APUSH Period 3 Part 2 Key Terms

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1st Continental Congress

A gathering of delegates from 12 of the 13 American colonies in Philadelphia in 1774. It convened to protest the British-imposed Intolerable Acts and organized a boycott of British goods. The meeting marked a significant step toward colonial unity and resistance.

Battle of Lexington and Concord

The first military engagements of the American revolutionary War on April 19th, 1775. In these battles, colonial militias (MInutemen) confronted British forces attempting to seize military supplies. The events signed the start of open armed conflict/war.

Declaration of Independence

A document adopted on July 4th, 1776, which formally announced the colonies’ separation from Britain. Primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, it articulated Enlightenment principles of individual rights, equality, and government by consent, laying the foundation for American political philosophy.

Loyalists (American Tories)

American colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War. Loyalists opposed the revolution for various reasons, including strong cultural ties to Britain, economic interests, and fear of anarchy.

Patriots

Colonists in America who rebelled against British rule during the late 18th century and advocated for independence. Key Patriot figures included George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Samuel Adams. Patriots used protests and militias to fight for liberty and self-governance.

Battle of Saratoga

A pivotal American victory over the British in 1777. This turning point in the war convinced France that the Americans could win, leading to the Treaty of Alliance with France in 1778, which provided crucial military and financial support.

Treaty of Alliance with France, 1778

A military treaty signed by the United States and France, creating an alliance against Great Britain. In exchange for French aid, the U.S. agreed not to make peace with Britain until American independence was recognized.

Treaty of Paris 1783

The formal agreement that ended the American Revolutionary War. It was negotiated by American diplomats Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay. The treaty recognized U.S. independence and established new, expansive American boundaries.

Daughters of Liberty

A group of American women who organized boycotts of British goods during the late 1700s. They promoted American self-sufficiency by making homemade items, such as homespun cloth, to replace British imports.

Republican Motherhood

An ideal in the late 18th century that emphasized women’s vital role in raising virtuous citizens for the new republic. While reinforcing the traditional domestic roles, the concept also expanded educational opportunities for women, highlighting their influence on the nation’s future.

Haitian Revolution

A successful anti-slavery and anti-colonial insurrection in the French colony of Saint Domingue, resulting in Haiti becoming the first independent Black republic in the world. The revolution was inspired by Enlightenment ideals and had a profound impact on slave societies throughout the Americas. It was a direct challenge to the institution of slavery and the ideals of the American Revolution, demonstrating that enslaved people could seize their own liberty and form a free republic. Its success sent shockwaves through the US, fueling fears of similar rebellions among enslaved populations and prompting policies to prevent the spread of revolutionary ideals.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781. It created a weak central government that lacked the power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws, ultimately proving ineffective.

Land Ordinance/Northwest Ordinance/Northwest Territory

The Land Ordinance of 1785 established a system for surveying and selling western lands. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 created the framework for governing the territory, providing for the admission of new states, and, notably, banning slavery in the territory.

Shays’ Rebellion

An armed uprising (1786–1787) of farmers in Massachusetts protesting economic injustices. The rebellion highlighted the weakness of the Articles of Confederation and spurred calls for a stronger national government.

Constitutional Convention

A gathering of delegates in Philadelphia in 1787 to address the problems of the Articles of Confederation. The convention ultimately led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

Virginia Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for a strong national government with a bicameral legislature and representation based on state population. It was favored by larger states.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that advocated for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, regardless of population. It was favored by smaller states.

Great Compromise (Connecticut Plan)

An agreement that resolved the debate over representation by creating a bicameral (two-house) legislature. The House of Representatives would have proportional representation, while the Senate would have equal representation (two senators per state).

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention to count three-fifths of a state's enslaved population for purposes of legislative representation and taxation. It gave Southern states more political power in the House of Representatives.

Slave Trade Compromise

An agreement at the Constitutional Convention that allowed the continuation of the transatlantic slave trade until 1808. This concession was made to gain support from Southern states for the new Constitution.

Federalists (faction-not political party)

A faction that supported the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Federalists believed in a strong central government to ensure order and stability. Key Federalists included James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay.

Anti-Federalists (faction-not political party)

A faction that opposed the ratification of the Constitution. Anti-Federalists feared that a strong central government would threaten individual liberties and state sovereignty, advocating for the addition of a bill of rights. Key Anti-Federalists included Patrick Henry and George Mason.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay to persuade New Yorkers to ratify the Constitution.

Federalist Paper #10

Argued that a large, diverse republic was the best way to control the negative effects of factions (interest groups).

Federalist Paper #51

Explained how the proposed Constitution would create a system of checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

James Madison

A Founding Father, fourth U.S. President, and is often called the "Father of the Constitution". He was the primary author of the Virginia Plan, a co-author of the Federalist Papers, and a key figure in drafting the Bill of Rights.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is constitutionally divided between a national government and state governments. This division allows for multiple levels of government, each with its own responsibilities.

Separation of Powers

A governance model that divides government responsibilities into three distinct branches: legislative (makes laws), executive (enforces laws), and judicial (interprets laws). This prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791. It guarantees essential rights and civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, and was added to address Anti-Federalist concerns about individual freedoms.