American Revolution Flashcards

Flashcards about the events leading up to the American Revolution.

What was the primary cause of tension between Britain and the American colonies after the Seven Years' War?

Following the Seven Years' War, the British government sought to recoup its expenses by imposing taxes and regulations on the American colonies, leading to resentment and resistance.

What was the purpose of the Proclamation of 1763?

It forbade colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains in an attempt to calm tensions with Native Americans.

What key arguments did Isaac Barré make against the proposed taxes on the American colonies?

He argued that the colonies had been founded by their own initiative, not by British care, and warned that their spirit of freedom would persist.

What were the main provisions of the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act, and how did they affect the colonies?

The Sugar Act aimed to enforce the collection of duties on molasses, while the Stamp Act required stamped paper for various documents, both sparking colonial opposition.

Who were the Sons of Liberty, and what actions did they take in response to the Stamp Act?

A phrase used to describe colonists who opposed the Stamp Act and other British policies, advocating for American liberties. They organized boycotts and protests.

What was the main argument against taxation without representation?

Colonists argued that they should not be subjected to taxes imposed by the British Parliament because they had no elected representatives in that body.

What did the Townshend Acts do?

The Townshend Acts placed taxes on imported goods such as paint, lead, glass, paper, and tea and allowed customs officials to confiscate ships.

What role did the Daughters of Liberty play in the resistance against British policies?

The Daughters of Liberty produced homespun cloth to boycott British woolens.

What was the outcome of colonial protests against the Townshend Acts?

Parliament repealed the Townshend Acts but left the tax on tea in place to assert its authority.

What was the purpose of the Tea Act, and why did it provoke a negative reaction in the colonies?

The Tea Act allowed the East India Company to sell tea directly to colonial merchants, but colonists were wary of accepting any tax that could set a precedent.

What was the Boston Tea Party?

The Boston Tea Party was a protest in which colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor to oppose the Tea Act.

What were the Coercive Acts, and how did they contribute to the convening of the First Continental Congress?

As punishment for the Boston Tea Party, Parliament closed Boston's port and forbade town meetings, which led to the First Continental Congress.

What was the significance of Lexington and Concord?

The battles of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of armed conflict between British troops and American Minutemen.

What did the 'quartering acts' entail?

Required colonists to provide shelter and supplies to British troops.

What did John Adams argue in the Continental Congress?

Advocated for the idea that the colonies should not be under the authority of the Parliament and that the king should stop Parliament.

What was 'Common Sense'?

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine advocating for American independence and republicanism.

Who was Thomas Jefferson?

He wrote the Declaration of Independence, asserting the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.