American Colonial History: Acts, Conflicts, and the Road to Revolution

Flashcards covering key acts, events, and concepts from the notes on early colonial policy, resistance, and the path to the American Revolution.

What was the Stamp Act and why was it controversial?

A direct tax imposed on the colonies, making it the first direct tax.

What assembly met in New York City to oppose the Stamp Act?

The Stamp Act Congress.

What year was the Stamp Act repealed and who helped secure its repeal?

1766; Ben Franklin helped persuade Britain to repeal it.

What did the Declaratory Act declare?

Britain could tax and exercise authority over the colonies in all cases.

What major economic tactic did colonists use in response to British taxation?

Boycotting British goods.

What act was passed in 1767 that taxed imported goods and sparked anger about representation?

The Townshend Acts.

What phrase encapsulated the colonial grievance about taxation?

No taxation without representation.

What were the Massachusetts Circular Letter and the Pennsylvania farmer’s letter?

Colonial appeals urging unity and opposing British policies; they criticized Parliament’s actions.

Why were British troops sent to Boston?

Colonists’ outraged resistance and protests against British policies.

How many Bostonians were killed in the Boston Massacre (1770)?

Five.

What happened to the Townshend Acts after tensions rose, and what remained in place?

Most Townshend Acts were repealed, but the tea tax remained (leading to the Tea Act).

What event occurred in 1773 involving tea, leading to further conflict?

The Boston Tea Party.

How did Britain respond to the Boston Tea Party?

With the Coercive Acts, also known as the Intolerable Acts.

What did the Boston Port Bill do during the Coercive Acts?

Shut down Boston Port until damages from tea were paid.

What was the first battles of the American Revolution, and when did they occur?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord, 1775.

What was Britain's first successful settlement in 1607?

Jamestown.

What is mercantilism?

An economic policy where a nation exports more than it imports.

What is salutary neglect?

A hands-off British policy that allowed colonial smuggling and prosperity; ended after 1763.

What war ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763 and who were the combatants?

The French and Indian War (Seven Years' War) between Britain and France.

What region did the Treaty of Paris 1763 leave France removed from?

The Great Lakes region.

What was Pontiac’s Rebellion?

A Native American uprising in the Great Lakes region in response to British settlement after the French and Indian War.

What did the Royal Proclamation of 1763 do?

Prohibited colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Who became the British prime minister in 1763 and influenced policy toward the colonies?

George Greenville.