Stages of the American Revolution

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and terms related to the stages of the American Revolution.

Mayflower Compact

An agreement signed by male passengers on the Mayflower in 1620 establishing laws for the general good.

Virginia House of Burgesses

The first elected legislative assembly in British North America, established in 1619. It marked the beginning of representative government in the colonies.

Self-government

A system of governance where the consent of the governed is obtained through elected representatives.
A significant aspect of colonial development, laying the foundation for democratic principles in America.

Bacon’s Rebellion

A 1676 revolt led by Nathaniel Bacon against Governor Berkeley's administration in Virginia.

It highlighted tensions between frontier settlers and the colonial government over issues like land and Native American policies.

Navigation Acts

Laws passed by Britain to control trade within the American colonies.
They restricted colonial trade to Britain and its allies, aiming to ensure that England benefited economically from colonial resources.

Salutary Neglect

An unofficial policy of leniency toward colonial governance that lasted until 1763. It allowed the colonies considerable freedom in economic and political matters, contributing to a sense of self-governance.

The Great Awakening

A religious revival movement in the colonies during the late 1720s and 1730s promoting individual faith leading to increase church attendance and the founding of new denominations.

The Enlightenment

An 18th-century movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of tradition. It influenced American colonies by promoting ideas of liberty, democracy, and the questioning of authority, which fostered revolutionary sentiments.

Writs of Assistance

Legal documents allowing British customs officials to inspect any ship or building. These writs were used to combat smuggling and enforce trade regulations in the American colonies.

The Sugar Act

A 1764 law imposing duties on sugar and molasses imported into the colonies. It aimed to raise revenue for Britain and curb smuggling by lowering the tax on sugar while enforcing stricter regulations on molasses.

The Stamp Act

A 1765 tax requiring colonists to purchase special stamped paper for legal documents.

The act led to widespread protests and was a pivotal event in the build up to the American Revolution, as it represented a direct tax imposed without colonial representation in Parliament.

The Sons of Liberty

A group of patriots who organized protests against British taxation. They played a key role in mobilizing public opinion against the Stamp Act and other oppressive measures.

The Declaratory Act

Law passed in 1766 affirming Parliament's authority to legislate for the colonies. It asserted that Parliament had the right to make laws affecting the colonies "in all cases whatsoever," reinforcing British control despite colonial opposition.

The Townshend Acts

A series of laws passed in 1767 imposing duties on imported goods. The Townshend Acts led to unrest and protests in the colonies, serving as a response to the lack of representation and the previously imposed Stamp Act. They included taxes on items such as tea, glass, and paper.

Boston Massacre

A 1770 confrontation in which British soldiers killed five colonists. The incident escalated tensions between Britain and the American colonies, fueling anti-British sentiments and propaganda.

Committees of Correspondence

Groups formed to coordinate resistance against British policies. They served as a network for communication and organization among the colonies, facilitating the exchange of information and mobilization for protests.

The Tea Act

A 1773 law granting the British East India Company the right to sell tea directly to the colonies.
This act aimed to reduce the company's surplus of tea and undermine local merchants by allowing only the East India Company to sell tea, leading to colonial resistance and events like the Boston Tea Party.

Boston Tea Party

A 1773 protest where colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor. This was a response to the Tea Act, representing colonial resistance to British taxation.

The Intolerable Acts

A series of punitive laws passed in 1774 for Massachusetts as a response to the Tea Party.

These acts included closing Boston Harbor, revoking Massachusetts' charter, and allowing royal officers to be tried elsewhere. They aimed to restore order but instead fueled further dissent among the colonies.

The Quartering Act

A law requiring colonists to provide housing and supplies for British troops. This act aimed to ensure that British soldiers stationed in the colonies had adequate accommodations and provisions, often leading to resentment and opposition from colonists.

Battle of Lexington and Concord

The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War in April 1775.
These battles marked the start of armed conflict between Britain and the American colonies, inspiring the Colonial militia to fight for independence.

The battles were initiated by British troops attempting to seize colonial military supplies, leading to a confrontation with local militia.

Continental Congress

A convention of delegates from the colonies that met to coordinate resistance to Britain. It served as the governing body during the Revolutionary War, facilitating communication and cooperation among the colonies in their struggle for independence.

Battle of Bunker Hill

A 1775 battle that demonstrated colonial resolve despite British victory.
The battle was fought primarily on Breed's Hill, where colonial forces fortified their positions. It showcased the determination of American forces and proved that they could stand up to the professional British army, leading to significant casualties on both sides.

Olive Branch Petition

A final attempt by the colonists to avoid war with Britain in 1775. It was addressed to King George III and expressed the colonists' desire for peace and reconciliation, while asserting their rights.

Common Sense

A pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating for American independence from Britain.
It argued that monarchy was an illegitimate form of government and called for the creation of a democratic republic.

Declaration of Independence

The document proclaiming the colonies' freedom from British rule, adopted on July 4, 1776.
It asserted the colonies' right to self-govern and outlined grievances against King George III. The Declaration, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, is a foundational symbol of American democracy.

Battle of New York

A significant British victory in 1776 that nearly defeated the Continental Army. The battle showcased British military strength and forced Washington to retreat and regroup.

Battle of Charleston

A major battle in 1780 where British forces captured Charleston, South Carolina.
This battle marked one of the worst defeats for the Continental Army in the Southern campaign, leading to significant British control in the South.

Battle of Saratoga

The turning point of the American Revolution in 1777 that led to a French alliance.

Valley Forge

The site of the Continental Army's winter encampment in 1777-78, illustrating endurance.
The harsh conditions tested the resolve of Washington and his troops, leading to crucial training and eventual success in later battles.

Battle of Yorktown

The last major battle of the Revolutionary War in 1781, leading to British surrender and American Independence.

Treaty of Paris 1783

Agreement that officially ended the Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence.
It established the boundaries of the newly formed United States and addressed issues regarding territory and rights.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the U.S adopted in 1781, It provided limited powers to Congress and created a framework for cooperation among the states, but ultimately was replaced by the U.S. Constitution due to its inefficiencies.

Shay's Rebellion

An uprising in 1786 by farmers protesting economic injustices and the Articles of Confederation.
It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles and the need for a stronger federal government.

Virginia Plan

Called for a creation of a national republic with a strong central government on May 29, 1787. The Virginia plan served as a foundation and followed extensive debate, revision, and compromise by the framers, ultimately evolving the United States constitution.                                                                

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state. It was introduced in response to the Virginia Plan at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, aiming to maintain the sovereignty of smaller states/emphasize federal power.

Great Compromise

The proposed plan by the committee, provided for a bicameral legislature with distributed representation for each state based on population for on chamber and equal state representation

Three-Fifths Compromise

A decision counting three-fifths of a state's slave population for representation and taxation.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between national and state governments.

Checks and Balances

A system designed to prevent any one branch of government from gaining too much power.

Federalists

Advocates for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution favoring a strong central government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who favored stronger state governments and disagreed with ratifying the constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first 12 amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual rights and ensuring protection from government overreach.