AP US History: Key Events & Eras

What was the primary economic policy of the British Empire toward its American colonies, emphasizing that colonies exist for the benefit of the mother country?

Mercantilism

Which mid-18th century religious movement led to a revival of Protestantism and a shared national experience across the colonies?

The Great Awakening

What 1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine used clear language to argue that the colonies should seek independence from Great Britain?

Common Sense

Which 1777 battle is considered the turning point of the American Revolution because it secured a formal alliance with France?

The Battle of Saratoga

What agreement at the Constitutional Convention established a bicameral legislature with different forms of representation in each house?

The Great Compromise (or Connecticut Compromise)

What collection of 85 essays was written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution?

The Federalist Papers

Which 1832-1833 crisis involved South Carolina's attempt to declare federal tariffs void within its borders, testing the authority of the federal government?

The Nullification Crisis

What 1830 law signed by Andrew Jackson authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes to territory west of the Mississippi River?

The Indian Removal Act

What 1863 executive order by Abraham Lincoln declared that all slaves in areas still in rebellion against the Union were free?

The Emancipation Proclamation

Which Reconstruction-era amendment granted citizenship to all persons born in the U.S. and guaranteed 'equal protection of the laws'?

The 14th Amendment