Imperial Reforms and Colonial Protests, 1763-1774

This set of flashcards covers key terms, acts, and events related to the British imperial reforms and colonial protests leading up to the American Revolution.

Proclamation Line of 1763

A boundary prohibiting colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains to prevent conflicts with Native Americans.

Sugar Act (1764)

A law that lowered the tax on molasses but enforced stricter collection, aimed at reducing smuggling.

Stamp Act (1765)

A tax imposed by Parliament requiring colonists to purchase special stamped paper for legal documents, newspapers, and other publications.

Virtual Representation

The British theory that the colonies were represented in Parliament even without direct representatives from the colonies.

Currency Act (1764)

Legislation that banned the use of paper money as legal tender in the colonies to protect English merchants.

Boston Massacre (1770)

An incident where British soldiers killed five colonists, escalating tensions between Britain and the colonies.

Independence and Self-Reliance

The belief held by some frontiersmen that individuals should rely on their own judgment and abilities rather than on the ruling authority.

Commissions of Customs Act

A law that established new regulations and enforcement practices for customs in the colonies.

Paxton Boys

A vigilante group from Pennsylvania, made up of frontiersmen, who retaliated against Native Americans after the Conestoga Massacre.

Molasses Act of 1733

An economic law that imposed a tax on molasses and encouraged smuggling to evade these taxes.