APUSH Vocab: Unit 3

Seven Years' War

Global conflict fought between 1756-1763, involving major European powers and their colonies caused by territorial disputes and ended with significant changes in colonial possessions

Revolutionary War

American colonies' fight for independence from British rule (1775-1783)caused by growing tensions over taxation and representation, resulting in the formation of the United States

Treaty of Paris (1763)

Agreement ending the Seven Years' War resulted in significant territorial changes, with Britain gaining control of French territories in North America

Proclamation of 1763

Royal decree prohibiting British colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains aimed to prevent conflicts with Native Americans but angered colonists

Albany Plan for the Union

Proposal for a unified government of British colonies in North America, presented in 1754 rejected by both colonies and Britain but influenced later discussions on colonial unity

Benjamin Franklin

Founding Father, scientist, and diplomat major contributions include electricity research, inventions like the lightning rod, and key roles in American independence

Patrick Henry

American Founding Father and orator famous for his "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech, which rallied support for American independence

George Washington

First U.S. President and military leader led the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and helped establish the new nation's government

Republicanism

Political ideology emphasizing citizens' rights, civic virtue, and opposition to corruption and aristocracy influential in shaping American government

Declaration of Independence

Document adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, declaring the 13 American colonies independent from British rule

Common Sense

Pamphlet by Thomas Paine published in 1776 argued for American independence and influenced public opinion in favor of revolution

Continental Congress

Governing body of the 13 American colonies during the Revolutionary War coordinated colonial war efforts and declared independence

Pontiac's Uprising

Native American rebellion against British rule in the Great Lakes region (1763-1766) resulted in the Proclamation of 1763

Northwest Ordinance

1787 law establishing governance of the Northwest Territory set precedents for westward expansion and prohibition of slavery

March of the Paxton Boys

1763 vigilante attack by frontier settlers on peaceful Native Americans in Pennsylvania highlighted tensions in colonial society

Regulator Movement

Pre-Revolutionary uprising in North and South Carolina (1760s-1771) against corrupt colonial officials and unfair taxation

Shay's Rebellion

1786-1787 uprising of farmers in Massachusetts against high taxes and stringent economic policies influenced the creation of a stronger federal government

Whiskey Rebellion

1791-1794 protest against federal excise tax on whiskey suppressed by President Washington, demonstrating federal authority

Republican Motherhood

Idea that women in the new republic had a civic duty to instill republican values in their children

Conservatism

Political philosophy favoring traditional institutions, gradual change, and limited government intervention

Anglican Church

Official church of England major beliefs include Protestant theology with Catholic traditions influential in southern colonies

Congregational Church

Puritan-derived Protestant denomination emphasized local church autonomy influential in New England colonies

Democratic-Republican Party

Early U.S. political party founded by Thomas Jefferson supported states' rights and limited federal power

Foreign Policy

A nation's strategy in dealing with other countries early U.S. foreign policy focused on neutrality and avoiding European conflicts

Alien and Sedition Acts

1798 laws restricting civil liberties and targeting immigrants passed during John Adams' presidency

George Washington's Presidency

Focused on establishing federal authority, maintaining neutrality in foreign affairs, and setting precedents for future presidents

John Adams' Presidency

Dealt with foreign policy challenges, particularly tensions with France, and domestic issues like the Alien and Sedition Acts

XYZ Affair

1797-1798 diplomatic incident between the U.S. and France, leading to an undeclared naval war

Little Turtle

Miami chief who led Native American forces to victories against the U.S. in the 1790s before negotiating peace

Treaty of Greenville

1795 agreement between the U.S. and Native American tribes, establishing boundaries and peace in the Northwest Territory

House of Representatives

Lower chamber of the U.S. Congress members elected based on state population

Senate

Upper chamber of the U.S. Congress two senators per state, originally chosen by state legislatures

Congress

Legislative branch of the U.S. government, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement to count three-fifths of a state's slaves in apportioning representation and taxation

Cotton Gin

Invention by Eli Whitney in 1793 mechanized the separation of cotton fibers from seeds, revolutionizing the cotton industry

Steam Engine

Invention that converted steam power into mechanical work crucial to the Industrial Revolution

Spinning Jenny

Multi-spindle spinning frame invented in 1764 increased textile production efficiency

Electoral College

System for electing the U.S. President and Vice President through state-appointed electors

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing specific rights and freedoms

Elastic Clause

Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress power to make laws necessary for executing its enumerated power