U5 L4 American Revolution: British Background Flashcards
(40 cards)
The road to revolution in America began with the establishment of what? And when?
first English colony in Jamestown, 1607
How did the French and Indian War benefit the American colonists?
- received valuable training
- fight in manner of Indians
- battle field tactics
- training as officers
When and where did the American revolution begin?
May 15, 1775, Lexington
When and where did the American revolution end?
English surrender at Yorktown, 1781
The foundation of the US was laid in which two important documents?
- Declaration of Independence
- Constitution
When was the Declaration of Independence signed?
1776
When was the Constitution enacted?
1789
How many colonies did England establish in America by 1750?
thirteen
Who were MOST/MANY American colonies founded by?
private English citizens
What did the (Royal) Charters issued by the king provide?
- stockholders, companies or proprietors authority to govern
- entitled owners to profits earned
- colonists same rights as Englishmen
Who were American colonies founded by? (IN GENERAL)
- companies
- proprietors
- wealthy Englishmen
What are 3 reasons English people were interested in moving to America?
- upheaval between Stuarts and Parliament
- religious conflict btw Anglicans, Puritans, and Catholics
- poor economic conditions
Colonists were mainly of which class seeking economic betterment or religious freedom?
middle and lower class
What was life like for newcomers in America?
- difficult and dangerous
- had to clear lands for homes, farms, gardens
- time short for growing food
- harsh winters
- Indians not always friendly
- resented foreigners taking grounds
By the middle of the 18th century, what did each colony have in terms of government?
- governor
- advisory council to governor
- assembly, voice for people
England interfering and regulating America’s economy began under whose rule?
Oliver Cromwell
With Cromwell enforcing mercantilism, what did it insist?
- colony should help mother country with raw materials and manufactured goods
- colony should buy manufactured goods from mother country
- mother country discouraged buying and selling with other countries without approval
What was the Navigation Acts?
English trade laws
What was the Navigation Acts based on?
Mercantilism
What did the Navigation Acts state?
- products shipped to colonies had to be transported by English ships/crews
- large amount of colonial products could only be sold in Great Britain, discouraging business men from manufacturing goods
- goods sold to colonies from other Euro countries first had to be inspected and taxed in England
Who enforced the Navigation Acts/trade laws?
English officials called revenue agents
What was the Writ of Assistance?
allows English to search anywhere, anytime without safeguards against abuse
Who are proprietors?
Person given right to full administrative power over a territory under royal grant
Who were threats to England’s American territories and where were they situated?
France: Canada, Ohio river valley
Spain: Florida
