Colonial Laws, Acts, and Revolutionary War Events Overview

What was the Proclamation Line of 1763?

A boundary set by the British government beyond which settlers were not to go, which was largely ignored.

What was the impact of the Proclamation Line of 1763 on colonists?

It left colonists feeling disconnected from the British Empire as settlements already extended beyond the line.

What is meant by 'specie' in colonial currency?

Gold and silver coins that became valuable as paper money depreciated and lost its worth.

What did the Currency Act mandate?

It banned the colonies from printing their own money and required debts and taxes to be paid with hard currency or specie.

What was the purpose of the Sugar Act?

To impose a tax on imported sugar and reduce smuggling, helping to pay off war debt.

What did the Stamp Act tax?

It taxed paper, legal documents, newspapers, pamphlets, and set a precedent for taxation without representation.

What was the Declaratory Act?

It ended the Stamp Act but reaffirmed Parliament's right to tax the colonies in all cases whatsoever.

What were the Townshend Acts?

A series of taxes on glass, paint, oil, lead, paper, and tea imposed by the British government.

What did the Quartering Act require of colonists?

It demanded that colonists house British troops in public buildings and private homes.

What event is known as the Boston Massacre?

An incident where British troops killed five colonists, including Crispus Attucks, during a confrontation.

What occurred during the Boston Tea Party?

Colonists dumped over 340 chests of tea into Boston Harbor as a protest against British taxation.

What does 'Salutary Neglect' refer to?

An unofficial British policy of loosely enforcing laws in the American colonies, allowing them autonomy.

Who was Deborah Sampson?

A woman who disguised herself as a man to serve as a spy in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

What role did Camp Followers play during the Revolutionary War?

Women who followed the armies to provide support such as cooking, laundry, and childcare.

What is meant by 'Deputy Husband' in the context of colonial women?

Women who took on men's responsibilities, such as running farms or stores, during the absence of men in war.

What are Expatriate Communities?

Groups of people, including African Americans, who moved to parts of the British Empire after the war.

What does 'Depreciation' refer to in colonial currency?

The decline in value of paper money, leading to increased reliance on specie.

What was significant about the Battle of Yorktown?

It was the last major battle of the Revolutionary War, resulting in British surrender.

What was the significance of the Battle of Lexington and Concord?

It marked the beginning of physical conflict in the American Revolution.

What are the Coercive Acts also known as?

Intolerable Acts, passed in response to the Boston Tea Party, which included closing Boston's port.

What changes did the Coercive Acts implement regarding trials?

Trials for officials were moved to England, and all officials had to be approved by the royal governor.