Colonization

American Identity

The collective cultural, social, and political identity that emerged among the American colonies, influenced by factors such as enlightenment ideas and social mobility.

City on the Hill

A metaphor used to describe Massachusetts' aspirations to be a model society, reflecting a vision of a community under God.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority, significantly influencing the American and French Revolutions.

Indentured Servitude

A labor system where people agreed to work for a certain period in exchange for passage to America and eventually land or money.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that promotes governmental regulation of a nation's economy to increase state power at the expense of rival national powers, characterized by limited wealth.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that governmental authority derives from the people and that they have a right to govern themselves.

Republicanism

A political ideology centered on the concept of a republic, where citizens elect representatives and have a role in governance.

Social Contract

A theory or model that originated during the Enlightenment, wherein individuals agree to form societies and abide by common rules and expectations for mutual benefit.

Sons of Liberty

A secret organization formed in the colonies to oppose British taxation and policies, employing both peaceful protests and riots.

Three Estates

The societal division in France pre-revolution consisting of the clergy, nobility, and the common populace, with varying rights and taxation obligations.

Cash Crops and Economy

The economic growth of North American colonies was driven by cash crops, increasing wealth and attracting settlers.

Social Mobility

Unlike Europe, the American colonies offered greater opportunities for individuals to move up or down the social ladder based on property ownership rather than ancestry.

Colonial Self-Image

The settlers developed a distinct American identity, characterized by a perception of being governed by a distant authority (Britain) and a burgeoning sense of self-governance.

Taxation Without Representation

The British government's attempts to tax the colonies post-French and Indian War led to widespread dissent, coalescing under the slogan, 'No taxation without representation.'

Mercantilist Policies

Britain's restrictive trade policies and attempts to control American economic activities generated significant resentment among colonists.

Popular Resistance

The formation of the Sons of Liberty and Committees of Correspondence exemplified the collective action and organized resistance against British rule.

Declaration of Independence

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, the document addressed multiple audiences, articulating the colonies' grievances and justifying the break from Britain.

Revolutionary War (1776-1783)

Key battles and strategies, including the French alliance, were crucial in defeating British forces and securing independence for the colonies.

Articles of Confederation

The initial government framework proved ineffective, leading to the creation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to better balance power and ensure individual rights.

Founding Fathers

Figures such as George Washington and Alexander Hamilton played essential roles in shaping the new government, emphasizing the importance of a balanced power structure.

Social Contracting

The Constitution was viewed as a 'living document,' capable of evolving through an amendment process to better serve the democracy.

Contradictions in Society

Despite the revolutionary ideals of equality, slavery and the status of women were significant contradictions that continued to be debated and addressed imperfectly.

Ancien Régime

France's traditional societal structure, comprised of clergy and nobility exempt from taxes, caused vast discontent among the Third Estate.

The Estates General and National Assembly

The grievances voiced by the Third Estate and their declaration of a national assembly sparked the revolution.

Reign of Terror

Led by Maximilien Robespierre, this period was marked by extreme measures to purify the revolution but ultimately led to his downfall and execution.

Taxation Triggers

The Stamp Act of 1765 exemplified Britain's attempts to impose taxes disguised as service fees, leading to organized colonial opposition.

3/5 Compromise

A constitutional agreement that addressed the representation of enslaved individuals, highlighting the deep-rooted contradictions in American governance.

Equality of Opportunity vs. Equality of Outcome

The differing philosophies on what constitutes fairness and justice within the new American society.

The Founder's Effect

The legacy of George Washington's voluntary relinquishment of power set a precedent for future American leadership and governance.

Committees of Correspondence

Early forms of inter-colonial cooperation and communication to coordinate resistance against British rule.

Political Negotiation

Strategies employed by figures like John Adams to navigate the complexities of revolutionary politics and the implications for justice and representation.