Period 3 (1754 - 1800) Flashcards
(143 cards)
1
Q
Seven Years’ War (French and Indian War)
A
A global conflict (1754-1763) between Britain and France, fought in North America primarily over territorial disputes. It resulted in British dominance in North America but created a substantial debt that prompted Britain to tax the colonies
2
Q
George Washington
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Initially a military leader in the French and Indian War, he gained prominence as the commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, ultimately becoming a key figure in the fight for independence
3
Q
Edward Braddock
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A British general during the French and Indian War, he led an unsuccessful campaign to capture Fort Duquesne, where he was killed in 1755. His defeat highlighted the challenges of colonial warfare
4
Q
Albany Plan of Union (1754)
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A proposal by Benjamin Franklin to create a unified government for the Thirteen Colonies, aimed at coordinating defense against the French. It was rejected, illustrating colonial disunity
5
Q
Peace of Paris (1763)
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The treaty that ended the French and Indian War, granting Britain significant territories in North America and marking the decline of French influence in the region
6
Q
Salutary Neglect
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A policy of relaxed enforcement of regulations on the American colonies prior to the French and Indian War, allowing them to operate with considerable autonomy. This changed post-war, leading to colonial unrest
7
Q
Pontiac’s Rebellion
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A 1763 uprising by Native American tribes, led by Pontiac, against British rule in the Great Lakes region. It resulted in a British policy shift towards Native American relations
8
Q
Proclamation of 1763
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A decree forbidding colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains to reduce conflicts with Native Americans, which angered colonists eager for westward expansion
9
Q
Patrick Henry
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A fiery orator and member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, known for his strong opposition to British taxation. His “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech rallied colonial resistance
10
Q
Stamp Act Congress
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A 1765 meeting of delegates from nine colonies that protested the Stamp Act. It marked one of the first united actions by the colonies against British policy
11
Q
Sons and Daughters of Liberty
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Organizations formed to resist British taxation and policies, employing protests and boycotts. They played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion against British rule
12
Q
John Dickinson; Letters From a Farmer in Pennsylvania
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A series of essays written in 1767-1768 that argued against British taxation and urged colonial unity. They emphasized the importance of rights and self-governance
13
Q
James Otis
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A colonial lawyer and advocate for the rights of the colonists. His famous phrase “Taxation without representation is tyranny” became a rallying cry for colonial resistance
14
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Samuel Adams
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A prominent revolutionary leader and organizer of resistance against British policies. He was instrumental in forming the Sons of Liberty and advocating for independence
15
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Massachusetts Circular Letter
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A 1768 letter authored by Samuel Adams and James Otis urging colonies to unite against the Townshend Acts. It prompted British troops to occupy Boston in response to growing unrest
16
Q
Committees of Correspondence
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Networks established in the 1770s to facilitate communication among the colonies about British policies and to organize resistance, fostering unity against British rule
17
Q
Intolerable Acts
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A series of punitive measures enacted in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party, aimed at punishing Massachusetts. These acts united the colonies in opposition to British oppression
18
Q
Parliament
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The British legislative body responsible for enacting taxes and laws affecting the colonies. Its actions, particularly without colonial representation, fueled revolutionary sentiment
19
Q
George III
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The British king during the American Revolution, whose policies and perceived tyranny were significant in arousal of colonial opposition and calls for independence
20
Q
Whigs
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American colonists advocating for independence from Britain. They opposed British authority and promoted liberty and republicanism, significantly influencing the American Revolution
21
Q
Lord Fredrick North
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The British Prime Minister from 1770 to 1782, his administration faced increasing colonial unrest and was criticized for its handling of American grievances
22
Q
Sugar Act (1764)
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A law aimed at raising revenue through the taxation of sugar and molasses imported into the colonies, marking the beginning of more direct British taxation
23
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Quartering Act (1765)
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A law requiring colonial assemblies to provide housing and supplies for British troops stationed in America, which angered many colonists
24
Q
Stamp Act (1765)
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The first direct tax on the colonies, requiring them to purchase stamped paper for documents, newspapers, and other items. It ignited widespread protests and boycotts
