U.S. Historical Compromises and Key Figures

3/5ths Compromise

• Agreement during the Constitutional Convention regarding the counting of enslaved people for representation and taxes.
• Resolved conflicts between Northern and Southern states.
• Three-fifths of the enslaved population counted for representation and taxes.
• Gave more representation to Southern states, contributing to tensions over slavery.

Abigail Adams, “remember the ladies”

• Phrase from a letter to her husband, John Adams, urging him to consider women’s rights.
• Reflected the ongoing struggle for gender equality in America.
• Early advocacy for women's rights, highlighting their limited rights in society.

Alexander Hamilton

• First Secretary of the Treasury, crucial in establishing the US financial foundation.
• Created the national bank and other systems to establish a stable economy and federal credit.
• Vision of a strong centralized government and financial system influenced modern American economics and politics.

Alien and Sedition Acts

• Laws passed in 1798, aimed at reducing immigrant political power and silencing Federalist opposition.
• Allowed the government to deport foreigners and limited free speech.
• Led to public outcry and contributed to the formation of the Democratic-Republican Party.

Annapolis Convention

• Meeting in 1786 to discuss trade regulations and the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
• Poor attendance, but called for a more comprehensive convention to address national issues.
• Laid the groundwork for the Constitutional Convention, highlighting the need for a stronger federal government.

Articles of Confederation

• First US governing document, creating a loose union of states with a weak central government.
• Successfully ended the Revolutionary War, but lacked power for taxation and law enforcement.
• Weaknesses led to uprisings like Shays’ Rebellion, highlighting the need for a new Constitution.

Baron von Steuben

• Prussian military officer who trained American troops during the Revolutionary War.
• Improved troop discipline and effectiveness, significantly enhancing the Continental Army’s performance.
• Emphasized the importance of professional military training and foreign support in American independence.

Battle of Saratoga

• Pivotal battle in 1777, resulting in a major American victory over the British.
• American victory convinced France to form an alliance, providing crucial military support.
• Marked a turning point, shifting the balance of power in favor of the Americans.

Battle of Yorktown

• Final major battle of the Revolutionary War in 1781, ending with British General Cornwallis’ surrender.
• Marked the end of significant military operations in the colonies, forcing Britain to negotiate peace.
• Ensured American independence, leading to the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

Benjamin Franklin

• Founding Father known for diplomacy, invention, and his role in the American Enlightenment.
• Diplomacy during the Revolutionary War, particularly securing French support, was crucial for victory.
• Contributed to the principles of democracy and innovation in the newly established nation.

Bill of Rights

• The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, ratified in 1791, guaranteeing individual liberties.
• Driven by concerns that the Constitution did not sufficiently protect citizens from government overreach.
• Fundamental to American law and philosophy, ensure protection of civil liberties.

Boston Massacre

• Event in 1770 where British soldiers killed five colonists during a confrontation.
• Escalated tensions between Britain and the colonies.
• Used as propaganda by colonial leaders to fuel anti-British sentiment and unify colonists.