AP U.S. History: Chapters 4–6 Test Review Flashcards

A comprehensive set of question-and-answer flashcards covering major topics from the Great Awakening to the Revolutionary War and its aftermath, aligned with Chapters 4–6 material.

What was the Great Awakening and its significance in early American history?

A series of religious revivals in the 1730s–1740s emphasizing personal conversion and emotional religious experience; expanded literacy, fostered questioning of authority, and helped lay groundwork for Revolutionary culture (key figures: George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards).

Who were George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards?

Two prominent preachers of the Great Awakening; Whitefield drew large audiences across colonies, Edwards led revival in New England.

What is the Enlightenment and how did it influence the American Revolution?

An intellectual movement stressing reason, science, and natural rights; promoted social contract and government by consent, shaping revolutionary thought.

Who was John Locke and what is his central idea?

Philosopher who argued for the Social Contract and inalienable rights (life, liberty, property) and government by consent.

What was the Albany Plan of Union and its significance?

A 1754 proposal by Benjamin Franklin to unite the colonies for defense; an early attempt at colonial unity that foreshadowed later federal structures, though it was rejected.

What caused the French and Indian War and how did it affect colonial relations?

Conflict over North American land; Britain won but incurred debt and imposed taxes, fueling colonial discontent and tensions.

What was the Proclamation of 1763 and its significance?

Royal order restricting settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains; angered colonists eager for land and increased resentment toward Britain.

What is mercantilism?

Economic theory that colonies exist for the benefit of the mother country; trade regulated to maximize exports and minimize imports.

What were the Navigation Acts?

Laws restricting colonial trade to English ships and enumerated goods; part of mercantilist policy to strengthen England's economy.

In the 18th-century colonies, what was the role of slavery and what is chattel slavery?

Slavery was integral, especially in the South; chattel slavery treated people as property for life with hereditary status.

What is indentured servitude and how did it differ from slavery?

A contract-based bound period (often 4–7 years) for passage or work; temporary and not hereditary, unlike lifelong, inheritable slavery.

What is the concept of liberty before and after the Revolution?

Before: English liberties under a monarchy/Parliament; After: American liberties grounded in natural rights and consent, expanding political/religious freedoms.

What were the long-term causes of the American Revolution?

Taxes and trade restrictions (e.g., Stamp Act, Townshend Acts), disputes over imperial authority, and a growing belief in rights and representation.

What role did boycott, print culture, and propaganda play in rebellion?

Non-importation agreements and widespread use of pamphlets, newspapers, and cartoons helped spread revolutionary ideas and mobilize support.

What was the First Continental Congress?

A 1774 assembly of colonial delegates to coordinate resistance to the Intolerable Acts and discuss a collective stance.

What was the Second Continental Congress?

A 1775 assembly that organized the Continental Army and ultimately moved toward independence and diplomacy, including the Declaration.

What is Common Sense and who wrote it?

A 1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine arguing for independence and republican government.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence and when was it adopted?

Thomas Jefferson; adopted July 4, 1776.

What happened at the battles of Lexington and Concord?

First battles of the American Revolutionary War (1775); marked the outbreak of fighting.

What was the Battle of Bunker Hill and its significance?

1775 early, costly battle showing colonial troops could stand up to British regulars, boosting morale despite a tactical British victory.

What were Trenton and Princeton and why were they important?

Washington’s 1776–77 victories that boosted American morale and momentum after difficult campaigns.

What was the Battle of Saratoga and its significance?

1777 turning point; American victory convinced France to ally with the colonies, providing essential support.

What was the Battle of Yorktown?

1781 final major victory where British General Cornwallis surrendered, effectively ending the war.

What was Valley Forge and why is it important?

Winter encampment (1777–78) where the Continental Army endured hardship but emerged with improved discipline and training under Washington and von Steuben.

Who were Loyalists and Patriots?

Loyalists supported Britain; Patriots supported independence.

Who were Redcoats and Hessians?

Redcoats were British regular army troops; Hessians were German mercenaries hired by Britain.

What role did George Washington play in the Revolution?

Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army; led American forces to victory and strategic successes.

What role did Benjamin Franklin play in the Revolution?

Diplomat who helped secure French alliance and military aid, crucial for victory.

Who was John Adams and what was his contribution?

Advocate for independence; key figure in the Continental Congress and diplomacy, helping secure favorable peace terms.

What was the Treaty of Paris (1783)?

Agreement that ended the American Revolutionary War; recognized American independence and set borders.

What is the phrase 'Join or Die' and its significance?

A Franklin political cartoon encouraging colonial unity; used to promote cooperation during the French and Indian War and the Revolution.

What is Republicanism?

A political ideology favoring representative government, civic virtue, and skepticism of monarchic power.

What is Republican Motherhood?

Idea that women should be educated to raise virtuous citizens and participate in civic life indirectly.

What is Print Culture and why is it important to the Revolution?

The spread of newspapers, pamphlets, and printed propaganda that shaped public opinion and fueled revolutionary sentiment.

What was the Tea Act and what did it provoke?

1773 Act allowing the East India Company to sell tea cheaply in colonies; provoked resistance leading to the Boston Tea Party.

What happened during the Boston Tea Party?

1773 colonial protest in which colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor to oppose the Tea Act.

What was the Stamp Act Congress?

1765 gathering of colonial delegates to coordinate resistance to the Stamp Act.

What were the Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts)?

1774 punitive laws after the Boston Tea Party aimed at Massachusetts, including port closure and governance restrictions.

What was the Declaratory Act?

1766 assertion by Parliament that it could legislate for the colonies in all cases whatsoever.