Studied by 78 people
7 Years War CAUSE
1746 - 1763 gov. of VA had awarded the Ohio Company a land grant of land that Indians were living on and that PA land speculators had claimed. French increased their presence in the region and didn’t acknowledge the Ohio Company land claims, starting the war.
7 Years War Effects
1756 - 1763 Many land exchanged were made as a result. Spain got Louisiana, Cuba, and Philippines. Britain gained Canada from France. The NA French empire was with the exception of 2 small islands. The war was a huge financial burden for everyone involved. The war united the Indians in their want to maintain their identities and independence from other European powers.
Pontiac Rebellion
1763 Indians revolted against British rule (influenced by Neolin (Delaware religious prophet who said that Indians must be united and reject Europeans tech, etc.))
Proclamation of 1763
Prohibited further colonial expansion West of the Appalachian mts, and banned the sale of Indian lands to private individuals. (no one really followed it)
Age of Revolution
A series of events that launched popular protest and political upheaval through the Western World. Began in British NA, spread to Europe + Caribbean.
Attack on Hutchinson
In 1765, a violent crowd of Bostonians assaulted the home of Massachusetts lieutenant gov. Hutchinson. This demonstrated not only the frustration of Britain’s efforts to have more control over its empire, but also that you can never predict or anticipate the consequences of revolution.
Virtual Representation
This term was used by the British to argue that colonists were represented in Parliament and the members of Parliament gained the right to speak for the interests of the British subjects.
Writs of Assistance
Search warrants that allowed officials to search for smuggled goods wherever they chose. It alarmed colonists because they saw it as going against the fundamental principles of English liberty.
Sugar Act
1764 This act reduced tax on molasses, established machinery to end smuggling, and prevented accused smugglers from having a jury trial. Colonists didn’t see it as a reduction in taxes, but as a way to force them to pay when they would have previously avoided it.
Stamp Act
1765 This was meant to strengthen the Navigation Acts. It allowed parliament to raise money directly from taxes and trade. All printed stuff needed a stamp purchased from authorities. This was unique because it affected ALL colonists. Colonists didn’t like that the British Army would permanently be in the colonies.
Declaratory Act
1766 This act said that Britain could tax the American colonies and had full authority to pass laws for them. The passing of this act was made on the same day that the Stamp Act was repealed.
Townshend Acts
1767 New taxes on goods such as glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. Merchants objected to this act right away. John Dickenson wanted to reconcile w/ Great Britain and get the same rights as English men.
Tea Act
1773 This act was a tax on tea that granted the East India Company a monopoly on tea. Colonists believed that to pay tax on such as common import was acknowledging Britain’s right to tax the colonies. Led to Boston Tea Party (1773)
Intolerable Acts
1774 This act closed the Boston port until all tea was paid for. The act also reduced town meetings of MA Charter of 1691 and appointed their council members for them instead of having an election. The act united the colonists against the British.
Quebec Act
1774 Extended the border of Quebec Province (gave legal toleration to Roman Catholic Church of Canada.) This made colonists think that the British gov. was trying to strengthen Catholicism. Farmington, CT residents refused to let the British take any of their liberties / enslave them.
Committee of Correspondance
It was a Boston committee that communicated w/ other colonies to get them to oppose the Sugar + Currency Acts. It inspired all colonists (even lower ranked) to think about their liberties and be determined to defend them.
Son’s of Liberty
This was a political organization that wanted to advance the rights of Colonists (stand up for their liberties) and fight taxation by the British (by boycotting British goods).
Regulators
These were wealthy South Carolina residents who protested the lack of courts + order on America and the lack of representation. In NC they kidnapped officials, refused to pay taxes, and assaulted property, etc.
Policy of Nonimportation
The idea of using homemade goods instead of imported goods. Urban artists strongly supported the boycott, however PA + NY merchants were more hesitant. British imports were reduced to 2/3 of their levels in 1769, but eventually returned to their OG levels.
Boston Massacre
1770 A snowball throwing crowd + British troops turned into a fight that killed 5 Bostonians. The troops were put on trial and nearly all were found not guilty. Paul Revere created hatred towards the British by circulating an inaccurate depiction of British soldiers firing into an unarmed crowd.
Crispus Attucks
An Indian - White - African sailor who was killed in the Boston Massacre and who was known as “the first martyr of the American Revolution.
