unit 4

Albany Plan of Union

Proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1754, it aimed for a central government and a taxation system for colonial defense. Its rejection showcased colonial reluctance to unite under a single legislature.

Seven Year’s War/French & Indian War

A conflict from 1754-1763 caused by French encroachment on British territory in Ohio river valley, resulting in British victory and the Treaty of Paris 1763, which expanded British territory to the Ohio river valley & put Britain in debt

Pontiac’s Rebellion

A rebellion in 1763 led by Ottawa Chief Pontiac against British encroachment, resulting in the Proclamation Line of 1763 which restricted colonial expansion and marked the end of salutary neglect.

Sugar Act

Enacted in 1764, it was a rigorous tax aimed at reducing molasses smuggling, leading to colonial anger due to strict enforcement and lack of jury trials for violators.

Stamp Act

Passed in 1765, it imposed a tax on all printed items, leading to widespread protests and the formation of the Sons of Liberty, illustrating colonial resistance to taxation without representation.

Townshend Act

Enacted in 1767, it imposed duties on imported goods and sparked the Non-importation movement, a significant step in colonial unity against British taxation.

Boston Massacre

In 1770, a confrontation between British soldiers and colonists resulted in the death of five civilians, escalating anti-British sentiments and propagandizing colonial grievances.

Committees of Correspondence

Established in 1772, these committees facilitated communication among colonies regarding British oppression, strengthening inter-colonial cooperation.

Boston Tea Party

An act of protest in 1773 against the East India Tea Company's monopoly and tea taxes, where colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor, heightening tensions leading to the Coercive Acts.

Coercive/Intolerable Acts

Passed in response to the Boston Tea Party in 1774, these acted as punitive measures against Massachusetts, restricting trade and reinforcing the need for colonial unity.

First Continental Congress

Convened in late 1774, it marked a significant step towards unity as colonies agreed to boycott British goods and address grievances through coordinated action.

Second Continental Congress

Met in 1775 after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, where the Continental Army was established, reflecting the shift towards independence.

Common Sense

Published by Thomas Paine in January 1776, it argued for independence from Britain and the establishment of a republic, influencing public opinion.

Declaration of Independence

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson and adopted in 1776, it articulated the grievances against the British crown and justified the colonies' break from Britain.

Battle of Saratoga

A significant American victory in 1777, it marked a turning point in the war, convincing France to ally with the American cause.

Battle of Yorktown

The 1781 battle where Cornwallis surrendered to American and French forces, symbolizing the effective end of the Revolutionary War.

Treaty of Paris

Signed in 1783, it officially recognized American independence and established boundaries for the new nation.

Articles of Confederation

Ratified by the Continental Congress in 1777, it established a weak federal government, highlighting its inability to address financial and political challenges.

Shay’s Rebellion

A 1786-1787 uprising led by Daniel Shays against economic injustices, demonstrating the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and prompting calls for a stronger federal government.

Northwest Ordinance

Adopted in 1787, it provided a method for admitting new states and abolished slavery in the Northwest Territories, setting a precedent for future statehood.

Constitutional Convention

Held in 1787 to revise the Articles of Confederation, it led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution, establishing a stronger federal government with checks and balances.

Great Compromise

A key agreement in 1787 that resolved differences between large and small states, leading to a bicameral legislature in the new Constitution.

Three-fifths Compromise

A compromise where each enslaved person would count as three-fifths of a person for representation, addressing the conflict between slave and non-slave states.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared too much federal power, leading to the proposal of the Bill of Rights to appease their concerns.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution advocating for a strong central government, their arguments were articulated in the Federalist Papers.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments added to the Constitution in 1791, addressing Anti-Federalist concerns by guaranteeing individual liberties and limiting government power.

French Revolution

A revolutionary period beginning in 1789 where Washington declared neutrality, influencing American foreign policy and political factionalism.

Federalists (Political Party)

Led by Hamilton, they favored commerce and a strong central government, aligning more closely with Britain during tensions with France.

Democratic-Republicans

Led by Jefferson, they championed agrarian interests and states' rights, opposing Federalist policies and sympathizing with France.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising by Pennsylvania farmers against a federal tax on whiskey, which tested the government's ability to enforce its laws.

Jay’s Treaty

A 1795 agreement that resolved issues with Britain post-Revolution, aimed to mitigate tensions but drew criticism for being too conciliatory.

Farewell Address

Washington's 1796 address warning about foreign alliances and sectionalism, influencing U.S. foreign policy for years to come.

Republican Motherhood

A societal expectation post-Revolution that women should foster virtuous citizens, emphasizing women's role in shaping the new republic.