American Revolution & Black History: Key Concepts and Figures

What is social contract theory?

An agreement between the government and the people where the people follow laws and respect government decisions if they are fair, while the government protects the people's rights and freedoms.

What happens if the government violates the social contract?

The people can revolt and fight a war.

What happens if the people violate the social contract?

The government can arrest the people, put them in jail, or execute them.

What was the American Revolutionary War about?

Fought from 1775 to 1783 between the 13 colonies and Great Britain over unfair taxation and loss of rights, The colonies would win the war with help from black people and they declared their indepence from britian.leading to the colonies' victory and declaration of independence.

When was the Declaration of Independence written?

July 4, 1776.

Who primarily wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson.

What key principle did Jefferson state in the Declaration of Independence?

That 'all men are created equal' and have inalienable rights that cannot be taken away by the government.

Who was Crispus Attucks?

The first man to die in the American Revolutionary War, a Black man.

Who was Peter Salem?

A Black soldier who fought for the 13 colonies in the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Why is the year 1619 significant in Black history?

It marks the beginning of slavery in the United States.

Why is the year 1865 significant in Black history?

Slavery was abolished on June 19, 1865, thanks to the 13th Amendment.

What are the original 13 colonies?

Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland.