U.S. History Quiz: Early Republic

The first President of the United States who established key precedents for future presidents, such as forming a cabinet and serving only two terms.

A group of advisors chosen by the president to help him make decisions, the first cabinet consisted of the Vice President, Secretary of Treasury, Secretary of State, Secretary of War, and Attorney General.

A political party led by Alexander Hamilton, that advocated for a strong national government, a pro-business economy, and believed power should rest with the wealthy and educated elite.

A political party led by Thomas Jefferson, that favored states' rights and limited federal government power, an agrarian economy, and supported empowering the common man.

The financial crisis faced by the newly formed United States, where both the national government and states owed large sums of money to foreign banks and American merchants.

Hamilton's plan to address the debt crisis, including assuming state debts, creating a national bank, and introducing new taxes like tariffs and excise taxes.

A protest by Pennsylvania farmers against the excise tax on whiskey, which led to Washington sending federal troops to quell the rebellion and showcase the power of the national government.

A significant event in Europe that divided American political opinion, with Federalists opposing the French Revolution, fearing chaos, while Democratic-Republicans supported it as an extension of revolutionary ideals.

The act of forcefully taking American sailors to serve on British ships during the Napoleonic Wars. This was seen as a violation of American sovereignty and individual rights.

British policy during the Napoleonic Wars that required neutral ships to stop at British ports for inspection. Limited neutral trade and angered the United States.

French policy during the Napoleonic Wars that allowed seizing ships that traded with Britain, further restricting neutral trade like the "Orders in Council".

Southern and Western Congressmen who advocated for war against Britain. They wanted to defend American honor, stop British interference, and expand territory (especially into Canada).

A historic battle fought in Baltimore, Maryland, during the War of 1812. The British failed to capture Fort McHenry, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'

A meeting of Federalist delegates from New England during the War of 1812 to discuss grievances over the war. It proposed constitutional amendments to limit federal power and discussed secession but did not take action.

James Madison's presidency was mainly focused on foreign policy challenges and the War of 1812.

Known as the "Father of the Constitution", Madison was instrumental in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

A movement in American art during the 1820s that celebrated the sublime beauty of the American wilderness and its relationship with humanity.

A period of significant cultural change in the United States after the War of 1812, marked by a focus on developing unique American themes and values in art, literature, and religion.

A movement in American literature that followed the War of 1812, where writers sought independence from European influences and explored themes of American folklore, frontier life, and societal critiques.

A philosophical movement that emphasized individuality, self-reliance, and the importance of nature as a source of spiritual and moral guidance.

A religious revival that emphasized free will and moral reform, bringing Protestant ideas and new denominations like Methodists and Baptists to America.

A social movement that advocated for modernization and secularization in the Ottoman Empire, aiming to modernize and compete in a global world.

Japan's rapid modernization and industrialization effort in the late 19th century, driven by the desire to compete in a globalizing world.

A significant social and religious movement in Europe that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and led to the creation of new Protestant denominations.

A belief that the United States was destined to expand its territory across North America, reaching the Pacific Ocean, and spreading democracy and economic opportunities.

The purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803, doubling the size of the United States. This is a key example of westward expansion.

An act passed by Congress in 1830 authorizing the forced removal of Native Americans to lands west of the Mississippi River, resulting in the tragic Trail of Tears.

The forced relocation of thousands of Cherokee and other Native American tribes to lands west of the Mississippi River, resulting in immense suffering and loss of life.

The annexation of Texas into the United States in 1845, driven by the desire to expand the nation's territory westward. It was a significant event in the Manifest Destiny movement.

A border dispute with Britain over the Oregon Territory, ultimately settled by the Oregon Treaty of 1846. This conflict highlights the role of diplomacy in shaping westward expansion.

A war between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, driven by American ambitions to acquire the Southwest. It resulted in significant territorial gains for the US.

The treaty ending the Mexican-American War, where Mexico ceded Texas, California, and other territories to the United States. It marked a critical turning point in westward expansion.

The Fugitive Slave Act was a part of the Compromise of 1850. It required Northerners to return runaway slaves to their owners in the South, even if they lived in free states. This law fueled controversy and made many Northerners oppose slavery.

This act proposed that slavery's legality in territories be decided by local residents (popular sovereignty), rather than Congress. It angered abolitionists and set the stage for conflict over slavery in the West.

The Dred Scott decision basically declared that African Americans, whether free or slave, were not citizens and could not sue in federal court. This ruling undermined the compromise of 1850 and fueled national debate over slavery.

Abraham Lincoln, though a strong opponent of slavery's expansion, emphasized that his goal as president was to preserve the Union. This stance led Southern states to secede and form the Confederate States of America.

The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This event confirmed that the secession threats were serious and the conflict was unavoidable.

The border states were states with slavery, but remained loyal to the Union, not siding with the Confederacy. They included Missouri, Kentucky, West Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland.

Lincoln took several actions to maintain Union control, including imposing martial law in Maryland, suspending habeas corpus (the right to be informed of charges), and implementing a military draft to recruit soldiers.

The Battle of Antietam, a Union victory, led to the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation which freed slaves in Confederate states. It also allowed Black soldiers to serve in the Union Army.

The deadliest battle of the Civil War, Gettysburg resulted in a Union victory. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address commemorating the fallen soldiers, famously declared "a new birth of freedom".

The Union gained control of the Mississippi River by capturing Vicksburg in July 1863. This victory was a major turning point in the war, effectively cutting the Confederacy in half.

Sherman's March was a devastating military campaign in which General Sherman destroyed the infrastructure of the South, including the city of Atlanta, weakening the Confederacy's capacity to fight.

The 13th Amendment, ratified in February 1865, abolished slavery in the United States. This formal abolishment of slavery was a crucial step towards creating a more just and equitable nation.

Andrew Johnson's Reconstruction plans were lenient compared to Congress' harsher efforts. Johnson opposed radical measures, including the Freedmen's Bureau and civil rights legislation, furthering tensions between the executive and legislative branches.