apush american rev and after

Colonial Identity and Imperial Relations

Prior to 1754, American colonists considered themselves loyal British subjects entitled to historic rights of Englishmen, characterized by loose imperial oversight and substantial local autonomy.

Mercantilism

Economic system implemented by Britain governing North American colonies, aimed at enriching the mother country through a favorable balance of trade and accumulation of bullion.

The Navigation Acts

Laws passed by Charles II to consolidate control over colonial trade, requiring that certain goods be exported only to England and that all trade be conducted on English or colonial ships.

Salutary Neglect

Policy from 1689 to 1763 where Britain relaxed enforcement of strict regulations in colonies, leading to the development of American self-reliance and governance.

Glorious Revolution

The overthrow of King James II in 1688 by Mary and William of Orange, which established a constitutional monarchy and shifted authority towards Parliament.

The Albany Plan of Union (1754)

Proposal by Benjamin Franklin for a centralized intercolonial council for defense and treaty management, which was ultimately rejected by colonial assemblies.

The Treaty of Paris (1763)

The agreement that ended the French and Indian War, granting Britain Canada and all French territories east of the Mississippi River.

The Sugar Act (1764)

Law that reduced the tariff on foreign molasses but imposed strict enforcement to suppress smuggling in British colonies.

'No Taxation Without Representation'

Colonial rallying cry asserting that only their legislatively elected representatives could impose taxes on colonists, contrasting with British claims of virtual representation.

The Articles of Confederation (1781-1789)

The first written plan for the U.S. government that created a weak national government, leading to several issues due to lack of a strong centralized authority.

Shays’ Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786-87 by farmers in Massachusetts protesting economic injustices, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and leading to calls for a stronger federal government.

The Great Compromise

Agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement that counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation in Congress and taxation purposes.

The Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays written to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, arguing the benefits of a strong federal government.

Bill of Rights (1791)

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing individual liberties and protections against governmental abuse.

George Washington's Farewell Address

A letter by Washington advising against political parties and foreign alliances, underscoring the importance of national unity.

The Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed in 1798 aimed at suppressing dissent and limiting the rights of immigrants, leading to significant political opposition and accusations of tyranny.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the constitution; established through the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions.

XYZ Affair

Diplomatic incident in 1797 where French officials demanded bribes from American diplomats, leading to anti-French sentiment and the Quasi-War.

The Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

A violent tax protest in the U.S. beginning in 1791 and ending in 1794 during George Washington's presidency, demonstrating federal authority under the new Constitution.

Political Parties

Emergence of factions in the U.S. in the late 18th century, marked by the conflict between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

Federalism

The distribution of power between a central government and its constituent states, a principle embedded in the Constitution.

Checks and Balances

System enacted in the Constitution to ensure that no one branch of government can dominate the others, enabling mutual regulation of powers.

Compact Theory

The idea that the Constitution is a compact among sovereign states, implied that states could nullify breaches or claim self-governance.

Economic and Social Mobility

The belief that success should be based on talent and effort rather than aristocratic heritage, fundamental to American identity post-Revolution.