APUSH Unit 2 Subject Vocab

French and Indian War

Conflict between the French and English over territorial claims in North America.

Albany Plan of Union

Proposal to create a centralized government for the British North American colonies.

Quartering

The practice of housing British soldiers in colonial homes during wartime.

Prime Minister William Pitt

English secretary of state who took control during the second phase of the French and Indian War.

Battle of Quebec

A decisive battle where the British defeated the French and gained control of Quebec.

Proclamation of 1763

An edict from King George III restricting colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Pontiac’s War

An uprising led by Ottawa chief Pontiac opposing British expansion into the Ohio Valley.

George III

King of Britain during the American Revolution.

French and Indian War Debt

Britain's substantial debt from the war, leading to attempts to tax the colonies.

Stamp Act

A law requiring colonists to pay for a stamp on documents; led to widespread protests.

Non-importation

Agreements among colonists to not import certain British goods.

Sons of Liberty

An organization formed to resist British taxation and support colonial rights.

Daughters of Liberty

Women’s organization that supported colonial resistance through boycotts and production.

Massachusetts Circular Letter

A letter asserting that Britain could not tax the colonies without representation.

Committees of Correspondence

Networks established for communication among colonial leaders.

Boston Tea Party

Colonial protest against the Tea Act involving the destruction of tea cargo.

Coercive/Intolerable Acts

Punitive laws passed by Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party.

First Continental Congress

A gathering of delegates to formulate a response to the Intolerable Acts.

Lexington and Concord

First military engagements of the American Revolutionary War.

Second Continental Congress

Acted as the de facto government and managed the Revolutionary War effort.

American strengths at the start of the Revolution

Better leadership, home support, and aid from France.

British weaknesses at the start of the Revolution

Poor leadership, distance from Britain, and communication issues.

John Adams

Founding father and delegate to the Continental Congress.

Abigail Adams

Advocate for women's rights and supporter of the American Revolution.

Sam Adams

Founding member of the Sons of Liberty.

Patrick Henry

Famous for his declaration, 'Give me liberty, or give me death!'

Benjamin Franklin

Significant founding father and diplomat during the Revolution.

Paul Revere

Known for his midnight ride warning of British troop movements.

Thomas Jefferson

Author of the Declaration of Independence and third U.S. president.

George Washington

Commander of the Continental Army and first president of the United States.

Marquis de Lafayette

French general who supported the American cause.

Baron von Steuben

Prussian military officer who trained the Continental Army.

Joseph Brant

Mohawk chief who allied with the British during the Revolutionary War.

Charles Cornwallis

British general who surrendered at Yorktown, ending the war.

Alexander Hamilton

Founding father, first Treasury Secretary, and proponent of a strong central government.

Olive Branch Petition

Final appeal to Britain for reconciliation before the Revolutionary War escalated.

Common Sense

Pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating for American independence.

Declaration of Independence

Document declaring the colonies' independence from Britain.

Enlightenment Ideas

Philosophical concepts of natural rights and government by consent in the Declaration.

Alliance with France

Critical diplomatic relationship formed for American support during the war.

Washington’s defensive strategy

Prioritized holding his army together and avoiding unnecessary battles.

Battle of Saratoga

The turning point of the Revolutionary War that secured French support.

Battle of Yorktown

Final major battle of the Revolution leading to British surrender.

African Americans in the Revolutionary War

Both free and enslaved black men fought on various sides in the conflict.

Native Americans in the Revolutionary War

Divided loyalties with some supporting the British and others the colonists.

Women in the Revolutionary War

Contributed to the war effort through various means including support roles.

Treaty of Paris

Agreement that formally ended the Revolutionary War and recognized U.S. independence.

Republicanism

Philosophy of limited government and elected representatives.

Republican Motherhood

The belief that women’s roles included educating future citizens in republican ideals.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, emphasizing legislative powers.

Problems with the Articles of Confederation

Weak central government, inability to tax, and lack of regulation of trade.

Northwest Ordinance

Legislation establishing a government for the Northwest Territory and admitting new states.

Constitutional Convention

Gathering to address weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Federalism

A system where power is shared between national and state governments.

Great Compromise

Established a bicameral legislature with representation by population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

⅗ Compromise

Agreement that three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for representation.

Constitution as a frame for a house

Metaphor for the Constitution serving as a foundational structure for governance.

Criticisms of the Antifederalists

Concerns over strong federal power leading to tyranny; protection of individual rights.

The Federalist Papers

Essays promoting ratification of the Constitution by addressing concerns.

Ratification of the Constitution

Process requiring approval from 9 of the 13 states to become effective.

Washington’s precedents

Established foundational practices for future administrations and foreign policy.

Hamilton’s financial plan

Proposal for a national bank, mint, and excise taxes to stabilize American finances.

Conflict between Britain and France during Washington’s presidency

U.S. caught between competing powers, trading with both while seeking neutrality.

Federalist Party

The first political party favoring strong central government and economic growth.

Democratic Republican Party

Opposition party advocating for states' rights and agrarian interests.

Washington’s Farewell Address

Advice against partisanship and foreign entanglements as he left office.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws targeting immigrants and restricting speech against the government.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Political statements asserting state rights to nullify federal laws.

Separation of Church and State

Principle of keeping religious influence out of government affairs.

Movement in the Early Republic

Expansion past the Appalachian Mountains, establishing new settlements.

Development of an American Identity

Cultural growth focused on education, republican values, individual rights.

Revolution of 1800

Significance of peaceful party transfer of power from Federalists to Democrats.