Unit 1: The Transformation of America to 1877

Historical Documents

100

This document announced the American colonies' independence from Britain.

Declaration of Independence

200

This was the first governing document of the United States, but it lacked the power to tax

Articles of Confederation

300

This document replaced the Articles of Confederation and created a stronger national government.

U.S. Constitution

400

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution are known by this name.

 Bill of Rights

500

George Washington’s Farewell Address warned the nation that this would split the country.

political parties

Important Laws

100

This 1807 law halted all foreign trade due to conflicts between Britain and France.

Embargo Act

200

This 1798 law made it harder for immigrants to become U.S. citizens and allowed the president to deport non-citizens

Alien and Sedition Act

300

This 1823 policy declared the Americas off-limits to European colonization

Monroe Doctrine

400

This law suppressed First Amendment rights by restricting free speech critical of the government

Sedition Act

500

This law was part of Thomas Jefferson's effort to remain neutral during the Napoleonic Wars

Embargo Act

Key Events

100

This purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the United States

Louisiana Purchase

200

This diplomatic incident between the U.S. and France happened during John Adams’ presidency

XYZ Affair

300

This war is often referred to as the "Second War of Independence."

War of 1812

400

This event demonstrated the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation when Congress couldn’t raise money to pay soldiers

Shay’s Rebellion

500

This war helped create a strong sense of American nationalism and established the U.S. as a superpower

War of 1812

Presidents

100

This president warned against alliances and political parties in his Farewell Address

George Washington

200

This president was responsible for the Louisiana Purchase

Thomas Jefferson

300

This president was in office during the XYZ Affair and the Alien and Sedition Acts

John Adams

400

This president is known for his role during the War of 1812

James Madison

500

This president's era is referred to as the “Era of Good Feelings.”

James Monroe

Constitutional Principles

100

This principle divides the government into three branches to prevent tyranny

Separation of Powers

200

This system ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful.

Checks and Balances

300

This amendment protects freedoms like speech, religion, and assembly.

1st Amendment

400

The U.S. Constitution was created to address weaknesses in this earlier document

Articles of Confederation

500

The Constitution established this branch to interpret laws

Judicial Branch