AP U.S. History Key Terms (1763–1798)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key historical events, laws, and documents in American history from 1763 to 1798.

Treaty of Paris (1763)

The agreement that ended the French and Indian War, giving Britain control of Canada and all land east of the Mississippi.

Proclamation of 1763

A British order that barred colonial settlement west of the Appalachians in an effort to avoid conflict with Native Americans.

Sugar Act (1764)

A tax on sugar and molasses intended to raise revenue and reduce smuggling; it was seen by colonists as taxation without representation.

The Stamp Act (1765)

The first direct tax on the colonists, requiring stamps on all printed materials.

Stamp Act Congress

A meeting of colonial delegates that organized resistance to British taxes and asserted the principle of no taxation without representation.

Declaratory Act (1766)

An act passed after the repeal of the Stamp Act which asserted Parliament’s full authority over the colonies in all cases whatsoever.

Townshend Acts (1767)

Taxes on imported goods such as tea, glass, and paper designed to raise revenue and reduce colonial control over officials, leading to widespread boycotts.

Boston Massacre (1770)

An incident where British soldiers fired into a crowd, killing five people; it was subsequently used as propaganda by patriots against British rule.

Boston Tea Party (1774)

A protest in which colonists dumped British tea into the harbor to oppose the Tea Act.

Intolerable Acts (1774)

Harsh penalties imposed by Britain in response to the Boston Tea Party, which included the closing of Boston Harbor.

First Continental Congress (1774)

A meeting of delegates from 12 colonies to coordinate a response to the Intolerable Acts and organize resistance.

Shot Heard Round the World (1775)

The first gunfire of the American Revolution, occurring at Lexington and Concord.

Common Sense (1776)

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that argued for independence, criticized the monarchy, and shifted public opinion toward revolution.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

A document written mainly by Thomas Jefferson that declared separation from Britain and asserted natural rights.

Victories at Trenton and Princeton (1776-7)

Surprise attacks led by George Washington in New Jersey that revived morale and preserved the Continental Army.

Battle of Saratoga (1777)

A turning point victory for the Americans that convinced France to enter an alliance with the United States.

Articles of Confederation (1777)

The first U.S. constitution, which created a weak central government that was unable to tax or regulate commerce.

Winter at Valley Forge (1777-78)

A period where the Continental Army endured extreme cold and shortages but improved discipline under von Steuben.

Battle of Yorktown (1781)

The final major battle of the Revolution where British General Cornwallis surrendered to Washington.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

The treaty that ended the American Revolution; Britain recognized U.S. independence and granted land reaching to the Mississippi.

Northwest Ordinance (1787)

A law that organized the Northwest Territory, banned slavery there, and established rules for admitting new states.

Shays’ Rebellion (1787)

An uprising of farmers in Massachusetts that revealed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and prompted calls for a stronger government.

Federalist Papers (1787-8)

A series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay arguing for the ratification of the Constitution.

Ratification of the Constitution (1788)

The formal approval of the Constitution, achieved through compromises including the Great Compromise, the 3/5 Compromise, the allowance of the slave trade until 1808, and the promise of a Bill of Rights.

Inauguration of George Washington (1789)

The event where Washington became the first president, establishing key precedents for the executive branch.

Hamilton’s Economic Plan (1790)

A proposal calling for federal assumption of state debts, the creation of a national bank, and support for manufacturing.

2-Party System (1792)

The emergence of political divisions over Hamilton’s plans, leading to the formation of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

Fugitive Slave Act (1793)

A law requiring that escaped enslaved people be returned to their owners, even if they were found in free states.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

A protest by farmers against a whiskey tax; Washington suppressed it with federal troops to demonstrate government authority.

Cotton Gin (1794)

A machine invented by Eli Whitney that sped up cotton processing and led to the expansion of slavery in the South.

Jay’s Treaty (1795)

An unpopular agreement with Britain intended to prevent war, though it failed to address all outstanding issues from the Revolution.

Washington’s Farewell Address (1796)

A final message from George Washington warning the nation against political parties, sectionalism, and foreign entanglements.

XYZ Affair (1797)

An incident where French agents demanded bribes from U.S. diplomats, sparking outrage and leading to the Quasi-War.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

Federalist laws that restricted immigration and criminalized criticism of the government, seen by many as violating free speech.