AP U.S. History Vocab Period 3 (1754-1800)

French and Indian War (3.2)

Definition: Conflict between Britain and France (with Native allies) over land in North America. Significance: Britain’s victory expanded colonial territory but created huge debt, leading to new taxes and colonial resentment.

George Washington (3.2)

Definition: Young colonial officer in the Virginia militia during the French and Indian War. Significance: His early leadership gained him recognition and laid the groundwork for his Revolutionary role.

Albany Plan of Union (3.2)

Definition: Proposal by Benjamin Franklin for a unified colonial government during the French and Indian War. “Join, or Die” cartoon. Significance: Rejected at the time, but became an early model for colonial unity.

Peace of Paris (3.2)

Definition: Treaty ending the Seven Years’ War. Britain gained French Canada and Spanish Florida. France lost almost all North American territory. Significance: Britain became dominant in North America but faced debt and colonial resistance.

Salutary neglect (3.2)

Definition: British policy of loosely enforcing trade laws while colonies governed themselves. Significance: End of salutary neglect after 1763 angered colonists and fueled independence.

Pontiac’s Rebellion (3.2)

Definition: Native American uprising in 1763 against British expansion into the Ohio Valley. Attacks on forts. Significance: Convinced Britain to issue the Proclamation of 1763.

Proclamation of 1763 (3.2)

Definition: British law forbidding colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. Line drawn along Appalachians. Significance: Angered colonists who wanted to expand, fueling resentment against Britain.

Patrick Henry (3.3)

Definition: Virginia lawyer and patriot orator. Significance: Voice of colonial resistance and Revolutionary spirit.

Stamp Act Congress (3.3)

Definition: 1765 meeting of colonies protesting the Stamp Act. Petition to Parliament; boycotts. Significance: First unified colonial response against Britain.

Sons and Daughters of Liberty (3.3)

Definition: Radical groups that organized resistance against British taxes.Tarring and feathering tax collectors. Significance: Mobilized public opinion and pushed Revolution forward.

Samuel Adams (3.3)

Definition: Patriot leader from Massachusetts. Significance: Committees of Correspondence; Boston Tea Party. Key organizer of resistance and revolutionary propaganda.

Committees of Correspondence (3.3)

Definition: Colonial networks to share news of British actions. Through Letters, pamphlets, meetings. Significance: Spread unity and coordinated colonial resistance.

Intolerable Acts (3.3)

Definition: Punishing laws passed after the Boston Tea Party. Closed Boston Harbor; Quartering Act expansion. Significance: Aided colonial unity, leading to the First Continental Congress + pushed colonists closer to revolting

Whigs (3.3)

Definition: British political party opposing absolute monarchy. Supported colonial rights. Significance: Influenced American Patriots’ ideology.

Sugar Act (3.3)

Definition: Tax on sugar and molasses imports. Significance: First tax aimed at raising revenue, angering colonists.

Quartering Act (3.3)

Definition: Required colonists to house British soldiers. Significance: Seen as violation of rights, fueled resentment.

Stamp Act (3.3)

Definition: Tax on printed materials in the colonies. Newspapers, legal documents. Significance: First direct tax on colonists, sparking widespread protests.

Declaratory Act (3.3)

Definition: Parliament had authority to tax colonies after Stamp Act repeal. Significance: Showed Britain would not back down.

Townshend Acts (3.3)

Definition: Taxes on imports like glass, tea, and paper. Significance: Led to boycotts, set stage for Boston Massacre.

Writ of assistance (3.3)

Definition: Search warrants used to stop smuggling. Allowed soldiers to search homes. Significance: Colonists saw them as violations of natural rights.

Tea Act (3.3)

Definition: Gave British East India Company monopoly on colonial tea sales. Cheaper tea but taxed. Significance: Led directly to Boston Tea Party.

Enlightenment (3.4)

Definition: Intellectual movement emphasizing reason, rights, and science. Natural rights, social contract. Significance: Provided ideological basis for American Revolution.

John Locke (3.4)

Definition: English philosopher, Enlightenment thinker. “Life, liberty, and property” Significance: Inspired Jefferson and Declaration of Independence.

Rousseau (3.4)

Definition: French philosopher of Enlightenment. “Social contract”; popular sovereignty. Significance: Influenced democratic ideas in the Revolution.

Thomas Paine (3.4)

Definition: Radical writer. Writer of Common Sense. Significance: Persuaded many colonists to support independence.

First Continental Congress (3.5)

Definition: Meeting of 12 colonies (expt G.A.) in Philly to respond to the Intolerable Acts. Significance: Marked the first coordinated colonial effort against Britain, groundwork for unity and eventual independence.

Patrick Henry (3.5)

Definition: Virginia delegate at the First Continental Congress; fiery orator and lawyer. Significance: Symbolized colonial resistance and pushed Congress toward stronger action against Britain.

