APUSH Period 3 (Topics 3.2-3.6)

What is mercantilism?

Economic system where colonies provide raw materials to the mother country and serve as markets for finished goods. (export more than import)

How was mercantilism applied in the colonies?

Britain enforced trade laws and taxes to benefit itself.

What were the pros and cons of mercantilism?

Pros: Britain gained wealth and trade control. Cons: Colonists’ economic freedom was restricted and it caused resentment.

What were the Navigation Acts and enumerated goods?

Laws requiring colonists to trade certain goods, like sugar and fur, only with Britain.

What was salutary neglect?

A period when Britain loosely enforced trade laws in the colonies.

Why did salutary neglect end?

Britain had massive debt from the French & Indian War and wanted colonies to help pay, so they enforced stricter trade laws.

What did the Proclamation of 1763 do?

Prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachians.

How did the Proclamation of 1763 contribute to colonial dissatisfaction?

Colonists wanted to expand west and many ignored the law, creating tension with Britain.

How did John Locke influence revolutionary thought?

He promoted natural rights and the social contract, inspiring colonists to challenge governments that violated life, liberty, and property.

How are Enlightenment ideas connected to the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration reflects the idea that people can revolt against governments that violate their rights.

What was the Sugar Act (1764)?

Lowered sugar duties but strictly enforced; smugglers tried in admiralty courts without juries. Colonists opposed taxation without consent.

What was the Quartering Act (1765)?

Required colonies to house and feed British soldiers; seen as a violation of property and liberty.

What was the Stamp Act (1765)?

First direct tax on paper goods to raise revenue for troops in North America.

What was the Declaratory Act (1766)?

Repealed the Stamp Act but asserted Parliament’s right to legislate for colonies in all cases.

What were the Townshend Acts (1767)?

Duties on glass, paper, paint, lead, and tea; revenue paid royal officials, bypassing colonial assemblies. Colonists protested with boycotts, Daughters of Liberty, and writings.

What happened during the Boston Massacre (1770)?

Clash with British soldiers; 5 colonists killed. Used as propaganda by Samuel Adams and Paul Revere to increase anti-British sentiment.

What caused the Boston Tea Party (1773) and what were its consequences?

Colonists protested the Tea Act by dumping tea into Boston Harbor; Britain punished Massachusetts harshly.

What were the Intolerable Acts (1774)?

Closed Boston Harbor, restricted town meetings, allowed trials of officials in Britain, and expanded the Quartering Act. Colonists united in protest.

What was the Quebec Act (1774) and why did colonists dislike it?

Extended Quebec into Ohio Valley and allowed Catholic practice; colonists feared restrictions on expansion and liberty.

What did the 1st Continental Congress do?

Protested Intolerable Acts; endorsed Suffolk Resolves, petitioned the king, created the Continental Association, and planned the next meeting.

What was the role of the 2nd Continental Congress?

Managed the war effort, appointed George Washington commander-in-chief, and attempted peace with the Olive Branch Petition.

Why is the Battle of Lexington & Concord called “the shot heard 'round the world”?

It was the first battle of the Revolution, starting the war.

What was the main argument of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense?

Colonies should be independent; monarchy is corrupt; simple language helped spread revolutionary support.

What was the purpose of the Olive Branch Petition?

Attempted reconciliation with Britain; King George refused.

What were the key ideas of the Declaration of Independence?

Declared colonies independent; based on natural rights and social contract; mostly written by Jefferson.

Who were the Loyalists?

Colonists supporting Britain (about 25%), often wealthier, conservative, and Anglican.

Who were the Hessians and why did Britain use them?

German mercenaries hired to fight colonists.

What were the strengths and weaknesses of British and American forces?

British: large, trained army, strong navy, experienced worldwide; weakness—distance and stretched resources. Americans: motivated, local knowledge, militia support; weakness—poorly trained and limited supplies.

Why was the Battle of Saratoga (1777) a turning point?

American victory convinced France to openly ally with the U.S.

How did foreign aid help Americans?

France provided money, troops, and naval support; Spain and Holland later joined.

Why was the Battle of Yorktown (1781) important?

Cornwallis surrendered to Washington and French fleet, effectively ending the war.

What were the main terms of the Treaty of Paris (1783)?

U.S. recognized as independent, western boundary at Mississippi River, fishing rights off Canada, pay debts to British merchants, compensate Loyalists.

How did women contribute to the Revolution?

Organized boycotts, supplied troops, fought in some cases; Republican Motherhood idea emphasized raising children with republican values.

What was the status of enslaved African Americans during the Revolution?

Some gained freedom by joining British or Patriot forces; slavery persisted in South, ended in some northern states.

How did Native Americans respond to independence?

Mostly sided with Britain; colonists’ expansion increased conflicts.

What was the international impact of the Revolution?

Inspired revolutions in France, Haiti, Ireland, and Latin America; Declaration of Independence became a global model.