VOCAB 3

1763 Treaty of Paris

The Treaty of Paris (1763) ended the French and Indian War (Seven Years' War) between Great Britain and France. It significantly altered the territorial boundaries in North America, with Britain gaining control of Canada, Florida, and all lands east of the Mississippi River, while France ceded Louisiana to Spain. The treaty marked the end of French colonial power in North America and laid the groundwork for colonial discontent, as Britain sought to pay off war debts by taxing its American colonies, leading to tensions that would eventually contribute to the American Revolution.

Proclamation of 1763

A royal decree issued by the British government following the Treaty of Paris, which forbade American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. The aim was to prevent further conflict with Native American tribes by regulating colonial expansion and trade. The proclamation angered many colonists, as it restricted their access to the land they had fought for during the French and Indian War, contributing to growing resentment toward British rule and fueling the desire for independence.

Sugar Act of 1764

The Sugar Act, passed by the British Parliament in 1764, was a revenue-raising measure aimed at tightening control over colonial trade. It reduced the tax on imported molasses but enforced stricter regulations on trade and increased enforcement of duties on sugar, wine, coffee, and other goods. The act was part of a series of measures designed to raise funds for Britain’s debt after the French and Indian War and to assert greater control over the American colonies. It sparked resentment among colonists, who saw it as an infringement on their economic freedoms and an early example of "taxation without representation."

Direct tax

A direct tax is a tax that is levied directly on individuals or property, rather than on goods or services. In colonial America, direct taxes were imposed on things like land, property, and personal income. Examples include the Stamp Act of 1765, which taxed printed materials, and the Townshend Acts, which included direct taxes on items like glass and tea. Colonists resented direct taxes because they were imposed without their consent or representation in Parliament, contributing to the growing tensions that led to the American Revolution.

Stamp Act 1765 

A law passed by the British Parliament in 1765 that required colonists to purchase a government-issued stamp for every piece of printed paper they used, including newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards. The Stamp Act was the first direct tax imposed on the American colonies, and it angered colonists, who argued that it violated their rights since they had no representation in Parliament ("no taxation without representation"). Widespread protests, including the formation of the Stamp Act Congress and boycotts of British goods, led to the eventual repeal of the act in 1766.

Quartering Act

The Quartering Act, passed by the British Parliament in 1765 and again in 1774, required American colonists to provide housing, food, and other accommodations to British soldiers stationed in the colonies. The 1765 version was part of the broader set of laws designed to raise revenue and assert British authority over the colonies. The 1774 version, known as the Intolerable Acts, was more coercive, requiring the colonists to house soldiers in private homes if necessary. Colonists viewed these acts as an infringement on their rights and an abuse of power, contributing to the rising tension that led to the American Revolution.

Stamp Act Congress

The Stamp Act Congress was a meeting held in 1765 in New York City, composed of representatives from nine of the thirteen American colonies. It was convened in response to the Stamp Act, which imposed direct taxes on paper goods in the colonies. The Congress issued a declaration of rights and grievances, asserting that only colonial assemblies had the authority to tax the colonies. It also organized a boycott of British goods, which helped lead to the repeal of the Stamp Act. The Stamp Act Congress marked an early attempt at colonial unity and resistance against British taxation.

Sons of Liberty

The Sons of Liberty was a secret organization formed in the American colonies in the 1760s to resist British policies, particularly the Stamp Act and other forms of taxation without representation. Composed of colonists from various walks of life, including merchants, artisans, and lawyers, the group used protests, boycotts, and sometimes violent actions (such as tarring and feathering tax collectors) to challenge British authority. Leaders like Samuel Adams and Paul Revere were prominent members. The Sons of Liberty played a key role in organizing colonial resistance and helped lay the groundwork for the American Revolution.

Daughters of Liberty

The Daughters of Liberty was a colonial organization of women formed in the 1760s to support the American resistance against British policies, particularly the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts. The group participated in boycotts of British goods, produced homemade goods like cloth to replace British imports, and supported efforts to protest taxation without representation. The Daughters of Liberty played a crucial role in the non-importation movement and helped demonstrate the active involvement of women in the revolutionary cause. Their contributions highlighted the importance of unity and self-sufficiency in resisting British rule.

