From Resistance to Revolution and Beyond: Key Events in Early American History

These flashcards cover significant events, legislation, and concepts from early American history leading up to the formation of the United States.

Pontiac’s War

A pan-Indian uprising led by Ottawa chief Pontiac against British post-7 Years War policies, asserting Native ownership of land.

Proclamation of 1763

An act by Britain establishing a boundary line to halt westward expansion and create Indian reserves, causing resentment among colonists.

Stamp Act (1765)

A tax imposed on paper products that resulted in widespread colonial protests and arguments over representation in Parliament.

Virtual Representation

The British justification stating that Parliament represented colonists, even if they could not vote, as it represented all British subjects.

Boston Tea Party

A protest by the Sons of Liberty in 1773 where colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor to oppose taxation without representation.

Coercive (Intolerable) Acts

A series of punitive laws passed by Britain in response to the Boston Tea Party, aiming to squarely punish Massachusetts.

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

A pamphlet advocating for American independence and criticizing monarchy, which influenced public opinion in favor of revolution.

Continental Congress

A convention of delegates from the thirteen colonies that became the governing body of the United States during the American Revolution.

Olive Branch Petition

A final attempt by the colonists to avoid war with Great Britain, requesting a peaceful resolution to their grievances.

Battle of Saratoga

A major turning point in the Revolutionary War in 1777 that resulted in French support for the American cause.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

The treaty that officially ended the Revolutionary War and recognized American independence from Britain.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States that established a weak national government, leading to economic difficulties.

Constitutional Convention

The 1787 gathering that produced the U.S. Constitution, aiming to create a stronger federal government.

Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature, balancing the interests of large and small states.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights and addressing Anti-Federalist concerns.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising by farmers against federal tax on whiskey, representing tensions between federal authority and local interests.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

An agreement that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, and established a dividing line for future states.

Jacksonian Democracy

A political movement during Andrew Jackson's presidency emphasizing greater democracy for the common man.

King Andrew I

A derogatory term used by Jackson's opponents who viewed his presidency as authoritarian and excessively powerful.