period 3 test

Lexington and concord

The first fight of the American Revolution happened when British soldiers tried to take weapons from the colonists. A small group of colonists tried to stop them, and someone fired a shot. The British fired back, killing some colonists. On the way back, many colonists attacked the British, and many soldiers were hurt or killed. This started the war between Britain and the colonies.

first continental congress

A meeting of leaders from 12 American colonies who came together to talk about how to respond to British laws they thought were unfair. They decided to stop buying British goods and to send a message to the king asking for their rights. It was the first big step toward working together as one group.

Galloway Plan

a proposal at the First Continental Congress. It suggested that the American colonies stay part of the British Empire but form a new government with a colonial Parliament that would work with the British Parliament. This plan aimed to avoid war and keep peace. However, it was rejected because most delegates wanted stronger action against British control.

Suffolk Resolves

a set of statements made by colonial leaders in Massachusetts. They rejected the British laws passed after the Boston Tea Party (the Intolerable Acts) and said the colonies should not follow them. The Resolves also called for people to form militias and prepare for possible war. The First Continental Congress approved them, showing support for strong resistance against British rule.

minutemen

colonial soldiers who trained to be ready to fight at a minute’s notice. They were part of the militia and played a key role in the early battles of the American Revolution. Most were farmers and regular people prepared to defend their towns quickly if needed.

Declaration of Rights and Grievances

a document made by the First Continental Congress. It said the colonists had the same rights as people in Britain, like the right to make their own laws and to not be taxed without their agreement. It also listed complaints against the British government and asked the king to fix the problems.

Second Continental Congress

a meeting of colonial leaders after the first battles of the American Revolution. They decided to form the Continental Army and chose George Washington as its commander. They also started printing money, sending diplomats, and later wrote the Declaration of Independence. This group acted as the main government for the colonies during the war.

Olive Branch Petition

a final attempt by the American colonies to avoid full-scale war with Britain. It was sent to King George III by the Second Continental Congress, asking for peace and protection of colonial rights. The petition expressed loyalty to the king but requested that he address colonial grievances. However, the king rejected it and declared the colonies in rebellion, leading to further conflict.

Thomas paine

an English-born writer and political activist who became an influential figure in the American Revolution. He is best known for his pamphlet Common Sense (1776), which argued for American independence from Britain and convinced many colonists to support the revolution. He also wrote The American Crisis, a series of essays that inspired soldiers to keep fighting during tough times. His writings played a key role in shaping public opinion and rallying support for the Revolutionary War.

Common Sense

a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that made a powerful argument for American independence from Britain. It explained why the colonies should break away from British rule, criticizing the monarchy and urging people to support a democratic government. The pamphlet was widely read and had a huge impact, convincing many colonists to join the cause for independence. It was one of the most influential works in promoting the American Revolution.

Thomas Jefferson

A key figure in the American Revolution, this individual was chosen to draft the formal statement declaring the colonies' independence from Britain. The document expressed the belief that all people have natural rights to "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness," and that governments are created to protect these rights, deriving their power from the consent of the governed. While the Declaration of Independence included powerful ideals of equality, it was also a product of political compromise, notably removing a passage critical of the slave trade to gain support from southern colonies. This declaration became a foundational document for American democracy and inspired future struggles for equality and justice.

Declaration of Independence

a document adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which officially declared the American colonies' independence from Britain. Written mainly by a Virginia delegate, it explained the reasons for breaking away from British rule. It outlined key ideas, such as the belief that all people have unalienable rights to "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness," and that governments are created to protect these rights. If a government fails to do so, the people have the right to change it. The Declaration also listed the grievances against King George III, accusing him of violating the colonies' rights. The document marked the beginning of the United States as an independent nation.

Patriot

a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.

loyalist

a person who remains loyal to the established ruler or government, especially in the face of a revolt.

Valley Forge

the location where the Continental Army spent the winter during the American Revolution. The soldiers faced very cold weather, lack of food, and disease. Despite the hardships, they trained and became a stronger, more organized army. The time spent there is seen as an important moment of endurance and growth for the army.

Battle of Trenton

a surprise victory for the Continental Army during the American Revolution. On December 26, 1776, after crossing the Delaware River, American forces attacked the Hessian soldiers (German mercenaries fighting for Britain) stationed in Trenton, New Jersey. The battle was a crucial morale booster for the Americans, as they had been struggling and facing many defeats prior to this victory.