Declaratory Act

The Declaratory Act, passed by the British Parliament in 1766, was enacted alongside the repeal of the Stamp Act. It stated that Parliament had the authority to legislate for the American colonies "in all cases whatsoever," reaffirming British control over colonial affairs. While the act was intended to assert Parliament's power, it angered colonists who believed it undermined their autonomy and increased tensions. The Declaratory Act contributed to growing colonial resentment, as it symbolized Britain's unwillingness to grant self-governance, even as it repealed the Stamp Act due to colonial protests.

Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement that emerged in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority. Enlightenment thinkers, or philosophes, believed in the power of human reason to understand and shape the world, promoting ideals such as liberty, equality, and the separation of church and state. Key figures like John Locke, Voltaire, and Montesquieu influenced political thought and helped shape the philosophical foundations of the American Revolution. Enlightenment ideas about natural rights and governance also contributed to the development of democratic principles in the United States.

Deism

Deism is a religious philosophy that emerged during the Enlightenment, emphasizing reason, morality, and the observation of the natural world as evidence of a creator's existence, rather than relying on organized religion or scripture. Deists believed that God created the universe but did not intervene in human affairs or perform miracles. This belief in a rational, impersonal deity was influential in shaping the thinking of many Founding Fathers, including Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, and contributed to the development of a more secular and scientific worldview during the 18th century.

Rationalism

Rationalism is a philosophical belief that reason and logic are the primary sources of knowledge and truth, rather than sensory experience or religious authority. It emphasizes the role of intellectual thought in understanding the world and making decisions. During the Enlightenment, rationalism became a foundation for scientific inquiry and political thought, encouraging individuals to challenge traditional beliefs and seek knowledge through reason and evidence. Prominent thinkers like René Descartes and Baruch Spinoza advanced rationalist ideas, which influenced the development of modern philosophy, science, and political theory.

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Social Contract

The Social Contract is a philosophical concept that suggests individuals come together to form a society by agreeing to follow certain rules and laws in exchange for protection and the benefits of living in an organized community. The idea was most famously articulated by philosophers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Hobbes believed people needed a strong, absolute authority to prevent chaos, while Locke argued for a government with limited powers that protected natural rights. Rousseau emphasized the collective will of the people, known as the "general will," as the basis for legitimate authority. The Social Contract significantly influenced political thought, particularly the development of democratic systems.

John Locke

John Locke (1632–1704) was an English philosopher and a key figure in the development of modern political theory. His ideas on natural rights, including life, liberty, and property, influenced the formation of democratic governments and the concept of individual freedoms. In his work Two Treatises of Government, Locke argued that government is a social contract formed to protect these rights, and if a government fails to do so, the people have the right to overthrow it. Locke's ideas on the separation of powers and the role of consent in governance were highly influential in the American Revolution and the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) was a French philosopher and writer known for his influential ideas on education, politics, and society. In his work The Social Contract, Rousseau introduced the concept of the "general will," which argued that legitimate political authority comes from the collective will of the people, rather than from a monarch or elite group. He believed that people are inherently good but are corrupted by society. Rousseau's ideas on democracy, popular sovereignty, and the importance of civic participation greatly influenced revolutionary movements, including the French Revolution and democratic thought in the United States.

Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine (1737–1809) was an English-American political activist, philosopher, and writer, best known for his influential pamphlets that advocated for independence from Britain and the creation of a democratic republic. His most famous works include Common Sense (1776), which argued persuasively for American independence, and The American Crisis (1776-1783), which inspired and motivated soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Paine was a strong proponent of liberty, republicanism, and the rights of individuals, and his writings played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and the ideological foundation of the American Revolution.

Common Sense

Common Sense, written by Thomas Paine in 1776, was a pamphlet that made a compelling argument for American independence from Britain. Paine criticized monarchy and hereditary rule, advocating instead for a republic where government derives its power from the consent of the governed. The pamphlet was widely read and influential, helping to shift public opinion towards supporting independence. Paine’s clear and accessible writing style made complex political ideas understandable to ordinary colonists, contributing significantly to the revolutionary cause. It was pivotal in motivating the colonies to declare independence.

Declaratory Act

The Declaratory Act, passed by the British Parliament in 1766, was enacted alongside the repeal of the Stamp Act. It declared that Parliament had the authority to legislate for the American colonies "in all cases whatsoever," reinforcing British control over colonial affairs. The act was intended to assert British sovereignty over the colonies after the colonial protests against the Stamp Act. While the Stamp Act was repealed due to colonial resistance, the Declaratory Act was a reminder that Britain would continue to impose its will on the colonies, fueling further tensions between Britain and the American colonists.