Samuel Adams (3.5)

Definition: Mass. revolutionary leader and delegate at the 1st Continental Congress. Organizer of Committees of Correspondence. Significance: radical Patriot, kept revolutionary sentiment alive and pushed for colonial unity.

John Adams (3.5)

Definition: Massachusetts lawyer and delegate at both Continental Congresses. Defended British soldiers after Boston Massacre; key advocate for independence. Significance: Helped draft the Declaration of Independence + future POTUS

John Dickinson (3.5)

Definition: P.A. delegate known for moderate stance toward Britain. Wrote Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania; opposed independence at first Significance: Represented the colonial division between moderates and radicals.

John Jay (3.5)

Definition: New York delegate and diplomat. Co-wrote The Federalist Papers; negotiated the Treaty of Paris (1783). Significance: Important Patriot leader who secured U.S. independence through diplomacy.

Second Continental Congress (3.5)

Definition: Meeting of colonial delegates after Lexington & Concord. Appointed GW as commander; issued Olive Branch Petition. Significance: Governed during the Revolution and ultimately declared independence.

Olive Branch Petition (3.5)

Definition: Final attempt by colonists to reconcile with Britain. Significance: Rejected by King George III, making war inevitable.

Thomas Jefferson (3.5)

Definition: Virginia delegate + main author of the D.o.I. Drew from Locke’s natural rights ideas; later 3rd president. Significance: Principles of liberty that defined the Revolution

Declaration of Independence (3.5)

Definition: Document drafted by Jefferson declaring colonies’ break from Britain. Significance: Officially justified Revolution and inspired global democratic movements.

Concord (3.5)

Definition: Site of first major clash between British troops and colonial militia. British sought weapons Significance: Marked the true beginning of the Revolutionary War.

Lexington (3.5)

Definition: The first skirmish (fight) of the American Revolution. “Shot heard around the world.” Significance: Symbolized start of armed resistance against Britain.

Bunker Hill (3.5)

Definition: Early battle (1775) outside Boston. Colonists inflicted heavy casualties but lost ground. Significance: Proved colonists could stand against British troops.

Battle of Saratoga (3.5)

Definition: Turning point battle where Americans defeated the British. Significance: Convinced France to formally ally with the colonies. Turning point in the war

Yorktown (3.5)

Definition: Final major battle of the Revolution.Washington and French allies forced Cornwallis’s surrender. Significance: Effectively ended the war

Treaty of Paris (3.5)

Definition: Treaty ending the American Revolution. Britain recognized U.S. independence; set Mississippi River as western boundary. Significance: Secured American sovereignty and expanded territory.

Loyalists (Tories) (3.5)

Definition: Colonists who remained loyal to Britain. Strong in New York and the South. Significance: Deepened civil conflict within colonies.

Patriots (3.5)

Definition: Colonists supporting independence. Significance: Their determination fueled the Revolution.

Minutemen (3.5)

Definition: Colonial militia ready to fight on short notice. Fought at Lexington and Concord. Significance: Symbolized colonial readiness and resistance.

Valley Forge (3.5)

Definition: Winter encampment of Continental Army. Harsh conditions. Significance: Strengthened the army into a disciplined force.

Republican Motherhood (3.6)

Definition: The belief that women should teach republican values and civic virtue to their children. Significance: Reinforced traditional gender roles but expanded women’s influence in politics indirectly.

Abigail Adams (3.6)

Definition: Wife of John Adams; early advocate for women’s rights during the Revolution. Significance: Highlighted growing awareness of gender inequality, though change was limited.

Daughters of Liberty (3.6)

Definition: Groups of colonial women who supported the patriot cause. Organized boycotts; spun homespun cloth; replaced British imports with homemade goods. Significance: Showed women’s active participation in the Revolution and economic resistance.

James Madison (3.8)

Definition: Virginia delegate, known as the “Father of the Constitution.” Drafted Virginia Plan; co-wrote The Federalist Papers. Significance: Key architect of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, shaping U.S. government structure.

Alexander Hamilton (3.8)

Definition: New York delegate and strong Federalist leader. Co-wrote The Federalist Papers; pushed for strong central government. Significance: Advocated for a powerful national government and laid foundations for U.S. economic policy.

Federalists (3.8)

Definition: Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong central government. Significance: Won ratification debates and shaped the early federal system.

Anti-Federalists (3.8)

Definition: Opponents of the Constitution who feared centralized power. Significance: Their pressure led to the addition of the Bill of Rights.

The Federalist Papers (3.8)

Definition: Series of essays (1787–1788) defending the Constitution. Written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay. Significance: Influenced ratification debates and remains key to interpreting the Constitution.

Constitutional Convention (3.8)

Definition: 1787 meeting in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation. Produced the U.S. Constitution. Significance: Created a stronger federal government with lasting structures.

Federalism (3.8)

Definition: System dividing power between national and state governments. Significance: Balanced power while addressing weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Separation of powers (3.8)

Definition: Division of government authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Significance: Prevents tyranny by spreading power.

