Social Studies

Front 1

The Declaration of Independence

Back 1

• stated that governments must recognize
civil rights
• governments are formed to protect their
citizens’ rights
• spelled out the insults, abuse, taxation
issues, and other problems colonists had
under British rule
• stated colonies’ intent to form a new
government

Front 2

The Articles of the Confederation

Back 2

• first American Constitution
• provided for a government with no
monarch
•
a weak central government, and stronger
state governments
• each state decided for itself, and issues
that affected all were decided by majority
vote

Front 3

The Constitution

Back 3

• the highest law in the United States
• provides for citizens to elect their
representing officials
• provides for the sharing of power
between state and national government
• designates branches of government –
legislative (Congress), executive
(President), and Judicial (the Supreme
Court)
• delineates a system of checks and
balances, whereby each branch can be
controlled by the other two branches

Front 4

The Bill of Rights

Back 4

• safeguards the rights of the people
• guarantees basic rights – freedom of
speech, freedom of the press, freedom
of religion, etc.

Front 5

The War of 1812

Back 5

The War of 1812 was fought between
Britain and the newly formed U.S. During
the war, the British captured and burned
Washington, D.C., though the U.S. eventually
won the conflict. This battle was important
because it set the stage for other nations
to recognize the United States as a viable,
independent country.

Front 6

Causes of the War of 1812

Back 6

• England and France were capturing U.S.
ships and interfering with trade
• The U.S. believed England was still
interfering with the colonies, as well as
providing weapons to the natives (so
they could attack the colonies)
• The U.S. wanted to take new territories
– Canada (Britain) and Florida (Spain)

Front 7

Results of the War of 1812

Back 7

• England recognized U.S. boundaries
• American industry flourished because
Americans had to make their own goods
as opposed to relying on imports from
England • The United States became recognized by
other countries

Front 8

Westward Expansion

Back 8

• After the Revolution, American territory
increased due to an American belief
known as “Manifest Destiny.” This
belief encompassed the idea that
America was destined by God to encompass
the land from the east coast to the
Pacific Ocean.

Front 9

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Back 9

– Jefferson
purchased French lands west of the
Mississippi

Front 10

Lewis and Clark Expedition

Back 10

Explorers sent to find a water
route from the source of the Missouri
River to the Pacific Ocean, mapped
much of the Continental U.S., made
trade relations with the Native
Americans living there, and paved the
way for westward expansion.

Front 11

Sacajawea – (1805)

Back 11

A Shoshone Indian
woman who served as a guide and
translator for Lewis and Clark

Front 12

Florida Purchase (1819)

Back 12

Florida was
purchased from Spain

Front 13

The Trail of Tears and Resettlement of
Native Americans (1830-1832)

Back 13

removed Native Americans from their
ancestral homes onto government
reservations. Due to harsh traveling
conditions and lack of supplies, many
died during the journey.

Front 14

Texas joined the Union (1845)

Back 14

including
parts of New Mexico, Colorado, and
Wyoming

Front 15

Oregon Territory (1846)

Back 15

Washington,
Oregon, Idaho and most of Montana