Townshend Acts

The Townshend Acts, passed by the British Parliament in 1767, were a series of laws aimed at raising revenue from the American colonies. These acts imposed duties on imported goods such as glass, paper, paint, and tea. The revenue collected was used to pay British officials in the colonies, reducing the power of colonial assemblies. The acts sparked widespread protests and resistance from the colonists, who argued that the taxes violated their rights as Englishmen since they had no representation in Parliament. The Townshend Acts led to boycotts of British goods and increased tensions, ultimately contributing to the American Revolution.

Coercive Acts

The Coercive Acts, also known as the Intolerable Acts, were a series of laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party. The acts were designed to punish Massachusetts and assert British authority over the colonies. Key provisions included the closing of Boston Harbor until the tea was paid for, the restriction of town meetings, and the expansion of the Quartering Act, allowing British soldiers to be housed in private homes. The Coercive Acts unified the colonies in opposition, as they viewed these laws as a violation of their rights, leading to the convening of the First Continental Congress and setting the stage for the American Revolution.

Boston Massacre

The Boston Massacre occurred on March 5, 1770, when British soldiers opened fire on a crowd of colonists in Boston, Massachusetts. Tensions had been rising due to British occupation and the enforcement of unpopular taxes. The incident began as a confrontation between British soldiers and a mob of colonists protesting the presence of troops. In the chaos, five colonists were killed, and several others were wounded. The event was widely publicized by colonial leaders like Paul Revere and Samuel Adams, who used it as a tool to fuel anti-British sentiment and rally support for the growing movement for independence.

Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party took place on December 16, 1773, as a protest against the British Tea Act, which granted the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the American colonies. In response to the tax on tea and the perceived violation of their rights, a group of colonists, including members of the Sons of Liberty, disguised as Native Americans, boarded three British ships in Boston Harbor. They dumped 342 chests of tea into the water, destroying the cargo. The event was a significant act of defiance against British rule, leading to the imposition of the Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) by Britain, which further escalated tensions and contributed to the onset of the American Revolution.

First Continental Congress

The First Continental Congress was held from September 5 to October 26, 1774, in Philadelphia, as a response to the Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) imposed by Britain. Delegates from twelve of the thirteen American colonies (excluding Georgia) gathered to coordinate a unified response to British policies. The Congress passed a series of resolutions, including a declaration of colonial rights, a call for a boycott of British goods, and the formation of local militias for defense. While not yet advocating for independence, the Congress marked a crucial step toward unity among the colonies and set the stage for the Second Continental Congress, which would eventually lead to the Declaration of Independence.

Paul Revere

Paul Revere (1735–1818) was an American silversmith, engraver, and patriot best known for his midnight ride during the American Revolution. On the night of April 18, 1775, Revere rode from Boston to Lexington to warn colonial leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock of the approaching British troops, who were marching to seize colonial arms and arrest leaders. Revere's ride, immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, helped mobilize the colonial militias, leading to the battles of Lexington and Concord, the first military engagements of the Revolution. Revere was also involved in the American independence movement through his work with the Sons of Liberty and his participation in the Boston Tea Party.

Lexington and Concord

The Battles of Lexington and Concord took place on April 19, 1775, and marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. British troops, under the command of General Thomas Gage, were sent to seize colonial arms and arrest revolutionary leaders in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. In Lexington, a small group of colonial militia confronted the British, leading to the first shots of the war, known as "the shot heard 'round the world." The British then moved to Concord, where they faced a larger resistance from the colonial militias. The British were forced to retreat to Boston, suffering significant casualties. The events at Lexington and Concord galvanized the colonies into open rebellion against British rule.

Bunker Hill

The Battle of Bunker Hill took place on June 17, 1775, during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War, in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Though it is named after Bunker Hill, most of the fighting occurred on nearby Breed's Hill. Colonial militia, under the command of Colonel William Prescott, fortified the hill to prevent British forces from taking control of the strategic high ground overlooking Boston. The British launched multiple attacks, eventually capturing the hill, but suffered heavy casualties—over 1,000 British soldiers were killed or wounded, compared to about 450 colonial casualties. Despite losing the battle, the American forces proved they could stand up to the British, boosting colonial morale and solidifying the resolve for independence.

