APUSH Unit 2 Chapter 4

Patrick Henry

An American attorney, planter, politician, and orator best known for his declaration to the Second Virginia Convention (1775): "Give me liberty or give me death!"

Stamp Act Congress

A meeting of delegates from nine American colonies who met to discuss the rights of the colonists regarding British taxation such as the Stamp Act.

Sons & Daughters of Liberty

Secret organizations formed by American colonists in the 1760s to resist British policies. They played a significant role in the American Revolution by organizing protests, boycotts, and acts of civil disobedience against British taxation and control.

Samuel Adams

A statesman, political philosopher, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a leader in the movement that became the American Revolution and was instrumental in organizing protests against British taxation, including the Boston Tea Party.

Massachusetts Circular Letter

(1768) Written by Samuel Adams and James Otis, this letter urged the various colonies to petition Parliament to repeal the Townshend Acts. Asserted that Parliament had no right to tax Americans, as they were not represented by that legislative body.

Committees of Correspondence

Organized by patriot leader Samuel Adams, was a system of communication between patriot leaders in New England and throughout the colonies. They provided the organization necessary to unite the colonies in opposition to Parliament.

Sugar Act

A tax set by the British parliament on sugar. This replaced the Molasses act that was way too expensive. The Sugar Act is important because it angered the colonists and caused them to smuggle lots of molasses.

Stamp Act

A tax imposed by the British Parliament on the American colonies requiring them to pay tax on every piece of printed paper they used including legal documents, newspapers, and even playing cards. Led to the cause of the American Revolution and the formation of the Sons of Liberty.

Coercive Act

A series of harsh and grudging laws was constructed by the British in response to the Boston Tea Party. These laws intended to make Massachusetts pay for their resistance, damage, and destruction of tea by closing down the Boston Harbor.

Intolerable Acts

A series of laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774, aimed at punishing the American colonists for the Boston Tea Party and other protests.

Salutary Neglect

An unofficial British policy in the colonies that allowed them to violate the Navigation Laws as long as they remained loyal to Britain and profitable. Britain's unofficial approach of relaxed enforcement of trade regulations and limited interference in colonial affairs during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Pontiac’s Rebellion

A conflict between Native American tribes and the British forces in the Great Lakes region following the French and Indian War. Led by an Ottowa chief named Pontiac. They opposed British expansion into the western Ohio Valley and began destroying British forts in the area.It occurred from 1763 to 1766.

Proclamation of 1763

A law enacted by the British government to prevent colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains, in an attempt to avoid conflicts with Native Americans.

French & Indian War

Fought between the French and Indian allies against the British and their Indian allies. The war started in America and extended to Europe, where it was called the Seven Years' War. France diverted many resources to fighting the Prussians.

Albany Plan of Union

A proposal introduced by Benjamin Franklin during the Albany Congress. It aimed to unite the 13 colonies under one central government for mutual defense against Europeans and Native Americans.

George Washington

The first President of the United States (1789-1797) and one of the Founding Fathers. He led America to victory in the Revolutionary War, helping establish the country's independence from Britain. The first President of the United States (1789-1797) and one of the Founding Fathers. He led America to victory in the Revolutionary War, helping establish the country's independence from Britain.

Enlightenment

An intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated Europe during the 18th century. It emphasized reason, individualism, skepticism towards traditional institutions, and a belief in progress. The movement eventually spread to the Americas, but originated in Europe.

Deism

A religious belief that emerged during the Enlightenment, emphasizing reason and natural law rather than divine revelation. Deists believe in a distant, non-interventionist God who created the universe but does not interfere with its workings.

John Locke

A 17th-century English philosopher who is widely recognized for his contributions to the Enlightenment and his influence on social contract theory. He believed in natural rights, including life, liberty, and property.