Battle of Saratoga

a turning point in the American Revolution. It took place in New York in September and October of 1777. The American forces, led by General Horatio Gates, defeated the British army, which was attempting to cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. The victory was significant because it convinced France to openly support the American cause with military aid, which was crucial to the success of the revolution.

Battle of Yorktown

the final major battle of the American Revolution. It took place in Virginia in October 1781, where American and French forces, led by General George Washington and French General Rochambeau, surrounded the British army, commanded by General Cornwallis. After weeks of siege, Cornwallis was forced to surrender, effectively ending the war. This victory led to peace negotiations and the eventual recognition of American independence.

Friedrich Von Steuben

a German officer who helped train the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He taught the soldiers how to be better organized and more disciplined, especially at Valley Forge. His training made the army stronger and more prepared to fight the British.

Marquis de Lafayette

a French nobleman who joined the American Revolution to fight for independence. He became a close friend of George Washington and played a key role in leading troops, particularly during battles like the Battle of Yorktown. His support and leadership were vital in securing French assistance for the American cause, and he is remembered as a hero both in France and the United States.

Charles Cornwallis

a British general during the American Revolution. He led British forces in many battles, but he is best known for his defeat at the Battle of Yorktown, where he was forced to surrender to the American and French troops. This surrender effectively ended the war and led to American independence.

treaty of Paris

the agreement that officially ended the American Revolution. Signed in 1783, it recognized the United States as an independent nation and set its borders. Britain agreed to give up land east of the Mississippi River, and the U.S. gained control of the territory. The treaty also addressed issues like fishing rights and the treatment of loyalists who supported Britain during the war.

egalitarianism

the belief in equality, where all people have the same rights and opportunities. It promotes the idea that everyone should be treated fairly, regardless of their background, race, gender, or social status.

confederation

a union of states or groups that come together for a common purpose but retain their independence and power, but are ruled by a weak central government.

articles of confederation

the first written constitution of the United States, adopted during the American Revolution. It created a weak central government, where most power remained with the individual states. The central government had limited authority, such as conducting foreign affairs and overseeing the military, but it could not tax or regulate trade.

Land Ordinance of 1785

a law passed by the Confederation Congress that set up a system for surveying and dividing land in the western territories. It organized the land into townships, each divided into 36 sections, and allowed for the sale of land to raise money for the government. This law helped establish a method for expanding and settling the western frontier of the United States.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

a law that established a process for creating new states in the western territories. It outlined how territories could become states once they had enough population and set guidelines for self-government. The ordinance also included important provisions, such as the prohibition of slavery in the Northwest Territory and the guarantee of basic rights for settlers, like freedom of religion and trial by jury. It was a key step in westward expansion and the growth of the United States.

Shay’s Rebellion

a protest by farmers in Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays, against high taxes and debt. They were upset about losing their land. The rebellion showed that the government under the Articles of Confederation was weak and couldn’t handle problems like this, leading to calls for a stronger national government.

1st amendment

freedom of speech, religion, press, assembile and petition

2nd amendment

right to bear arms

3rd amendment

no cordering of soilders

4th amendment

No illegal searches and seizures

5th amendment

No self incrimination/ cant be charged twice for the same crime

6th amendment

Right to a lawyer

7th amendment

right for citizens to have a jury trial in federal courts with civil cases where the claim exceeds a certain dollar value

8th amendment

No crule punishments/ no excessive bail

9th amendment

rights not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution

10th amendment

any powers not left in the constitution are given to the states

James Madison

"Father of the Constitution," Federalist leader, also the one who kept detailed notes on the debates at the Constitutional Convention.

Roger Sherman

He helped draft the Great Compromise (previously the Connecticut Plan) that determined how states would be represented in Congress.

Roger Sherman

He helped draft the Great Compromise (previously the Connecticut Plan) that determined how states would be represented in Congress.

The Great Compromise

Provided for a bicameral (two house) Congress. One part based on equal representation and the other based on population.

3/5ths Compromise

Counted each enslaved individual as this percentage of a personn for the puroses of determining a state's level of representation.

Federalism

A system with a strong but limited central government

Legislative Branch

The lawmaking branch of government

Executive Branch

The branch of government that carries out laws

Judicial Branch

The branch of government that ensures that laws are applied fairly and consistently, and to protect individual rights as gauranteed by the Constitution

checks and balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to revent abuse of power

Electoral College

a body of people representing the states of the US (equal to the total of that staate's representatives and senators), who formally cast votes for the election of the ppresident and vvice president

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution and its strong federal government were known as this

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared that the new government would be too strong were known as this.

