The Road to Independence - Key Terms (Salutary Neglect to DoI)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from The Road to Independence notes (Salutary neglect through the Declaration of Independence).

Salutary neglect

British policy of lax enforcement of trade regulations in the colonies (1650–1750) that allowed greater colonial autonomy and laid groundwork for later Revolutionary sentiments.

Mercantilism

Economic theory that colonies exist to enrich the mother country by providing raw materials and serving as exclusive markets; wealth measured by accumulation of gold/silver.

Navigation Acts

British laws restricting colonial trade to English ships and merchants to benefit mercantilism; enforcement often lax, leading to smuggling.

Proclamation of 1763

Royal proclamation prohibiting settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains to reduce frontier conflict; angered many colonists eager to expand west.

Sugar Act (1764)

Act intended to curb molasses smuggling and raise revenue; in practice lowered molasses taxes but tightened enforcement, angering colonists.

Currency Act

Law prohibiting the colonies from issuing their own paper money and limiting currency options, reinforcing reliance on hard currency.

Stamp Act

Tax on printed materials in the colonies to raise revenue; sparked widespread resistance and helped unite colonists, including opposition from lawyers.

Virtual representation

Parliamentary theory that MPs represented all British subjects, even those not electorally represented in Parliament.

No taxation without representation

Colonial slogan arguing Parliament lacked authority to tax the colonies without their consent or representation.

Sons of Liberty

Secret colonial organization that organized resistance to British policies (notably the Stamp Act) and used protest tactics against British authority.

Townshend Acts

Series of duties on imports from Britain, funds used to pay crown officials, creation of more vice-admiralty courts and offices, and suspension of New York’s assembly for noncompliance.

Boston Massacre

1770 clash in which British troops killed five colonists, fueling anti-British sentiment and revolutionary fervor.

Committees of Correspondence

Network of colonial groups established to share information and coordinate resistance against British policies.

Intolerable Acts (Coercive Acts)

Punitive Acts of 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party, including punishment of Massachusetts and restrictions on self-government and rights.

First Continental Congress

Colonial assembly in 1774 to coordinate a collective response to the Intolerable Acts and plan unified action.

Olive Branch Petition

Colonial petition seeking reconciliation with Britain and a return to former harmony, hoping to avoid further conflict.

The Shot Heard ’Round the World

Opening conflict of the American Revolutionary War (Lexington and Concord, 1775) symbolizing the start of independence efforts.

Loyalists

Colonists who remained faithful to the Crown, including government officials and merchants who valued stability and order.

Patriots

Colonists advocating independence from Britain, including farmers, artisans, and merchants who felt oppressed.

Common Sense

Pamphlet by Thomas Paine (1776) arguing for independence; influential in shaping public opinion and legitimatizing revolt.

Declaration of Independence

1776 document announcing independence and enumerating grievances; articulates the principle of equality as a founding value.

Equality

Founding principle highlighted in the Declaration of Independence; asserts that all men are created equal and endowed with certain rights.

French and Indian War (Seven Years’ War)

War (1754–1763) between Britain and France (with Indigenous allies) over North American territory and power; ended with British victory and increased imperial debt.