A Comparative Study of Early American History: From Colonial Frustrations to National Identity

Why Were Virginia's Frontier Settlers Frustrated With Their Government?

The frontier lacked representation in Virginia's legislature.

What Principles Did the Government of Providence Differ From That of Massachusetts?

Providence differed from Massachusetts in its emphasis on religious tolerance and separation of church and state. Providence also had agreements with Native American tribes and promised religious freedom to its inhabitants.

Social Structure of Southern Societies

Southern society was stratified into three main groups:

1. Small farmers
2. Plantation owners
3. Enslaved Africans

How Was the French Colony in North America Unlike the British Colonies?

The French had friendlier relations with Native Americans than the British and established stronger trade relationships with them.

How Did Great Britain's Victory Over France Affect Native Americans?

The British victory was a significant loss for Native Americans. It became more challenging for them to negotiate land treaties, and their traditional ways of life were threatened as they faced pressure to assimilate or resist British expansion.

What Do You Think King George Set Out to Achieve When He Disciplined Massachusetts?

King George aimed to maintain control and quell dissent in Massachusetts through the Intolerable Acts. These acts, which placed Boston under martial law, were intended to punish the colony for its resistance to British policies.

What Reasons Did Jefferson Give to Justify Revolt by Colonies?

Thomas Jefferson argued that when a government fails to protect the rights of its citizens, the people have the right to rebel against it. This principle formed the foundation of the Declaration of Independence.

How Did the American Revolution Affect the Lives of Native Americans?

The American Revolution had a devastating impact on many Native American communities. Their lands were seized, their populations declined by as much as 50%, and their traditional ways of life were disrupted.

Why Did Delegates Fear That One Branch of the Government Would Gain Too Much Power?

To prevent any single branch of government from becoming too powerful, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention established a system of checks and balances. Instead of directly electing the president, they created the Electoral College. Each state would choose a number of electors equal to its representation in the Senate and House of Representatives. This group of electors would then cast ballots for the presidential candidates.

Jefferson and Hamilton

Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton held contrasting visions for the new nation:

• Jefferson: Favored a strong state and local government, emphasizing an agrarian society of farmer-citizens.
• Hamilton: Believed that commerce and industry were essential for a strong nation and advocated for a centralized federal government.

Jefferson's Government

Key aspects of Jefferson's presidency included:

• Reducing the size of the army
• Expanding the navy
• Lowering government expenses
• Eliminating internal taxes

Judicial Review

Judicial review is the ability of the Supreme Court to declare a law unconstitutional, establishing a crucial check on the legislative and executive branches.

John Quincy Adams' Major Boundary

The Adams-Onís Treaty, negotiated by John Quincy Adams, established the western boundary of the United States. This boundary extended along the Sabine River from the Gulf of Mexico north to the Arkansas River.

Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine, articulated by President James Monroe, declared that the Americas were closed to further European colonization. It aimed to prevent European interference in the affairs of the newly independent nations of the Western Hemisphere.

Missouri Compromise

The Missouri Compromise (1820) sought to maintain the balance of power between free and slave states in Congress. It admitted Maine as a free state and Missouri as a slave state, while prohibiting slavery north of the 36°30′ parallel.

Major Consequences of the War of 1812

The War of 1812 had several significant consequences:

• Led to the decline of the Federalist Party
• Encouraged the growth of American industries
• Confirmed the status of the United States as a free and independent nation

What Led to the War of 1812?

The British policy of impressment, the forced enlistment of American sailors into the British navy, was a major factor leading to the War of 1812.