Colonial America, the Revolutionary Era, and the Early Republic

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering key historical figures, acts, treaties, and events spanning early colonial America through the American Revolution and the drafting of the Constitution.

El Pope

Native American leader who led a rebellion against Spain in Mexico in 1680.

James Davenport

Great Awakening preacher known for radical anti-intellectualism.

West Indies

The trade destination that accounted for a substantial percentage of American exports by 1760.

Jonathan Edwards

Preacher whose sermons emphasized the Calvinistic teachings of the Puritans.

Transportation Act

British act that sent thousands of convicted felons to the colonies.

William Pitt

The British leader who led Great Britain to victory in the Seven Years' War.

King William's War

The war that marked the beginning of colonial involvement with imperial wars.

King Philip's War

Early American conflict that was not a colonial war between France and England.

Columbia

Colonial college that was not established as a result of the Great Awakening.

Benjamin Franklin

American who symbolized the spirit of the Enlightenment more than any other, designed the Albany Plan at the Albany Congress, and was essential in securing a colonial alliance with France.

John Trenchard

One of the authors of Cato's Letters.

St. Augustine

The first permanent settlement founded in the United States.

Colonial-Governor Relations

The dynamic between American colonies and their royal governors, best described as uncooperative and hostile.

British Parliament (1760s-1770s)

Legislative body whose members mostly possessed very little understanding of colonial affairs.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

Peace treaty ending the American Revolution that allowed Americans the opportunity to form an independent nation.

Declaratory Act

Parliamentary act asserting the British Parliament's belief in its own sovereignty over the colonies.

Samuel Adams

Colonial leader whose role prior to 1774 is best described as a genuine revolutionary.

Loyalists (Tories)

Colonists who sided with Great Britain during the American Revolution, of whom approximately 100,000 left America after the war.

Patrick Henry

Colonial Virginian who served as the leader of the anti-Stamp Act movement in Virginia.

Second Continental Congress

Body convening in Philadelphia whose primary responsibility was organizing the colonies for war.

Thomas Jefferson

The author of the Declaration of Independence.

The Federalist

A series of essays supporting constitutional reform written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay.

Albany Plan

Colonial union proposal designed by Benjamin Franklin that failed because colonial assemblies were jealous of their financial authority.

Townshend Acts (1767)

Acts passed in 1767 that placed taxes on imported tea, glass, paper, lead, and other commodities.

Circular Letter

Document passed by Massachusetts to voice opposition and react to the Townshend Acts.

John Dickinson

Statesman who served as the author of the Articles of Confederation.

James Madison

Statesman recognized as the 'Father of the Constitution' and an influential nationalist advocate for constitutional reform.

Tea Act (1773)

Act passed in 1773 that gave financial assistance to the East India Tea Company.

Common Sense

A 48-page essay authored by Thomas Paine that became an instant bestseller prior to the American Revolution.

Yorktown

The decisive final battle of the American Revolution.

Phillis Wheatley

First female to have her written works published in America.

Delaware

The first state to ratify and pass the United States Constitution.

Nationalists

Group that supported constitutional reform, prominently featuring Alexander Hamilton, Robert Morris, and James Madison.

Stamp Act Resistance

Colonial reaction that included organizing riots forcing tax collectors to resign, along with widespread boycotts of British goods.

Sons of Liberty

A protest group joined by merchants facing financial losses that mobilized to stop British taxes.