Unit 3.5-3.7 Vocab terms

First Continental Congress

Held in Philadelphia in September 1774, this was the first major coordinated meeting of colonial leaders (from 12 colonies, except Georgia) in response to the Intolerable Acts. Delegates debated how to resist Britain's increasing control. They issued the Declaration of Rights and Grievances, agreed to the Continental Association (boycotting British imports and cutting off exports), and urged colonies to form militias. Although they didn't yet call for independence, this meeting was a critical step toward unified colonial action.

Suffolk Resolves

A set of resolutions Massachusetts, in 1774 that declared the Intolerable Acts unconstitutional. They urged colonists to boycott British goods, refuse to pay taxes to Britain, and arm themselves for defense. These resolves were endorsed by the First Continental Congress, marking a shift toward open resistance and laying the groundwork for armed conflict.

Second Continental Congress

Convened in May 1775 in Philadelphia, just after fighting broke out at Lexington and Concord. This Congress served as the government of the colonies during the Revolutionary War. It created the Continental Army with George Washington as commander, issued paper money to finance the war, and sent peace efforts like the Olive Branch Petition. By 1776, it moved toward declaring independence and later drafted the Articles of Confederation to govern the new nation.

Declaration of the Causes and Necessities of Taking Up Arms

Issued by the Second Continental Congress in July 1775, this document explained why colonists had taken up arms against Britain. It emphasized that they were defending their liberties against British aggression (like the Intolerable Acts and military occupation), but at the time it stopped short of calling for independence.

Olive Branch Petition

Sent by the Second Continental Congress in July 1775 to King George III as a last attempt at reconciliation. It affirmed loyalty to the king but asked him to intervene and end Parliament's hostile policies. The king rejected the petition, declared the colonies in rebellion, and closed the door to peace, pushing the colonies closer to independence.

Prohibitory Act

A December 1775 law passed by Britain that declared the colonies in rebellion. It cut off trade between Britain and the colonies, authorized seizure of American ships, and blockaded ports. For many colonists, it was the final proof that Britain no longer saw them as subjects, making independence seem unavoidable.

Thomas Jefferson

A Virginian lawyer, planter, and intellectual who became the primary author of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He argued for natural rights ("life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness") and the idea that governments exist with the consent of the governed. was deeply influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke.

Declaration of Independence

Adopted on July 4, 1776, this document formally severed ties with Britain. Written mainly by Thomas Jefferson, it declared that all men are born with natural rights and that government exists to protect those rights. It listed grievances against King George III, such as taxation without representation, quartering soldiers, and military oppression. Its significance lies in both declaring American independence and becoming a symbol of liberty and democratic principles worldwide.

Patriots

Colonists who supported independence from Britain. They included farmers, artisans, merchants, and political leaders like Washington, Adams, and Franklin. Patriots provided the majority of soldiers for the Continental Army and often faced hardship, as they risked property, status, and lives for the revolutionary cause.

Loyalists

Colonists who remained loyal to Britain during the Revolution, often called "Tories." They tended to be older, wealthier, Anglican, or connected to British trade and government. They feared social chaos if Britain lost. About 20-30% of the colonial population were Loyalists, and many fled to Canada or Britain after the war.

Battle of Saratoga

A major 1777 American victory in upstate New York, where General Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold forced British General Burgoyne to surrender. It is considered the turning point of the war because it convinced France (and later Spain) to formally ally with the United States, providing military and financial support crucial to eventual victory.

Valley Forge

The winter encampment of Washington's army in 1777-1778 in Pennsylvania. Soldiers endured freezing weather, starvation, and disease, with thousands dying. Despite the suffering, it became a symbol of resilience. Baron von Steuben, a Prussian officer, trained the troops there, instilling discipline and turning the Continental Army into a more effective fighting force.

Battle of Yorktown

The final major battle of the Revolutionary War in 1781. American and French forces under Washington and Rochambeau, with naval support from the French fleet, trapped British General Cornwallis's army at, Virginia. Cornwallis surrendered, effectively ending the war, as Britain soon sought peace.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

The peace treaty that officially ended the Revolutionary War. Britain recognized U.S. independence, granted territory to the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes, and Florida (to Spain), and promised to withdraw troops. The U.S. agreed to repay debts to British creditors and return Loyalist property (though this was rarely enforced). This treaty secured America's sovereignty and set its western borders.

Molly Pitcher

A nickname for women who followed soldiers to war, providing water to troops and aiding in battle.The most famous was Mary Ludwig Hays, who allegedly took over her husband’s cannon after he collapsed at the Battle of Monmouth. Her story symbolizes the contributions of women to the war effort.

Mary Ludwig Hays

who allegedly took over her husband's cannon after he collapsed at the Battle of Monmouth. Her story symbolizes the contributions of women to the war effort.

Deborah Sampson

A Massachusetts woman who disguised herself as a man and enlisted in the Continental Army. She fought for over a year before being discovered. Her story became legendary as an example of women's courage and their willingness to take part in the Revolution beyond traditional roles.

Republican Motherhood

An idea that emerged after the Revolution that emphasized women's role in raising children to be virtuous citizens of the new republic. While it didn't grant women direct political power, it gave them an important role in shaping the nation's future by instilling values of liberty and democracy in the next generation.

Abigail Adams

she was known for her intelligence and advocacy for women's rights. In 1776, she famously urged her husband to "remember the ladies" when forming a new government. While women were not granted political rights at the time, her letters reflect early demands for equality and the broader role of women in Revolutionary America.

Daughters of Liberty

A group of women who supported the Patriot cause by organizing boycotts of British goods, producing homespun cloth, and promoting self-sufficiency. They played a crucial role in resisting British economic control, proving that women were vital to the Revolution's success.

Land Ordinance of 1785

A law passed under the Articles of Confederation that set up a standardized system for surveying and dividing western lands into townships of 36 sections. Land was sold to raise revenue for the national government. This was important because it provided an orderly way to expand westward and fund the government without direct taxation.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

A major achievement of the Articles of Confederation. It established rules for creating new states out of the (area north of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi). Territories could apply for statehood once they reached 60,000 settlers. It also outlawed slavery in the territory, setting an important precedent for future expansion.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. constitution, ratified in 1781, which created a weak central government with most power left to the states. Congress could wage war, sign treaties, and manage western lands but could not tax or regulate trade. Its weaknesses (e.g., inability to raise revenue, enforce laws, or deal with rebellions) exposed the need for a stronger constitution.

Shays' Rebellion

A 1786-87 uprising of Massachusetts farmers, led by Daniel Shays, protesting high taxes, debt, and foreclosures. The rebellion exposed the inability of the Articles of Confederation government to maintain order or support a struggling economy. It shocked leaders and convinced many (like Washington, Madison, and Hamilton) that a stronger national government was needed, paving the way for the Constitutional Convention.