Final Study Guide

PART I: 1492-1754

1) What was Columbus looking for? He was looking for a different route to India.
2) Why was a passage to India important for European countries to find? It was important so that they could trade there without having to go through the Middle East.
3) How did the crusades change European and how did it lead to the exploration of the "New World"? It awakened the Europeans to the idea of trade outside of Europe. It showed them the things they were missing such as exotic silks and spices and whatnot. It lead to the exploration of the New World because they were looking for another trade route to Asia.
4) How did tobacco change the course of America (particularly the Virginia colony)? Tobacco gave America a true economy. Virginia was failing because they had no way to survive aside from what they could get from the land. They were making no money and thus could not trade or buy things. Tobacco gave them a much-needed crop so they could actually begin an economy.
5) Discuss the rise of self-government in America (make sure you note the House of Burgesses, the Mayflower Compact and the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut).
6) How did religion play an essential role in the shaping of the early colonies? The colonies were formed basically because of religion. They were running away from Britain to be able to practice religion as they pleased, but then they wouldn’t let pilgrims of another religion into their colony. So those spurned pilgrims would go form a colony of their own for their religion. Almost all of the colonies were formed because of religious reasons.
7) Discuss why early colonists came to America (the various reasons - begin to relate these to the American Dream and the American Character). They came with idea of religious freedom, the idea of owning land, the idea of capitalism, and they wanted economic freedom (all part of today’s American Dream).
8) What was the Great Migration? The Puritan migration to New England and they were looking for religious freedom because of persecution in their home country.
9) What was the renaissance and how does it fit with the exploration of the Americas? The renaissance was a revival of interest in art, humanities, and science, stimulated through the connection with the Middle East after the crusades, stimulated by trade. People had more time to dedicate themselves to art and education because they made money with trading.
10) Where the 1st Europeans to the Americas "Explorers" or "Invaders"? Please justify your answer. Invaders, because explorers implies they are the first to be there, and they were not.
11) How did the English distance the relationship between indentured whites and black slaves? Why did they fear a relationship between the two? The English feared the slaves would get together and rebel. They wouldn’t let the two types of slaves interact with each other. They also alienated black slaves by never letting them go, when the indentured whites eventually got to go free.
13) Know the following people:
John Rolfe: Married Pocahontas, was able to bring the first tobacco plant to Virginia, effectively saving the colony from ruin
John Smith: Was in the military, helped set up Virginia and was one of its first leaders because he was a captain
John Winthrop: Founder of Massachusetts
Anne Hutchinson: kicked out of Massachusetts for questioning the religion there and the people in charge. She went to Rhode Island after being banished.
Roger Williams: founded Rhode Island. He believed in true freedom of religion, that the government should have no say in how people worshipped. He also didn’t believe in taking land away from the Native Americans.
William Bradford: One of the men behind the Mayflower Compact.
John Wheelright: founded New Hampshire.
Jacques Marquette: French explorer who charted the Mississippi River.
Samuel de Champlain: founded Montreal.
Francis Drake: English explorer/pirate. Stole from Spanish ships. First Englishman to sail around the world.
John Cabot: explored Newfoundland.
Henry Hudson: explored Hudson By and Hudson River.
Ferdinand Magellan: Spanish explorer and the first person to sail around the world.
Francisco Pizarro: Spanish explorer who conquers the Incas.
Hernan Cortes: Spanish explorer who conquers the Aztecs.
Squanto and Samoset: Natives who helped the pilgrims out since their population had been pretty much decimated.
14) What is the difference between the Separatists and Puritians? Puritans wanted to reform the Anglican religion while Separatists wanted to break off and form their own religion entirely.
15) Discuss King Phillips War and how it changed America? It changed America because it wiped out all of the Natives in Massachusetts so whites could settle there. It also set the stage for decades of Native slaughter and cruelty.
16) When did the 1st Africans come to the English colonies? Where? What was the purpose of importing them (be specific)? The first Africans were imported to Virginia in 1619. They were brought over to work the tobacco farms.
17) According to Zinn why were Africans easier to force into labor than Native Americans or poor white immigrants? They were completely disconnected from their culture. They couldn’t communicate with anybody they knew or in a language they knew, since African dialects are so diverse. They were emotionally and physically broken down.
19) How did religious freedom, slavery, and self-government shape the first 13 colonies? Religious freedom: the Northern States were founded on the basis of freedom of religion. People from Europe were escaping religious persecution and went to the North. Slavery: slavery was popular in the southern states because slaves were used and needed for labor. They had a strong economy and needed easy and cheap labor for their agricultural endeavors. Self-government: and idea that began in Virginia. It became important for the colonists to self-govern.
20) How did the Massacre at Mystic change America? It made is acceptable to slaughter whole villages of Natives as a way to remove them from the land.
22) What was Nat Bacon's rebellion really about? The settlers in Virginia wanted to continue to move west, but the British government didn’t allow them to move into Native territories.
23) Why did Philadelphia become an important city? It became a sort of unofficial capital of the US because it had a large population, big people in the government such as Benjamin Franklin, had theatres and libraries and newspapers, a place that was open for people to worship how they wanted, and the 1st and 2nd continental congress met in Philadelphia.