25
Declaratory Act (1765)
Passed alongside the repeal of the Stamp Act, it asserted Parliament's authority to legislate for the colonies "in all cases whatsoever," emphasizing British control
26
Townshend Act (1767)
A series of taxes on imported goods (like tea and glass) designed to raise revenue. It led to boycotts and increased tensions, particularly in Massachusetts
27
Writ of assistance
General search warrants that allowed British customs officials to search colonial homes and businesses for smuggled goods without specific evidence, increasing colonial resentment
28
Tea Act
A 1773 law that granted the British East India Company the right to sell tea directly to the colonies, undercutting local merchants and leading to the Boston Tea Party
29
Coercive Acts (1774)
Also known as the Intolerable Acts, these were punitive laws aimed at Massachusetts to enforce compliance with British rule, further uniting the colonies against Britain (Acts included the Port Act, Massachusetts Government Act, and Administration of Justice Act)
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Port Act
Part of the Coercive Acts, it closed Boston Harbor until the tea lost in the Boston Tea Party was paid for, crippling the local economy
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Massachusetts Government Act
Part of the Coercive Acts, this act altered the Massachusetts charter, limiting town meetings and increasing royal control over the colony
32
Administration of Justice Act
Part of the Coercive Acts, it allowed royal officials accused of crimes in Massachusetts to be tried elsewhere, undermining local justice and angering colonists
33
Enlightenment
An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, influencing colonial leaders and the ideology behind the American Revolution
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Quebec Act (1774)
Extended Quebec’s boundaries and granted religious freedom to Catholics, angering Protestant colonists and viewed as a direct threat to colonial claims
34
Deism
A philosophical belief that reason and observation of the natural world could lead to an understanding of God, prevalent among Enlightenment thinkers and some Founding Fathers. Deists believed in a creator who set the universe in motion but rejected traditional religious practices and the idea of divine intervention
35
Rationalism
The belief in reason as the primary source of knowledge, contrasting with faith and tradition, which shaped revolutionary ideas about government and society
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Social contract
A theory that individuals consent to form governments to protect their rights and well-being, heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Rousseau, shaping revolutionary ideology
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John Locke
An Enlightenment philosopher whose ideas on natural rights and government by consent significantly influenced American revolutionary thought, particularly in the Declaration of Independence
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Jean-Jacques Rousseau:
An Enlightenment thinker whose ideas about democracy and the social contract influenced revolutionary leaders, emphasizing the importance of the general will and popular sovereignty
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Thomas Paine
An influential writer and revolutionary who authored Common Sense, advocating for independence from Britain and republican government, helping to motivate public support for the revolution
40
Intolerable Acts
A series of punitive laws passed in 1774 by the British Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party, aimed at tightening control over the American colonies, particularly Massachusetts
41
First Continental Congress (1774)
A gathering of representatives from 12 of the 13 colonies (excluding Georgia) to respond to the Intolerable Acts and discuss a united course of action, including boycotts of British goods
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Patrick Henry
A Virginian lawyer and orator, famous for his declaration "Give me liberty, or give me death!" He was a leading figure advocating for colonial resistance against British rule
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Samuel Adams
A Virginian lawyer and orator, famous for his declaration "Give me liberty, or give me death!" He was a leading figure advocating for colonial resistance against British rule
44
John Adams
A Massachusetts lawyer and leading advocate for independence who later became the second President of the United States. He was crucial in pushing for independence at the Continental Congress
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George Washington
A Virginian who served as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and later became the first President of the United States
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John Dickinson
A delegate from Pennsylvania who authored the Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, advocating resistance to British taxation but hoping for reconciliation. He also helped draft the Olive Branch Petition
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John Jay
A delegate from New York who played a diplomatic role during the Revolution, later helping negotiate the Treaty of Paris (1783) that ended the war
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Joseph Galloway
A moderate delegate to the First Continental Congress who proposed a plan of union with Britain, which was rejected. He later became a Loyalist during the Revolution because he believed the Revolution was unreasonable and unjust
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Suffolk Resolves
A declaration made in 1774 by the people of Suffolk County, Massachusetts, urging resistance to the Intolerable Acts, which was endorsed by the First Continental Congress
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Economic Sanctions
Punitive measures such as boycotts imposed on Britain by the colonies, aiming to pressure the British government to repeal unjust laws
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Second Continental Congress (1775)
