U.S. History Unit 3: Colonial Resistance, Revolution, and Early Republic

What disputed territory was the primary cause of conflict between Great Britain and France leading to the French and Indian War?

The Ohio River Valley

What 1763 peace treaty ended the French and Indian War and effectively eliminated French territorial claims in North America?

A peace treaty that ended the French and Indian War.

What geographical feature did the Proclamation of 1763 establish?

The Appalachian Mountains

Why did the British Parliament issue the Proclamation of 1763 following the Seven Years' War?

To avoid costly conflicts between American Indian groups and migrating colonists along the frontier.

What was Pontiac's Rebellion?

An armed uprising by Native Americans against British rule.

What was the Albany Plan of Union?

A proposal by Benjamin Franklin to create a unified government for the Thirteen Colonies.

Why did colonial assemblies oppose the Albany Plan?

They feared losing local self-governing power.

What was salutary neglect?

A British policy of avoiding strict enforcement of parliamentary laws.

What was the Stamp Act of 1765?

A law that imposed a direct tax on the colonies requiring them to use special paper for legal documents.

What political slogan emerged from colonial resistance?

'No taxation without representation'

How did the British justify taxation of the colonies?

Through the concept of 'virtual representation.'

What was the Stamp Act Congress?

An intercolonial meeting to organize opposition to the Stamp Act.

What were the Committees of Correspondence?

Intercolonial groups that coordinated responses to British policies.

What was the Declaratory Act?

An act asserting Parliament's authority to legislate for the colonies.

What was the colonial economic response to British taxes?

Boycotting British imported goods.

What event occurred in 1770 that heightened tensions?

The Boston Massacre

What were the Coercive Acts?

A series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774.

What fundamental rights did Enlightenment thinkers advocate?

Rights to life, liberty, and property.

According to John Locke, what right do people have regarding their government?

The right to alter, overthrow, or replace that government.

What pamphlet did Thomas Paine publish in January 1776?

Common Sense

What two primary arguments did Common Sense present?

Enlightenment ideals and biblical arguments against kingship.

Who served as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson

What term describes those loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution?

Loyalists (Tories)

What percentage of the population were Loyalists?

Approximately 15-20%.

What major advantages did the British military have?

A well-trained military, financial wealth, and a powerful navy.

What significant battle did George Washington win in Trenton?

The Battle of Trenton

Why was the American Revolution significant for France?

It convinced France to form a military alliance with the United States.

Who was Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben?

A Prussian military officer who trained American troops.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Yorktown in 1781?

It marked the end of major fighting in the American Revolution.

What river was established as a boundary under the Treaty of Paris?

The Mississippi River

How did Northern states respond to slavery after the Revolution?

They enacted laws for emancipation.

What ideal emerged regarding women's roles in the new nation?

Republican Motherhood

What phrase did Abigail Adams famously write in 1776?

Remember the ladies

Name two international revolutions inspired by the American Revolution.

The French Revolution and the Haitian Revolution.

What branch of government was emphasized in early state constitutions?

The legislative branch

What was a qualification for voting in many states?

White male property ownership

What document served as the first constitution of the United States?

The Articles of Confederation

Why did the authors of the Articles of Confederation limit government power?

They feared a strong centralized government could lead to tyranny.

What two branches of government were established by the Constitution?

The Executive Branch and the Judicial Branch.

What critical financial power was given to the federal government?

The power to levy taxes.

What law was enacted in 1787 regarding western territories?

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787

What rebellion occurred in 1786 due to economic distress?

Shays' Rebellion

What core question did the Constitutional Convention address?

How to strengthen national government authority without creating tyranny.

What system of government was established by the U.S. Constitution?

Federalism

How does the system of checks and balances work?

By giving each branch powers to limit or override the others.

What plan proposed a bicameral legislature based on population?

The Virginia Plan

What plan proposed equal representation for states?

The New Jersey Plan

How did the Great Compromise resolve representation issues?

By creating a bicameral legislature with both population-based and equal representation.

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

A compromise counting three-fifths of enslaved people for representation.

What compromise barred Congress from banning the slave trade for 20 years?

The international slave trade compromise.

What political group supported a strong federal government?

The Federalists

What set of essays defended the Constitution?

The Federalist Papers

What major promise was made regarding the Bill of Rights?

To add it immediately after ratification.

What precedent did George Washington set regarding presidential terms?

Serving a maximum of two four-year terms.

What warning did Washington give in his Farewell Address?

Against entangling foreign alliances and divisive political parties.

What act established the federal judiciary in 1789?

The Judiciary Act of 1789

What institution did Alexander Hamilton establish?

The National Bank

How did Hamilton justify the creation of the National Bank?

By citing the Necessary and Proper Clause.

What rebellion occurred in 1794 over whiskey taxes?

The Whiskey Rebellion

What official stance did Washington take regarding foreign conflicts?

Neutrality

What agreement was made in 1795 with Spain?

Pinckney's Treaty

What acts were passed under President Adams that limited free speech?

The Alien and Sedition Acts

What resolutions were drafted in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts?

The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

What treaty was signed in 1795 that ended conflicts with Native Americans?

The Treaty of Greenville

What invention did Eli Whitney create that impacted slavery?

The cotton gin

What effect did the cotton gin have on slavery?

It increased the speed of cotton processing and expanded plantations.