AP US History Notes: Period 3 (1754-1800 C.E.)

Boston Massacre

A landmark incident on March 5, 1770, where British guards fired on a crowd in Boston, killing five protesters.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the U.S., ratified in 1781, which favored states' rights and was later replaced due to its weaknesses.

Federalists

Political faction that supported a strong central government and the Constitution; key figures included Hamilton and Washington.

Anti-Federalists

Political group that opposed a strong central government and the Constitution, fearing loss of individual rights.

Common Sense

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine advocating for American independence from Britain, published in January 1776.

Declaration of Independence

The document that formally announced the colonies' break from England, influenced by Enlightenment ideas on natural rights.

Sons and Daughters of Liberty

Patriot groups that organized protests and boycotts against British taxes and laws; involved in actions like the Boston Tea Party.

Shays' Rebellion

An uprising led by Daniel Shays in 1786-87 to protest oppressive taxes and debt, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement during the Constitutional Convention that counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident in 1797 where French agents demanded bribes from American envoys, contributing to tensions leading to the Quasi-War.