NIACC History Exam 2

Sugar Act

(1764) British deeply in debt partly to French & Indian War. English Parliament placed a tariff on sugar, coffee, wines, and molasses. colonists avoided the tax by smuggling and by bribing tax collectors.

The Stamp Act

an act passed by the British parliment in 1765 that raised revenue from the American colonies by placing a tax on all printed documents. Proof of payment would be in form of stamp affixed to document. Sons of Liberty form to oppose Stamp Tax. Virginia House of Burgesses passed series of resolutions promoted by Patrick Henry which objected to imposing the tax without representation.

Currency Act

1764 passed by Parliament to withdraw paper currencies. Done to establish control over colonial currency system. Prohibited printing money.

Townshend Acts

A tax that the British Parliament passed in 1767 that was placed on leads, glass, paint and tea. Sponsored by Charles Townshend. Suspending Act prohibited New York Assembly from conducting any further business until it complied with financial requirements of Quartering Act.

Coercive Acts/Intolerable Acts (1774)

Four measures enacted by Parliament in retaliation of the Boston Tea Party. Boston Port Bill closed the city's port, Mass. Government Act revoked colony's charter, making it a royal colony, and a revised, Quartering Act which now forced people to provide food, drink, and housing to any British forces stationed in their towns or villages. Targeted Boston.

Quebec Act

1774 (same as Intolerable acts) Extended boundaries of Quebec and granted equal rights to Catholics and recognized legality Catholic Church in the territory; colonists feared this meant that a pope would soon oversee the colonies. Cut off Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York from territory, seen as act of coercion by American colonists.

Boston Government Act

Massachusetts Government Act. Part of Intolerable Acts. Response to Boston Tea Party. Abolished colony charter of Massachusetts Bay and gave it a royally appointed governor.

Quartering Act

1765 - Required the colonials to provide food, lodging, and supplies for the British troops in the colonies. Passed in response to increased empire defense costs in America following French-Indian War. Asserted British authority over colonies. Outward defiance led to Suspending Act as part of Townshend Acts.

Lexington and Concord, 1775

The first military engagements of the Revolution, fought on April 19, 1775 within the towns of Lexington and Concord near Boston. The battles marked the outbreak of open armed conflict between Britain and its thirteen colonies in North America. 700 British Army regulars, were ordered to capture and destroy military supplies that were reportedly stored by the Massachusetts militia at Concord. The first shots were fired just as the sun was rising at Lexington. The militia was outnumbered and fell back. Other British colonists, hours later at the North Bridge in Concord, fought and defeated three companies of the king's troops. The outnumbered soldiers of the British Army fell back from the Minutemen after a pitched battle in open territory. More Minutemen arrived soon thereafter and inflicted heavy damage on the British regulars as they marched back towards Boston. The occupation of surrounding areas by the Massachusetts Militia marked the beginning of the Siege of Boston.

Bunker Hill

(June 17, 1775) Site of a battle early in the Revolutionary War. This battle contested control of two hills (Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill) overlooking Boston Harbor. The British captured the hills after the Americans ran out of ammunition. American militiamen on Breed's Hill led by Thomas Prescott. William Howe led British regulars.

Battles of Trenton and Princeton

December 26-January 3 1777. Series of military engagements won by Continental Army against German Hessians and British soldiers in New Jersey. Trenton-George Washington crosses Delaware River on Christmas night to surprise Hessians at Trenton. First victory of George Washington. Washington dispatches party led by Nathanael Greene to occupy Trenton.

Princeton-Continentals reach outside of Princeton on January 3 1777. British regiments break ranks and flee. Promptly surrender. Both of these led to Cornwallis abandoning Trenton and retiring to New Brunswick.

Valley Forge

Place where Washington and Continental Army spend December 1777-June 1778.Disease kills one in 6 men and mandem is hungry. Baron Von Steuben promoted to temporary inspector general after meeting George Washington. Teaches army how to be efficient. Helps prepare manual titled "Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States." September 18 1777 General Wilhelm von Knyphausen led British soldiers in raiding Valley Forge. Lieutenant colonel Alexander Hamilton and Captain Henry Lee defending Valley Forge. Minor skirmish, British succeed in stealing supplies and burning several buildings.

Battles of Saratoga

Closely related battles during autumn of 1777. Battles are collectively referred to as turning point for Americans during the war. Ended John Burgoyne's attempt to control Hudson River Valley. Convinced Louis XVI that Americans could defeat British, and affirmed alliance between French and American forces. Americans led by Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold.