Continental Congress
1774: delegates (political leaders) from 12 colonies came together to organize resistance against the Intolerable Acts.
Committees of Safety
These were meant to implement the Continental Congress’s mandates + take action against “enemies of American liberty”. (includes businessmen looking to profit from the scarcity of goods) Significance: transferred power from established gov.s to bodies of the people (gave everyone a voice.)
Lexington and Concord
1775 British soldiers marched from Boston to Concord to seize arms being stocked. Boston riders (Paul Revere) warned Concord. The British were confronted by Minutemen.
Bunker Hill
1775: Americans defended Breed’s Hill (Bunker Hill) which overlooked Boston. The British launched multiple assaults and captured the hill eventually. The Battle re-inspired the Americans.
Washington Crossing the Delaware
Dec 1776 - Jan 1777 Surprise attack on the Hessians. The greatest challenge the Continental Army + Washington faced was the demoralization + desertion of his soldiers. George read Thomas Paine’s essay “The American Crisis” to inspire his remaining soldiers.
Saratoga
1777 British general John Burgoyne wanted to isolate the NE, but his support (Howe) moved to attack Philadelphia. Americans forced Burgoyne to surrender. It boosted American morale and persuaded the French that an American victory was possible.
Yorktown
Cornwallis moved into BLANK, Virgnia, and settled his army. He was surrounded and was cut off from supplies and reinforcements. Cornwallis surrendered his army (8k men). This battle caused the British support of the war to evaporate and it began peace negotiations.
Second Continental Congress
This group authorized the creation of a Continental Army. George Washington was chosen to lead because of his experience (7 years war), he was the best known military officer and John Adams said he would “reinforce colonial unity”.
American Exceptionalism
The idea that America has a special mission to serve as refuge from tyranny, a role model for the world, and is a symbol of freedom. “Asylum for mankind.”
Treaty of Paris
This treaty officially ended the American Revolutionary War. It gave America recognition of independence, the region between Canada + Florida East of the MI River, and the right to fish in the Atlantic off the coast of Canada.
Abigail Adams
John Adams wife, who demonstrated that all revolutions make the public sphere larger / more significant. They inspire minorities + marginalized groups to fight for their freedom and liberties.
Republic
Authority rests on the consent of the governed, no king or hereditary aristocracy. A system that made decisions for the “public good”.
Freedom Petitions
These were arguments by enslaved African Americans created in the early 1770’s arguing for liberty. How could Americans want to be released from English tyranny but do the same to Africans in heir midst?
Phillis Wheatley
A black poet who had been taken from Africa and brought to Boston as a slave. She learned to read + write and began writing poetry at a young age.
Voluntary Emancipations
During the 1780’s, many slaveholders (especially in VA + MD) voluntarily freed their slaves. This never got underway further south. SC leaders rejected letting the slaves fight w/ them against a British invasion, as they would rather lose the war then their slaves.
Coverture
When the husband holds legal authority over his wife’s property + choices. This remained even after America won its independence.
Republican Motherhood
The idea that women played a crucial role by training future citizens. It encouraged the expansion of education for women so that they could better teach their sons. It reinforced the idea of “companionate” marriage, a voluntary union of affection + mutual dependence instead of a husbands control.
Hobbes
-all individuals are naturally equal
-people are born bad, they need to be controlled
-everyone should obey or choose death
civil war can only be avoided by a strong, undivided gov.
-”Social Contract”
Locke
-Natural rights which cannot be given or taken away (life, liberty, property)
-Social contract between people + gov.(gov.s job is to enforce and protects rights)
-If gov. doesn’t protect rights, people have the right to overthrow the gov. and create a new one.
Montesquieu
-gov.s purpose is to maintain law, political liberty, and individual property.
-Opposed absolute monarchy
-The best form of gov. is when legislative, judicial, + executive are separate + keep each other in check.
Rousseau
-Men are naturally good, but become corrupted by society
-Individuals should never give up their natural rights for a king.
-direct democracy, not representative.
-People should give up their rights to the whole community, and use general will to make laws for the good of everyone.
Wollstonecraft
-Women and children should be educated
-No monarchy or hierarchy
-Equal opportunity for women in career + politics.