The federalist papers

collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison under the name "Publius”to defend the Constitution in detail

Bill of Rights

One of the main objections expressed by the Anti-Federalists was that the proposed Constitution lacked this, a list of specific rights that the federal government could not violate. Became the first 10 amendments to the Constitution.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Established a Supreme Court with one chief justice and five associate justices. The highest court was empowered to rule on the constitutianality of decisions made by state courts, among other things.

Alexander Hamilton

1789-1795; First Secretary of the Trreasury. He advocated creation of a national bank, assumption of state debts by the federal government, and a tariff system to pay off the national debt

Cabinet

Advisory council for the president consisting of the heads of the executive dpartments, the vice president, and a few other officials selected byy the president.

Bank of the United States

a national bank funded by the federal government and wealthy investors

Democratic Republicans

Led by Thomas Jefferson beilievd pople should have political power, favored strong STATE governments, emphasized agriculture, strict interpretation of the Constitution, Pro-French, opposed nation

Proclamation of Neutrality

A formal announcement issued by President George Washington on April 22, 1793, declaring the United States a neutral nation in the conflict between Great Britain and France.

Edmond Genet

Objecting to Washington's policy (of neutrality), this French minister to the United States broke all the rules of diplomacy by appealing directly to the American people to support the French cause.

The pin

Jay Treaty/ John Jay

Treaty in which Britain agreed to evacuate its posts on the US western frontier (1794). He was the Chief Justice who went on a special mission to Britain to talk about this issue, among others.

sectionalism

Loyalty to one's own region of the country, rather than to the nation as a whole

XYZ

seperation of powerss

the division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government

Whiskey rebellion

This uprising in 1794 by farmers in western Pennsylvania, demonstrated the federal government's ability to enforce its laws and established the precedent/example of using force to quell/put an end to domestic opposition.

Themes of Wahington's Farewell Adress (some)

GEORGE WASHINGTON

a key leader during the American Revolutionary War.Built for necessity, and lead the Continental Army to victory against Great Britain.

SEVEN YEARS’ WAR (French and Indian War)

a conflict between Britain and France in North America, part of the larger Seven Years' War. It involved British colonists and their Native American allies fighting against French colonists and their own Native American allies. The war was primarily fought over control of territory, particularly in the Ohio River Valley. It ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763, with Britain emerging victorious and gaining significant territorial holdings in North America. The war had lasting effects, including increased British debt, which led to taxation of the American colonies and eventually contributed to the American Revolution.

PONTIAC/PONTIAC’S REBELLION

a war launched by Native American tribes, led by Ottawa chief Pontiac, against British forces and settlers in the Great Lakes region and Ohio Valley, in response to British policies and encroachment on Native lands after the French and Indian War.

PROCLAMATION OF 1763

an order issued by the British Crown that prohibited American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. It aimed to stabilize relations with Native American tribes by preventing further encroachment on their lands, following the end of the French and Indian War. The proclamation was intended to avoid conflict between settlers and Native Americans, but it angered many colonists who had hoped to expand westward and was one of the factors leading to growing tensions between Britain and the American colonies.

George Greenville

a British Prime Minister (1763–1765) known for introducing taxes on the American colonies, such as the Sugar Act and Stamp Act, to help pay off Britain's war debt, which contributed to growing colonial unrest and helped set the stage for the American Revolution.He was pivotal in shaping colonial policy and his measures sparked significant opposition among colonists, leading to protests and calls for independence.

SUGAR ACT (1764)

a British law that aimed to raise revenue from the American colonies by taxing sugar and molasses imported into the colonies. It was part of a series of measures introduced by Prime Minister George Greenville to help pay off Britain's war debt following the French and Indian War. The act also strengthened enforcement of existing trade regulations. The Sugar Act was unpopular among colonists, who saw it as an infringement on their economic freedom and a form of taxation without representation.

ALBANY PLAN OF UNION (1754)

a proposal made by Benjamin Franklin and other colonial leaders during the French and Indian War. It aimed to create a unified government for the Thirteen American Colonies to better coordinate defense, trade, and other common interests. The plan called for a central government with a president-general appointed by the British Crown and a legislature made up of representatives from each colony, but was ultimately rejected.

EDWARD BRADDOCK

a British officer and commander during the French and Indian War. He is best known for leading an ill-fated expedition in 1755 to capture Fort Duquesne (modern-day Pittsburgh), which was a French stronghold in the Ohio Valley. Despite being an experienced military leader, Braddock's forces were ambushed by French and Native American troops in the Battle of the Monongahela. He was mortally wounded in the battle, and his defeat marked a significant setback for the British in the early stages of the war.

