Causes of the American Revolution

Flashcards reviewing the key events and concepts leading up to the American Revolution.

What were some key factors that led to the American Revolution?

Discontent with foreign rule, mercantilism, tradition of self-government, preservation of civil liberties, and no taxation without representation.

What is the significance of the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut?

Considered the first written Constitution in the Americas and included the idea of the 'Separation of Church and State.'

What is Salutary Neglect?

A period of no strict enforcement of trade regulations and Parliamentary Laws.

What did the Navigation Acts of 1660 entail?

Required all European goods bound for America to be shipped through England in English vessels, increasing costs and shipping time.

Which countries fought in the French and Indian War, and what was the outcome?

France and England fought; England won, becoming the most powerful nation and gaining Canada.

What did the Proclamation of 1763 stipulate?

Forbade colonists from acquiring land west of the Appalachian Mountains, giving the British Crown a monopoly on land purchases from American Indians.

What did the Stamp Act of 1765 require?

Required all legal documents, permits, commercial contracts, newspapers, wills, pamphlets, and playing cards to have a stamp showing that a tax had been paid.

What was the Stamp Act Congress and what did it do?

A meeting in New York in 1765 where delegates adopted a Declaration of Rights and Grievances and sent letters to the King, seen as a precursor to the revolution.

What did the Declaratory Act of 1766 state?

Parliament had full power and authority to make laws to bind the colonies and people of America.

Who were the Sons of Liberty?

Secret organization of American patriots who resisted British practices through protest and mob violence.

What was the Tea Act and how did it affect the colonies?

Allowed the East India Company to sell tea directly to the colonies without certain taxes, hurting colonial merchants and smugglers.

What were the Writs of Assistance?

General search warrants used in customs and excise inspections that authorized an officer to search any person or place without expiration.

What was the Boston Tea Party?

An act of protest on December 16, 1773, where the Sons of Liberty dumped tea into Boston Harbor.

What happened at the Boston Massacre?

Five people were killed when British troops were cornered by an angry mob; used as propaganda against Britain.

What were the Coercive Acts, and what was their purpose?

Five acts passed by Parliament in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party, including the Boston Port Act, Massachusetts Government Act, Administration of Justice Act, Quartering Act, and Quebec Act.

What was the role of the Committees of Correspondence?

to rally opposition and established plans for collective action, forming the first major political union between the colonies.

What actions were taken by the 1st Continental Congress?

Organized boycott of certain goods, sent letters of petition to George III, and planned a second meeting.

What was the main argument presented in Thomas Paine’s 'Common Sense'?

Denounced British rule and advocated for American independence.

What happened at Lexington and Concord?

The first armed conflict of the Revolutionary War, with the 'Shot Heard ‘Round the World' fired at Lexington and the British forced to retreat from Concord.

What key actions were taken by the 2nd Continental Congress?

Declared independence from Britain on July 2, 1776, drafted and approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and wrote the Articles of Confederation.

What actions were taken by the 1st Continental Congress?

Organized boycott of certain goods, sent letters of petition to George III, and planned a second meeting.