PART II: FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR

1) What are the reasons the war starts and spreads to become a world war? There is basically this huge struggle for territory in the US, especially control over the Ohio valley. Colonists wanted to move west, British wanted to get the French out of America, French wanted to get the British out of “their” territory, Native unbalanced power in the region, didn’t want the English there.
2) What are the reasons the French lost? their government stopped providing them with supplies, and the French have trouble keeping their Native allies because they upset them.
3) How does the British turn the tide of the War? They win at Ticonderoga and convince the Natives to not support the French.
4) What are the results of the war? The French were removed completely from North America and lose any power they had there. The British were now in debt. The Natives won the royal prize of the colonists invading their homes and land and taking away their culture.
5) How did the war begin? George Washington was sent with a group of Natives to move the French out of Pittsburgh. The Natives attacked and killed the French leader at a camp where the French weren’t even plotting war. This made the French want revenge, which eventually started the war.
6) What was George Washington's role in the war and how did it prepare him for the Revolution? He aided General Braddock in this war. It taught him how to run and discipline an army.
7) Why were the following people important:
Edward Braddock: English leader. First British general in America. Underestimates the French method of war.
Half-King: He kills the French leader, which starts the whole war. He does this for his own reasons, and basically uses the British as pawns in his own plan.
Marquis de Montcalm: French leader who won almost all of his battles until Montreal, which was an important battle.
James Wolfe: Leader in the Battle of Quebec.
General Forbes: built the road from Pennsylvania to Fort Pitt. Allied with Natives.
William Pitt: British minister who promises the colonists all that they want.
8) Discuss the Native Indians role and importance in the war. What battles did they fight in? How did they change the power structure? What agenda did they have? They fought mostly with the French. They fought in the battles at Fort William Henry, Fort Duquesne, and Fort Oswego. They won most of the earlier battles. They only fought because they had to pick a side and chose the one that they thought would treat them the most fairly.
9) The French and Indian war begin over what area of land? It began over the Ohio River Valley.
10) Why did the Native Americans take captives? Was this an effective practice? They used hostages to threaten colonists, to replace fallen warriors, to exchange for captured warriors or goods, and to warn settlers in their area to back off. This was not effective.


