Period 3 (1754-1800)

7 years' War

A war between Britain and France over land in North America, resulting in British debt.

Taxing

The action Britain took to generate revenue, including the Tea Act, Stamp Act, Quartering Act, and Townshend Act.

Tea Act

Tax imposed on tea, leading to colonial discontent.

Stamp Act

Tax on stamps for official documents, playing cards, newspapers, and dice.

Quartering Act

A law requiring colonies to house British soldiers, viewed as an invasion of privacy.

Boston Massacre

An event where British troops fired on colonists protesting taxes, resulting in colonial anger.

Boston Tea Party

A protest initiated by the Sons of Liberty against tea taxes, involving the destruction of tea shipments.

American Revolution

A conflict starting on April 19, 1775, driven by colonists' desire for independence from British rule.

Declaration of Independence

A document adopted on July 4, 1776, mainly written by Thomas Jefferson, advocating for individual rights.

Social contract

A theory stating that people consent to surrender some freedoms in exchange for protection.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the U.S., adopted in 1777, which eventually failed due to lack of federal power.

Constitutional Convention

A meeting initially aimed at revising the Articles of Confederation, leading to the creation of a new Constitution.

Federalists

Supporters of a stronger federal government favoring a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

Democratic Republicans

Opponents of Federalists, advocating for state sovereignty and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.