Key Themes in American Colonial History

Flashcards covering key themes, events, and arguments from the American Colonial history lecture to aid in exam preparation.

Imperial Breakdown (1763–1770)

The period post-Seven Years’ War characterized by Britain's national debt leading to calls for imperial reform and colonial pushback against centralized authority.

Boston Massacre

A key turning point in imperial conflict (1770) where five colonists were killed, including Crispus Attucks, highlighting tensions between Britain and the colonies.

Tea Act Crisis (1773)

Legislation by Parliament aimed to save the East India Company; despite making tea cheaper, it was viewed as an unconstitutional tax by colonists.

Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts)

Britain's punitive measures in response to the Boston Tea Party (1774), which closed Boston Harbor and diminished royal authority.

Declaration of Independence

The 1776 document asserting the unalienable rights of 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness' and justifying the colonies’ desire for independence.

Saratoga Campaign

The 1777 series of battles pivotal in securing the French alliance during the American Revolution, marking a shift to a global conflict.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

The agreement recognizing U.S. independence and delineating its borders to the Mississippi River.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the U.S. that created a weak national government, leading to economic instability and interstate conflict.

Shays’s Rebellion

An armed uprising (1786-1787) by western Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices and highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

A political divide in early U.S. history where Federalists favored a strong national government while Anti-Federalists advocated for states' rights and demanded a Bill of Rights.

The Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution ratified in 1791 to protect individual liberties and limit government power.

Federalist No. 10

A paper by Madison arguing that a large republic can mitigate the dangers of faction and protect minority rights.

Brutus 1

An Anti-Federalist paper warning that a large republic would lead to detached representatives and the potential loss of state authority.