PART III: The Revolution

1) According to Paul Johnson what was the most deciding factor in the colonists victory over the British. The Americans had better leadership.
2) How did the colonists win the media war, the ideological battle and the emotional battle? Media war: had control over all the media such as newspapers and propaganda. They turned everything into propaganda. Ideological battle: better leaders, reasons for actual war and national support, Thomas Jefferson is able to turn their philosophy into political ideas. Emotional battle: idea of a common good, also propaganda (such as Common Sense, the Crisis written by Thomas Paine)
3) What important things did Patrick Henry do? One of the great speakers of the Revolution. He convinced Virginia to vote for independence.
4) How was Thomas Jefferson a “mass of contradictions”. He did one thing and was convinced of the opposite: He owned slaves but was against slavery; voted against importation from British goods but bought a lot from Britain, etc.
5) What was Thomas Jefferson’s most important quality (according to Johnson). He had the ability to look at a philosophical idea and transform it so that the common man could understand it.
6) What did Common Sense do? Who wrote it. It was propaganda, but since it was read all over the country it brought the masses together against a common enemy. It was written by Thomas Paine.
7) What was the 1st constitution? What powers did it give the government? The Articles of Confederation granted the government powers in times of war, every power in times of war. It said that they couldn’t really mess with the states.
8) What was the paradox of the war (at least from Britain's point of view)? They wouldn’t gain anything if they won, it would actually be more expensive and more trouble to keep the colonies in line. If they lost all they would lose is pride.
9) What was Washington's main strength as a commander? Why did he win the war? He knew how to discipline his troops very well. He kept them in line. He won because of this and because of his strategy, which was to keep running from the British until they got tired and quit.
10) What were the four points of the Peace of Paris - as laid out by John Adams? America got to be completely independent, Britain could keep Newfoundland but America got fishing rights, definite and permanent boundaries between Canada and the US, and boundaries between the 13 colonies.
11) Why did slavery increase during the revolution? There needed to be slaves to take care of the home and the farm while the men were out fighting. The dying soldiers needed to be replaced also, so they brought in slaves to fight. There was also a larger demand for goods, so they needed more labor.
12) Who were the big losers of the war (name three)? List what they lost and explain why they are the biggest losers. France, Britain, Native Americans.
13) What happened to the Loyalists in America after the war. They were basically told to sit down and shut up about what they thought. Either that, or they could go to Britain. They could also go west and get out.
14) What were the most important battles of the war. Why do you think they are the most important? (Note battles is plural). Trenton, because it is the first victory for the Americans and gives them a much needed morale boost. Yorktown, because it was the last major battle in the war, and won it for the Colonies. Princeton, because it was another Washington victory. It was a surprise attack on New Year’s Day, which is probably the only reason they won. Saratoga, because the British surrendered one of their three armies. It showed the French that the Americans could win.
15) List at least five reasons why the Americans won. Better leadership, a good strategy, support of the people, a reason to fight, home court advantage, alliance with France, more readily available supplies, defending is easier than attacking.
16) List the importance of the following people in the cause of the Revolution.
A) Thomas Paine: Propagandist. He wrote The Crisis and Common Sense.
B) Thomas Jefferson: Wrote the Declaration of Independence, helped win the ideological war. He was not a speaker.
C) John Adams: Nominated Thomas Jefferson for writing and nominated George Washington to be the general. He also argued for independence. He was one of the most important people on the floor.
D) Samuel Adams: Formed the Sons of Liberty. He was the important agitator and propagandist towards the movement of war.
E) John Hancock: First signer of the Declaration. He was the money behind the beginnings of the revolution in America.
F) George Washington: DUH.
G) James Otis: He influenced the forefathers, especially Sam Adams. He came up with “no taxation without representation”. He was a Boston lawyer, but also very insane and in and out of institutions.
H) Benjamin Franklin: Represents the American dream, especially overseas. He convinces the French to join the Revolution for America. People listen to him because he’s internationally known.