The assembly of colonial delegates that managed the war effort and eventually declared independence from Britain. It governed the colonies throughout the war
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Declaration of Causes and Necessities for Taking Up Arms
A statement issued in 1775 by the Second Continental Congress explaining why the colonies had taken up arms against Britain
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Olive Branch Petition
A final attempt by the Second Continental Congress to avoid war with Britain, affirming loyalty to King George III while requesting the repeal of oppressive policies
54
Thomas Jefferson
A Virginian delegate to the Continental Congress and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, later becoming the third President of the United States
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Declaration of Independence
The document written in 1776 formally declaring the colonies' separation from Britain, asserting their right to self-governance and listing grievances against King George III
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Concord (1775)
The location of one of the first battles of the American Revolution, where British troops were confronted by colonial militia after attempting to seize colonial arms
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Paul Revere
A patriot famous for his midnight ride to warn colonists in Lexington and Concord of the approaching British forces before the battles of April 1775
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William Dawes
Another patriot who rode with Paul Revere to alert the colonists about the British march on Lexington and Concord
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Lexington (1775)
The site of the first battle of the American Revolution, where "the shot heard 'round the world" was fired, starting the conflict between the colonies and Britain
60
Bunker Hill (1775)
A major early battle of the Revolution, fought near Boston. Although the British won the battle, it demonstrated that the colonial militia could stand up to British troops
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Battle of Saratoga (1775)
A turning point in the Revolutionary War, this American victory convinced France to join the war as an ally to the colonies
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George Rogers Clark
A military leader who led American forces in the western frontier, capturing British-held forts and securing the Northwest Territory for the United States
63
Yorktown (1781)
The final major battle of the Revolutionary War, where British General Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington, effectively ending the war
64
Prohibitory Act (1775)
A British law that declared the American colonies in rebellion and blocked trade between Britain and the colonies, further escalating tensions
65
Absolute Monarch
A ruler with complete authority over the government and lives of the people, often cited as the type of governance the colonies were rebelling against
66
Treaty of Paris (1783)
The treaty that officially ended the American Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence and establishing borders for the new nation
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Loyalists (Tories)
American colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the Revolutionary War, often facing persecution or exile after the war
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Patriots
Colonists who supported independence from Britain and fought against British forces during the American Revolution
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Minutemen
Colonial militia members who were prepared to fight at a minute’s notice during the early stages of the American Revolution
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Continentals
Soldiers who served in the Continental Army, the official army of the colonies during the American Revolution
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Valley Forge (1777-1778)
The site of the Continental Army's winter camp, where American forces endured harsh conditions but emerged stronger after training under Baron Friedrich von Steuben
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Mary McCauley (Molly Pitcher)
A symbolic figure representing women who aided soldiers during the Revolutionary War by bringing water to troops and even taking over cannon duties; she embodies women’s wartime contributions
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Deborah Sampson
A woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Continental Army, exemplifying the determination of some women to support the Revolutionary cause directly on the battlefield
74
Republican Motherhood
A post-Revolutionary War idea that women played a key role in nurturing republican values in children, emphasizing women's responsibility in educating the next generation of citizens and strengthening the nation
75
Abigail Adams
The wife of John Adams, known for advocating for women's rights in her letters to her husband, particularly her famous request to “remember the ladies” in new laws—a push for early women’s rights
76
Daughters of Liberty
A group of colonial women who organized boycotts of British goods, promoting American-made products and participating in the resistance against British policies before the Revolution
77
Land Ordinance of 1785
Legislation passed by Congress to standardize land sales in the West, dividing lands into townships and sections to support orderly settlement and reserve land for public schools
78
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
A policy establishing the process for territories in the Northwest to become states, banning slavery in the region and setting a pattern for orderly western expansion
79
Articles of Confederation
The United States’ first governing document, creating a weak central government with limited powers, particularly in taxation and commerce, and eventually replaced due to its inefficacy
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Shay’s Rebellion
A 1786-1787 uprising by Massachusetts farmers protesting taxes and debt, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
81
Treaty of Paris (1783)
