18th Century British-Colonial Tensions and Conflicts

Flashcards covering the major political events, wars, and acts of taxation between Britain and the American colonies from 1744 to 1771.

King George's War (1744-1748)

A conflict where Britain and France fought over power in North America; Britain captured Louisbourg but returned it to France, increasing tensions that contributed to the French and Indian War.

Albany Plan of Union (1754)

A proposal by Benjamin Franklin for colonial cooperation for defense against France which, while rejected, served as an early attempt at colonial unity.

French and Indian War (1754-1763)

A war between Britain and France fought over territory, especially the Ohio River Valley, which resulted in a British victory but also major debt.

Seven Years' War (1756-1763)

The larger global conflict between Britain, France, and their allies that established Britain as the dominant global power while leaving it in deep debt.

Treaty of Paris (1763)

The treaty that ended the French and Indian War, resulting in France losing most of its North American territory and leaving Britain as the dominant European power in North America.

Pontiac's Rebellion (1763)

Native American resistance against British control and colonial expansion following the French loss of territory, which encouraged Britain to restrict western settlement.

Proclamation of 1763

A British ban on colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains intended to reduce conflict with Native Americans, which was resented by many colonists.

Paxton Boys (1763)

Pennsylvania frontier settlers who attacked Native Americans believing the colonial government failed to protect them, highlighting tensions between frontier settlers and colonial authorities.

Sugar Act (1764)

A British tax on sugar and molasses that strengthened trade enforcement to raise revenue, leading to increased colonial opposition to British taxation.

Stamp Act (1765)

A British tax on printed materials to help pay war debt; it was protested by colonists who argued they had no representatives in Parliament.

Stamp Act Congress (1765)

An early example of colonial cooperation where representatives from nine colonies met to oppose the Stamp Act.

Sons of Liberty (1765)

An organization that helped strengthen organized colonial opposition to British taxation through protests and resistance against the Stamp Act.

Regulator Movement (1760s-1771)

A movement of North Carolina farmers who protested high taxes, unfair fees, and corrupt officials, ending at the Battle of Alamance.

Battle of Alamance (1771)

The conflict where North Carolina's government defeated the Regulators, demonstrating growing conflict between ordinary farmers and government officials.

Declaratory Act (1766)

An declaration by Parliament stating it had the authority to make laws for the colonies, keeping the issue of British authority alive after the Stamp Act was repealed.

New Imperialism (1763-1766)

A policy shift where Britain tightened control over the colonies, enforced trade laws, and increased taxation to pay for the empire, creating conditions for the American Revolution.