Foundations of Revolution & Enlightenment

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and individuals addressed in the lecture notes regarding the Foundations of Revolution, Enlightenment influences, and the early structure and compromises of American government.

French and Indian War Proclamation of 1763

An event that increased tensions between the American colonies and Britain, marking the beginning of colonial dissatisfaction.

Taxation

The practice of levying taxes that contributed to growing tensions between British authorities and American colonists prior to the Revolution.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that emphasized the importance of building up a nation's wealth by regulating trade, which affected colonial economics and relations with Britain.

John Locke

An Enlightenment thinker whose ideas on natural rights influenced American revolutionary ideas, advocating for life, liberty, and property.

Montesquieu

A philosopher who influenced the structure of American government with his idea of separation of powers.

Rousseau

An Enlightenment thinker who introduced the concept of the social contract, impacting revolutionary thought and ideas of governance.

Glorious Revolution

An event in British history that established parliamentary sovereignty and influenced early American documents.

English Bill of Rights

A pivotal document that reflected British political traditions and inspired American principles of governance.

Declaration of Independence

A foundational document of American political philosophy reflecting Enlightenment ideals and British traditions.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, which featured weaknesses such as lack of tax authority and central power.

Great Compromise

A proposal during the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature, balancing representation between large and small states.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement made at the Constitutional Convention that determined how slaves would be counted for representation and taxation purposes.

Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist debates

Discussions regarding the balance of power between the federal government and the states, shaping the foundation of American political discourse.