American Revolutionary Era and Early Republic

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the American Revolutionary Era and the formation of the United States, which are essential for exam preparation.

Louisiana Purchase

A land acquisition made by the United States from France in 1803, which doubled the size of the nation.

American Revolutionary Era

The period from 1763 to 1800, characterized by events leading up to the American revolution and the establishment of the United States.

Taxation without Representation

The slogan used by American colonists to protest against being taxed by a government in which they had no elected representatives.

Actual Representation

The concept that representatives should be directly chosen by the people they represent.

Virtual Representation

The British theory that Parliament represented all British subjects, even those who did not vote.

Stamp Act

A 1765 act imposed by Parliament that taxed printed materials in the colonies, sparking widespread protest.

Boston Tea Party

A 1773 protest against British taxes in which Boston colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians dumped tea into Boston Harbor.

Coercive Acts

Also known as the Intolerable Acts, these were punitive measures taken by Britain in response to the Boston Tea Party.

First Continental Congress

A meeting of delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies held in 1774 to discuss colonial resistance to British policies.

Declaration of Independence

The 1776 document in which the colonists declared their freedom from British rule.

Battle of Saratoga

The turning point of the American Revolution in 1777 that led to a formal alliance between the American colonies and France.

Federalists

Supporters of the proposed Constitution who favored a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who favored more power for the states and feared a strong central government.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual freedoms and rights.

Republican Motherhood

The ideology that emerged after the Revolution emphasizing the role of women in raising virtuous citizens.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which created a weak federal government.

Shays' Rebellion

A 1786-87 uprising in Massachusetts by farmers protesting high taxes and economic injustices.

Guerrilla Warfare

A style of fighting marked by ambushes, sabotage, raids, and hit-and-run tactics, used by American militias.