APUSH: UNIT 3

French and Indian War

A major conflict (1754-1763) primarily fought between Great Britain and France, alongside their respective Native American allies, for control of North American territories. The war began over territorial disputes in the Ohio River Valley, escalating into a global conflict (Seven Years' War). It concluded with a decisive British victory, leading to significant territorial expansion for Britain, particularly gaining Canada and all French territory east of the Mississippi River, but also left Britain with a substantial financial debt that prompted new colonial revenue policies.

Proclamation of 1763

A decree issued by the British government immediately following the French and Indian War. It prohibited American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains, designating this land as Native American territory. The primary goal was to prevent further costly conflicts with indigenous tribes after Pontiac's Rebellion, but it angered colonists who felt entitled to the newly acquired western lands and saw it as an infringement on their westward expansion.

Salutary Neglect

An unofficial British policy practiced from the late 17th to mid-18th century, characterized by lax enforcement of parliamentary laws, particularly trade regulations like the Navigation Acts, on the American colonies. This allowed the colonies a significant degree of self-governance and economic autonomy. The policy ended abruptly after the French and Indian War when Britain, in need of revenue and tighter control, began to implement stricter enforcement and new taxation policies.

Sugar Act (1764)

Also known as the American Revenue Act, this law revised the earlier Molasses Act (1733). While it actually reduced the tax rate on molasses from six pence per gallon to three pence, it greatly increased enforcement mechanisms to prevent smuggling and ensure the tax was collected. This marked a shift in British policy from regulating trade to explicitly raising revenue from the colonies, which generated significant colonial opposition, including early calls of 'no taxation without representation.'

Stamp Act (1765)

The first direct, internal tax levied by Parliament directly on American colonists. It required colonists to pay a tax on virtually all printed materials, including legal documents, newspapers, pamphlets, playing cards, and diplomas, by purchasing special stamped paper. This act sparked widespread and often violent protest across the colonies, as it was seen as an unprecedented infringement on colonial rights and led to the Stamp Act Congress and significant boycotts of British goods.

Townshend Acts (1767)

A series of five acts passed by the British Parliament designed to reassert parliamentary authority over the colonies and raise revenue. They imposed duties (taxes) on imported goods such as glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea. A key goal was to use this revenue to pay the salaries of colonial governors and judges, making them independent of colonial assemblies. These acts led to renewed colonial protests, boycotts, and increased tensions, including the Boston Massacre.

No taxation without representation

A powerful political slogan that became the rallying cry of American colonists against British tax policies. It articulated the core grievance that the British Parliament did not have the right to levy taxes on the colonies because the colonists were not directly represented in Parliament. Colonists believed that only their own elected colonial assemblies had the legitimate authority to impose taxes upon them, representing a fundamental challenge to British imperial control.

Declaratory Act (1766)

An act passed by the British Parliament immediately after repealing the Stamp Act, largely due to intense colonial protest and economic boycotts. While repealing the Stamp Act conceded to colonial demands, the Declaratory Act simultaneously asserted Parliament's full authority 'to make laws and statutes of sufficient force and validity to bind the colonies and people of America…in all cases whatsoever.' This act set the stage for future conflicts over parliamentary supremacy versus colonial self-governance.

Intolerable Acts (1774)

A series of four punitive acts (known as the Coercive Acts in Britain) passed by the British Parliament primarily to punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party and to restore order in the colonies. Key acts included the Boston Port Act (closing Boston Harbor until tea was paid for), the Massachusetts Government Act (stripping Massachusetts of self-government), the Administration of Justice Act (allowing British officials accused of crimes to be tried in Britain), and a new Quartering Act (allowing British troops to be housed in private homes). These acts united the colonies in defiance.

First Continental Congress (1774)

A meeting of delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies (Georgia did not send representatives) that convened in Philadelphia in September 1774. It was called in response to the Intolerable Acts to discuss a coordinated colonial response. The Congress adopted the Suffolk Resolves (rejecting the Intolerable Acts), issued a Declaration of Rights and Grievances, and established the Continental Association, which called for a complete boycott of British goods. It affirmed loyalty to the King but denied Parliament's right to tax the colonies.

Boston Tea Party (1773)

A significant act of colonial protest against the Tea Act, which granted the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies. On December 16, 1773, a group of Massachusetts colonists, disguised as Native Americans and led by the Sons of Liberty, boarded three British ships (the Dartmouth, Eleanor, and Beaver) docked in Boston Harbor and dumped 342 chests of tea into the water. This bold act of defiance led directly to the passage of the Intolerable Acts by the British Parliament.

