Key Concepts of American Revolutionary History

Flashcards covering key concepts, events, and ideas related to the American Revolutionary era and formation of the United States.

What event culminated in the Seven Years’ War (French and Indian War)?

The competition among the British, French, and American Indians for economic and political advantage in North America.

Who led the Native American forces against the British at Fort Detroit in Pontiac’s Rebellion?

Pontiac, the leader of the Odawa tribe.

What action did the British take after defeating the French in 1763?

They imposed stricter controls over their North American colonies.

What was a key consequence of the Treaty of Paris signed in 1763?

France surrendered nearly all of its claims in North America.

What did the Royal Proclamation of 1763 do?

It forbade colonists from settling lands west of the Appalachian Mountains.

What were the Townshend Acts (1767) a reaction to?

Colonists' protests against earlier taxation and to raise revenue.

What was the significance of the Stamp Act Congress (1765)?

It was the first unified colonial response to British policy.

What event led to the Boston Tea Party (1773)?

Colonists refused to purchase tea due to opposition against tax.

Who defended the British soldiers in the Boston Massacre trial?

John Adams.

What were the Intolerable Acts designed to do?

Punish the colonies for the Boston Tea Party and tighten British control.

What was the purpose of the First Continental Congress (1774)?

To show support for Boston and formulate a unified colonial response to British actions.

What did the Declaration of Rights & Grievances state?

It denied Parliament’s right to tax the colonies without representation.

Who was inspired by Enlightenment ideas of government and democracy?

Founding Fathers like Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.

What is the main argument of Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense'?

It is illogical for a large continent like America to be governed by a small island like England.

What was the outcome of the Declaration of Independence?

It articulated colonial grievances and proclaimed American independence.

What was the Articles of Confederation's major weakness?

It created a federal government without the power to levy taxes or regulate commerce.

What event highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Shays' Rebellion (1787).

What were the main debates during the Constitutional Convention?

Representation based on population vs. equal representation for all states.

What compromise established a bicameral legislature?

The Connecticut Compromise.

What did the Bill of Rights ensure?

Protection of individual liberties and state sovereignty.

What did Marbury vs. Madison (1803) establish?

The principle of judicial review.

Who was the primary proponent of the National Bank of the United States?

Alexander Hamilton.

What did George Washington advise in his Farewell Address?

Avoid permanent alliances and political parties.

What was the Proclamation of Neutrality of 1793 about?

America's neutrality in the conflicts between Britain and France.

What was Jay’s Treaty (1794) primarily aimed at?

Resolving outstanding issues from the Revolutionary War and improving trade relations.

What was the result of Pinckney’s Treaty (1796)?

Settled boundary disputes and established navigation rights along the Mississippi River.

What did the XYZ Affair (1797) involve?

French diplomats demanding bribes from American representatives.

What did the Quartering Act (1765) require colonists to do?

Provide room and board for British soldiers stationed in America.

What key document was influenced by Enlightenment ideas advocating the social contract?

The Declaration of Independence.

What role did Republican Motherhood play in women's education?

It emphasized the need for women to educate their sons to be active politically.

What was the objective of the Albany Plan of Union (1754)?

To create an intercolonial government for collective defense and resource management.

What was one of the main grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence?

Imposing taxes without consent of the governed.

What did the Sugar Act (1764) impose on colonists?

Higher prices on imported sugar and molasses.

What protest strategy did colonists employ against British taxation?

Nonimportation Agreements.

What did the Declaratory Act (1766) affirm?

Parliament's right to tax the colonies as it did in Britain.

Which rebellion confirmed the need for a stronger federal government after the Articles of Confederation?

Shays’ Rebellion.

What was the main purpose of the Federalist Papers?

To promote the ratification of the Constitution.

What was the significance of the consent of the governed in Enlightenment thought?

It emphasized that government's legitimacy comes from the people's approval.

How did the colonists respond to the Stamp Act (1765)?

By organizing protests and a unified petition for repeal.

What was the impact of the Boston Tea Party on British colonial policy?

It prompted the enactment of the Intolerable Acts.

Which law lowered the tax on tea but was still rejected by colonists?

The Tea Act (1773).

What fundamental principle of governance did the Articles of Confederation lack?

An executive branch.