Road to Revolution & French and Indian War (Notes)

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on the French and Indian War, mercantilism, British acts, colonial responses, and the road to the American Revolution.

What were the effects of the French and Indian War on North America and Britain?

France ceded territory in North America; there was ongoing tension between Native peoples and frontier settlers; Britain incurred heavy debt, leading to tighter imperial policies.

What is mercantilism as described in the notes?

An imperial economic system where the mother country benefits: colonies provide cheap raw materials; the mother country sells manufactured goods to colonies at high prices; limited competition.

What was the Stamp Act of 1765 and the related controversy?

Tax on paper and printed goods; seen as an illegal tax to raise money; sparked debate over representation (virtual vs direct) and the slogan 'no taxation without representation.'

What were the Virginia Resolves?

Colonists are British citizens; only colonial legislatures can tax colonists, not Parliament.

What were the Townshend Duties (1767) and the colonists' response?

New taxes on imports (paint, glass, tea, etc.); colonists organized nonconsumption agreements to protest and debated the principle.

What did the Proclamation of 1763 aim to do and how did colonists react?

Aimed to reduce conflict with Native Americans by keeping settlers east of the Appalachian Mountains; proved ineffective and irritated colonists.

What were the psychological outcomes of the war for colonists and Britain per the notes?

Britain downplayed American contributions; Americans felt disrespected and like second-class citizens.

What was the debt outcome of the French and Indian War?

Britain accumulated significant war debt.

What was the Boston Massacre and its significance?

1770 incident in which British soldiers killed colonists; used as propaganda to fuel anti-British sentiment.

What is 'Addrefs to the LADIES' about?

A publication urging American women to support domestic manufacturing and buy locally produced goods.

What reading question do the notes pose about the Revolution?

How/Why did the Americans win the Revolution? (Or, Why did the British lose?)

Who published the engraving 'The Bloody Massacre' and what does it commemorate?

Paul Revere; it commemorates the Boston Massacre and circulated as revolutionary propaganda.