From Colonies to Independence

These flashcards cover key concepts and events from the unit on the transformation of America from colonies to an independent nation.

French and Indian War

A conflict (1754-1763) between British colonists and the French, part of the larger Seven Years' War, resulting from territorial disputes.

Albany Plan of Union

A proposal by Benjamin Franklin aimed at creating a centralized government for the colonies, which was rejected.

Peace of Paris (1763)

The treaty that ended the French and Indian War, resulting in Britain gaining land east of the Mississippi and France losing most of its North American territory.

Royal Proclamation of 1763

A decree forbidding colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains to reduce tensions with American Indians.

Taxation Without Representation

The colonial grievance asserting it was unjust to tax them without their consent through elected representatives.

Virtual Representation

The British claim that Parliament represented all British subjects, regardless of their local electoral representation.

Sons of Liberty

A group formed to oppose British taxation and enforce collective action among the colonies.

Boston Massacre (1770)

A confrontation in which British soldiers killed five colonists, exacerbating tensions between Britain and the colonies.

Boston Tea Party (1773)

Protest against the Tea Act where colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor to resist taxation.

Intolerable Acts

A series of punitive measures passed by Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party, aimed at suppressing colonial dissent.

Continental Congress (1774)

A gathering of colonial delegates to coordinate resistance against British rule and discuss responses to British policies.

Natural Rights

The Enlightenment principle that individuals are inherently entitled to life, liberty, and property.

Social Contract

The theory that government’s legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed, which could be revoked if rights are violated.

Declaratory Act

Parliament's assertion of its authority to legislate for the colonies, passed alongside the repeal of the Stamp Act.

Republicanism

The belief in a government system where sovereignty resides with the people and is exercised through elected representatives.

Common Sense

A pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating for American independence from Britain in 1776.

Declaration of Independence

The document approved on July 4, 1776, asserting the American colonies' independence from Britain.

Loyalists

Colonists who remained loyal to Britain during the American Revolution.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States (1781), establishing a weak national government.

Shays' Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786-87 against oppressive economic policies, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Federalists

Supporters of a strong central government and the new Constitution, favoring commerce and trade.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who favored stronger state governments and a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms.

Great Compromise

The agreement that established a bicameral legislature with representation based on population and equality per state.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual liberties and rights.

Elastic Clause

The clause in the Constitution allowing Congress to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its duties.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 protest against whiskey taxes that was suppressed by federal forces, contrasting with earlier rebellion responses.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident where French officials demanded bribes from American diplomats, escalating tensions between the U.S. and France.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws aimed at restricting immigration and limiting free speech, reflecting the political tensions of the era.

Nullification

The theory that states can invalidate federal laws deemed unconstitutional.

Pinckney Treaty

A treaty establishing the U.S. southern border with Spain at the 31st parallel, resolving territorial disputes.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Legislation outlining the process for new territories to become states and forbidding slavery in the Northwest Territory.

Republican Motherhood

The idea that women could promote republican values by raising virtuous citizens.