Studied by 9 people
French and Indian War
Conflict between British and colonists against the French and Native American allies for control of the Ohio River Valley, leading to British dominance in North America and significant war debt.
Proclamation of 1763
Edict by King George III prohibiting colonists from moving west of the Appalachians to ease tensions with Native Americans, disregarded by colonists leading to increased tensions with Britain.
Sons of Liberty
Colonists who protested against legislation like the Stamp Acts by attacking British tax collectors and using methods like tarring and feathering for torture and humiliation.
Boston Tea Party
Protest against the Tea Act granting the British East India Tea Company a tea trade monopoly, where Americans dumped tea in Boston Harbor as a form of protest.
Olive Branch Petition
Sent by the colonies to King George III during the Second Continental Congress, declaring war on Britain but seeking redress of grievances to avoid conflict.
French Assistance
French navy's crucial aid to the colonists during the Revolutionary War, playing a significant role in their victory.
Albany Congress
Meeting of colonial leaders in Albany to discuss defense during the French and Indian War, aiming to unite colonies and negotiate with the Iroquois.
Stamp Act
Tax on published materials and legal documents, leading to significant colonial unrest and boycotts, eventually repealed due to economic pressure.
Townshend Acts
Imposed by the British to punish colonies for protesting the Stamp Act, taxing items like glass, paper, and tea, repealed after colonial protests.
Intolerable Acts
Enacted to punish Boston for the Boston Tea Party, closing the harbor, revoking Massachusetts' charter, and reinstating the Quartering Act, escalating tensions.
Salutary neglect
British policy of minimal intervention in colonial affairs, leading to the colonies developing self-reliance and effective organization of militias.
British Mercantilism
Economic system where colonies profited from manufacturing and trading but faced hindrances like restricted manufacturing and export prices drop.
Writs of Assistance
Search warrants by British customs officers to reduce colonial smuggling, leading to protests like "no taxation without representation" by James Otis.
Stamp Act
Imposed taxes on published materials and legal documents, leading to the Stamp Act Congress and colonial resistance.
Townshend Acts
Tax acts on glass, paper, paint, and tea to pay royal salaries, leading to colonial protests and the Massachusetts Circular Letter.
Boston Massacre
Incident where British troops fired on colonists, leading to anti-British sentiments and tensions.
Tea Act Crisis
Granting the British East India Company a tea trade monopoly, leading to the Boston Tea Party and the Coercive Acts.
First Continental Congress
Response to the Intolerable Acts, urging colonies to boycott British goods and organize militias, setting the stage for the American Revolution.
Lexington & Concord
First military conflict of the American Revolution, where Minutemen resisted British troops, leading to the siege of Boston.
Olive Branch Petition
Last-ditch effort to prevent war by pledging loyalty to the king, seeking peace, and redressing grievances, but was rejected by King George III.
Hessians
German mercenaries hired by King George to support British forces after the Battle of Bunker Hill
Independence Shift
Most Americans initially sought better treatment within the British Empire, desiring their natural rights to be respected, influenced by John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Common Sense
Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet advocating for independence, swaying many colonists' opinions
Declaration of Independence
Document with three major parts - Preamble influenced by John Locke, list of grievances against Britain, and formal declaration of independence
Patriots vs Loyalists
Patriots were American rebels fighting for independence, while Loyalists supported a return to colonial rule and were loyal to the king
Battle of Trenton
Washington's successful surprise attack on Hessian forces, boosting morale for the Continental Army
Battle of Saratoga
Crucial battle where Benedict Arnold's actions led to a British surrender, inspiring French aid and turning the tide for the Patriots
Valley Forge
Harsh winter camp where Washington's forces suffered, receiving aid from the French due to lack of support from Congress
Articles of Confederation
First U.S. constitution, weak in power, focusing on war efforts, and replaced by the Constitution in 1789
Franco-American Alliance
Alliance between France and the U.S. during the Revolution, aiding the U.S. against Britain and leading to the Treaty of Paris in 1783