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

An influential pamphlet published anonymously by Thomas Paine in January 1776. Written in plain, accessible language, it powerfully argued for American independence from Great Britain, denouncing monarchical rule and advocating for a republican form of government. 'Common Sense' galvanized public opinion, convincing many undecided colonists that reconciliation with Britain was impossible and that independence was a logical and necessary step, playing a crucial role in shifting colonial sentiment towards revolution.

Lexington & Concord (1775)

The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, occurring on April 19, 1775, in Massachusetts. British troops marched from Boston to Concord to seize colonial military supplies and capture prominent Patriot leaders like Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Forewarned by riders like Paul Revere, colonial militia (Minutemen) confronted the British at Lexington, where the 'shot heard 'round the world' was fired. Subsequent fighting occurred at Concord and during the British retreat back to Boston, marking the beginning of armed conflict between Britain and its American colonies.

Second Continental Congress (1775)

A meeting of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that convened in Philadelphia in May 1775, shortly after the battles of Lexington and Concord. Initially convened to discuss further responses to British aggression, it gradually evolved into a de facto national government. Key actions included forming the Continental Army, appointing George Washington as its commander-in-chief, attempting reconciliation with the Olive Branch Petition, and ultimately, after much debate, approving the Declaration of Independence in July 1776.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

A foundational document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson, it formally declared the thirteen American colonies independent from Great Britain. The Declaration articulated Enlightenment principles, especially those of John Locke, asserting that all men are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It also listed numerous grievances against King George III and asserted the right of the colonies to form their own government, serving as a powerful statement of revolutionary ideals.

Battle of Saratoga (1777)

A pivotal and decisive victory for the American forces in October 1777, fought in upstate New York. It consisted of two battles: Freeman's Farm and Bemis Heights. American forces, under generals Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold, decisively defeated and captured a large British army led by General John Burgoyne. This victory was a major turning point, as it convinced France, a long-time rival of Britain, to officially enter the war as an American ally, providing crucial military, naval, and financial assistance that was essential to the ultimate American victory.

Battle of Yorktown (1781)

The decisive siege that effectively ended major combat operations in the American Revolutionary War. A combined force of American troops under General George Washington and French forces led by General Rochambeau, along with a crucial French naval blockade by Admiral de Grasse, trapped the British army commanded by General Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia. After a prolonged siege, Cornwallis surrendered his entire army on October 19, 1781, marking a crushing blow to the British war effort and convincing the British Parliament to negotiate for peace.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

The official peace treaty signed in Paris by representatives of King George III of Great Britain and representatives of the United States of America on September 3, 1783, formally ending the American Revolutionary War. Key provisions included British recognition of American independence, the establishment of the United States' western boundary at the Mississippi River, fishing rights for Americans off the coast of Newfoundland, and provisions for British creditors to collect debts and for Loyalists to recover property. American negotiators included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay.

French and Indian War

A major conflict (1754-1763) primarily fought between Great Britain and France, alongside their respective Native American allies, for control of North American territories. The war began over territorial disputes in the Ohio River Valley, escalating into a global conflict (Seven Years' War). It concluded with a decisive British victory, leading to significant territorial expansion for Britain, particularly gaining Canada and all French territory east of the Mississippi River, but also left Britain with a substantial financial debt that prompted new colonial revenue policies.

What were the primary combatants in the French and Indian War?

Great Britain and France, along with their respective Native American allies.

What was the global conflict linked to the French and Indian War?

The Seven Years' War.

What territorial changes resulted for Britain after the French and Indian War?

Gaining Canada and all French territory east of the Mississippi River.

What financial consequence did the French and Indian War have for Britain?

A substantial financial debt that prompted new colonial revenue policies.

Proclamation of 1763

A decree issued by the British government immediately following the French and Indian War. It prohibited American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains, designating this land as Native American territory. The primary goal was to prevent further costly conflicts with indigenous tribes after Pontiac's Rebellion, but it angered colonists who felt entitled to the newly acquired western lands and saw it as an infringement on their westward expansion.

What mountain range formed the western boundary for colonial settlement according to the Proclamation of 1763?

The Appalachian Mountains.

Why was the Proclamation of 1763 issued?

To prevent further costly conflicts with indigenous tribes after Pontiac's Rebellion.

Salutary Neglect

An unofficial British policy practiced from the late 17th to mid-18th century, characterized by lax enforcement of parliamentary laws, particularly trade regulations like the Navigation Acts, on the American colonies. This allowed the colonies a significant degree of self-governance and economic autonomy. The policy ended abruptly after the French and Indian War when Britain, in need of revenue and tighter control, began to implement stricter enforcement and new taxation policies.

What British policies were laxly enforced during Salutary Neglect?

Parliamentary laws, particularly trade regulations like the Navigation Acts.

What did Salutary Neglect allow the American colonies?

A significant degree of self-governance and economic autonomy.

