American Revolution and Early Republic

These flashcards cover key terms, events, and concepts related to the American Revolution and the early years of the Republic.

Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms

Document outlining the justifications of the American colonies for armed resistance against Great Britain.

Lexington and Concord

The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, where British troops aimed to seize arms but faced colonial militia.

2nd Continental Congress

Met in Philadelphia on May 10, 1775, to discuss colonial response to British aggression and include significant actions like the Olive Branch Petition.

Olive Branch Petition

A last attempt by Congress to reconcile with King George III, expressing loyalty but was rejected.

Declaration of Independence

Authored by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, proclaiming the colonies' separation from British rule.

French Alliance

Military alliance formed after the American victory at Saratoga, significantly aiding in subsequent battles.

Battle of Saratoga

A decisive American victory that convinced France to formally support the revolution.

Yorktown

Site of the British surrender which effectively ended major combat in the Revolutionary War.

Daughters of Liberty

Women who organized boycotts and supported domestic production to undermine British imports.

Republican Motherhood

The belief that women should be educated to raise virtuous republican citizens, elevating women's cultural role.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the U.S., which established a weak national government without a strong executive.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Legislation that created a process for admitting new states and prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory.

Shays' Rebellion

An uprising of indebted Massachusetts farmers that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Great Compromise

Agreement to create a bicameral legislature, balancing representation based on state population and equal representation.

Federalism

The division of power between national and state governments.

Separation of Powers

The split of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent excessive concentration of power.

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the others.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays promoting the ratification of the Constitution, authored by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual liberties and limiting government powers.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident in which French agents demanded bribes from American negotiators, leading to increased anti-French sentiment.

Alien and Sedition Acts

A series of four laws that restricted immigration and limited free speech, criticized as infringing rights.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

Political statements drafted by Jefferson and Madison asserting states' rights to nullify federal laws.

Nullification

The theory that states can invalidate federal laws deemed unconstitutional.

Separation of Church and State

The principle that government must maintain an attitude of neutrality toward religion to protect religious liberty.

Internal Slave Trade

The movement of enslaved people within the U.S., redistributing them to new plantation regions.