OnRamps US History lesson 2.1

What was the Bill of Rights of 1629?

It was a bill that ensured the British monarchy did not have absolute power, protecting Parliament's rights and guaranteeing the rights of English subjects. This marked a shift away from an absolute monarchy.

Who was John Locke and what was his significance?

John Locke was a doctor and educator who lived in exile during James II's reign. He advocated for a limited monarchy with a central role for Parliament and had a significant impact on future colonists by emphasizing the importance of representation in government.

What was the Toleration Act of 1689 and why was it important?

It was a law passed by Parliament that allowed more religious diversity, granting greater religious freedom and moving towards greater religious inclusivity.

What was the First Great Awakening and why was it significant?

It was an 18th-century Protestant revival movement characterized by evangelists rejecting formal worship. It emphasized that fate is determined by living a life through Christ, not predestination.

Who were the "Old Lights" and what was their significance?

The "Old Lights" were people who favored structured, formal worship and rejected the revivalist messages of the "New Lights." Their resistance influenced religious, social, and cultural attitudes in colonial America.

Who were the "New Lights" and what was their impact?

The "New Lights" embraced evangelical revivalism and were involved in extreme revivals, such as book burnings. They founded colleges in New Hampshire and Rhode Island and were crucial in spreading Protestant revivalism.

What is the significance of Johnathan Edwards?

Edwards led a significant evangelical revival in Massachusetts, delivering the famous sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," which was aimed at reinforcing religious fervor.

What role did George Whitefield play in the First Great Awakening?

Whitefield was an Anglican minister who traveled widely, preaching and inspiring "New Lights." He was highly influential but controversial among "Old Lights."

What was the Enlightenment and why was it significant?

The Enlightenment, or "Age of Reason," was an 18th-century movement emphasizing logic and science over superstition and faith, marking a major shift in Western civilization.

What contributions did Benjamin Franklin make during the Enlightenment?

Franklin advocated Enlightenment principles of inquiry and tolerance. His scientific works exemplified these principles and he is a key figure of the Enlightenment in British America.

What is Deism and how did it influence Benjamin Franklin?

Deism is the belief in a God who created the Earth but is not involved in its affairs. Franklin, a Deist, used these principles to guide his philanthropic projects.

What was the French and Indian/Seven Years' War and why was it significant?

The war (1754-1763) was a conflict between Britain and France over territories in America. Britain initially struggled but later succeeded with Native American assistance, affecting future relations with Native tribes.

What was the Treaty of Paris and its implications?

The Treaty of Paris ended the war between France and Britain, granting Britain land from Canada to Florida. It also damaged relations between Britain and Native Americans who had supported France.

What was Pontiac's Rebellion and its significance?

Pontiac's Rebellion (1763) was a Native uprising against English settlers led by Chief Pontiac, leading to increased racial hatred among colonists toward Native Americans.

What was the Proclamation of 1763 and why was it important?

The Proclamation of 1763 forbade white settlement west of the Proclamation line to prevent conflicts with Native Americans. It was seen as a setback to westward expansion and angered settlers.

What did the Currency Act of 1764 do and why was it significant?

The Currency Act of 1764 restricted the colonies from printing paper money, requiring payment in gold and silver. It aimed to stabilize the economy but was unpopular among colonists.

What was the Sugar Act of 1764 and its importance?

The Sugar Act aimed to address smuggling issues by making it easier for colonial traders to comply with regulations regarding French sugar islands.

What were Vice-Admiralty Courts and why were they significant?

Vice-Admiralty Courts were used to try violations of the Sugar Act without juries. Colonists contested these courts as depriving them of long-held rights, comparing them to African slavery.

What was the Stamp Act of 1765 and its significance?

The Stamp Act required a revenue stamp on all printed paper products, benefiting the Crown rather than colonial governments. It raised constitutional issues and sparked significant protests.

What was the Quartering Act of 1765 and its impact?

The Quartering Act addressed the issue of housing British soldiers in American colonies, causing dissatisfaction among colonists who resented having to accommodate and support the troops.