Voltaire
-Hold abusers of power responsible
-Religious freedom, freedom of press
-Separation of church + state
Ordinance of 1784
This established stages of self gov. for the West. The region was divided into districts that were governed by congress until they became states.
Ordinance of 1785
This regulated land sales North of the Ohio river (old northwest). Land was surveyed by the gov. and sold by the acre (sections). One section per township would be used to provide funds for public education. It was meant to control settlement while raising money for congress, but settlers kept pressing westward before the gov. could survey the land.
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
This called for the establishment of 3-5 states N of the Ohio River + E of MIssissippi. This was significant bc it enacted what Jefferson called “empire of liberty”. This meant that the western pop. were equal members of the political system, not a colonial area. It also stated the “utmost good faith” would be observed toward Indians + other land wouldn’t be taken w/o consent (didn’t really work). It sets up a system of adding new territory + states.
Shay’s Rebellion
Late 1786 - early 1787: debt-ridden farmers in Western MA closed courts that would have seized their land for failing to pay taxes. the MA gov. had refused to issue paper money or help those in debt. Those who rebelled believed they were acting in the spirit of the revolution. Boudoin (MA governor) sent an army to disperse them, saying w/o adherence to law, Americans would go into “anarchy, confusion + slavery”. This event showed that private liberty could be endangered by the unchecked power of people.
Constitutional Convention
1787: 55 prominent American leaders met to address the problems with the Articles of Confederation. The 55 men were of experience, ability, and wealth. Most had been born into large-property owning families. Nearly half had slaves and had attended college (less common).
Virginia Plan
Called for a 2 house legislature with representation determined by a states population.
New Jersey Plan
Called for a single house congress where each state had 1 vote.
Federalism
One of the 2 basic principles found in the constitution: is the relationship between the nat. gov. + the states. Strengthened nat. gov. compared to Articles of Confederation. President could now enforce law + command military. States couldn’t infringe on property rights by issuing paper money, controlling their own imports / export duties, or impairing contracts.
Checks and Balances
One of the 2 basic principles found in the constitution: it is the way the constitution prevents any branch of the gov. from overpowering the others.
The Federalist Papers
A book of 85 essays written by Hamilton, Madison, + Jay published by pen name Publius into newspapers. Main argument: that the Constitution protected peoples rights, not endangered them. The papers expanded the Public Sphere.
Anti-Federalists
These were people who thought the Constitution made the gov. too powerful, + therefore took away Americans liberties. They believed common people would become dominated by the “well-born”. They thought it was absurd that here was no bill of rights (each state had their own).
Annuity System
Established in 1795 in the Treaty of Greenville, this system gave yearly grants of federal money to Indian tribes who allowed gov. interference in their tribal affairs + Indian life. However it was such a big change to their lifestyles (especially gender norms) that most tribes rejected it.
Hamilton’s Financial Plan
The goals of this plan were to bring the U.S financial stability and encourage economic development. He wanted the U.S to become a major commercial + military power in the long run.
4 parts:
Pay off national debt
Create a national bank
Place a tax on whiskey
Tax on foreign goods
The Jefferson - Hamilton Bargain
1790: This deal meant that Southerners accepted Hamilton’s plan (w/o subsidies to manufacturers) in exchange for the establishment of a national capital on the Potomac river (between MD + WA) which would enhance their own power in gov. while taking away influence of Northern merchants + farmers.
Policy of Impressment
This policy was carried out by the British when they kidnapped American citizen sailors who were trading in the West Indies and forced them to serve in the British Navy.
Jay’s Treaty
Created as a result of the policy of impressment, in this treaty Britain agreed to abort their western frontier outposts and in return the U.S guaranteed favored treatment of British imported goods. It canceled the French - American alliance + recognized Britain’s supremacy in economy + navy. It led to even more political divisions in the US and the formation of an opposing party. It was the ‘greatest controversy in Washington’s rule”.
Whiskey Rebellion
This occurred when backcountry PA farmers protested against a new tax on distilled spirits using posters + liberty symbols of 1776. Washington sent an army of minutemen to put them down. It was significant not only bc it was the first time the prez had commanded the army in the field, but bc it showed that democracy + freedom could be dangerous in citizens hands. It proved to Europe that the US was able to restore public order.
