US Ideals

A period in Native American history (1600s - 1970s) characterized by European colonization and forced assimilation of Native American cultures.

A period (since the 1960s) marked by a shift in the way Native Americans were viewed. This includes romanticized images and attempts to make amends for past wrongs.

A period (since the 1980s) characterized by Native American resistance and demands for self-determination and greater political autonomy.

The inaccurate portrayal of all Native American cultures as a single, homogenous group.

The vast range of languages, customs, and ways of life among different Native American tribes.

A historical period (800-1600 CE) in North America characterized by large, complex societies with advanced agriculture and sophisticated social structures.

A treaty made by William Penn with the Lenni-Lenape Native American tribe in 1682, often considered an example of fair treatment and peaceful coexistence.

The perception of the wilderness as a place populated by evil spirits, where the influence of nature could corrupt moral virtue.

A concept that suggests that a society's shared beliefs, symbols, and rituals create a sense of unity and belonging, particularly in the context of a nation's founding or ongoing development.

A French philosopher who emphasized the importance of social contract and the collective will in shaping society. He suggested that a shared common belief system is necessary for societal cohesion and stability.

A French sociologist who explored the role of religion in creating social solidarity and shared beliefs. He argued that religion provides a framework for moral conduct and strengthens social bonds within a community.

An American sociologist who studied the American version of civil religion, focusing on the idea that American society contains a shared set of beliefs and symbols that operate independently of any specific religious denomination.

The idea that the Founding Fathers, particularly George Washington, have achieved near-mythical status as heroic figures in American history, embodying the ideals of a nation's founding and embodying a sense of national unity and purpose.

The naming of the US capital Washington D.C. (1791) is seen as an act of honoring George Washington and solidifying his legacy as a key figure in American history. This symbolizes a connection between the national capital and the founder of the nation.

The use of symbols and imagery to represent historical events or figures in American history, often depicting them in a heroic or idealized light. This reinforces the national narrative and contributes to the formation of a collective identity.

 A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776 that argued for American independence from Great Britain, promoting the idea of an independent American republic. It also advocated for individual freedoms like religious freedom and property rights, and called for a Magna Carta for America.

A key document in American history, written in 1776, that declared the 13 American colonies independent from Great Britain. While it declared "all men are created equal" and established the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", it didn't explicitly define the relationship between religion and state.

He drafted the "Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom" in 1777, aiming for religious freedom and separation of church and state. This bill became the foundation for the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.

He argued for a bill providing state funds for Christian teachers (1776), opposed to separation of church and state. This directly contrasted Jefferson's position and contributed to the intense debate on religion and state.

He wrote the "Memorial and Remonstrance" (1785) against religious assessments, arguing that religious beliefs should be influenced by reason and conviction, not by force or state authority.

The culmination of the debate on religion and state in Virginia, passed in 1786. It guaranteed religious freedom and prevented the establishment of a state-sponsored religion. This key legislation reinforced the principles of separation of church and state in Virginia and heavily influenced the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

Jefferson's impactful statement advocating for religious freedom. He argued that the freedom of thought and belief is inherent and should remain free from coercion.

Madison firmly believed that individuals should be free to practice their religious beliefs without coercion, and that true religion should be based on rational choice and conviction.

A song originally written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key, adopted as the official national anthem of the United States in 1931.

A popular patriotic song written by Irving Berlin in 1938, often played alongside 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at events.

A prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, known for his powerful speeches and commitment to nonviolent resistance.

The day Americans elect their president, held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November.

The formal ceremony where the newly elected president takes the oath of office.

The perception of Islam by Americans, shaped by historical events, cultural interactions, and media portrayals.

The process by which individuals adopt a new religious faith, often influenced by personal experiences and social interactions.

A legal act that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman, excluding same-sex couples.

A landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in the United States.

A US Supreme Court case that allowed a Catholic Social Service agency to refuse to serve same-sex households based on religious beliefs.

A moral and cultural stance that considers nudity as offensive, inappropriate, or harmful, often rooted in religious or traditional values.

A moral and cultural stance that considers nudity as offensive, inappropriate, or harmful, often rooted in religious or traditional values.

The strict regulation of sexual content in films during the Hollywood Golden Age, enforced by the Motion Picture Production Code (Hays Code).

A Supreme Court decision that upheld an individual's right to possess and view obscene materials in their own homes.

In 1926, Mississippi passed a law prohibiting the teaching of human evolution from a lower order of animals (monkey). In 1927, similar bills were introduced in 13 states but were rejected by legislators.

After anti-evolution legislation was defeated in Arkansas in 1927, the religious community employed popular vote to enact the law in 1928.

Following the defeat of the anti-evolution laws, creationists shifted their focus to local school boards, successfully influencing textbooks and removing discussions of human evolution from school curriculums.

The launch of Sputnik (1957) by the USSR sparked the National Defence Education Act (1958), which, in turn, emphasized updated science curriculums. The Biological Sciences Curriculum Study resulted in the creation of new, modern biology textbooks, inadvertently aiding the reintroduction of evolution into classrooms.

The Supreme Court upheld the separation of church and state in 1948 and 1962, paving the way for the 1965 Epperson v. Arkansas case where a school teacher challenged an anti-evolution law. This landmark case ultimately led to the legalization of teaching evolution.