Us History Final Exam Semester 1

Front 1

Colony

Back 1

country or area under full or partial political control of another country - occupied by settlers from that country (settlement) - group of people from one nationality

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Mercantilism

Back 2

mother country controlling trade of its colonies for its own economic benefit (government control of trade to promote self-sufficiency and economic trade)

significant to American Revolution:
- mercantilistic policy posed loads of restrictions that mostly served to benefit Britain
- gold / silver coins quickly circulated back to England

- led to colonists uniting under common idea of revolting

Front 3

Salutary Neglect

Back 3

Britain's neglection of the colonies' demonstrations and demands (colonies opposed certain regulations of the British) in order to prevent / avoid conflicts and the high cost of sending a military

significant to American Revolution:
- the fact that Britain did not enforce strict rules on the Americans = Americans' belief that they were independent
- once Britain started to enforce strict rules / regulations, Americans' showed discontent, since they did not want to be ruled by Britain

Front 4

Virtual Representation

Back 4

representation of electives in the British government that made major decisions involving colonies

significant to American Revolution:
- colonies found it unfair that Britain had its own parliament that made decisions for the colonies

Front 5

Militia

Back 5

American army made to revolt against Britain

significant to American Revolution:
- armies made to fight American Revolution + Civil War were composed of militia - formed of farmers, merchants, other working citizens

Front 6

Confederation

Back 6

republic formed in 1861, composed of 11 southern states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi) - seceded from US in order to preserve slavery and states' rights - dissolved in 1865 after being defeated in Civil War

significant:
- group of southern states seceded from union since by preserving slavery in their land = major source of profit
- formation of confederation created disputes + extreme differences between Union and Confederacy = caused civil war

Front 7

Constitution

Back 7

highest law of the United States - put in writing (1787) by Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia - later ratified by representatives of 13 states - since 1787, 27 amendments have been ratified - first 10 amendments = Bill of Rights

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Executive

Back 8

branch that decides and agrees on laws - usually refers to sovereign authority of a nation - has sole authority and responsibility for daily administration of the state

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Legislative

Back 9

assembly that has power to pass, amend, and repeal laws - tends to appoint a member from its house as executive power (prime minister) - have executive power to raise and lower taxes

Front 10

Judicial

Back 10

legal authorities of a country - usually refers to judges - administration of justice

Front 11

Assimilation

Back 11

people of different backgrounds begin to form into large, national "family" - legally adding land area to the US

significant:
- sought to make Indians part of the US - makes them American - thus their land belongs to America

Front 12

Annexation

Back 12

permanent acquisition and integration of territorial entity - 1845, Republic of Texas was annexed to Union as 28th state

significant:
- led to Texas border dispute with Mexico
- led to Mexican-American war, in the middle of which the US captured additional land - Mexican Cession (1848)
- extended nation's borders to Pacific Ocean

Front 13

Manifest Destiny

Back 13

Americans' belief that God indicated them to expand westward and conquer territory

significant:
- triggered westward expansion since Anglo Americans were convinced that it was their destiny / duty to conquer lands in the west

Front 14

Louisiana Purchase

Back 14

US' purchase (acquisition) of Louisiana territory from France for a deal of $15 million in 1803

significant:
- US control over Mississippi river
- opened up lands for new settlements
- over time, thousands of Americans eager for land, descended upon the Louisiana territory

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Lewis and Clark Expedition

Back 15

first American expedition to cross western portion of the US - Mississippi river to Pacific Coast
- May 1804 to September 1806

reasons:
- mostly economic
- desire to explore and map newly acquired territory
- Jefferson = establish relations with Indians in order to benefit from fur trade
- find practical water route to China markets
- establish American presence before Britain, or other European powers tried to claim it

significant:
- found water routes
- established relations with Indians
- triggered westward expansion