Olive Branch Petition

The Olive Branch Petition was a final attempt by the Continental Congress to avoid a full-scale war with Britain. It was adopted on July 5, 1775, and sent to King George III in an effort to reconcile and express the colonies' loyalty to the British Crown. The petition affirmed the colonists' desire for peace and sought to address grievances, including the removal of British troops and the repeal of oppressive laws. However, King George III rejected the petition and declared the colonies to be in open rebellion, leading to the escalation of the conflict and the eventual declaration of independence.

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) was the third President of the United States and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. A leading figure in the American Revolution, Jefferson was a staunch advocate for individual rights, democracy, and limited government. He played a key role in the early development of the U.S. government and its foundational principles. As president, Jefferson is best known for the Louisiana Purchase (1803), which doubled the size of the United States, and his efforts to promote westward expansion. Jefferson's vision of America as a nation of independent farmers shaped the nation's political and economic development.

Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, was a document drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson and approved by the Second Continental Congress. It formally declared the American colonies' independence from Britain and outlined the philosophical justifications for the separation. The document asserts that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It lists grievances against King George III, accusing him of infringing upon the colonies' rights, and proclaims that when a government becomes tyrannical, the people have the right to alter or abolish it. The Declaration marked the beginning of the United States as an independent nation and solidified the colonies' commitment to self-governance.

Daughters of Liberty

The Daughters of Liberty were a group of women in the American colonies who played a significant role in the resistance against British rule during the lead-up to the American Revolution. Formed in the 1760s, they supported the boycott of British goods following acts such as the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts. The Daughters of Liberty organized spinning bees to produce homemade goods, including clothing and fabric, in place of British imports, and participated in other acts of protest, such as making and distributing pamphlets and supporting the patriots' cause. Their efforts were crucial in fostering colonial unity and demonstrating the important role women played in the revolutionary movement.

Republican Motherhood

Republican Motherhood was an ideological concept that emerged in the early years of the United States, emphasizing the role of women in nurturing and educating future citizens of the republic. Following the American Revolution, it was believed that women had a crucial responsibility in shaping the moral character and civic virtues of their children, particularly sons, who would become active participants in the democratic system. While it reinforced traditional gender roles by confining women to the domestic sphere, Republican Motherhood also provided a foundation for women’s education, as it was recognized that women needed to be educated in order to properly educate their children. This concept contributed to the growing advocacy for women's educational opportunities in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Constitutional Convention

The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia from May to September 1787 with the goal of addressing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and creating a new framework for the U.S. government. Delegates from twelve of the thirteen states (Rhode Island did not attend) gathered to draft the U.S. Constitution. Key figures included George Washington, who presided over the convention, James Madison, who is often called the "Father of the Constitution," and Benjamin Franklin. The delegates debated and compromised on issues such as representation, slavery, and the distribution of power between the federal and state governments. The result was the U.S. Constitution, which was signed on September 17, 1787, and later ratified by the states, establishing the foundation for the United States government.

James Madison

Federalism

Separation of Powers

New Jersey Plan

Virginia Plan

Great Compromise

Three-Fifths Compromise

Federalists

Anti-Federalists

Bill of Rights

Alexander Hamilton

Bill of Rights

Report on Public Credit

Report on National Bank

Democratic Republicans

The French Revolution

Citizen Genêt affair

Jays Treaty

Impressment

The Whiskey Rebellion

John Adams

XYZ Affair

Alien and Sedition Acts

mercantilism

Economic policy of England. They wanted to increase profit by using the colonies for raw materials, and creating a monopoly.

Stamp Act 1765

Law passed by Parliament that raised tax money by requiring colonists to pay for an official stamp whenever they bough paper items such as newspapers, licenses, and legal documents

Sons of Liberty

Radical political organization that formed after the passage of the Stamp Act to protest various British acts. Used both peaceful and violent means of protest.

Declaratory Act 1766

Said Britain had complete control over all governments in the colonies and could tax the colonies in any way (Colonists ignored)

Boston Massacre

British soldiers fired into a crowd of colonists who were teasing and taunting them. 4 or 5 colonists killed.

