APUSH Period 3 (1754-1800)

Seven Year’s War (French and Indian war)

A global conflict from 1756 to 1763 that involved several European powers, primarily Britain and France, which fought over territorial disputes in North America, leading to significant shifts in power and colonial interests.

Patriot

Colonial American rebels who opposed British rule and sought independence during the American Revolution.

Continental Army

The primary military of the Thirteen Colonies to fight against British troops during the American Revolutionary War.

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

A pamphlet published in 1776 that encouraged the American colonies to seek independence from Britain, arguing for democratic principles and the rejection of monarchy.

American Revolution

A conflict between the Thirteen Colonies and Britain from 1775 to 1783, leading to the colonies' independence and the formation of the United States.

Declaration of Independence

A document adopted on July 4, 1776, that declared the American colonies independent from British rule.

Republican Motherhood

The idea that women had a role in shaping the nation's citizens by instilling republican values and civic virtue in their children, emphasizing women's contributions to society.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a weak federal government and was eventually replaced by the current U.S. Constitution.

Constitutional Convention

A meeting held in 1787 to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, resulting in the drafting of the current U.S. Constitution.

The Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, established in 1789.

Federalists / Anti Federalists

The Federalists were supporters of the Constitution who fought for a strong national government, while the Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution, fearing it would diminish states' rights and individual liberties.

Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays written to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and explain its principles.

James Madison

One of the Founding Fathers and a key architect of the U.S. Constitution. He served as the fourth President of the United States and was a strong advocate for the Bill of Rights.

Alexander Hamilton

Founding Father and first Secretary of the Treasury, key proponent of a strong central government and an advocate for the national bank.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, that guarantee individual liberties and limit government powers.

George Washington

The first President of the United States, and a leading general during the American Revolutionary War.

John Adams

Founding Father and second President of the United States, known for his role in American independence and strong advocacy for a federal government.

Federalist Party

The political party founded by Alexander Hamilton that promoted a strong central government and supported the ratification of the Constitution.

Democratic Republicans

A political party founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison that advocated for states' rights, agrarian interests, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

Northwest Ordinance

A 1787 law that established a method for admitting new states to the Union from the Northwest Territory and outlined a system for governing those territories.

Northwest Territory

The region that included land north of the Ohio River and west of Pennsylvania, which was designated for settlement and governance following the American Revolutionary War.

Spanish Mission Settlements

Religious communities established by Spain in the Americas to convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity and support colonial expansion.

French Revolution

A period of radical social and political change in France from 1789 to 1799, characterized by the overthrow of the monarchy, the rise of radical socialist groups, and the establishment of a republic.

Quasi War

An undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France from 1798 to 1800, marked by skirmishes at sea and tensions arising from the XYZ Affair.

ZYX Affair

A diplomatic incident between the United States and France in 1797, where American diplomats were solicited for bribes by French officials, leading to increased tensions and the Quasi War.

George Washington’s Farewell Address

A letter written by George Washington in 1796, advising the nation to avoid political parties and foreign alliances to ensure national unity and independence.

Benjamin Franklin

He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.