People
George Washington. Established the first Cabinet for the president. (Any fact)
13 Colonies Significance: What is one thing that is important to know?
Why was the American Revolution fought?
To fight for independence from Great Britain.
Name all of the original thirteen colonies.
The thirteen original colonies were Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia.
What was the Mayflower compact?
A 1620 agreement by the Pilgrims and other settlers aboard the Mayflower, creating a temporary self-government for Plymouth Colony, establishing laws for the "general good," and ensuring unity between religious Separatists.
Who was Thomas Jefferson? One big event he was part of?
The 3rd President. He was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. (Any fact)
What are the Articles of Confederation?
The United States' first governing document, creating a loose alliance of sovereign states with a weak central government, operating from 1781 to 1789, and establishing a Congress but lacking powers to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws effectively, ultimately led to the adoption of the Constitution.
Summarize (in your own words) the French and Indian War.
A major conflict between Great Britain and France (and their respective Native American allies) for control of North America's colonial territories, particularly the Ohio River Valley, culminating in a British victory that expelled French influence and led to the Treaty of Paris.
What was the Treaty of Paris of 1763?
The Treaty of Paris of 1763 was the treaty that officially ended the French and Indian War (part of the Seven Years' War) between Great Britain, France, and Spain, resulting in Britain gaining vast territories in North America, including all French lands east of the Mississippi River, while France surrenderd Louisiana to Spain.
Describe the "Join or Die" cartoon and its purpose.
Depicts a snake cut into segments (colonies) to urge colonial unity against French/Native American threats (French and Indian War), later becoming a symbol of American Revolutionary unity and resistance against Britain. Its purpose was to advocate for collective defense and survival through political and military union.
Who was Benjamin Franklin? One big event he was part of?
Ben Franklin was a founding father. He helped pass the US Constitution. (Any fact)
What was the significance of the Ohio River valley?
The United States' first governing document, creating a loose alliance of sovereign states with a weak central government, operating from 1781 to 1789, and establishing a Congress but lacking powers to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws effectively, ultimately led to the adoption of the Constitution.
What was Shays's rebellion? What were the key events?
Shays' Rebellion (1786–1787) was an armed uprising by Massachusetts farmers against high taxes, debt, and foreclosures, led by Daniel Shays. Important events included court closures, the failed January 1787 attack on the Springfield Armory, and the final defeat of the rebels in February 1787.
What was the great compromise?
The Great Compromise (or Connecticut Compromise) was a crucial agreement at the 1787 Constitutional Convention that created the U.S. Congress as a bicameral (two-chamber) legislature with different representation systems, resolving a major dispute between large and small states. It established the House of Representatives with proportional representation (more populous states get more seats) and the Senate with equal representation.
What was the Bill of Rights?
The bill of rights was the first 10 amendments that america made
Who was James Madison? One big event he was apart of?
The 4th president. And he was the "founder of the constitution" and was the main person in the "bill of rights"
What was the significance of the Rocky mountains?
The Rocky Mountains are significant for shaping North American history, acting as a barrier and pathway for westward expansion
What was the Whiskey Rebellion? Key events?
The Whiskey Rebellion (1791–1794) was a tax protest by frontier farmers against Alexander Hamilton's excise tax on spirits, when the violence became extreme the prisings were crushed by President Washington's militia, demonstrating federal authority. Key events included attacks on tax collectors, burning of homes (like Neville's), armed assemblies (Braddock's Field), and the final federal military response led by Washington himself.
A crucial agreement at the 1787 U.S. Constitutional Convention that counted three out of every five enslaved people for both congressional representation (House of Representatives) and taxation, granting Southern states disproportionate political power and boosting their influence in the new government.
What was the Sedition Act?
it was a controversial Federalist law making it a crime to publish "false, scandalous, and malicious writing" against the U.S. government.
Who was William Marbury? One big event that he were apart of?
He established the judicial review and was a federalist businessman
What was the significance of the Appalachian Mountains?
a major geographical barrier shaping early US settlement, influencing westward expansion, and serving as a strategic defense during the American Revolution
What was the Barbary War? Key events?
The Barbary War ( 1801-1805) was a few wars about conflicts between the U.S. and the Barbary States (North African territories like Tripoli, Algiers, Tunis, Morocco) over piracy and tribute; the U.S. refused to pay escalating demands for protection money for its merchant ships
What was the XYZ affairs?
a diplomatic incident in 1797–1798 between the United States and France, where three French agents, labeled X, Y, and Z, demanded a bribe and a loan from American diplomats before they would meet with the French Foreign Minister.
What is the Declaratory act?
a British law passed with the Stamp Act's repeal, asserting Parliament's absolute right to legislate for the American colonies "in all cases whatsoever," meaning Britain had full authority to make laws and levy taxes on them, regardless of colonial consent.