Virginia Plan (3.8)

Definition: Proposal by Madison favoring representation based on population. Favored large states like Virginia. Significance: Shaped debates on representation in Congress.

New Jersey Plan (3.8)

Definition: Proposal for equal representation for all states. Favored small states like New Jersey. Significance: Protected interests of less-populated states.

Connecticut Plan/Great Compromise (3.8)

Definition: Compromise combining Virginia and New Jersey Plans. Bicameral legislature with House (population) and Senate. Significance: Resolved representation issue and secured Constitution’s acceptance.

House of Representatives (3.8)

Definition: Lower chamber of Congress with representation based on population. Significance: Reflected democratic principles by representing citizens directly.

Three-Fifths Compromise (3.8)

Definition: Agreement counting enslaved people as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation.Boosted Southern representation in Congress. Significance: Exposed deep divisions over slavery, foreshadowing conflict.

Electoral College system (3.8)

Definition: Method of electing the president using state-chosen electors. Balances influence of large and small states. Significance: Designed to check direct democracy, still shapes U.S. elections today.

Checks and balances (3.8)

Definition: Each branch limits the others’ powers. Presidential veto; judicial review; congressional impeachment.Significance: Ensures no branch becomes too powerful.

Bill of Rights (3.9)

Definition: The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, added to protect individual liberties and limit federal power. Significance: Addressed Anti-Federalist concerns, secured ratification of the Constitution, and established enduring protections of civil rights.

National Bank (3.10)

Definition: Financial institution proposed by Hamilton to stabilize the U.S. economy, hold government funds, and issue currency. Significance: Sparked debate. Federalists supported it, while Democratic-Republicans opposed.

Supreme Court (3.10)

Definition: The highest federal court in the U.S. established by the Judiciary Act of 1789. Significance: Served as the final authority in interpreting laws and the Constitution, increase in federal power.

Judiciary Act of 1789 (3.10)

Definition: Law passed by Congress that organized the federal court system and established SCOTUS + lower courts. Significance: Created a structured judiciary that balanced state and national authority.

Federalist Party (3.10)

Definition: Political party led by Hamilton; strong central government, national bank, and ties with Britain. Significance: Represented the interests of merchants and elites, shaping early U.S. economic and foreign policy.

Democratic-Republican Party (3.10)

Definition: Political party led by Jefferson and Madison; advocated for states’ rights and an agrarian economy. Significance: Opposed Federalist centralization and became dominant after 1800, more democratic political vision.

John Adams (3.10)

Definition: 2nd U.S. president and leading Federalist. Significance: Faced challenges like the XYZ Affair and Alien & Sedition Acts; presidency highlighted partisan tensions.

Washington’s Farewell Address (3.10)

Definition: Speech where Washington warned against political parties and foreign alliances. Significance: Shaped early U.S. foreign policy of neutrality and served as a moral guide for future leaders.

Alien and Sedition Acts (3.10)

Definition: Federalist laws restricting criticism of the government and allowed deportation of foreigners. Significance: Seen as a violation of free speech; increased tensions between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions (3.10)

Definition: Jefferson and Madison’s response to the Alien and Sedition Acts, declaring states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws. Significance: Introduced the doctrine of states’ rights and challenged federal authority.

Treaty of Greenville (1795) (3.10)

Definition: Agreement between the U.S. and Native tribes after Battle of Fallen Timbers. Significance: Opened the Ohio Valley to American settlement, expanded west migration.

French Revolution (3.10)

Definition: Uprising in France that wanted to overthrow monarchy and promote liberty and equality.

Significance: Deeply divided Americans —> Federalists opposed it; Democratic-Republicans supported it as an extension of U.S. ideals.

Proclamation of Neutrality (3.10)

Definition: Issued by George Washington declaring the U.S. neutral in the conflict between Britain and France. Significance: Set a precedent for avoiding European wars and maintaining peace.

Jay Treaty (3.10)

Definition: Treaty between the U.S. and Britain resolving trade disputes and British presence in the Northwest. Significance: Averted war but angered France and people who viewed it as pro-British.

Pinckney Treaty (3.10)

Definition: Agreement with Spain granting the U.S. navigation rights on the Mississippi River and access to New Orleans. Significance: Strengthened U.S. and Spanish relations + encouraged western expansion.

XYZ Affair (3.10)

Definition: Diplomatic incident where French agents demanded bribes from U.S. representatives. Significance: Outraged Americans, leading to increased Federalist support.

Eli Whitney (3.12)

Definition: American inventor who created the cotton gin. Significance: Revolutionized agriculture and industry, fueling economic growth and slavery’s expansion.

Cotton Gin (3.12)

Definition: Machine invented by Eli Whitney that quickly separated cotton fibers from seeds. Significance: Greatly increased cotton production and made slavery more profitable in the South.