Study Guide: American Revolution and Declaration of Independence

A collection of flashcards focused on key vocabulary and events from the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence to aid in test preparation.

Albany Plan of the Union

A proposal by Ben Franklin for the colonies to band together for defense against the French, which was rejected by colonial legislatures.

French and Indian War

A conflict between the French and British over control of North America, ultimately leading to British dominance after the Treaty of Paris of 1763.

Proclamation of 1763

A decree by the British Parliament forbidding colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains to reduce conflict with Native Americans.

Sugar Act (1764)

A law that imposed taxes on sugar, molasses, and other imports to the colonies, also enforcing strict penalties on smugglers.

Stamp Act (1765)

A tax law requiring all legal documents to carry a tax stamp, generating significant colonial unrest and protest.

Declaratory Act (1766)

An act asserting Parliament's authority over the colonies, asserting they had the right to legislate for them in all cases.

Sons of Liberty

A secret organization formed to resist British policies, known for protesting the Stamp Act and organizing the Boston Tea Party.

Boston Massacre

A violent encounter in 1770 between British soldiers and Boston colonists, resulting in the deaths of five colonists, symbolizing British tyranny.

Boston Tea Party

An act of protest by the Sons of Liberty in 1773, where they dumped 342 crates of tea into Boston Harbor in opposition to the Tea Act.

First Continental Congress

A 1774 meeting of delegates from twelve colonies (excluding Georgia) to discuss colonial grievances and coordinate resistance against Britain.

Midnight Ride

The overnight journey of Paul Revere and William Dawes on April 18-19, 1775, to warn colonists of the British attack.

Battle of Lexington and Concord

The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775, marking the outbreak of armed conflict between Britain and the colonies.

Common Sense

A pamphlet by Thomas Paine published in 1776 that advocated for American independence and challenged the legitimacy of the British monarchy.

Declaration of Independence

The document authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, declaring the thirteen colonies' independence from Britain, outlining rights and grievances.

The Treaty of Paris (1783)

The agreement that ended the Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence and establishing borders for the new nation.

Patriots

Colonists who rebelled against British control and supported independence, also known as Whigs.

Loyalists

Colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War, also known as Tories.

Guerilla Warfare

A form of irregular warfare using hit-and-run tactics, adopted by the American militias during the Revolution against the British.

Bunker Hill

A significant battle in 1775 where colonial forces demonstrated their ability to stand up to the British army, despite ultimately losing.

Saratoga

A pivotal battle in 1777 that marked the turning point of the Revolutionary War, leading to French support for the American cause.

Valley Forge

The site of the Continental Army's winter encampment in 1777-78, notable for the harsh conditions faced by the troops and the training they received.