period 3

Non-English Colonists

Colonists in British America who were not of English descent (e.g., Germans, Scots-Irish, Dutch) and contributed to cultural diversity in the colonies.

Colonial Slavery

A system of forced labor in the colonies where enslaved Africans and their descendants were treated as property and used primarily for agricultural work.

Seven Years War

A global conflict (1756–1763) between Britain and France that ended with Britain gaining large amounts of land in North America but also large debt.

Proclamation of 1763

British law that prohibited American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains to avoid conflict with Native Americans.

Mercantilism

An economic system where colonies exist to benefit the mother country through trade and resource extraction.

Causes of the Revolution

Included taxation without representation, British military presence, restrictive laws, and growing colonial desire for self-government.

Stamp Act

A 1765 tax requiring colonists to pay for stamped paper on printed materials.

Opposition to the Stamp Act

Colonists protested through boycotts, petitions, and sometimes violence, arguing taxation without representation was unjust.

Sons of Liberty

A group of colonial activists who organized resistance against British policies, including protests and intimidation of tax collectors.

Boycotts

Refusal to buy British goods in order to protest taxes and pressure Britain economically.

Boston Tea Party

A 1773 protest where colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor to oppose the Tea Act.

Common Sense

A pamphlet by Thomas Paine that argued for independence from Britain and influenced public opinion.

Declaration of Independence

A 1776 document written primarily by Thomas Jefferson declaring the colonies’ independence from Britain and listing grievances.

Loyalist opposition

Colonists who remained loyal to Britain and opposed independence.

Continental Congress

A governing body of delegates from the colonies that coordinated resistance and managed the Revolutionary War.

Continental Army

The army formed by the colonies to fight Britain, led by George Washington.

Winning the War

The colonies won due to factors like French support, strong leadership, and fighting on home ground.

French Alliance

A 1778 agreement in which France provided military support to the American colonies.

Diplomatic Recognition

Official acknowledgment by foreign nations (like France) that the United States was an independent country.

Women in the Revolution

Women contributed by managing homes, supporting troops, and sometimes serving as spies or soldiers.

Northern Emancipation

Gradual abolition of slavery in Northern states after the Revolution.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. constitution that created a weak central government with most power held by the states.

Northwest Ordinance

A 1787 law that set up a process for admitting new states and banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.

Constitutional Convention

The 1787 meeting where delegates created the U.S. Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.

Great Compromise

An agreement creating a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in one house and equal representation in the other.

⅗ Compromise

An agreement counting enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

Electoral College

A system for electing the president where electors chosen by states cast votes.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A constitutional clause allowing Congress to make laws needed to carry out its powers.

Republican form of government

A system where citizens elect representatives to govern them.

Ratification

The process of formally approving the Constitution by the states.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual freedoms.

Republican Motherhood

The idea that women should educate their children to be good citizens in a republic.

Washington’s Cabinet

A group of advisors to President George Washington, including heads of executive departments.

Hamilton’s Financial Plan

A plan to stabilize the economy through paying off debt, creating a national bank, and encouraging industry.

Federalists

A political group that supported a strong national government and the Constitution.

Democratic-Republican

A political group led by Jefferson that favored states’ rights and an agrarian society.

Jefferson’s view of government

Favored limited government, states’ rights, and a focus on agriculture.

Washington’s Farewell Address

A speech warning against political parties and foreign alliances.

Pinckney’s Treaty

A 1795 treaty with Spain granting the U.S. navigation rights on the Mississippi River.

Treaty of Greenville

A 1795 treaty in which Native Americans ceded land in the Northwest Territory to the U.S.

Jay’s Treaty

A 1794 treaty with Britain that resolved issues from the Revolution but was unpopular with many Americans.

John Adams

The second U.S. president, a Federalist who dealt with tensions with France.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed in 1798 that restricted immigration and limited free speech against the government.

Undeclared Naval War

A conflict between the U.S. and France (Quasi-War) fought at sea from 1798–1800.