ABC Book Of U.S History Terms – Flashcards
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abolitionist
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A person who works to end slavery
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bill of rights
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a statement of fundamental rights and privileges (especially the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution)
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constitution
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a written plan of government
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daughters of liberty
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This orginization supported the boycott of British goods. They urged Americans to wear homemade fabrics and produce other goods that were previously available only from Britain. They believed that way, the American colonies would become economically independent.
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eighth amendment
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Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
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fifteenth amendment
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The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
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gadsen purchase
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strip of land in present day Arizona and New Mexico for which the United States paid Mexico $10 million in 1853.
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house of representatives
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the lower legislative house of the United States Congress
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imports
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goods brought into a country
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judicial
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relating to the administration of justice or the function of a judge
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kansas nebraska act
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This Act set up Kansas and Nebraska as states. Each state would use popular sovereignty to decide what to do about slavery. People who were proslavery and antislavery moved to Kansas, but some antislavery settlers were against the Act. This began guerrilla warfare.
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louisiana purchase
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The U.S., under Jefferson, bought the Louisiana territory from France, under the rule of Napoleon, in 1803. The U.S. paid $15 million for the Louisiana Purchase, and Napoleon gave up his empire in North America. The U.S. gained control of Mississippi trade route and doubled its size.
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magna carta
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This document, signed by King John of Endland in 1215, is the cornerstone of English justice and law. It declared that the king and government were bound by the same laws as other citizens of England. It contained the antecedents of the ideas of due process and the right to a fair and speedy trial that are included in the protection offered by the U.S. Bill of Rights
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navigation acts
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Laws that governed trade between England and its colonies. Colonists were required to ship certain products exclusively to England. These acts made colonists very angry because they were forbidden from trading with other countries.
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oregon trail
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pioneer trail that began in missouri and crossed the great plains into the oregon country
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patent
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a document granting an inventor sole rights to an invention
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quakers
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religious group who settled Pennsylvania - very tolerant and nonviolent
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railroads
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Networks of iron (later steel) rails on which steam (later electric or diesel) locomotives pulled long trains at high speeds. First railroads were built in England in the 1830s. Success caused a railroad building boom lasting into the 20th Century (704)
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sixth amendment
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the constitutional amendment designed to protect individuals accused of crimes. It includes the right to counsel, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to a speedy and public trial.
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trail of tears
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The Cherokee Indians were forced to leave their lands. They traveled from North Carolina and Georgia through Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas-more than 800 miles (1,287 km)-to the Indian Territory. More than 4, 00 Cherokees died of cold, disease, and lack of food during the 116-day journey.
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underground railroad
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abolitionists secret aid to escaping slaves
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veto
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the power or right to prohibit or reject a proposed or intended act (especially the power of a chief executive to reject a bill passed by the legislature)
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war of 1812
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a war (1812-1814) between the United States and England which was trying to interfere with American trade with France
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xyz affair
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An insult to the American delegation when they were supposed to be meeting French foreign minister, Talleyrand, but instead they were sent 3 officials Adams called "X,Y, and Z" that demanded $250,000 as a bribe to see Talleyrand.
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yorktown battle
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sept 28- oct 18 1781 French were commanded by Rombecheau English were commanded by Cornwallis Americans were commanded by G Wash British had 500 casulties French had 200 american had 80 the french navy played a vital role in this battle b/c cornwallis couldnt get away on boat so was forced into a surrender last major battle of the revolution
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john zenger
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Journalist who questioned the policies of the governor of New York in the 1700's. He was jailed; he sued, and this court case was the basis for our freedom of speech and press. He was found not guilty.
