Civilization #52: Empire of Democracy

Indigenous civilization in the Americas conquered by the Spanish starting in 1492.

A historical conflict that, along with other factors, limited the English crown's interference in North American affairs, leading to greater colonial autonomy.

A document studied by the founding fathers for insights into building a new society.

Indigenous peoples of North America, described as violent defenders of their freedom who resisted European colonization.

Founder of the colony of Baltimore in Maryland, which was established as a Catholic haven with religious tolerance.

Conflict between America and Canada (British colony) over territorial claims, resulting in a stalemate and Canada remaining a British colony.

An uprising of farmers in Massachusetts protesting debt and farm foreclosures, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588, opening up the New World for European colonization.

Co-author of The Federalist Papers, advocating for the necessity of the Constitution and a strong central government.

The acquisition of U.S. territory from France in 1803, expanding the United States westward into the Midwest.

A war in 1846 where America acquired Texas and California from Mexico, incorporating the entire western part of the current U.S.

A company that established the successful colony of Boston under a charter from the English crown.

A group that settled in Boston, emphasizing literacy and the importance of reading the Bible.

A Quaker who founded the colony of Pennsylvania, promoting religious and national tolerance.

Conflicts between the British and French over North American territory, involving Native American alliances.

Geographic feature that King George III proclaimed as a westward boundary for American colonists.

Abraham Lincoln's influential speech in 1863, delivered at the site of a major Civil War battle, redefining the nation's purpose as spreading liberty and democracy.

European power that competed with Spain, France, and the Dutch Republic for colonization in the New World, eventually establishing successful colonies in North America.

A Dutch colony that is now New York City.

The first major British colony in North America, named after James I of Britain.

Benjamin Franklin's memoir, used to gain insight into the American mentality and work ethic, and which popularized the self-help concept.

The head of the executive branch of the U.S. government, responsible for military and foreign policy.

A successful British colony established by the Massachusetts Bay Company, characterized by literacy, schools, newspapers, and political engagement.

A magazine whose well-written articles Benjamin Franklin summarized and rewrote from memory to improve his own writing skills.

The religion of the founding fathers, believing in a creator God who set the universe in motion but then withdrew, leaving humans responsible for perfecting the world.

Indigenous civilization in the Americas conquered by the Spanish starting in 1492.

A war in 1898 where America defeated Spain and gained control of colonies like the Philippines and Cuba, marking America's emergence as an imperial power.

Proclaimed that American colonists were not allowed to move west of the Appalachian Mountains to maintain peace with Native Americans.

A contrast to the American system, described as a top-down structure with a single person in charge and a hierarchical appointment system.

Announced the Monroe Doctrine, asserting American dominance in the Western Hemisphere and warning European powers against colonization.