Unit 3 key terms (1754–1800)

This flashcard deck covers essential key terms and events from Unit 3: 1754–1800, focusing on the causes and consequences of the American Revolution, the creation of the U.S. Constitution, and the development of the early republic. It includes major conflicts, founding documents, political debates, and early challenges to the new nation. Ideal for AP U.S. History review and understanding foundational U.S. government and identity.

French and Indian War

A conflict between Britain and France in North America from 1754 to 1763, primarily over territory and colonial supremacy. It was part of the larger Seven Years' War and resulted in significant territorial gains for Britain.

Proclamation of 1763

A British decree that prohibited American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains in order to stabilize relations with Native Americans following the French and Indian War.

Stamp Act

Tax on printed materials; caused colonial protests and helped unite resistance.

Sons of Liberty

A secret organization formed in the American colonies to oppose British taxation and policies, known for resisting the Stamp Act and organizing protests.

Boston Massacre

A deadly confrontation in 1770 where British soldiers shot and killed five colonists during a protest against British rule, escalating tensions leading up to the American Revolution.

Boston Tea Party

A protest by American colonists in 1773 against British taxation, where they dumped tea into Boston Harbor to oppose the Tea Act.

Intolerable Acts

A series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party. These acts aimed to suppress dissent in the colonies and included measures such as closing Boston Harbor and revoking Massachusetts' charter.

First Continental Congress

A gathering of representatives from twelve of the thirteen colonies in 1774 to coordinate a response to the Intolerable Acts and assert colonial rights.

Second Continental Congress

A meeting of delegates from the thirteen colonies in 1775 that managed the colonial war effort and moved incrementally towards independence, ultimately adopting the Declaration of Independence.

Declaration of Independence

A document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, declaring the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a weak central government and ultimately proved inadequate for governing the newly independent states.

Shays’ Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices and governmental policies, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Constitutional Convention

A gathering held in Philadelphia in 1787 where delegates drafted the current United States Constitution, addressing the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation.

Great Compromise

A proposal during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature, combining elements of both the Virginia and New Jersey plans to balance representation between large and small states.

3/5 Compromise

A compromise reached during the Constitutional Convention that determined how slaves would be counted for taxation and representation purposes, counting each slave as three-fifths of a person.

Federalists

A political group that supported the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, advocating for a strong national government and a system of checks and balances to prevent tyranny.

Anti-Federalists

Opposed the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, favoring stronger state governments and more individual liberties.

Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays written to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, outlining the principles of Federalism and the necessity of a strong central government.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing individual liberties and rights against government infringement.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising in Pennsylvania against federal tax on whiskey, demonstrating the tensions between rural farmers and the federal government.

Washington’s Farewell Address

A letter written by George Washington in 1796 advising against permanent foreign alliances and political parties, emphasizing national unity.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed in 1798 restricting immigration and limiting free speech, aimed at quelling opposition to the government.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

Political statements drafted in 1798 and 1799 asserting that states could nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional, in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts.