Colonial America and the American Revolution

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Colonial America and the American Revolution.

Reasons for European Sea Exploration

To discover new land and trade routes; motivated by God, gold, and glory.

Renaissance

A period of cultural, artistic, and intellectual rebirth in Europe.

Magna Carta

A document stating that nobody, including the king, is above the law.

Conquistador

Spanish explorers and conquerors.

Plantation

A large farm that typically grew cash crops and often relied on slave labor.

Columbian Exchange

The transfer of plants, animals, diseases, technology, and ideas between the Americas and Europe.

Mayflower Compact

A document signed by the Mayflower settlers establishing a self-governing body.

Indentured Servants

Individuals who agreed to work for a specified number of years in exchange for passage to America.

Cash Crops

Crops grown primarily for sale rather than for personal consumption; examples include tobacco, rice, and cotton.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that trade generates wealth, often through strict government regulation.

Salutary Neglect

A policy of Britain allowing the colonies to govern themselves as long as they remained loyal.

Proclamation of 1763

A law prohibiting colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.

French and Indian War

A conflict between Britain and France for control over North American territories; led to colonial unrest.

Sons of Liberty

A secret organization formed to oppose British policies and taxes.

Boston Massacre

A violent confrontation in 1770 that increased anti-British sentiments among colonies.

Great Awakening

A religious movement in the 1730s and 1740s that inspired a wave of religious fervor.

Declaration of Independence

A document declaring the colonies' separation from Britain, outlining natural rights and government purpose.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays advocating for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual rights.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful.

Three-fifths Compromise

An agreement counting three-fifths of the slave population for representation in Congress.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, establishing a weak central government.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice.

Guerrilla Warfare

A form of irregular warfare characterized by small groups using ambush tactics.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

The agreement that ended the Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.