The Revolution and the Early Republic

American Revolution

Period (1775-1783) when 13 colonies gained independence from England.

Continental Congress

Legislative assembly of delegates from the rebel colonies.

Common Sense

A 1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine that convinced colonists of the need for independence.

Declaration of Independence

The 1776 document asserting independence from Great Britain.

George Washington

Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and first U.S. President.

Battle of Saratoga

The turning point of the Revolution that convinced the French to provide military support.

French Alliance

1778 entry of France into the war to assist American independence.

Loyalists

Colonists who remained loyal to Britain.

Articles of Confederation

The nation's first constitution; limited by state power and lack of tax authority.

Newburgh Conspiracy

A 1783 potential military coup that ceased when George Washington refused to support it.

Peace of Paris (1783)

Treaty where Britain recognized U.S. independence and established boundaries.

Republicanism

Ideology that power comes from the people and government success depends on citizen character.

Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom

1779 statute by Thomas Jefferson outlawing established churches.

Republican Motherhood

The idea that women were responsible for cultivating 'civic virtue' in children.

Land and Northwest Ordinances

Established systems for surveying land and admitting new western states.

Shays’ Rebellion

A Massachusetts uprising that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Philadelphia (Constitutional) Convention

1787 meeting to revise the Articles, resulting in the U.S. Constitution.

James Madison

'Father of the Constitution' and author of the Bill of Rights.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for representation in Congress based on state population.

New Jersey Plan

Proposal for equal representation for all states in Congress.

Great Compromise

Created a bicameral legislature with representation by population (House) and equal representation (Senate).

3/5 Compromise

Decision to count slaves as 3/5 of a person for representation and population purposes.

Charles Beard’s Thesis

Argument that the Constitution was designed to protect the framers' economic interests.

Ratification Debate

Conflict between Federalists and Anti-federalists over central power and the Bill of Rights.

Federalist Papers

Essays by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay defending the Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution protecting fundamental rights.

Washington’s Presidency

Established precedents like the cabinet and an isolationist stance.

Hamilton’s Financial Program

Plan for funding national debt, assuming state debts, and creating a national bank.

Establishment of Washington D.C.

The creation of the permanent capital on federal land along the Potomac River.

Neutrality Proclamation

1793 statement that the U.S. would not aid France or Britain in their conflict.

Jay’s Treaty

Agreement where Britain paid for seized ships and removed troops from the Ohio Valley.

Pinckney’s Treaty

Agreement with Spain opening the Mississippi River to American navigation.

Whiskey Rebellion

Protest against a liquor tax that tested government strength and mercy.

First Party System

The competition between Federalists (Hamilton) and Democratic-Republicans (Jefferson/Madison).

Washington’s Farewell Address

Warned against permanent foreign alliances and political parties.

John Adams’ Presidency

Second president; responsible for the Alien and Sedition Acts and avoiding war with France.

XYZ Affair

Incident where French agents demanded bribes from U.S. diplomats.

Quasi-War

Undeclared naval conflict between France and the U.S. from 1798 to 1800.

Alien and Sedition Acts

1798 laws seeking to restrict opposition to Federalist policies.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Declared that states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws.

Election of 1800

Jefferson and Burr tied in the Electoral College; the House chose Jefferson.

Midnight Appointments

Last-minute Federalist judicial appointments made by John Adams.