Chapter 4 Vocabulary - The American Revolution (1765-1783)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, people, and concepts from Chapter 4: The American Revolution (1765-1783).

Stamp Act

1765 law taxing printed materials in the colonies (newspapers, contracts, deeds); first direct tax; sparked protests and the phrase 'no taxation without representation'.

Sugar Act

1764 law increasing enforcement on imported molasses and creating duties; aimed to raise revenue and crack down on smuggling.

Quartering Act

1765 requirement that colonies house and supply British troops stationed in America.

Townshend Acts

1767 series of indirect taxes on everyday imported goods (glass, lead, paint, paper, tea) to pay royal officials.

Intolerable Acts (Coercive Acts)

1774 measures punishing Massachusetts (including closing Boston Harbor, altering government, housing troops, and extending Quebec) to force compliance.

First Continental Congress

1774 gathering of colonial delegates to coordinate resistance to the Intolerable Acts and organize boycotts.

Nonimportation Agreement

Colonial pledge to boycott British goods in protest of taxes; enforced by local committees.

Committees of Correspondence

Networks set up to share information and coordinate colonial resistance.

Sons of Liberty

Colonial group that organized protests against British policies; notable leaders included Samuel Adams.

Boston Massacre

1770 killing of five colonists by British troops; used as anti-British propaganda by Patriots.

Olive Branch Petition

1775 appeal to King George III to restore harmony while reaffirming loyalty; rejected by Britain.

Common Sense

1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine arguing for independence and republican government; popular among colonists.

Declaration of Independence

1776 document proclaiming independence, outlining natural rights, and listing grievances against the British Crown.

Natural rights

Inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that governments protect.

Unalienable rights

Rights that cannot be taken away; central idea in the Declaration (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness).

Social contract

Idea that governments exist to protect people's rights and derive authority from the governed; if violated, the people may change government.

Militia

Citizen-soldiers who are part-time fighters in the colonies.

Continental Army

Regular American army established by the Second Continental Congress to fight Britain.

Mercenary

Foreign soldiers hired to fight in a war; notably the Hessians employed by Britain.

Saratoga

1777 turning point of the war; American victory that convinced France to ally with the United States.

Yorktown

1781 decisive siege where Cornwallis surrendered; combined Franco-American forces led to end of major fighting.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

Peace treaty recognizing American independence and establishing its borders with Britain.

Manumission

Emancipation of enslaved people; more common in the North after the Revolution.

Republican motherhood

Idea that women’s role as virtuous mothers strengthens the republic and civic virtue.

Baron von Steuben

Prussian officer who trained the Continental Army at Valley Forge, improving discipline and effectiveness.

Marquis de Lafayette

French volunteer who assisted the Patriots and contributed military expertise.

Benjamin Franklin

American diplomat who secured French support and helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris; pivotal in forming the new nation.

George Washington

Commander of the Continental Army; led American forces to victory and became the first U.S. president.

virtual representation

Parliament claimed representatives for all subjects; colonists argued only elected representatives could tax them.

Loyalist

Colonists who remained loyal to Britain during the Revolution; faced persecution and many fled.

Patriot

Colonists who supported independence from Britain and organized resistance.