HIST - Chapter 6

American Revolution

The war in which the thirteen American colonies fought for independence from British rule, involving local militias, the Continental Army, and allies like France; began in 1775 at Lexington and Concord and ended in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris; fought primarily in the thirteen colonies; caused by taxation without representation, republican ideology, and resistance to British control, resulting in U.S. independence.

Lexington and Concord

The first armed conflict of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775, in Massachusetts, where colonial militias resisted British troops attempting to seize weapons; marked the outbreak of open warfare and led to the formation of the Continental Army.

Thomas Paine, Common Sense

A pamphlet published in January 1776 and circulated throughout the colonies advocating independence in plain language; influenced public opinion and legitimized calls for independence among ordinary colonists.

Battle of Brooklyn Heights / Long Island

A major battle on August 27, 1776, in New York where the Continental Army was nearly defeated by British forces but escaped through strategic retreat; showed American vulnerability but preserved the army.

Southern Strategy

British plan after 1778 to win the war by focusing on the southern colonies (Georgia, Carolinas) and relying on Loyalist support; ultimately failed due to resistance and foreign aid to Americans.

Northwest Ordinance (1787)

A law passed in 1787 governing the Northwest Territory (north of the Ohio River), establishing a process for statehood and banning slavery there; created an orderly expansion system and shaped regional development.

Shays’ Rebellion (1786–1787)

An uprising of indebted farmers in western Massachusetts protesting taxes and foreclosures; exposed weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and pushed leaders toward a stronger federal government.

Constitutional Convention

A meeting of 55 delegates in Philadelphia (May–Sept 1787) to revise the Articles, resulting in a new Constitution; addressed national weaknesses and created a federal system balancing state and national power.

Three-Fifths Clause

A compromise from 1787 counting enslaved people as three-fifths for representation and taxation in the U.S.; increased southern political power while delaying slavery conflicts.

Fugitive Slave Clause

A constitutional provision (1787) requiring escaped enslaved people to be returned even from free states; protected slaveholders’ rights and reinforced slavery nationally.

Bill of Rights (1791)

The first ten amendments ratified in 1791 guaranteeing freedoms like speech, religion, and fair trials across the U.S.; added to satisfy Anti-Federalists and protect liberties.

Federalist Papers

Essays (1787–1788) by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay published across the U.S. defending the Constitution; argued for strong federal government and helped secure ratification.

Electoral College

A system created in 1787 and first used in 1789 to elect the president through state electors; balanced large/small state influence and avoided direct popular vote.

Anti-Federalists

Opposed the Constitution (1787–1788), especially in states like Virginia and New York, because they feared that a strong national government could overpower the states and on individual liberties. They argued for protections of liberties. led to the addition of the Bill of Rights, which guaranteed fundamental freedoms.

Federalists

The 1790s Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, supported a strong national government, a national bank, and a commercial economy. Backed by merchants and urban elites, they shaped policy under Washington. They opposed Jeffersonian Republicans, arguing central power ensured stability and growth.

Jeffersonian Republicans

A political group in the 1790s led by Thomas Jefferson, supported by farmers (South/West), advocating limited federal government, states’ rights, and an agrarian economy.

Bank of the United States

A national bank created in 1791 to manage government funds and stabilize the economy; part of Hamilton’s plan but controversial for expanding federal power.

French Revolution

A revolution in France (1789–1799) promoting liberty and equality; influenced global politics and divided Americans, with Federalists fearing radicalism and Republicans supporting it.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 protest because farmers opposed a federal whiskey tax in western Pennslyvania; This was suppressed by Washington’s troops, proving federal authority could enforce its laws.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed in 1798 restricting immigration and limiting criticism of the government in the U.S.; controversial for violating free speech and targeting political opponents.