US History Notes: Period 2

Proclamation of 1763

Banned white settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, causing unrest among colonists.

George Grenville

Appointed First Lord of the Treasury, faced challenges of war debts and proposed new tax measures.

Sugar Act of 1764

Lowered the tax on molasses to limit smuggling and bribery, requiring detailed cargo lists.

Quartering Act of 1765

Required colonies to accommodate British troops, causing frustration over financial burdens.

Stamp Act of 1765

Imposed a direct tax on printed materials and provoked cries of 'no taxation without representation'.

Patrick Henry

Introduced resolutions against the Stamp Act, rallying colonial opposition.

Stamp Act Congress

A gathering in New York with delegates from nine colonies to discuss grievances against British taxes.

Sons of Liberty

Grassroots organization that protested against British policies and attacked stamp offices.

Charles Townsend

Prime Minister who introduced tariffs on imports, escalating colonial resistance.

John Dickinson

Wrote urging boycotts of British goods, promoting self-sufficiency.

Samuel Adams

Political organizer who encouraged coordinated resistance and boycotts against British rule.

Committees of Correspondence

Established for communication between colonies to unify and resist British policies.

Tea Act of 1773

Granted British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales, igniting colonial economic tensions.

Boston Tea Party

Colonists protested by dumping tea into the harbor, heightening conflicts with Britain.

Coercive Acts of 1774

Punitive measures against Massachusetts including port closures and governance restrictions.

First Continental Congress

Meeting of delegates from 12 colonies to outline grievances and rights against British rule.

Lexington and Concord

First military conflict of the American Revolution, showcasing colonial militia resistance.

Thomas Paine's Common Sense

Pamphlet advocating for independence and influencing public opinion towards revolution.

Second Continental Congress

Formed Continental Army and coordinated resistance against Britain despite reluctance for independence.

Declaration of Independence

Document asserting unalienable rights written by Thomas Jefferson, listing grievances against the king.

Patriots vs. Loyalists

Opposing factions during the American Revolution; Patriots supported independence, Loyalists remained loyal to Britain.

Trenton and Princeton

Key victories for Washington after crossing the Delaware River, boosting morale and support for the revolution.

Saratoga

Turning point battle of the Revolution, leading to a French alliance with the United States.

Yorktown

Final battle where Cornwallis surrendered to Washington and French forces, ending major hostilities.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

Negotiated independence for the U.S. and territorial adjustments post-Revolution.

Articles of Confederation

First governing document of the U.S., establishing a weak national government with limited powers.

Shays' Rebellion

Armed uprising reflecting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and economic discontent.

Constitutional Convention (1787)

Assembly in Philadelphia to address and revise issues of governance and create a new constitution.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for a strong central government with a bicameral legislature based on population.

New Jersey Plan

Proposal guaranteeing equal representation for each state in Congress, favored by smaller states.

The Great Compromise

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

Three-Fifths Compromise

Counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.

Electoral College

System for electing the President, balancing state representation and population votes.

Separation of Powers

Divides government into three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial, each with distinct functions.

Amendment Process

Methods for proposing and ratifying amendments requiring majorities in Congress and the states.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Political factions debating the Constitution; Federalists supported a strong central government while Anti-Federalists feared its power.

The Federalist Papers

Essays advocating for the Constitution and explaining its structure and principles, promising a Bill of Rights.

Bills of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution protecting individual liberties and addressing Anti-Federalists' concerns.

Population Dynamics

U.S. population doubled every 22 years post-Revolution, primarily rural with a barter economy.

Formation of Government (1788)

Established mechanisms for representation and initial government structure under the Constitution.

Presidency of George Washington

Significant figure creating a cabinet and establishing presidential precedents.

Alexander Hamilton's Financial Vision

Advocated for a strong financial system that favored wealthy interests and trade.

Political Divisions: Hamilton vs. Jefferson

Conflict over government power and economic vision leading to emergence of political parties.

Jay's Treaty (1794)

Treaty that influenced American economic dependence on Britain and contributed to political divisions.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

Farmers revolted against liquor tax, prompting federal enforcement and highlighting tensions between government and citizens.

Indian Affairs and Expansion

Policies regarding indigenous tribes and westward expansion resulting in resistance and military conflicts.

Quasi-War with France

Conflict caused by XYZ Affair and tensions under President Adams, leading to divided political responses.