XYZ Affair
The US had wanted to trade nonmilitary goods w both the British + French, but they both seized US ships. In 1797 US wanted to negotiate a treaty w France, but they demanded bribes. Adams made this public + the French officials were referred to as XYZ. Significance: ruined relations w/ France. By 1798 they were in a “quasi war” at sea that lasted until peace was negotiated in 1800.
Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation
This proclamation was very controversial because it allowed slaves to serve in the British army in exchange for freedom, and eventually pushed the colonies to make similar offers.
Alien Act
1798 Allowed the deportation of people from abroad who were deemed “dangerous” by federal authority.
Sedition Act
1798 Allowed the persecution of any group / public assembly / publication that was critical of the gov. (targeted Republic press, but failed to silence them). People saw it as unconstitutional because it violated the 1st Amendment.
Virginia + Kentucky Resolutions
This attacked the Sedition acts + claimed they violated the first amendment. VA’s called on federal courts to protect free speech. KY’s asserted that states could prevent the enforcement of such laws in their borders, but legislature denied it. Although no other states enforced these resolutions, it reinforced the idea that free speech was a crucial part of American Liberty + democracy.
Election of 1800
Jefferson + his running mate (Aaron Burr) were tied, and it came down to a house vote to decide who would be VP. Hamilton voted for Jefferson + tipped the scale because he believed that Burr was obsessed w/ power. The revulsion of the Alien + Sedition Acts greatly contributed to Jefferson’s election.
12th Amendment
This amendment prevents any ties in the presidential election by requiring electors to cast separate votes for president + vice president.
Haitian Revolution
This was a successful slave revolution in 1800. It inspired American slaves to hope for freedom and many free blacks even immigrated to this country to enjoy rights that they didn’t have in the US. It caused white Americans to fear a slave insurrection. The US took this event + said that slaves are unfit for Republic freedom since they simply resort to violence.
Gabriel’s Rebellion
Gabriel, a slave, had organized a march on Richmond. They planned to kill some whites + hold others hostage until slavery was abolished. But the plot was discovered + Gabriel + other leaders were hung + arrested. To VA, it showed that slaves had an “advance of knowledge” of American freedom + possessed a love for liberty. Although George Tucker wanted slaves to be emancipated, the VA legislature moved in the opposite direction (tightened control on black population).
Suffolk Reserves
These were approved by the Continental Congress, which called upon Americans to disregard new crown laws, refuse to pay their taxes, and begin mobilizing for conflict.
Natural Rights
Instead of thinking of the historical rights of Englishmen, people looked at the natural rights and universal freedoms.
Pinckney’s Treaty
This recognized the friendships of US + Spain. It defined the boundaries of the US + Spanish colonies.
Precedent
It is an act, decision, or case that will serve as a justification / guide for a later event / situation. Ex. Washington establishing a cabinet.
Marbury V Madison
1803 John Adams made last-minute appointments before he left office (midnight judges). However, William Maybury never received his appointment papers and he sued new Secretary of State James Madison. It established judicial review, which says that The Supreme Court should review laws that conflict with the Constitution and can strike down a law as unconstitutional. Judicial Review is an example of checks and balances.
Naturalization Act of 1790
This gave the first legislative definition of American nationality, and it was only the white people. It was an open immigration process for Europeans, expect for felons, convicts, lunatics, etc. Africans were only allowed to become citizens after 1870, + it wasn’t till the 1940s that people of Asian origin could.
Slave Trade Clause
1808 - Allowed the slave trade
Fugitive Slave Clause
Said that a slave remained property of their owner even if they escaped to a state where slavery had been abolished.
3/5 Clause
3/5 of the slave pop. would be counted to determine the states representation in the house and how many electoral votes they got. (gave advantage to South.
Daughters of Liberty
This was the formal female association that was formed in 1765 to protest the Stamp Act, and later the Townshend Acts, and was a general term for women who identified themselves as fighting for liberty during the American Revolution. They encouraged boycotting stamps and taxed goods.
Elastic Clause (Necessary + Proper Clause)
This allows Congress to make laws not specifically stated in the Constitution.
10th Amendment
The powers not delegated to the US by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
Revolutionary things about the Revolution
opened the vote to more people (decreased voting requirements)
more religious freedom
Decline in indentured servitude
reinvigorated slavery
The idea of American equality
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