Tea Act 1773

Allowed the British East India Company to sell its low-cost tea directly to the colonies without taxes. Colonial merchants were replaced, making colonists angry.

Coercive Acts 1774

1. Closed Boston ports until destroyed tea was paid for

2. Stopped town meetings

3. Appointed a military government for Massachusetts

4. Trials of government officials would be in England

5. Forced colonists to accommodate British soldiers.

Boston Port Act

Closed the port of Boston and relocated the customs house so that some important supplies could enter Massachusetts

John Adams

Patriot of the American Revolution, second president of the US. Attended the Continental Congress in 1744 as a delegate from Georgia. Swayed his countrymen to take revolutionary action against England. 1st vice president

Hessians

German soldiers hired by George III to smash Colonial rebellion. Proved good in mechanical sense, but they were more concerned about money than duty.

Loyalists

(Tories). Colonials loyal to the king during the American Revolution

George Washington

Virginian who was Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and President of the Constitution Convention. Founding father and first President.

Benedict Arnold

General who began the Revolutionary War on the American side but later switched to the British side. Remembered as an example of betrayal.

rights of Englishmen

Rights to trial by jury, security from unlawful entry into one's home, and no taxation without the consent of Parliament

Regulators

Groups of insurgents in Carolinas who rebelled, didn't pay taxes, opposed corrupt government, and cleared their homeland of outlaw bands of terrorists. Wanted fairer taxation and greater representation.

internal vs external taxation

Taxes based on strictly colonial affairs (EX: property tax) vs Taxes based on mercantile system (EX: trade regulation)

natural (fundamental) rights

Inalienable rights over which government could exercise no control. Life, liberty, happiness

consent of the governed

Idea that government derives its authority by the permission of the people

William Howe

English general who commanded English forces at Bunker Hill, did not relish the rigors of winter campaigning and joined British army for attack on Philadelphia. Offered Congress the choice to surrender with royal pardon or battle against the odds.

Baron von Steuben

Stern Prussian drillmaster that taught American soldiers during the Revolutionary War how to successfully fight the British

Benjamin Franklin

Printer, author, inventor, diplomat, statesman, and Founding Father. Discoveries in electricity, founded Albany Plan

George Rogers Clark

Frontiersman who led the seizing of three British forts in 1777, British gave north region of Ohio River to Americans. "Washington of the West"

Yorktown

The site where Cornwallis surrendered after the American siege and the British were blocked at the sea

Lafayette

French major general who aided the colonies during the Revolutionary War.

Articles of Confederation

1781-1788. First Constitution of the US. (weaknesses- no executive, no judicial, no power to tax, no power to regulate trade)

Northwest Ordinance

Enacted in 1787. One of the most significant achievements of the Articles of Confederation. Established a system for setting up governments in the western territories so they could eventually join the Union on an equal footing with the original 13 states

Alexander Hamilton

1789-1795 First Secretary of the Treasury. Advocated creation of a national bank, assumption of state debts by the federal government, and a tariff system to pay off the national debt

New Jersey Plan

Framework for the Constitution proposed by a group of small states. Key Points: one house legislature with one vote for each state, the establishment of the acts of Congress as the "supreme law" of the land, and a supreme judiciary with limited power.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution during ratification debates in state legislatures.

Thomas Hobbs

English philosopher in 1600s who strongly believed in government. Claimed that human beings would naturally compete for territory, resources, and power. Without laws people would live with confusion and fear

sovereignty

Ability of a state to govern its territory free from control of its internal affairs by other states

unitary system

Centralized governmental system in which ultimate authority rests in the hands of the national, or central, government.

concurrent powers

Powers of government exercised independently by both the federal and state governments, such as the power to tax

tactical victory

A simple win on the battlefield. Opposing sides fight and one side wins while the other side is destroyed, captured, or forced to retreat

Declaration of Causes

Document issued by Second Continental Congress to explain why the Thirteen Colonies had taken up arms in what had become the Revolutionary War. Traced controversy back to Great Britain's acts at Lexington.

Richard Henry Lee

Member of Philadelphia Congress. His resolution that the colonies should be free and independent states was the start of the Declaration of Independence and end to British relations.

nerve center

Principal place of business (like Headquarters)

Germantown

Battle where Howe's troops were in Germantown. Washington tried to force them out of Philadelphia again but was defeated

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution

checks and balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power