Chapter 5-8 Notes

Proclamation of 1763

A decree by King George III that restricted colonial expansion westward, aimed at preventing conflicts with Native Americans.

Sugar Act (1764)

Legislation imposing taxes on sugar and molasses, contributing to colonial unrest over taxation without representation.

Stamp Act (1765)

Required colonists to purchase special stamped paper for legal documents and publications, leading to widespread protests.

Townshend Acts (1767)

A series of laws that imposed duties on imported goods, prompting boycotts and increased tensions between colonists and Britain.

Boston Massacre (1770)

Incident where British soldiers killed five colonists during a protest, heightening anti-British sentiments.

Tea Act (1773)

Gave the British East India Company a tea monopoly, leading to the Boston Tea Party.

Boston Tea Party (1773)

Protest where colonists dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor in response to the Tea Act.

Intolerable Acts (1774)

Punitive measures enacted to punish Massachusetts, closing Boston’s port and restricting self-governance.

First Continental Congress (1774)

Delegates from twelve colonies met to discuss grievances against Britain and initiated a boycott of British goods.

Lexington and Concord (1775)

First battles of the Revolutionary War, marking the start of armed conflict between Britain and the colonies.

Common Sense (1776)

Pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating for independence from Britain, emphasizing the absurdity of monarchy.

Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)

Document authored by Thomas Jefferson declaring the colonies independent from Britain and outlining grievances.

Daughters of Liberty

Women who actively participated in boycotts against British goods and promoted local products during the Revolution.

Republican Motherhood

The concept that women are crucial for nurturing the ideals of democracy through the upbringing of virtuous citizens.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, emphasizing state sovereignty but ultimately proving ineffective.

Shays' Rebellion (1786–1787)

A revolt by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles.

Constitutional Convention (1787)

Meeting where delegates gathered to address the issues of the Articles of Confederation and draft a new constitution.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for a strong national government with a bicameral legislature based on population.

New Jersey Plan

Proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for all states, favoring smaller states.

Great Compromise

Compromise that established a bicameral Congress, blending population-based and equal representation.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement that counted three-fifths of enslaved individuals for legislative representation and taxation.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution advocating for a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution fearing centralized power, advocating for a Bill of Rights.

Bill of Rights (1791)

The first ten amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual rights and addressing Anti-Federalist concerns.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution.

Hamilton's Financial Plan

Economic strategy to establish financial stability, including a national bank and assumption of state debts.

Federal vs. State Power

Debate over the balance of power between a strong federal government and state sovereignty.

Democratic-Republicans

Political party led by Jefferson advocating for agrarian interests and limited government.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

Agreement that officially ended the Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.

Boston Port Act (1774)

Part of the Intolerable Acts that closed the port of Boston until restitution was made for the tea.

Massachusetts Government Act (1774)

Part of the Intolerable Acts that altered the Massachusetts charter, restricting town meetings.

Quartering Act (1765)

Act requiring colonial assemblies to house and supply British troops.

Crispus Attucks

First casualty of the American Revolution, killed during the Boston Massacre.

Natural Rights

Philosophical concept emphasizing life, liberty, and property as fundamental human rights.

Sons of Liberty

Secret organization formed to oppose British measures and promote colonial resistance.

Continental Army

The main military force representing the colonies during the American Revolutionary War.

John Locke

Enlightenment thinker whose ideas on government and natural rights influenced the Declaration of Independence.

Northwest Ordinance (1787)

Legislation that provided a method for admitting new states and established rules for western land.

Impressment

British practice of forcing American sailors into their navy, leading to tensions before the War of 1812.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

Laws aimed at suppressing dissent and limiting the rights of immigrants, criticized for violating civil liberties.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of legislative acts.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Acquisition of territory from France, doubling the size of the United States.

War of 1812

Conflict between the United States and Britain, marked by impressment and trade restrictions.

Molly Pitcher

Nickname for women who took over men's duties in battle, notably at the cannon during the Revolutionary War.

Federalism

System of government where power is divided between the national and state governments.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from having too much power.

Imperial Crisis

Period leading up to the American Revolution marked by increasing tensions between Britain and the colonies.

Tensions Before the Revolution

Increased hostilities stemming from British taxation and colonial resistance, setting the stage for war.

Enlightenment Ideas

Philosophical movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, influencing revolutionary thought.

Land Ordinances

Laws that regulated land sales and settlement in the western territories, establishing processes for statehood.

Powder Alarm

Reports of gunpowder being seized by British authorities, rallying the colonists towards resistance.

Independence Hall

Site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and later the Constitution in Philadelphia.

Preamble

The introductory statement of the Constitution outlining the purpose and underlying principles.

Suffrage

The right to vote, as it evolved over time in the United States.

Civic Responsibility

The responsibilities of citizens to participate in the democratic process and contribute to the community.

Treaty of Ghent (1814)

The treaty that ended the War of 1812 with status quo ante bellum.

Judicial Act of 1789

Established the federal judiciary system and its structure.

Naturalization Act of 1790

The first U.S. law to codify eligibility for citizenship.

Election of 1800

Also known as the Revolution of 1800, it marked the first peaceful transfer of power between parties in U.S. history.

Cherokee Resistance

Attempts by the Cherokee to maintain their land and sovereignty in the face of American expansion.

Fugitive Slave Law

Legal provisions requiring the return of escaped slaves to their owners.

Labor Protests

Early movements advocating for workers' rights in response to harsh working conditions.

Women's Suffrage Movement

The struggle for women's right to vote, gaining momentum in the 19th century.

Minoritarian Politics

Political dynamics influencing smaller or marginalized groups in the political landscape.

Migration Trends

Movements of populations contributing to demographic shifts in the United States.

Demographic Changes

Shifts in population dynamics that have impacted political and social structures.

Civil Liberties

Individual rights protected from government infringement.