American Revolution Flashcards V.2

Flashcards based on lecture notes covering events leading up to and during the American Revolution.

What was the Proclamation Line of 1763?

A decree by the British government to divide Indians from colonists, prevent frontier war, and regulate trade with tribes.

What are writs of assistance?

General search warrants issued to crack down on smuggling.

What was the Stamp Act of 1765?

Parliament's first direct tax on the colonies, leading to the cry of "no taxation without representation."

Who were the Sons of Liberty?

Organized to promote inter-colonial unity and to terrorize stamp act collectors.

What was the Declaratory Act?

Replaced the Stamp Act; reserved Parliament's right to pass any act regarding the colonies.

What were the Townshend Taxes of 1767?

Taxed enumerated items like paper, glass, lead, paint, and tea.

How did the colonies protest the Townshend Revenue Acts?

Colonies responded with boycotts to hurt British exporters and pro-British import houses.

Who was John Wilkes?

British journalist imprisoned for attacking King George III; the colonies sympathized with him.

What did John Dickinson argue in "Letters from a Pennsylvania Farmer"?

Denied Parliament's right to tax but affirmed its right to regulate trade.

What were the Intolerable Acts?

Closed Boston harbor, devolved Massachusetts into a Royal colony, permitted force to suppress insurrection, and threatened to quarter troops.

What was the Quebec Act?

Extended Canadian jurisdiction south to the Ohio River, threatening Catholic influence.

What did the First Continental Congress do?

Refuted the Intolerable Acts, imposed boycotts, considered violence, and recognized Parliament's right to regulate trade.

What famous quote is Patrick Henry known for?

"Give me Liberty or Give Me Death"

Who was Paul Revere?

Warned towns west of Boston that redcoats were marching to capture John Hancock and Samuel Adams and seize military supplies.

What analogy did Thomas Paine make in Common Sense to justify American independence?

"In no instance hath nature made the satellite larger than its primary planet."

What was the core declaration made in July 1776?

Declared that the United Colonies are free and independent states absolved from allegiance to the British Crown.

Where was the world's first anti-slavery society formed?

Formed in Philadelphia in 1775 by Anthony Benezet and Benjamin Franklin.

Why did the British government resist full recognition of colonial grievances?

Many believed that legitimating a permanent American congress would add to the power of the King.

What did the Second Continental Congress do in June 1775?

Appointed General George Washington to command the New England militia besieging Boston.

Who was a Loyalist (Tory)?

Loyal to the King.

Who was a Patriot?

Supported the Continental Congress and/or independence.

What were the three core regions of patriot activity?

Puritans of New England, Scots-Irish Appalachian of west Pennsylvania and the Presbyterians backcountry, and Tobacco planters of Virginia.

What were Washington's biggest concerns in 1776?

Army discipline and procuring gunpowder.

Who was General Sir William Howe?

Commanding 32,000 troops routed Washington's 19,000 at the Battle of Long Island, New York, August 1776.

What quote is Thomas Paine known for in America Crisis?

"These are the times that try men's souls."

What was the significance of the Battle of Valcour Island?

Stalled the British advance from Canada, led by General Guy.