The treaty that ended the Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence, establishing boundaries, and setting terms for British withdrawal from American territory
82
James Madison
Known as the "Father of the Constitution," he was a key architect of the U.S. Constitution and co-author of The Federalist Papers. Madison later served as the fourth President of the United States
83
Alexander Hamilton
A Federalist leader, co-author of The Federalist Papers, and the first Secretary of the Treasury. He advocated for a strong central government and was instrumental in establishing the financial foundations of the new nation
84
Gouverneur Morris
A delegate at the Constitutional Convention who played a major role in drafting and wording the Constitution, particularly its preamble
85
John Dickinson
Known for his moderate stance, he wrote the Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania and later contributed to the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution, advocating for cautious steps toward independence and union
86
Federalists
Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong central government to maintain order and unity, led by figures like Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
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Anti-Federalists
Opponents of the Constitution who feared a powerful central government, advocating for states’ rights and the inclusion of a Bill of Rights. Leaders included Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, and George Mason
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The Federalist Papers:
A series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, published to defend and explain the proposed Constitution, promoting its ratification
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Constitutional Convention
The meeting in Philadelphia held in 1787 where delegates from the states gathered to draft the U.S. Constitution, replacing the Articles of Confederation
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Mount Vernon Conference
A meeting hosted by George Washington in 1785 at his estate to discuss issues related to commerce and navigation between states, which set the stage for the Annapolis Convention
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Annapolis Convention
A gathering in 1786 to address trade and navigation disputes among the states. The delegates ultimately recommended a broader convention (the Constitutional Convention) to revise the Articles of Confederation
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Federalism
A system of government in which power is divided between a central (national) government and regional (state) governments, as established in the U.S. Constitution
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Separation of Powers
The principle of dividing government powers among three branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful
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Checks and Balances
A system embedded in the Constitution allowing each branch of government to limit the powers of the others, preventing any one branch from gaining unchecked power
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Congress
The legislative branch of the U.S. government, divided into two houses (Senate and House of Representatives), responsible for making laws
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Virginia Plan
A proposal at the Constitutional Convention calling for representation in Congress based on state population, favoring larger states
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New Jersey Plan
A proposal for equal representation of each state in Congress, regardless of size, to protect the interests of smaller states
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Connecticut Plan (Great Compromise)
An agreement combining the Virginia and New Jersey plans, establishing a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate
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Senate
The upper house of Congress, with each state having equal representation (two senators per state), a compromise between larger and smaller states
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House of Representatives
The lower house of Congress, where representation is based on state population, reflecting the interests of larger states
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Three-Fifths Compromise
An agreement that three-fifths of the enslaved population in each state would count for representation and taxation purposes
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Commercial Compromise
A provision allowing Congress to regulate interstate and foreign commerce, including placing tariffs on imports, but forbidding taxes on exports
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Electoral College System
A compromise mechanism for electing the president, where electors from each state (based on congressional representation) cast votes, balancing popular vote influence with state sovereignty
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Amendments
Changes to the Constitution, with the first 10 forming the Bill of Rights, which protect individual freedoms
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Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, added in 1791 to safeguard personal liberties and limit government power
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National Bank
Proposed by Alexander Hamilton, the Bank of the United States was created in 1791 to stabilize the U.S. economy by managing debt and creating a common currency
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Executive Departments
Federal government departments created to help the president manage specific functions, such as defense, treasury, and foreign affairs
108
Henry Knox
The first Secretary of War under President George Washington, responsible for overseeing the military
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Edmund Randolph
The first U.S. Attorney General and later Secretary of State under George Washington
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Cabinet
A group of presidential advisors, made up of the heads of executive departments, established during Washington’s presidency