Yorktown

Sep 28-Oct 19 1781 British surrender, end of British rule in the colonies. American victory, outnumbered and outfought during three week siege. Last major land battle of American Revolution, led to peace discussions with British and eventually signing of Treaty of Paris. George Washington and Rochambeau leading Americans. Cornwallis leading British.

John Adams

Founding Father of the United States. Advocate for American independence before revolution, served as diplomat for Continental Congress during war. Worked to establish alliance between America and France for support during war. Alongside other figures of American revolution he helped draft Declaration of Independence. Also aided as delegate to Continental Congress from Massachusetts.

Samuel Adams

Founding father, key figure in American Revolution. Leader of the Sons of Liberty, organizing protests against Stamp and Townshend Acts. Significant in organizing Boston Tea Party. Served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and helped establish committees of correspondence.

Benedict Arnold

American officer during Revolutionary War. Leader during battles of Saratoga and Fort Ticonderoga. Led a failed expedition to Quebec in 1775. Later betrayed Continental Army due to dissatisfaction with his treatment. Eventually got tired of being refused promotions, and offered to surrender the garrison he was set to receive at West Point to the British. Loser.

John Burgoyne

British army officer during Revolutionary War (L). Led British forces during Saratoga campaign in 1777, trying to divide New England from lower colonies. Surrendered at Saratoga in October 1777 . Turning point in the war. Helped secure the French support for the revolution. Served in Parliament after the war.

Charles Cornwallis

British Army officer and colonial administrator during Revolutionary War. Served in battles of Long Island and Brandywine. Achieved other victories against Horatio Gates at Camden, and Guilford Courthouse against Nathanael Greene. Best known for surrender at Yorktown in 1781, this defeat ended military operations from British in the colonies.

Marquis de Lafayette

French aristocrat that served as military officer for colonials in Revolutionary War. Traveled to America in 1777 against direct orders from the king to support Revolution and join Continental Army. Served primarily during Siege of Yorktown. Worked as diplomat to secure French support for revolution. After the war he returned to France and became advocate for human rights during French Revolution.

Nathanael Greene

Major General in Continental Army. Joined in 1775 and quickly rose through ranks. Appointed commander of Southern Department in 1780, where he secured victories against British at Battle of Cowpens. Retracted American forces at Guilford Courthouse against Cornwallis. Campaigns in South weakened British forces, which contributed to victory in Yorktown in 1781.

Henry Knox

Military officer in Continental Army. Appointed chief artillery officer. Transported artillery from Fort Ticonderoga (After British abandoned) back to Boston where it was instrumental in Siege of Boston. Forced British to evacuate city in 1776. Served in other key battles such as Monmouth and Yorktown. Served as Secretary of War under the Articles of Confederation. Washington appointed him as Secretary of War after U.S. Constitution was adopted.

John Hancock

Patriot leader and business man. Big signature on Declaration of Independence. President of second Continental Congress, organized American response to British rule. Leading in Boston resistance against British taxation, Boston TP. After war, served as governor of Massachusetts.

James Madison

"Father of the Constitution." crucial in Constitutional Convention of 1787. Key in drafting Bill of Rights. Wrote Federalist paper along with John Jay and Alexander Hamilton., argued for ratification of Constitution. Fourth president.

Daniel Morgan

Military Leader during Rev. War. First served in French and Indian War. Led Americans at Saratoga in 1777. Victory at Cowpens in January 1781 against British. Served in the U.S. Congress after war.

James Otis

Early American Revolution leader. Early critic of British taxation. "Taxation without representation is tyranny." Notably opposed Stamp Act. Significant in forming Sons of Liberty. 1764 "The Rights of the British Colonies Asserted and Proved." Pamphlet which described colonies' problems and rights.

Thomas Paine

Rev. Thinker/Writer. Shaped Democratic ideas. Pamphlet "Common Sense" 1776. Argued for American independence from Britain, and complete split between the two. "The American Crisis," series of pamphlets providing encouragement and describing civic ideals American troops will need to defeat the British. George Washington encouraged his troops to read it. Advocate for Democracy. After American Revolution, Paine moves to France where he supports French Rev. Wrote "Rights of Man," defending principles of human rights.

Edmund Randolph

American statesman and lawyer. Governor of Virginia from 1786-88. Delegate to Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he proposed Virginia (Large state) Plan. First U.S. Attorney General under George Washington. Later served as Secretary of State from 1794-1795. His ideas influenced Federalist Papers.

George Washington

Father of the United States. Appointed commander in chief of Continental Army in 1775. Critical battles: Siege of Boston, Battle of Trenton, (Stayed at Valley Forge), Yorktown. Served as First President of U.S. from 1789 to 1797. Crucial in Constitutional Convention of 1787, supporting new Constitution.