I) Benedict Arnold (think beyond his treason): He defeats the British in Saratoga. He also took Ticonderoga, and almost won Quebec. He doesn’t get the credit he thinks he deserves and that’s why he betrays America.
J) Patrick Henry: “Give me liberty or give me death!” We probably wouldn’t have a Bill of Rights without him.
K) Alexander Hamilton: He sets up the Bank of America. He becomes Washington’s aid.
17) Who was Molly Pitcher? She fought for her husband when he got injured, and ran his cannon for him. He skirts got blown off.
18) Why did the British strategy for the war make little sense? They didn’t totally crush us even though they could have, they took their time in the beginning of the war. They also thought if they took over cities it would end the war, but the Americans just kept running away.
19) How did the British fail to win the war in 1776? Who was the General in charge? General Howe decided to winter in New York instead of chasing the Americans and crushing them when they could.
20) "America was already developing the notion that all were entitled to the best if they worked hard enough, that aiming high was not only morally acceptable but admirable." Discuss the importance of this statement. It’s the American Dream. It is still what drives people to immigrate to America.
21) Who were the two most important people involved with the push towards a new constitution? Madison and Hamilton.
22) Give examples of how the Articles of Confederation failed. They failed to establish a strong central government and gave all of the individual power to the states. For example, during Shays Rebellion. The states would function as 13 separate countries. The central government couldn’t tax, so they didn’t have any $.
23) In your option why would some people prefer State rights over a strong Central government. What are the arguments for both sides? They wouldn’t want the government to become too powerful and turn into a dictatorship, taking power from the people. The central government does, however, offer stability.
24) What is a nomiocracy? How do you feel about this term connected with the U.S. government? It is a government run by lawyers. Most of the men in the government at the beginning they were lawyers.
25) What were the three compromises on the Constitution? Which one of these seems the strangest to you? Slavery (3/5 rule), means of electing a president, and the difference between the Senate and the House.
26) What is the irony about the President vs. a King as example by Johnson? Presidents had the most power out of any leader in the world at that time.
27) Know the importance of Valley Forge. What happened there? What the troops had to overcome? Compare this with the British winter quarters. It was the winter quarters for the American troops. They have a super rough winter and overcome hardships, making them closer. It forms the basis of the army that will win the war. The British winter quarters were much more comfortable.
28) What help did France, Spain, and the Netherlands offer the colonies? France offers money and troops, the Netherlands offers money mostly in the form of loans, and Spain offers money.
29) What is important about Judith Sargeant Murray and Abigail Adams? They were the first fighters for women’s rights.
30) Discuss the war in the west. The Revolution became an excuse to take land from the Natives.
31) Discuss the war in the south. It got started late. The British changed tactics after Saratoga and tried to win the south because of problems with the north.
32) What is the importance of the following people:
George Rogers Clark: He was the American Commander in the west.
John Paul Jones: an American Navy commander.
Nathanael Greene: the General of the south, second in command to George W.
Comte de Rochambeau: French General at the battle of Yorktown, forced British to surrender with George Washington.
Admiral Francois de Grasse: French admiral who does not let the British navy come to Yorktown to help defend it.
33) What is important about Washington's farewell address? He warned the people not to get involved in foreign affairs. He also steps down from power.
34) Why did the natives give support to the British? The British were seen as less of a threat than the Americans. The British already had established treaties, and without the British there the colonists would definitely have expanded. It was the lesser of two evils.
35) Why did the British think their military forces were superior to those of the Americans? They were more experienced, thought their fighting style was better, they were better and professionally trained.
36) Why was fighting on their own land an advantage for the Americans? They knew the country and knew where were good places to defend, attack, and fight from. They had readily available supplies and support from the people.

