Overview of the French and Indian War and American Revolution

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the French and Indian War, American Revolution, and the formation of a new government.

French and Indian War

A conflict from 1754 to 1763 between the British and French in North America, ultimately leading to British victory and territorial changes.

Treaty of Paris (1763)

Agreement that ended the French and Indian War, in which France ceded territory to Great Britain and Spain.

Proclamation Line of 1763

British declaration forbidding colonists from expanding westward beyond the Appalachian Mountains.

Taxation without representation

Colonial grievance where colonists were taxed by Parliament without having representatives in that body.

Stamp Act

A tax law enacted by Parliament in 1765 that taxed paper goods, sparking widespread protests in the colonies.

Boston Massacre

A 1770 incident in which British soldiers killed five colonial civilians, escalating tensions between Britain and American colonists.

Boston Tea Party

A 1773 protest against British taxes in which colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor.

Declaratory Act

A law passed by Parliament asserting its right to legislate for the colonies 'in all cases whatsoever' after repealing the Stamp Act.

Natural Rights

Enlightenment concept that all individuals are born with certain inalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and property.

Common Sense

Pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776 advocating for American independence from Britain.

Battle of Saratoga

A major turning point in the American Revolution in 1777 that secured French support for the American cause.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, creating a weak federal government and leaving most powers to the states.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Legislation that outlined the process for admitting new states to the Union and banned slavery in the newly acquired territories.