PEACE OF PARIS

a treaty that ended the Seven Years' War, where France ceded Canada and its territories east of the Mississippi River to Britain, while Spain gave Florida to Britain and received Louisiana from France, reshaping the colonial map of North America.

STAMP ACT (1765)

a British law that required American colonists to purchase a government-issued stamp for every piece of paper they used, including newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards. The act was designed to raise revenue to help pay off Britain’s war debt from the French and Indian War. Colonists strongly opposed the tax, arguing it was an example of "taxation without representation," since they had no representatives in the British Parliament. This led to widespread protests and boycotts, and the act was eventually repealed in 1766.

STAMP ACT CONGRESS

a meeting of representatives from nine of the thirteen American colonies in response to the British Stamp Act. Held in New York City, it was the first unified action by the colonies against British policies. The Congress issued a declaration of rights and grievances, protesting the Stamp Act and other forms of taxation without colonial representation in Parliament. It also organized a boycott of British goods. The Congress marked a significant step toward colonial unity and resistance, and it helped pave the way for future collective actions against British rule.

DECLARATORY ACT (1766)

a British law passed by Parliament alongside the repeal of the Stamp Act. It stated that Parliament had the authority to make laws and taxes for the American colonies "in all cases whatsoever," asserting Britain’s supreme power over the colonies. The act was essentially a response to the colonial protests against the Stamp Act, reaffirming that the British government had the right to legislate for the colonies, even if they had no direct representation in Parliament. This declaration fueled further colonial resentment and laid the groundwork for future conflicts leading to the American Revolution.

TOWNSHEND ACTS (1767)

a series of British laws that imposed taxes on imported goods like glass, paper, and tea in the American colonies. These acts aimed to generate revenue for Britain and assert control over the colonies. The Acts sparked protests and led to boycotts of British goods in the colonies, increasing tensions that would eventually contribute to the American Revolution.

BOSTON MASSACRE

occurred on March 5, 1770, when British soldiers opened fire on a crowd of American colonists in Boston, killing five people and wounding several others. The incident was sparked by tensions between the colonists and British troops, who were stationed in the city to enforce unpopular laws like the Townshend Acts.

COMMITTEES OF CORRESPONDENCE

groups formed in the American colonies in the to facilitate communication and coordinate resistance against British policies. These committees were established to share information about British actions, colonial responses, and to organize protests, such as boycotts of British goods. They played a key role in uniting the colonies and spreading anti-British sentiment, especially in the years leading up to the American Revolution. The committees helped organize collective actions like the First Continental Congress and were crucial in the development of a unified colonial response to British rule.

TEA ACT (1773)

a British law designed to help the financially struggling British East India Company by allowing it to sell surplus tea directly to the American colonies, bypassing colonial merchants. This effectively gave the company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies, and although it reduced the price of tea, it still kept a tax on it, which many colonists saw as a form of "taxation without representation."

BOSTON TEA PARTY

when American colonists, protesting the Tea Act and its tax on tea, boarded British ships in Boston Harbor. Disguised as Native Americans, they dumped 342 chests of British tea, worth about £10,000, into the harbor.

INTOLERABLE ACTS

COERCIVE ACTS/INTOLERBLE ACTS

a set of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party and colonial unrest. The acts aimed to punish Massachusetts and tighten British control over the American colonies. Key measures included closing Boston’s port until the tea was paid for, reducing Massachusetts' self-government, allowing royal officials accused of crimes to be tried in Britain, and expanding the Quartering Act, which required colonists to house British soldiers.

KING GEORGE III

best known in American history for his role during the American Revolution. His policies, including imposing taxes on the American colonies, were deeply unpopular and contributed to the growing colonial resistance against British rule. Colonists' grievances with King George III, particularly regarding "taxation without representation," were central to the conflict. His reign saw the loss of the American colonies after their victory in the Revolutionary War, marking a significant turning point in British history.

PATRICK HENRY

an American lawyer, politician, and orator best known for his fiery speeches in favor of colonial independence from Britain. He became a prominent figure during the American Revolution, particularly for his famous speech in 1775, where he declared, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" He was a strong advocate for individual rights and limited government. He played a key role in the Virginia House of Burgesses and was a leading figure in the movement toward independence.

SAMUEL ADAMS

key leader in the American independence movement, and a prominent figure in organizing resistance against British rule. He helped orchestrate the Boston Tea Party, was a leader of the Sons of Liberty, and played a significant role in the Committee of Correspondence. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress and was known for his passionate advocacy for colonial rights and independence.