Key Events and Concepts Leading to the American Revolution

A collection of flashcards covering key terms, events, and concepts related to the American Revolution.

French and Indian War

A conflict in North America between Great Britain and France, along with their respective Native American allies.

Proclamation Line

Prohibited Anglo-American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.

British East India Company

A powerful English corporation, chartered in 1600, monopolizing British trade with Asia, particularly in tea.

Boston Massacre

An incident where seven British soldiers fired into a crowd of Bostonians, resulting in five deaths and six injuries.

Sons of Liberty

A secret colonial American political organization, co-founded by Samuel Adams, formed to protest British taxation and oppression.

Tea Act

Legislation that gave the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the American colonies by allowing it to sell tea directly.

Parliament

A national assembly of elected representatives who create, debate, and pass laws, holding the government accountable.

Mercantilism

An economic system focused on maximizing exports and accumulating gold and silver through strict government control of trade.

Salutary Neglect

Britain's unofficial trade policy that loosely enhanced trade laws.

Patriots

Individuals who support their country and are prepared to defend it against enemies.

Loyalists

Individuals who support their government or sovereign during a revolt.

Tyranny

Cruel and oppressive government or rule.

Repeal

To officially revoke, annul, or cancel a law or regulation.

Common Sense

A powerful pamphlet arguing for American independence, condemning monarchy and highlighting the absurdity of hereditary rule.

Stamp Act

A direct tax on American colonists to fund defense expenses after the French and Indian War.

Quartering Act

British laws requiring American colonists to provide housing, food, and supplies for British soldiers.

Paul Revere

A Boston silversmith and patriot famous for his 'midnight ride' in 1775 to warn of approaching British troops.

Thomas Jefferson

A Founding Father and principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776).

Benjamin Franklin

An American polymath and a Founding Father of the United States, known as a printer, author, and diplomat.

The Olive Branch Petition

A final attempt by the American Continental Congress in July 1775 to avoid war with Britain.

Intolerable Acts

A series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 to punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party.