AP U.S. History Prep Flashcards

Flashcards covering key events and concepts from the period leading up to the American Revolution.

Albany Plan of Union

A plan proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 to create an intercolonial government and a system for collecting taxes for the colonies' defense. It was rejected by the colonies because they did not want to relinquish control of their right to tax themselves.

Seven Years' War (French and Indian War)

A war fought between Britain and France (along with their respective allies, including Native American tribes) from 1754 to 1763. It resulted in British dominance in North America.

Proclamation of 1763

A British declaration that forbade colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. It was intended to prevent conflicts with Native Americans but was viewed by colonists as an infringement on their freedom.

Sugar Act of 1764

A British law that established new duties and aimed at deterring molasses smugglers. It lowered the duty on molasses but was strictly enforced, angering colonists.

Currency Act

A British law that forbade the colonies from issuing paper money.

Stamp Act of 1765

A British law that imposed a direct tax on all legal documents and licenses in the colonies. It affected almost everyone and sparked widespread protest.

No taxation without representation

The argument put forward by James Otis that the colonists should not be obliged to pay taxes because they did not elect members to Parliament.

Declaratory Act

An act passed by the British government that asserted its right to tax and legislate in all cases anywhere in the colonies. It was passed at the same time the Stamp Act was repealed.

Townshend Acts

A series of British laws that taxed goods imported directly from Britain, set aside tax revenue for the payment of tax collectors, created more vice-admiralty courts, and instituted writs of assistance.

Writs of Assistance

Licenses that gave the British the power to search any place they suspected of hiding smuggled goods.

Massachusetts Circular Letter

A letter written by Samuel Adams in 1768, sent by the Massachusetts Assembly to all other assemblies asking that they protest the Townshend Acts in unison.

Nonconsumption and Nonimportation

Refers to the colonists' strategy of boycotting British goods in order to protest unfair taxation.

Boston Massacre

An event on March 5, 1770, when British soldiers fired on a crowd of colonists, killing five. It heightened tensions between Britain and the colonies.

Committees of Correspondence

Groups set up throughout the colonies to trade ideas and inform one another of the political mood.

Boston Tea Party

An event on December 16, 1773, when a group of colonists, disguised as Mohawks, dumped tea into Boston Harbor to protest the Tea Act.

Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts)

A series of punitive measures passed by the British in response to the Boston Tea Party. They closed Boston Harbor, tightened control over the Massachusetts government, and put British soldiers in civilian homes.