American Revolution: Causes, Key Events, and Colonial Unity

What was Salutary Neglect?

A British policy of loosely enforcing colonial rules from 1607-1763, allowing colonies to develop independent political and economic practices.

Which Enlightenment thinkers influenced colonial thinking?

John Locke (natural rights), Montesquieu (separation of powers), and Rousseau (social contract).

What economic frustration did the colonies experience?

Mercantilism limited trade options, leading colonies to desire economic freedom.

What was the significance of the French & Indian War (1754-1763)?

It ended with British victory but left Britain with massive debt, leading to tighter control and new taxes on the colonies.

What did the Proclamation of 1763 do?

It banned settlement west of the Appalachians to avoid Native American conflict, angering colonists eager for western lands.

What were the British Acts that fueled colonial resentment?

A series of laws including the Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, Tea Act, and Intolerable Acts.

What was the rallying cry against parliamentary taxation?

'No taxation without representation'.

What was the Stamp Act Congress (1765)?

The first unified colonial response to British taxation, organizing protests against the Stamp Act.

What was the Boston Massacre (1770)?

An event where British soldiers fired into a crowd, used as propaganda by Patriots.

What was the Boston Tea Party (1773)?

A protest where the Sons of Liberty dumped tea into Boston Harbor in response to the Tea Act.

What were the Intolerable Acts (1774)?

A series of punitive laws passed to punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party, including closing Boston port.

What was the difference between Patriots and Loyalists?

Patriots supported independence and believed British rule was oppressive, while Loyalists remained loyal to the Crown and feared chaos.

What did many colonists initially want regarding representation?

They sought representation in Parliament rather than full independence.

What was the Declaration of Independence (1776)?

The formal statement declaring the colonies' separation from Britain.

What marked the beginning of organized resistance against British rule?

The Stamp Act of 1765.

What was the Virginia Plan proposed at the Constitutional Convention?

A plan for a bicameral legislature based on population, favoring large states.

What is the concept of Separation of Powers?

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

What is Federalism?

The division of powers between national and state governments.

What was the Albany Plan of Union (1754)?

A proposal by Benjamin Franklin to unite the colonies for defense and Indian policy, which ultimately failed.

What was the purpose of Common Sense (1776) by Thomas Paine?

To argue for independence from Britain, stating it was illogical for a small island to rule a continent.

What were the strengths of the Articles of Confederation?

It established the first national government, managed the war effort, and created the Northwest Ordinance.

What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

It lacked the power to tax or regulate commerce, had no executive or judiciary, and required unanimous consent to amend.

What were the key battles of the American Revolution?

Important battles include Lexington, Saratoga, and Yorktown.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Revolution vs. Revolutionary War'?

The Revolution refers to the ideological movement toward independence, while the Revolutionary War is the physical military conflict from 1775 to 1783.

What were the effects of the Townshend Acts (1767)?

They imposed indirect taxes on imports and led to renewed boycotts and increased British troop presence, escalating tensions.

What was the impact of the Proclamation of 1763 on colonists?

It forbade colonial settlement west of the Appalachians, aiming to avoid conflict with Native Americans, which colonists ignored.

What was the Declaratory Act (1766)?

An act where Parliament declared its full authority over the colonies.