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French and Indian War
A conflict from 1754 to 1763 between Britain and France, leading to British victory but also incurring significant debts for Britain.
George Washington
First President of the United States, known for his leadership during the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War.
Benjamin Franklin
Founding Father, inventor, and diplomat who played a key role in advocating for American unity and served as the first U.S. Ambassador to France.
Albany Plan of Union
A proposal during the French and Indian War for a confederation of colonies to defend against European and native foes, guided by Benjamin Franklin.
Treaty of Paris (1763)
Ended the French and Indian War, resulting in British control of French Canada and Spanish Florida, removing France's presence from North America.
Pontiac’s Rebellion
A conflict led by Chief Pontiac against British colonial settlements, resulting in the Proclamation of 1763 and restrictions on westward colonial expansion.
Founding Father
A key figure in the establishment of the United States, contributing to the Declaration of Independence and the formation of political parties like the Democratic-Republican Party.
Declaration of Independence
Document declaring the colonies' independence from England, embodying Enlightenment philosophy and listing grievances against the British crown.
Patriots
Activists for independence, often young New Englanders and Virginians who volunteered for the Continental Army.
Tories
British political party controlling Parliament during the American Revolutionary War, led by Lord North, later replaced by the Whigs.
Benedict Arnold
American Revolutionary War general known for his defection to the British, symbolizing treason.
Battle of Saratoga
Crucial battles in 1777 where American forces led by Gates and Arnold defeated the British, leading to French aid and reshaping the war.
Treaty of Paris (1783)
Treaty ending the American Revolutionary War, recognizing the U.S. as independent and setting boundaries with the British Empire.
Miami Confederacy
Alliance of American Indian tribes resisting U.S. expansion in the Northwest Indian War.
John Locke
British philosopher advocating natural rights and rebellion against oppressive governments, influencing Enlightenment philosophy.
Articles of Confederation
First U.S. constitution favoring states' rights, replaced by the Constitution after Shays' Rebellion.
James Madison
"Father of the Constitution," contributing to the Federalist Papers and co-founding the Democratic-Republican Party.
Alexander Hamilton
Founding Father, Secretary of the Treasury, and advocate for a strong central government, known for the Whiskey Rebellion.
Constitutional Convention
Meeting in 1787 to draft the U.S. Constitution, leading to the current system of government.
House of Representatives
Lower chamber of Congress with representation based on population, established by the Reapportionment Act of 1929.
Senate
Upper chamber of Congress with equal representation for each state, named after the Roman Senate.
Electoral College
System for electing the president, aiming to prevent corruption and factional influence.
Three-Fifths Compromise
Agreement counting enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.
Ratification
Official approval of a law or treaty, crucial in the process of ratifying the U.S. Constitution.
Federalists
Supporters of a strong central government, including Washington, Franklin, and Hamilton, advocating for the Constitution's ratification.
Bill of Rights
First 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, securing individual rights and state sovereignty, influenced by Anti-Federalist concerns.
Tariff on imports
A tax imposed on imported goods, with Northerners favoring higher rates for protecting their manufacturing industry and Southern farmers preferring lower rates for cheaper consumer goods.
Whiskey Rebellion
An uprising in western Pennsylvania against the Federalist excise tax on whiskey, showcasing the power of the new American government to quell rebellions.
Bank of the United States
A national bank proposed by Alexander Hamilton to hold federal funds and provide financial stability, opposed by Thomas Jefferson on constitutional grounds.
French Revolution
A period of significant upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799, leading to the overthrow of the monarchy and the rise of Napoleon, influencing republicanism and Enlightenment ideas globally.
Jay’s Treaty
A 1794 agreement negotiated by John Jay and influenced by Hamilton, addressing American economic goals and granting trading privileges to Britain, angering Democratic-Republicans and the French.
Farewell Address
George Washington's 1797 letter advising against European entanglements, alliances, and political parties, emphasizing neutrality and unity.
Alien and Sedition Acts
Laws passed in 1789 by the Federalists to restrict citizenship and silence critics, leading to responses like the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions asserting states' rights.