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Supreme Court
The highest court in the United States, established by the Constitution, with the power to interpret laws and determine their constitutionality
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Federal Courts
Courts established by the Constitution and the Judiciary Act of 1789 to handle legal issues under federal law
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Judiciary Act (1789)
Legislation that created the federal court system, including the Supreme Court and lower courts, and outlined their powers
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National Debt
The total amount of money owed by the U.S. government, which Hamilton’s financial plan aimed to manage by assuming state debts and issuing bonds
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Federalist Era
The period in the 1790s dominated by the Federalist Party, which supported a strong national government and Hamilton’s financial policies
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Federalist Party
Led by Alexander Hamilton, this party favored a strong central government, a loose interpretation of the Constitution, and close ties with Britain
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Democratic-Republican Party
Led by Thomas Jefferson, this party favored states’ rights, a strict interpretation of the Constitution, and support for France
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Political Parties
The Federalists and Democratic-Republicans were the first political parties, emerging in the 1790s over debates on the Constitution and Hamilton’s policies
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Two-term Tradition
The precedent set by George Washington of serving only two terms as president, which became an unwritten rule until the 22nd Amendment
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John Adams
The second president of the United States (1797-1801), a Federalist who faced challenges like the XYZ Affair and the Alien and Sedition Acts
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Washington’s Farewell Address
Washington’s 1796 speech advising against political parties, sectionalism, and permanent foreign alliances
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“Permanent Alliances”
Washington’s warning in his Farewell Address against forming long-term alliances with foreign nations, promoting neutrality
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Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)
Laws passed under John Adams that restricted immigrants' rights and criminalized criticism of the government, targeting Democratic-Republicans
124
Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions (1798)
Written by Jefferson and Madison, these argued that states could nullify federal laws, like the Alien and Sedition Acts, deemed unconstitutional
125
Battle of Fallen Timbers (1794)
A decisive U.S. victory over Native American forces in the Northwest Territory, leading to the Treaty of Greenville
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Treaty of Greenville (1795)
An agreement in which Native Americans ceded much of present-day Ohio to the U.S. government following their defeat at the Battle of Fallen Timbers
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Public Land Act (1796)
A law that set up procedures for selling and distributing western lands, encouraging settlement and expansion into new territories
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French Revolution
A major European conflict beginning in 1789, which divided U.S. opinion, with Federalists opposing and Democratic-Republicans supporting France
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Proclamation of Neutrality (1793)
Issued by Washington, it declared the U.S. neutral in the conflict between Britain and France, avoiding entanglement in European wars
130
“Citizen” Genêt
A French diplomat who tried to rally American support for France’s wars in Europe, defying Washington’s Neutrality Proclamation, leading to diplomatic tensions
131
Jay Treaty (1794)
A treaty between the U.S. and Britain, negotiated by John Jay, to settle outstanding issues and prevent war, though it angered many Americans for its perceived pro-British stance
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Pinckney Treaty (1795)
An agreement with Spain that gave the U.S. free navigation of the Mississippi River and the right of deposit in New Orleans, as well as settling the U.S.-Florida border
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Right of Deposit
The right granted to Americans under the Pinckney Treaty to store goods in New Orleans for export without paying duties to Spain
134
XYZ Affair (1797-1798)
A diplomatic incident where French officials demanded bribes from U.S. diplomats to negotiate, sparking outrage in America and leading to an undeclared naval war with France (Quasi-War)
135
Charles Wilson Peale
An American painter known for his portraits of Revolutionary War leaders, including George Washington, contributing to American art and identity
136
Pierre-Charles L’Enfant
A French architect and engineer who designed the layout for Washington, D.C., reflecting grand visions for the new capital city
137
Gilbert Stuart
An American portrait artist famous for his iconic paintings of George Washington, which shaped the nation’s image of its leaders
138
Northwest Ordinance (1787)
Legislation that set up a process for admitting new states from the Northwest Territory, banned slavery in the region, and promoted public education
139
Indian Intercourse Act (1790)
A law regulating trade and interactions with Native Americans, aiming to manage relations between settlers and Native tribes on the western frontier
140
Daniel Boone
A pioneer and frontiersman who helped settle Kentucky, symbolizing American westward expansion and exploration
141
Eli Whitney
An American inventor best known for creating the cotton gin in 1793, which revolutionized cotton production and expanded slavery in the South
142
Cotton Gin
A machine invented by Eli Whitney that quickly separated cotton fibers from seeds, boosting cotton industry profitability and increasing the demand for enslaved labor
