Glossary

  • Fugitive Slave Act

    Required that slaves be returned to their owners, even if they were in a free state. The act also made the federal government responsible for finding, returning, and trying escaped slaves.

  • General Cornwallis

    The leader of the British forces during the American Revolution.

  • Grandfather clauses

    a part of the constitutions of some Southern states that required having a descendant who voted before 1867 to be eligible to vote.

  • Great Depression

    the economic crisis and period of low business activity in the U.S. and other countries, roughly beginning with the stock-market crash in October, 1929, and continuing through most of the 1930s.

  • Gregarious

    fond of the company of others; sociable

  • Gynecologist

    a medical doctor that specializes in female reproductive health

  • Henry Clay

    an American lawyer and politician who represented Kentucky in both the Senate and House of Representatives. He also served as Speaker of the House and Secretary of State and unsuccessfully ran for president 3 times. Clay helped found both the National Republican Party and the Whig Party

  • High Sheriff

    Represents the Sovereign (King of England) in the colonies in upholding all matters relating to the judiciary and maintaining law and order.

  • High society

    People who are fashionable, wealthy, and influential, regarded as forming a distinct group in a community.

  • holding

    The Court’s determination in a matter of law. Also called the opinion.