Molly Pitcher

Mary Ludwig Hays. Fought in Monmouth 1778, took over husband's cannon after he was incapacitated. Became symbol of women's contributions to the revolutionary war effort.

French and Indian War

(1754-1763) War fought in the colonies between the English colonies and the French and their native American allies for possession of the Ohio Valley area. Battles of Duquesne, Quebec, and Montreal. British win, Treaty of Paris in 1763. French ceded most of its land in North America to Britain. War increased British debt, leading to higher TAXES in the colonies.

Albany Plan of Union

Proposed in 1754 at Albany Congress. Seven states, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island sent delegates to conference. Benjamin Franklin (Pennsylvania delegate) presented Albany plan of union. Proposed centralized government with President General appointed by Crown and a Grand Council elected by colonial assemblies. Included powers to tax, raise troops. Rejected by colonial assemblies and British government. Early attempt at colonial unity.

No Taxation without Representation.

a phrase, generally attributed to James Otis about 1761, that reflected the resentment of American colonists at being taxed by a British Parliament to which they elected no representatives and became an anti-British slogan before the American Revolution; in full, "Taxation without representation is tyranny.". Sentiment fueled opposition towards Stamp and Townshend Acts.

Committee of Correspondence

Established in early 1770s in response to British TAXES. Samuel Adams crucial in forming these committees. Purpose was to facilitate communication among American colonies regarding British rule. The committees themselves were groups appointed by the legislatures in the 13 colonies. Intercolonial cooperation with responses to British policies, spreading revolutionary ideas, and organizing collective action. Unified colonies.

Sons of Liberty

Established in 1765 in response to Stamp Act. Created to oppose British policies, advocate for colonial independence. Protests and sometimes violence were used. Key figures were Samuel Adams, John Hancock. Organized Boston TP. Key in unifying colonies against British Rule.

Declaration of Independence

Adopted on July 4th 1776. Primarily written Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin. Formally declared Thirteen colonies independence. Key Principles: Natural rights of individuals (life liberty pursuit of happiness). Governments derive power from consent of those governed. Justifies rebellion against governments that fail to protect human rights. Lists complaints against George III. Established ideas of democracy.

Common Sense

Written by Thomas Paine January 1776. Attempt at convincing colonists to split from Britain. Critiqued monarchy and hereditary succession. Advocates for republican form of government. Widely influential, united colonists and laid writing groundwork for Declaration of Independence.

Treaty of Paris 1763

Signed February 10 1763. Concluded French and Indian (1754-63) between Britain and France. France ceded all North American territories east of Mississippi River to Britain. Spain ceded Florida to Britain in exchange for Havana Cuba. Increased national debt for British, leading to higher TAXES in the colonies. British advance on Native land, leading to conflicts such as Pontiac's rebellion. Led to unhappy colonists:(

Treaty of Paris 1783

Signed September 3, 1783. Concluded American Revolutionary war between states and Britain. Recognized independence of U.S. Established new nation's borders, Atlantic Ocean to Mississippi River. Allowed FISHING RIGHTS off coast of Newfoundland for Americans. Required British to withdraw troops from America, Loyalist rights and property restored. Solidified American independence and set stage for future territorial expansion.

Mercantilism

An economic policy under which the role of government is primarily promoting national economic power through regulation and trade. Core beliefs: Wealth measured by gold and silver reserves. Exports > Imports is essential for national prosperity. Colonies expected to provide raw materials to Britain and serve as markets for manufactured goods. Imposed tariffs to limit imports and encourage exports. Seen as restrictive. (Navigation Acts)

Navigation Acts

Aimed to regulate colonial trade and ensure England's benefit. Required certain goods (tobacco, sugar, etc.) to only be shipped on English or colonial ships. Trade between colonies and other countries must be conducted through England. Limited colonial trade options, encouraged smuggling because colonists wanted to bypass restrictions. Enforced more throughout 1760's, colonists discontent.

Boston Massacre

March 5 1770. Climax of growing tensions between colonists and England in Boston. Lead up was frustration to various acts (Stamp Act, Townshend Acts) passed by Parliament. Mob of Bostonians pelts British barracks with snowballs, one soldier got jostled and fired his musket. 5 innocent colonists were killed. Crispus Attucks is the SFE. "First Martyr" of American Revolution. Rallying point by leaders such as Samuel Adams to unify colonies and promote anti-British ideas. Paul Revere created engraving depicting event.

