Causes of the American Revolution

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, concepts, and historical events related to the causes of the American Revolution.

Monarchy

A system of government ruled by a king or queen, such as Great Britain prior to the American Revolutionary War.

Empire

A group of nations, territories, or peoples ruled by a single authority.

Royal Governor

An official appointed by the king to rule a colony, loyal to the king rather than representing the colonists.

New Amsterdam

The original name of New York City when it was settled by the Dutch, before Great Britain took control with warships in 1664.

French and Indian War

A conflict fought between Great Britain and France from 1754 until 1763 for control over lands in North America, especially west of the existing British colonies.

Seven Years' War

A war in Europe between major European powers triggered by the North American conflict between Great Britain and France.

Committees of Correspondence

Groups formed by American colonists to organize response to heavy British taxation, which led to the establishment of Provincial Congresses.

Provincial Congresses

The first independent governments established within the American colonies.

First Continental Congress

A unified body formed in 1774 when the provincial governments of the thirteen colonies joined together.

Declaration of Independence

A landmark document written in 1776, following the initial skirmishes of the Revolutionary War in 1775.