Imperialism in the Colonies and Push into Revolution

Flashcards reviewing the causes and events leading up to the American Revolution, focusing on British policies and colonial responses.

What were some of the challenges faced by the British after the French and Indian War?

Managing new possessions, dealing with Western lands inhabited by Indians, paying off war debt, and determining the role of the colonies.

Who was George Grenville and what was his plan to handle the debt caused by the war?

He was the new chief minister in Britain who decided the Americans should pay for the defense of their colonies by enforcing the navigation acts.

What was the Sugar Act and how did it differ from previous taxation?

It cut the tax on sugar in half, but added taxes on new items and, most importantly, was designed to raise revenue rather than just regulate trade.

What did the Stamp Act mandate?

It created revenue stamps that were to be attached to printed matter and legal documents of all kinds.

What did the Quartering Act entail?

It required the colonies to supply British troops with provisions and provide them with barracks or vacant buildings.

What were some of the colonists' ideological problems with the new British policies?

The presence of a standing army in America, maritime courts excluding juries, and taxation without representation.

What was the Stamp Act Congress?

A meeting held by colonists to decide how to respond to the unpopular Stamp Act, resulting in a boycott.

What was the Declaratory Act?

An act passed by Parliament that stated it had full power to make laws binding the colonies in all cases whatsoever, to save face after repealing the Stamp Act.

What were the Townshend Acts?

A series of acts passed under Chief Minister Charles Townshend, including suspending the New York assembly and imposing new duties on colonial imports.

What was the Revenue Act of 1767?

An act that imposed more duties or taxes on colonial imports of glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea.

Who was Samuel Adams and what role did he play in the lead up to the revolution?

He established the Sons of Liberty and wrote newspaper articles and circular letters to educate colonists on British actions and organize protests.

What was the Boston Massacre?

An incident where British soldiers opened fire on an angry mob, resulting in the death of five people, including Crispus Attucks.

What was the colonists reaction to the Tea Act of 1773?

They refused to accept the tea, resulting in the Boston Tea Party where patriots dumped 342 chests of tea into the harbor.

How did the Intolerable Acts impact the colonies?

They united the colonies by leading to actions like the First Continental Congress, urging Massachusetts to arm for defense, and implementing economic sanctions.

What was the First Continental Congress?

A meeting of delegates from the colonies in Philadelphia where they declared the Intolerable Acts null and void and denied Parliament's authority over internal affairs.

What was the Conciliatory Resolution?

An act where Parliament declared they would only levy taxes to regulate trade rather than raise revenue.

What happened at Lexington and Concord?

British forces confronted colonists, resulting in the deaths of many, and leading to the start of the American Revolution.