PART IV: The Constitution, Jefferson, War of 1812, Jackson

1) Discuss the significance of Thomas Jefferson's quote: "A little rebellion now and then is a good thing...God forbid that we should ever be twenty year without such a rebellion...The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." As long as the government are scared that there could be a rebellion, they will give the people power.
2) Why did Shay's Rebellion happen? The government was throwing farmers in prison if they couldn’t pay their outrageous land taxes. The soldiers that fought in the Revolution also weren’t getting the money they were promised.
3) The constitution is "a political creation, hammered together in a series of artfully negotiated compromises”. Discuss these compromises. 3/5 rule, manner of electing a president, representation in the senate.
4) What was the Virginia Plan? It was to have a 2 chamber legislature, and basically set up the structure of our current government.
5) "No person held in service" was a euphemism for what? Slavery.
7) Who wrote the Federalist Papers and why did they write them? Hamilton, Madison, and Jay. They were trying to influence the ratification of the Constitution.
9) Who could vote in the first election (what parts of the population)? Adult white males who owned land.
10) How did Washington D.C. come be located on the banks of the Potomac? It was decided between Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton because Hamilton wanted support for his bank and the other two wanted the capitol close to Virginia.
11) What did Jay's Treaty do? Keeps the Americans out of war with the British.
12) What was the "Whiskey Rebellion" and how was it put down? It was a rebellion against really high whiskey tax. George Washington led an army of 14,000 troops against the rebels.
13) Describe the election of 1800? How was it finally resolved? Burr and Jefferson were running on the same side, then they got the same amount of votes. It went to the House of Representatives, where it was voted on like 36 times with the same results. Then Alexander Hamilton finally convinced a Federalist to vote for Jefferson.
14) Who was John Marshall? He was appointed to the supreme court by John Adams and made it what it is today.
15) Why did France sell its North America possessions (the Louisiana territory) to the U.S.? They were already fighting a war in Europe and did not have the resources to defend Louisiana as well, especially since they just lost Haiti.
16) What did Lewis and Clark do? Describe their journey? They explored west of the Mississippi to map the new territory and review the resources.
17) How did Hamilton incur the wrath of Aaron Burr? Was he right in what he did? How did the ordeal end? He destroys Burr’s character. Burr slaps Hamilton with a glove, they have a dual, and Burr kills Hamilton because Hamilton does not believe in fighting.
18) What was Jefferson's Embargo Act? Why was it unpopular and what was it suppose to do? It prevented almost all foreign trade. It was unpopular because that was a livelihood for people, especially in the north. It was meant to stop the impressments of US soldiers.
19) What did Tecumseh try and do? He tried to unite all the Natives to fight against the colonists.
20) Describe the Battle of Tippecanoe? It was The Prophet against General Harrison, in the white’s attempt for a preemptive strike.
21) Most historians call the War of 1812 a draw. Why? Nobody got what they wanted and everything went back to the way it was before the war.
22) Describe the Battle of New Orleans. Happened after the war of 1812 was technically over. It was definitely a one-sided victory for the Americans.
23) What did the Monroe Doctrine state? It’s a warning that no European power has a right to interfere with the Western Hemisphere.
24) What was the Missouri Compromise? All of the states north of a certain latitude would be slave free, except Missouri. All those below could own slaves.
25) How was the election of 1824 decided? Why was it called a "corrupt bargain"? It was decided in the House of Representatives. It was between Jackson and Adams, but nobody gets the majority of the electoral votes. Henry Clay, who was previously a candidate, is a speaker of the House and gets Quincy Adams elected.
26) List some of the labels attached to Andrew Jackson. Slave owner, adulterer, Indian Hater, Indian Killer, murderer.
27) Was Andrew Jackson an Indian hater? What did the natives call him? What "Indian Wars" did he fight in and what was the outcome? What was his native "policy" as President? He was not an Indian hater, but they called him long knife. He fought in the Creek War, the first Seminole War. He does not lose. He gave them options: shut up and join our culture, move west, or stay and be killed.
28) How did Jackson come to symbolize the common people? He was born poor and worked his way up from nothing. He was a symbol of the American Dream.
29) Name the 1st seven Presidents of the United States: Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Quincy Adams, Jackson.

War of 1812

1) Importance of Fort McHenry. It’s where Francis Scott Key writes the national anthem. It’s a symbol of America.
2) Burning of D.C. by the British. The British just walked in and burned our capitol with very little resistance at all.
3) Battle of Plattsburg The British general is killed and the British turn back.
5) Native Defeats: Tecumseh and the Creeks (Battle of Thames and Horseshoe Bend). It’s a huge massacre of the Creeks by Jackson.