Abigail Adams
Wife of John Adams who supported independence and encouraged women's rights.
James Madison
Founding Father who helped write the Constitution and later became the fourth president.
National Bank
Bank created under Alexander Hamilton's plan to help manage the nation's money and debt.
Constitutional Convention
Meeting where delegates created the U.S. Constitution
Bill of Rights
First ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual rights and freedoms.
Patriots
Colonists who supported independence from Britain.
Yorktown
American and French victory that led to the end of major fighting in the Revolution.
Republican Motherhood
Idea that women should raise educated children who could become patriots and good citizens.
Federalist
Person who supported the Constitution and a stronger national government.
Proclamation of Neutrality
Washington's announcement that the United States would stay neutral in the war between Britain and France.
Continentals
Soldiers who fought for the American side during the Revolution.
Treaty of Paris
Treaty that officially ended the American Revolution and recognized U.S. independence.
Northwest Ordinance
Law that created a process for territories to become states and banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.
Anti-Federalist
Person who opposed the Constitution because they feared the national government would become too powerful.
Jay's Treaty
Agreement with Britain that settled some problems left over from the American Revolution.
Red Coats
British soldiers during the American Revolution.
Shays' Rebellion
Rebellion by Massachusetts farmers protesting debt and high taxes that showed weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.
Articles of Confederation
America's first national government, which gave most power to the states.
Great Compromise
Agreement creating a two-house Congress with the House based on population and the Senate having equal representation.
Pinckney Treaty
Agreement with Spain that gave Americans access to the Mississippi River.
Whiskey Rebellion
Rebellion by farmers who opposed a tax on whiskey; Washington sent troops to stop it
Farewell Address
George Washington's speech warning Americans about political parties and becoming involved in foreign conflicts.
XYZ Affair
Conflict in which France demanded money from America before negotiating with American diplomats.
Alien and Sedition Acts
Laws that made it harder for immigrants to become citizens and punished some criticism of the government
Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
Resolutions arguing that states could challenge federal laws they believed were unconstitutional.