American Revolutionary War: Key Vocabulary and Events

What economic policy aimed to maximize exports and minimize imports in the colonies?

Mercantilism

What term describes the British policy of avoiding strict enforcement of parliamentary laws in the American colonies?

Salutary Neglect

What was the purpose of the Navigation Act?

To regulate colonial trade and enable England to collect taxes from the colonies.

What conflict between Britain and France in North America is known for its significant impact on colonial relations?

French and Indian War

What was the Proclamation of 1763 intended to prevent?

Colonial expansion westward beyond the Appalachian Mountains.

Which act imposed a direct tax on printed materials in the colonies?

Stamp Act

What event is known for the colonial protest against British taxation, leading to the destruction of tea?

Boston Tea Party

What document, authored by Thomas Paine, argued for independence from Britain?

Common Sense

What was the significance of the Declaration of Independence?

It formally declared the colonies' separation from Britain and outlined the principles of individual rights.

What battle is considered the first military engagement of the American Revolutionary War?

Battle of Lexington and Concord

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Paris of 1783?

It officially ended the Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.

What were the strengths of the colonists during the Revolutionary War?

Knowledge of the land, motivation for independence, and support from foreign allies.

What were the weaknesses of the British during the Revolutionary War?

Overextended supply lines, lack of knowledge of the terrain, and growing dissent at home.

Join or Die

Cartoon made by Ben Franklin to promote unity.

Quartering Act

A law requiring American colonists to house and supply British troops in their homes. This act increased tensions leading up to the Revolutionary War.

Tea Act

An act that taxed tea imported to the American colonies, leading to further discontent and the Boston Tea Party.

Olive Branch Petition

A document sent by the Second Continental Congress in 1775 to King George III, proposing a peaceful resolution to conflicts and seeking reconciliation, rejection had fueled resolve for freedom.

John Locke

Enlightenment thinker of natrual rights, right to revolt, and social contract.

Natural Rights

Unchangeable rights, which are life, liberty and private property.

Social Contract

People that give up rights to form a gov.