American Colonial Wars and Revolution: Key Events and Causes

What were the major conflicts involving England in the late 1600s and 1700s?

King William's War (1689-1697), Queen Anne's War (1702-1713), King George's War (1744-1748), and the French and Indian War (1754-1763).

What was the purpose of the Albany Plan of Union?

To have representatives from each colony address issues affecting all colonies.

What was the outcome of the Albany Plan of Union?

It was not successful as the colonies were unlikely to unite due to differing interests.

Who primarily fought in the French and Indian War?

The French and Native Americans against the British.

What treaty ended the French and Indian War?

The Treaty of Paris (1763).

What was the outcome for the British after winning the French and Indian War?

They gained land but incurred significant debt.

How did the French and Indian War affect the relationship between the colonies and England?

The relationship worsened as England sought to exert more control and taxation over the colonies.

Who was Pontiac and what was his role in the rebellion?

Pontiac was a Native American chief who led a rebellion against British expansion due to poor relations.

What was the Proclamation of 1763 and its purpose?

It restricted colonial expansion westward to avoid conflicts with Native Americans.

What was the colonists' reaction to the Proclamation of 1763?

They were angry and felt it limited their rights.

What was the significance of the Stamp Act?

It was the first direct tax on the colonies, leading to widespread protest and the slogan 'No taxation without representation.'

What group was formed in response to the Stamp Act?

The Sons of Liberty.

What did the Townshend Acts impose on the colonies?

Taxes on imported goods such as tea, glass, and paper.

What was the colonists' response to the Townshend Acts?

They protested and formed the Daughters of Liberty to promote boycotts of British goods.

What event is referred to as the Boston Massacre and why is it misleading?

It was a confrontation where British soldiers killed five colonists; the term is misleading as it suggests a large-scale massacre.

What did the Tea Act do?

It reduced the price of tea but maintained the tax, angering colonists.

What were the Intolerable Acts and why were they enacted?

They were punitive measures against Massachusetts in response to the Boston Tea Party.

What was the First Continental Congress?

A meeting of colonial representatives to organize resistance against British policies.

What significant event occurred at Lexington and Concord?

The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War.

What was the purpose of the Second Continental Congress?

To manage the colonial war effort and move towards independence.

What pamphlet did Thomas Paine write and what was its purpose?

Common Sense, which argued for American independence from Britain.

What are natural rights according to Enlightenment ideas?

Rights inherent to all individuals that cannot be taken away, such as life, liberty, and property.

What is the Social Contract Theory?

The idea that people give up some freedoms to a government in exchange for protection and security.

What was the significance of the Boston Tea Party?

It was a protest against the Tea Act, leading to increased tensions between Britain and the colonies.

What was the outcome of the Boston Massacre?

It fueled anti-British sentiments and increased calls for resistance among the colonies.

How did the British respond to colonial protests and boycotts?

They increased military presence and enacted further punitive measures, leading to greater colonial unity against British rule.