Colonial America and the American Revolution

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Colonial America and the American Revolution.

Jamestown

First permanent English settlement established in 1607.

Mayflower Compact

Agreement signed by Pilgrims in 1620; a foundational step in the development of self-governance.

Declaration of Independence

Document written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 asserting the colonies' break from British rule.

Constitution

The written plan of government created in 1787, defining the structure and principles of the United States government.

Louisiana Purchase

Territory purchased from France in 1803 by Thomas Jefferson for $15 million, doubling the size of the United States.

Civil War

Conflict between the Union and the Confederacy from 1861 to 1865.

Magna Carta

A 1215 document that protected the rights of citizens and influenced American legal principles.

Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

Considered the first written colonial constitution, established in 1639.

House of Burgesses

The first representative government in the American colonies, established in Virginia in 1619.

Mercantilism

Economic policy where colonies provide raw materials to the mother country.

New England Colonies

Region with cold, rocky soil known for shipbuilding and whaling; included Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

Middle Colonies

Known as the 'Breadbasket' due to the production of grains; included New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

Southern Colonies

Region with a long growing season known for tobacco and cotton; included Virginia, Maryland, North/South Carolina, and Georgia.

Thomas Hooker

Colonial leader who founded Connecticut and promoted early democratic governance.

William Penn

Founded Pennsylvania as a refuge for Quakers and promoted religious freedom.

Charles de Montesquieu

Philosopher whose idea of separation of powers influenced the U.S. Constitution.

Boston Massacre

Incident in 1770 where English soldiers killed five colonists; significant in escalating tensions.

Boston Tea Party

1773 protest where colonists destroyed British tea; a response to the Tea Act.

Treaty of Paris

1783 agreement that ended the American Revolution and recognized U.S. independence.

George Washington

Commander of the Continental Army and the first President of the United States.

Thomas Paine

Author of 'Common Sense,' advocating for American independence.

Crispus Attucks

First American casualty in the fight for independence, killed during the Boston Massacre.

Unalienable rights

Rights believed to be inherent and cannot be taken away; Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, as stated in the Declaration of Independence.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781.

Northwest Ordinance

Legislation passed in 1787 that established a method for admitting new states to the Union.