U.S. History First Semester Exam

A system where a nation's wealth is measured by the amount of gold and silver it possesses. Colonies were required to provide raw materials and serve as markets for manufactured goods. This system promoted trade and economic growth but also sparked tensions between colonizers and colonies.

The first permanent English settlement in North America, founded in 1607, it survived due to the discovery of tobacco as a cash crop and the introduction of labor by the first African slaves brought to Virginia.

The British started taxing the colonists more heavily in the mid-1760s due to the financial burden of the French & Indian War and the desire to assert greater control over the colonies.

The Sons of Liberty were a group of colonists who organized protests against British policies. They fought for liberty and fought against unfair taxation. They sought to achieve self-governance and secure their rights.

The Continental Congresses met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and were gatherings of colonial delegates to discuss issues with Britain. The First Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Rights and Grievances. The Second Continental Congress declared independence from Britain.

The Battle of Bunker Hill demonstrated the resolve of the American militia and showed the British that the colonists were willing to fight for independence. It was a significant early battle in the American Revolution, but a British victory.

The French allyed with the U.S. because they saw an opportunity to weaken their rival, Great Britain, and reclaim lost territories in North America after their defeat in the French and Indian War.

The Americans gained a significant amount of territory from the British under the Treaty of Paris, including all land east of the Mississippi River, which was a major win for the fledgling nation.

The political philosophy of the Democratic-Republicans favored limited government, agrarianism, and states' rights. They emphasized a focus on the common man, the importance of agriculture, and restricting federal power. They viewed the Federalists, who prioritized a strong central government and commercial interests, as elitist and potentially tyrannical.

Washington adopted a policy of neutrality in response to the French Revolution, choosing not to ally with either France or Britain. This stance sought to protect the newly formed nation's interests and avoid involvement in European conflicts.

The XYZ Affair involved a failed diplomatic mission to France in 1797. French officials demanded bribes from American diplomats before negotiations could begin, sparking outrage in America and fueling the Quasi-War. This incident strengthened anti-French sentiment and fostered a sense of nationalism in the US.

The Alien and Sedition Acts, passed in 1798, aimed to suppress dissent and criticism against the Federalist government. They allowed the deportation of foreigners deemed dangerous and criminalized speech deemed seditious against the government. Critics viewed these acts as an attempt to silence political opposition and curtail freedom of speech.

Judicial Review is the power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional. Marbury v. Madison (1803) established this principle, giving the judiciary a significant check on the executive and legislative branches, thus shaping the balance of power within the federal government.

The Louisiana Purchase, acquired from France in 1803, doubled the size of the United States, adding vast lands west of the Mississippi River, from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada. This territory provided valuable resources, expanded westward expansion, and proved crucial to the growth and development of the nation.

The War Hawks were a group of young, expansionist members of Congress who advocated for war with Britain in 1812. They argued for territorial expansion, the defense of American maritime rights, and a desire to control the entirety of the North American continent. Their efforts ultimately led to the declaration of war against Britain.

The War of 1812 resulted in a stalemate between the US and Britain. While neither side achieved a decisive victory, the war had important consequences for the US. It strengthened national identity and fostered a spirit of independence. Furthermore, it demonstrated a growing military capability for the young nation and cemented its status as a recognized power on the world stage.