Glossary

Fourth Amendment

protects citizens from unreasonable search and seizure. The government may not conduct any searches without a warrant, and such warrants must be issued by a judge and based on probable cause.

Freedom Rides

A direct action tactic where African-American activists would ride interstate buses into the segregated South, where the buses were legally segregated.

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.