Unit 2 American Revolution

Mayflower Compact

A written agreement by Pilgrims in 1620 to form a self-governing colony based on majority rule.

Importance of the Mayflower Compact

It was the first form of self-government in the colonies and set a precedent for democracy.

Great Awakening

A religious revival movement which emphasized personal faith and emotional connection to God.

Effects of the Great Awakening on colonial society

Encouraged equality, individual choice, and resistance to authority—laying groundwork for revolutionary ideas.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement focused on reason, science, and individual rights.

Influence of the Enlightenment on government ideas

Promoted natural rights, separation of powers, and the belief that governments must respect citizens’ freedoms.

John Locke

An English Enlightenment philosopher who believed government should serve the people.

Social Contract

The idea that governments gain power from the consent of the governed and must protect citizens’ natural rights.

French and Indian War

A conflict between Britain and its colonists versus France and American Indians from 1754 to 1763.

The war led to significant territorial gains for Britain but also to increased taxation of American colonists, contributing to revolutionary sentiments.

Taxation in the colonies

Taxes imposed by Britain to pay for war debts and maintain troops in the colonies.

Boston Massacre

An incident in March 1770 where British soldiers fired into a crowd of protesting colonists, killing five people. 

-Happened because of high taxes and increasing tension between colonists and British.

Boston Tea Party

A protest during which the Sons of Liberty dumped tea worth $2 million into Boston Harbor.

1st Continental Congress

A meeting of 12 colonies in 1774 to address British abuses.

Lexington and Concord

The first battles of the American Revolution, known as 'the shot heard ’round the world.'

-First battle of the American Revolution

-Was due to British attempting to steal colonial supplies and arresting patriot leaders

Declaration of Independence

A document declaring the colonies’ freedom from Britain, signed on July 4, 1776.