Causes of the American Revolution: Study Guide

French and Indian War

Tensions between Britain and France over land and resources in North America, particularly the Ohio River Valley.

Albany Plan

A proposal by Benjamin Franklin to create a unified government for the 13 colonies to coordinate defense and other common policies during the French and Indian War.

Colonial assemblies' rejection of the Albany Plan

Colonists were reluctant to give up individual autonomy and feared a centralized government that might limit their freedom.

British rejection of the Albany Plan

The British government was unwilling to grant the colonies too much power and preferred to maintain control over colonial affairs.

Pontiac's Rebellion

A Native American uprising led by Chief Pontiac in 1763, where tribes attacked British forts and settlements in the Great Lakes region.

Native Americans' attack on British forts

They were unhappy with British policies and encroachment on their land, especially the restrictions on trade and settlement.

Proclamation of 1763

To prevent further conflict with Native Americans by forbidding colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Colonists' feelings about the Proclamation of 1763

Colonists were angry and frustrated, feeling that they had earned the right to settle on new lands after the French and Indian War.

Salutary Neglect

A British policy of loosely enforcing regulations on the American colonies, allowing them considerable freedom in managing their own affairs.

Colonists' freedoms under Salutary Neglect

Colonists were allowed to self-govern, manage trade, and expand economically without much interference.

British goals after the French & Indian War

They wanted to secure their expanded empire, raise revenue to pay off war debts, and tighten control over the colonies.

Reason for British tax increases

To cover the enormous debt from the French and Indian War and to fund the maintenance of British troops in North America.

Colonists' view of Britain's government

Colonists believed that Britain's system of government was balanced, with protections for liberty through checks and balances.

Colonists' anger about new taxes

They were upset because they were being taxed without representation in Parliament, violating their belief in self-governance.

Control of government in Great Britain and colonies

In Great Britain, the monarchy and Parliament held control.

Colonial Assemblies

Local assemblies in the colonies that had significant influence over governance.

Royal Governors

Officials appointed by the crown to govern the colonies.

Fear of Full Democracy

British officials and colonial elites were wary of full democracy, fearing it would lead to instability and mob rule.

Power of Colonial Assemblies

Colonial assemblies controlled local taxation and finances, giving them leverage over royal governors.

Crown Salaries for Governors

The British wanted governors to be paid crown salaries to reduce the influence of colonial assemblies.

Sugar Act

An act that reduced the tax on molasses but strengthened enforcement to encourage payment of the Sugar Tax.

Enforcement of Sugar Tax

The British increased enforcement of customs duties and cracked down on smuggling to force American traders to pay the Sugar Tax.

Quartering Act

An act requiring colonists to provide housing and supplies to British troops stationed in North America.

Stamp Tax

A tax imposed on all printed materials requiring a stamp to show payment.

Revenue from Stamp Act

Britain intended to use the revenue from the Stamp Act to pay for the cost of maintaining troops in North America.

Colonial Response to Stamp Act

Colonists protested by organizing boycotts, forming the Stamp Act Congress, and petitioning for repeal.

Repeal of Stamp Act

The British repealed the Stamp Act due to widespread colonial protests and economic pressure from boycotts.

Boston Massacre

An event on March 5, 1770, where British soldiers opened fire on a crowd of colonists, killing five.

Tax on Tea

The British kept the tax on tea as a symbol of Parliament's authority over the colonies.

Boston Tea Party

A protest where colonists dumped British tea into the harbor in response to the Tea Act.

Coercive Acts

Legislation passed in retaliation for the Boston Tea Party to punish Massachusetts and assert British authority.

First Continental Congress

The first truly revolutionary act of the American Revolution, convening in 1774 to coordinate colonial response to British actions.

Decisions of First Continental Congress

The Congress decided to boycott British goods and petition King George III to address colonial grievances.