Glossary

West

Until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the west meant land west of the Appalachian Mountains but east of the Mississippi River, making states such as Kentucky and Illinois the most western in the United States.

West Ford Washington

A formerly enslaved person by the Washington family who inherited family land. He sold the land to buy a larger piece that became a free black community known as “Gum Springs” in Virginia.

Wharf

A structure on the shore of a harbor used by ships to load and unload cargo.

Wharton School of Business

One of the oldest collegiate business schools, founded in 1881. Known for its undergraduate and graduate business programs as well as executive education.

Whig Party

The conservative political party founded in 1833 by Henry Clay that opposed Andrew Jackson and Jacksonian Democracy.

Whig Party

the conservative political party founded in 1833 by Henry Clay that opposed Andrew Jackson and Jacksonian Democracy.

White primaries

an election that was only open to white voters

White supremacy

the belief that white people constitute a superior race and should therefore dominate society, typically to the exclusion or detriment of other racial and ethnic groups.

Writ of Certiorari

A request filed by a losing party in a case decided by the federal or state courts for the Supreme Court to exercise its appellate jurisdiction and review the ruling below.

XYZ Affair

An incident between the government representatives of the United States and France.