AP US History Name______Period______

Chapter

14 / Study Guide /
Forging the National Economy
1790-1860
Terms and Names: Define each term with complete sentences, using your own words
A.  demographic center
B.  urbanization
C.  nativist
D.  Samuel Slater
E.  free incorporation / F.  Governor Clinton
G.  Cyrus Field
H.  Clipper
I.  Pony Express
J.  Chief Justice Taney

Short Answer: Carefully answer each question in paragraph form using information from the text. It is best if you can put answers in your own words.

1.  Describe the reality of life for most pioneer families moving westward.

2.  Explain how the western landscape was both revered and threatened from 1820-1870. Support with examples.

3.  Explain the main reasons for the rapid population explosion of the U.S. before the Civil War. What new problems did this explosion create?

4.  Describe the typical Irish immigrant of the mid 1800’s. What skills and traditions did they bring?

5.  Why did Germans leave their homeland? What contributions did they import? Did they fit in?

6.  How did the “nativist” movement view the new immigrants? What actions did the nativists take? How did the immigrants respond?

7.  How did mechanization move from England to America? Why was America a little slow on the uptake?

8.  Explain how the cotton gin and the Industrial Revolution contributed to the rebirth of slavery in the South.

9.  Why did the factory system flourish in the North?

10.  Why did Eli Whitney’s two inventions probably lead to, and affect the outcome of the Civil War?

11.  Was the factory system a benefit for all involved? Explain by focusing on the effects upon factory owners, workers, women, children. What did unions do?

12.  Compare and contrast the new roles for working women as opposed to the “cult of domesticity”. Discuss the changing American family.

13.  Describe the agricultural evolution taking place in the Ohio-Mississippi river valleys. Discuss growing markets, cities, inventions and inventors.

14.  List the major roads developed during this time. What advancements were being made in water travel?

15.  Describe the impact of Erie Canal on trade, land values, cities, and employment.

16.  Discuss the positives and the negatives associated with the development of the Iron Horse.

17.  Discuss the transport web which connected the Northwest, New England, the West, and the South. Include agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and regional interests.

18.  How did the market revolution change the face of America: individuals, cities, opportunities, and corporations?