APUSH Unit 2 Key Terms: Understanding the Quest for Freedom in American History

Triangular Trade

(1600s-1800s) a 3-way system of trade; Africa sent slaves to America; America sent raw materials to Europe; Europe sent guns and rum to America

Molasses Act

a British law in 1773 to change a trade pattern in American colonies by taxing molasses imported into colonies not ruled by Britain

Great Awakening

(1720s-1740s) a sudden outbreak of religious fervor(intense passionate feeling) that swept through the colonies; one of the first events to unify the colonies

Zenger Trial

(1734) a journalist who questioned the policies of the government of New York; he was jailed and sued - the court case was the basis for our freedom of speech and press

Jonathan Edwards

(1720s-1740s) outstanding preacher during the Great Awakening; he attacked new doctrines of easy salvation for all, he preached traditional ideas of Puritanism, predestination and salvation by Gods salvation alone

Benjamin Franklin

an American public official/writer; after his "Poor Richard Almanac"(!732-1757) novel he entered politics and played a major role in the American Revolution; signed the Treaty of Paris (1783) and helped with the Constitution (1787-1789)

George Whitefield

(1720s-1740s) a preacher; he preached about love and forgiveness; he had a different style of preaching; he led new missionary work in converting Natives and Africans into Christianity

Phyllis Wheatley

an American poet who was the first recognized black writer in America

French and Indian War (Seven Year's War)

(1754) a war fought by French and English to control the Ohio River Valley; English win and they are established the world's #1 power

Albany Congress

a gathering in Albany, New York of colonial representatives to discuss how treaty with the native and how to plan defense against the French

Pontiac's Uprising

(1763) a native uprising after the French and Native War(Seven's Year War), led by an Ottawa chief; opposed English expansion into Ohio Valley - attack the English (ended when the Ottawa chief was killed)

Proclamation of 1763

(1763) English law enacted after gaining territory from France; it forbade the colonists from settling beyond the Apps. Mounts. and caused a major revolt against the British

Republicanism

the ideology of governing the nation as a republic, where the head of state is not appointed through hereditary, but through an election; philosophy of limited government with elected representatives serving at the will of the people

Mercantilism

(b/w 1607-1800) (economic system in which the purpose was to enrich the mother country by creating a favorable balance of trade that would increase supply

Sugar Act

(1764) imposed by the British Parliament on molasses from non-British nations entering the colonies; contributed to the "No Toleration Without Representation"

Quartering Act

(1765) an act passed by the British Parliament to ensure British soldier would be housed during their time in the colonies;

Stamp Tax

(1765) act passed by British Parliament that required a tax on many documents and paper goods; significant because it caused part of the reason for American Revolution

Nonimportation Agreements

(1765-1775) an agreement to not import certain goods; was formed in response to the strengthening grip that the British had on the colonies

Sons/Daughter of Liberty

(1774ish) group of colonists who vocally opposed British taxation; helped with spreading the spirit of Revolution throughout the colonies

Declaratory Act

(1766) Parliament repealed the Stamp Act and passed this act which reaffirmed Parliament's right to "bind" colonies

Townshend Acts

(1767) a tax that the British Parliament passed that was placed on leads, glass, paint and tea

"Intolerable Acts"

(1774) Parliament punished people of Massachusetts for their actions in the Boston Tea Party; it restricted the colonists rights

Continental Congress

(1774) convention of delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies that convened in Philadelphia to craft a response to the Intolerable Acts; delegated established association which called for a complete boycott of British goods

Virtual Representation

British governmental theory that Parliament spoke for all British subjects, including Americans, even if they did not vote for its members; colonists were enraged by this

European Enlightenment

a new intellectual movement in Europe that stressed reason and thought and the power of individuals to solve problems

American Enlightenment

an intellectual movement in the 18th century that was a search for useful knowledge, ideas, and inventions to improve the quality of human life in America

Olive Branch Petition

(1775) conciliatory measure adopted by the Continental Congress professing American loyalty and seeking an ending of hostilities with Britain - King George rejects petition and proclaimed colonies in rebellion

Common Sense

(1776) a pamphlet by Thomas Pain urging the colonies to declare independence and to establish a republican government; pamphlet helped convince colonies to suppose revolution

Declaration of Independence

(July 4, 1776) a formal pronouncement of independence written by Thomas Jefferson; it allowed Americans to appeal foreign aid and served as an inspiration for later revolutionary movements

Treaty of Paris

(1783) peace treaty signed by America and Britain ending the Revolutionary War; British formally recognize U.S. independence

American Revolution

(1775-1783) war in which the 13 colonies fought the British for independence and broke free from their rule