The Seven Years’ War

A war between Britain and Prussia against France and Austria which was fought across many countries

Succession Issues

Some unresolved issues from the War of the Austrian Succession like a loss of territory led to the seven years war

French and Indian War

Great Britain and its colonists fought against France, French colonists, and their Native allies for control of the continent. Britain won the war, gaining vast territory from France, but the high cost of the war led to new taxes on the American colonies, fostering discontent that ultimately contributed to the American Revolution. 

Proclamation Act 

The proclamation of 1763 where king george III prohibited people to settle on the other side of the Apilachin mountains to avoid conflict with the Indians when really it was to maintain control

Mercantilism

Where the “mother country” aka britain tried collecting more then they spent in attempts to get rich and using its colonies to provide raw materials (contributed to the revolution because colonists felt exploited) 

1. Salutary Neglect 

Where British laws were not enforced in the American colonies and trade. It ended when they suddenly started taxing them to pay off the debt from the war

1. John Locke and Natural Rights

Locke based his Two Treatises around the idea of a social contract in which individuals consent to surrendering some of their rights in exchange for protection and order. American Revolutionaries adopted this notion and others, particularly in the Declaration of Independence.

1. Montesquieu 

A philosopher that believed and advocated for the separation of powers 

1. Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

A system to prevent the different branches from becoming too powerful by allowing each branch to have a job

1. Thomas Jefferson 

Wrote the declaration of independence, was the third U.S. president, and orchestrated the Louisiana purchase 

Boycott

When a group of people refuse to buy or use the products of a company, country, or person as a form of protest to pressure them into changing their actions or policies.

1. Sons of Liberty 

A political group that is opposed to British Taxation (Stamp Act)

Boston Massacre

when British soldiers fired into a crowd of angry colonists, killing five people. The incident was caused by rising tensions due to heavy British taxation, particularly the Townshend Acts

1. Jean Jacques Rousseau

He believed that humans were naturally good and thought that the government should be based off of the popular beliefs of the people rather than a ruler 

1. Declaration of Independence 

The Declaration of Independence is a document adopted in 1776 that states the 13 American colonies are no longer under British rule and are a new, independent country.

Social Contract

a social contract is a deal, either real or hypothetical, where people give up some freedoms and rights to a central authority (like a government) in exchange for security, protection, and other benefits provided by that authority.

King George III

King George III presided over the loss of the Thirteen American Colonies during the American Revolution and led Great Britain to victory in the Napoleonic Wars, emerging as a dominant European power after the Seven Years' War.

1. No taxation without Representation

a political principle and rallying cry used by American colonists to protest against British taxation policies in the 18th century.

Federalism (Federalist System)

a system of government that divides power between a central, national government and various regional or state governments, with each level retaining distinct and often shared responsibilities

1. U.S. Constitution 

The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework for the federal government and outlining the basic rights of American citizens.

Executive Branch

enforcing the nation's laws.

Legislative Branch

Makes laws

Judicial Branch

Interprits laws

Bill of Rights

the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution.

1. Enlightenment influence on founding documents 

• John Locke:

  • Natural Rights: Locke's concept of inherent rights to life, liberty, and property was adapted by Thomas Jefferson into the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" in the Declaration of Independence. 

  • Social Contract: The idea that government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed, and that people have the right to overthrow a government that fails to protect their rights, is a direct influence from Locke. 

• Montesquieu:

  • Separation of Powers: Montesquieu's philosophy of dividing governmental power among distinct branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—to prevent any one from becoming too dominant, was adopted in the U.S. Constitution to create a system of checks and balances. 

  • Balance of Power: His broader emphasis on moderation and the constant tension between different governmental interests was seen as crucial for ensuring a stable and free society.