Boston Tea Party

December 16 1773. Response to Tea Act, which colonists opposed. Members of Sons of Liberty, disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded three British ships in Boston Harbor. Dumper 342 chests of tea into water. Led to harsh measures from British, such as Intolerable Acts. Is considered pivotal moment in lead up to American Revolution

Shay's Rebellion

1786-1787. Primarily in Massachusetts, particularly rural areas. Economic hardship following Rev. War causes Rebellion. Daniel Shays emerged as leader. Farmers organized protest against state government's tax policies. Insurgents attempted to seize control of Springfield Armory to procure weapons. Mass. Government called for militia to put down rebellion. Rebellion eventually halted, but showed weakness of Articles of Confederation and need for stronger government. Constitutional Convention realises they must meet, which they do, in 1787 to discuss balance of power between state and federal authorities.

Articles of Confederation Weaknesses

No Central Authority, no king of executive branch to enforce laws. Unicameral legislative body, no power to tax, relied on voluntary contribution from state. Congress unable to regulate trade, economic disputes. Congress unable to draft troops, relied on state militias. States often engage in trade disputes. Unable to raise revenue and pay debts from Rev. War.

"Revise Articles of Confederation" ultimately in drafting U.S. Constitution to correct goofy errors.

Land Ordinance of 1785

Established systematic process for surveying, selling, and settling land in Northwest Territory. Divided land into townships, allowed federal government to sell land to raise revenue, with minimum purchase amounts set to make land accessible to settlers. Set aside section of land in each township for public education.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Established framework for governing new states in the Northwest Territory. created process for territorial government including appointment of governor, secretary, and judges. Set guidelines for territories to apply for statehood once population reached 60,000 free inhabitants. Guaranteed civil rights. Prohibited slavery, encouraged establishment of public schools. Contributed to orderly expansion of United States.

Annapolis Convention

Maryland, Held in 1786, September. To address issues related to trade and commerce under Articles of Confederation, called by A Hamilton. 5 states pull up: New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Revealed weaknesses of Articles of Confederation. Delegates call for broader convention in 1787, Philadelphia to "REVISE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION" following Shay's Rebellion. Laid groundwork for Constitutional Convention.

Constitutional Convention

May to September 1787, Philadelphia Pennsylvania. 55 delegates from 12 states (Rhode Island sold). Notable figures George Washington, James Madison, Ben Franklin. New Constitution drafted, signed by 39 of 55 delegates. Bicameral legislature resolves disputes between small and large states. House of Representatives based on population and Senate with equal representation. Three Fifths of Compromise. 5 slaves counts for 3 people towards population to prevent too much power in large or small state. Led to debates between federalists and Anti-federalists regarding Bill of Rights.

Virginia Plan

Large state proposal for new constitution. Bicameral legislature , with representation based on state population or finance contribution. Executive Branch led by single president, elected by legislature. Judicial branch: national judiciary with judges appointed by legislature. Emphasized supremacy of national government over states. Establish system of checks and balances among three branches of government. (Clearly favors large states) Discussed at constitutional Convention in 1787. Presented by Edmund Randolph, and James Madison, primary author.

New Jersey Plan

Small state plan. Unicameral legislature. Single house with equal representation for each state, regardless of size of population. Emphasized state authority and maintained existing structure of Articles of Confederation. Suggested plural executive elected by legislature. National judiciary with limited authority appointed by executive. Allowed Congress to regulate trade and impose taxes. Provided process for amending Articles. Response to Virginia plan. Put forth by William Paterson, intended to benefit small states

Connecticut Compromise

Combined New Jersey and Virginia plans.Bicameral legislature. House of Representatives based on population. Equal representation for each state in Senate, with two senators per state (Same as one) Maintained single executive president. Created national judiciary to interpret laws and settle disputes. Presented by Connecticut delegates Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth.

3/5 Compromise

Allowed states to count 3/5 of slave population for determining representation in Congress. (5 slaves=3people) Same 3/5 ratio applies for tax purposes. Aimed to balance power between slave holding and non-slave holding states during Constitutional Convention.

The Federalist Papers

Written to promote ratification of U.S. Constitution and address concerns about federal government. Primarily authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under pseudonym "Publius." published between 1787-88 in various New York newspapers, later compiled into book. Advocated for stronger federal government, addressed weaknesses of Articles of Confederation.

Federalist vs anti federalist arguments

Federalists: For the Constitution. Balanced the relations between state and national governments. [Federalists had the advantage in funds and newspapers that supported the Constitution.]

Anti-Federalists: No division of power is possible. There cannot be balance. They are suspicious of concentrated power and the Constitution would give the national government too much power. [They lost votes due to lack of support.]