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Enlightenment

A time frame when deep thinkers emphasized the use of reason to uncover laws that governed human life & society (1600s).

Natural Laws

Laws that govern all human conduct.

Natural Rights

Rights gained by birth, including life, liberty, and property.

Social Theory

A social agreement in which people give up their freedom for an organized society.

Revolution

A drastic and/or major change, sometimes accomplished by war.

Patriots

Individuals who vigorously support their country and are prepared to defend it against enemies.

Loyalists

American colonists that remained loyal to the British during the American Revolutionary War.

Townshend Acts

A series of Acts passed by Parliament initiating taxes on glass, lead, paint, and tea of imported goods only.

Intolerable Acts

Laws passed by the British Parliament affecting the American colonies.

Boston Massacre

A deadly incident where British soldiers shot and killed five colonists during a chaotic confrontation in Boston.

Boston Tea Party

A political protest by American colonists who dumped 342 chests of British East India Company tea into Boston Harbor.

Continental Congress

The primary governing body of the 13 American colonies that coordinated opposition against British rule and managed the American Revolution (1774–1789).

Espionage

The practice of spying or using spies, typically by governments, to obtain political and military information.

Battles of Lexington & Concord

A confrontation that marked the start of armed conflict between Britain and its American colonies.

Cavalry

A group of soldiers who fight mounted on horses.

Declaration of Independence

A document adopted by the Second Continental Congress that formally announced the 13 American colonies' separation from British rule.

Sons of Liberty

A secret, radical organization of American colonists formed in 1765 to oppose British taxation and control.

Militia

A military force raised from the civilian population to supplement the regular army in emergencies.

Propaganda

Biased information, misleading in nature, used to promote or publicize a particular cause.

Battle of Saratoga

A decisive victory for the Americans during the Revolutionary War, marking a turning point in gaining French support.

Valley Forge Campaign

The winter encampment of the Continental Army from December 19, 1777, to June 19, 1778.

Morale

The confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time.

Battle of Germantown

An unsuccessful battle on October 4, 1777, aimed at retaking Philadelphia from the British.

Battle of Cowpens

A pivotal engagement on January 17, 1781, in South Carolina that contributed to the American effort to recapture the state from British control.

Battle of Yorktown

The siege that began on September 28, 1781, resulting in the surrender of British forces and American victory in the Revolutionary War.

Treaty of Paris

The treaty that ended the Seven Years’ War and established British dominance in the Americas.

Articles of Confederation

The first formal constitution of the United States.

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, serving as the fundamental framework for its system of government.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution created by the original framers.

Federal Republic

A political system where power is divided between the national government and the states.

Executive Branch

The branch responsible for implementing, enforcing, and administering federal laws.

Legislative Branch

The branch responsible for enacting federal laws, declaring war, and controlling taxing and spending policies.

Judicial Branch

The branch that interprets federal laws, resolves legal disputes, and determines the constitutionality of laws and executive actions.

1st Amendment

Guarantees freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

2nd Amendment

The right of the people to keep and bear arms.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants based on probable cause.

7th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery.

15th Amendment

Prohibits voting restrictions based on race.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.