Sugar Act (1764)

Also known as the American Revenue Act, this law revised the earlier Molasses Act (1733). While it actually reduced the tax rate on molasses from six pence per gallon to three pence, it greatly increased enforcement mechanisms to prevent smuggling and ensure the tax was collected. This marked a shift in British policy from regulating trade to explicitly raising revenue from the colonies, which generated significant colonial opposition, including early calls of 'no taxation without representation.'

What was the original tax rate on molasses under the Molasses Act (1733)?

Six pence per gallon.

What was the revised tax rate on molasses under the Sugar Act (1764)?

Three pence per gallon, but with greatly increased enforcement.

What shift in British policy did the Sugar Act represent?

From regulating trade to explicitly raising revenue from the colonies.

Stamp Act (1765)

The first direct, internal tax levied by Parliament directly on American colonists. It required colonists to pay a tax on virtually all printed materials, including legal documents, newspapers, pamphlets, playing cards, and diplomas, by purchasing special stamped paper. This act sparked widespread and often violent protest across the colonies, as it was seen as an unprecedented infringement on colonial rights and led to the Stamp Act Congress and significant boycotts of British goods.

What type of tax was the Stamp Act?

The first direct, internal tax levied by Parliament directly on American colonists.

What materials were subject to the Stamp Act?

Virtually all printed materials, including legal documents, newspapers, pamphlets, playing cards, and diplomas.

What key event did the Stamp Act lead to as a form of protest?

The Stamp Act Congress and significant boycotts of British goods.

Townshend Acts (1767)

A series of five acts passed by the British Parliament designed to reassert parliamentary authority over the colonies and raise revenue. They imposed duties (taxes) on imported goods such as glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea. A key goal was to use this revenue to pay the salaries of colonial governors and judges, making them independent of colonial assemblies. These acts led to renewed colonial protests, boycotts, and increased tensions, including the Boston Massacre.

What was a main purpose of the Townshend Acts?

To reassert parliamentary authority over the colonies and raise revenue.

What goods were taxed by the Townshend Acts?

Imported goods such as glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea.

What was a specific goal for the revenue raised by the Townshend Acts?

To pay the salaries of colonial governors and judges, making them independent of colonial assemblies.

No taxation without representation

A powerful political slogan that became the rallying cry of American colonists against British tax policies. It articulated the core grievance that the British Parliament did not have the right to levy taxes on the colonies because the colonists were not directly represented in Parliament. Colonists believed that only their own elected colonial assemblies had the legitimate authority to impose taxes upon them, representing a fundamental challenge to British imperial control.

Declaratory Act (1766)

An act passed by the British Parliament immediately after repealing the Stamp Act, largely due to intense colonial protest and economic boycotts. While repealing the Stamp Act conceded to colonial demands, the Declaratory Act simultaneously asserted Parliament's full authority 'to make laws and statutes of sufficient force and validity to bind the colonies and people of America…in all cases whatsoever.' This act set the stage for future conflicts over parliamentary supremacy versus colonial self-governance.

Intolerable Acts (1774)

A series of four punitive acts (known as the Coercive Acts in Britain) passed by the British Parliament primarily to punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party and to restore order in the colonies. Key acts included the Boston Port Act (closing Boston Harbor until tea was paid for), the Massachusetts Government Act (stripping Massachusetts of self-government), the Administration of Justice Act (allowing British officials accused of crimes to be tried in Britain), and a new Quartering Act (allowing British troops to be housed in private homes). These acts united the colonies in defiance.

What were the Intolerable Acts known as in Britain?

The Coercive Acts.

What was the primary event that led to the passage of the Intolerable Acts?

The Boston Tea Party.

Which act among the Intolerable Acts closed Boston Harbor?

The Boston Port Act.

Which act among the Intolerable Acts stripped Massachusetts of self-government?

The Massachusetts Government Act.

What new provision did the Quartering Act, part of the Intolerable Acts, include?

Allowing British troops to be housed in private homes.

First Continental Congress (1774)

A meeting of delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies (Georgia did not send representatives) that convened in Philadelphia in September 1774. It was called in response to the Intolerable Acts to discuss a coordinated colonial response. The Congress adopted the Suffolk Resolves (rejecting the Intolerable Acts), issued a Declaration of Rights and Grievances, and established the Continental Association, which called for a complete boycott of British goods. It affirmed loyalty to the King but denied Parliament's right to tax the colonies.

Which colony did not send delegates to the First Continental Congress?

Georgia.

What document did the First Continental Congress adopt to reject the Intolerable Acts?

The Suffolk Resolves.

What was the purpose of the Continental Association established by the First Continental Congress?

To call for a complete boycott of British goods.

Boston Tea Party (1773)

A significant act of colonial protest against the Tea Act, which granted the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies. On December 16, 1773, a group of Massachusetts colonists, disguised as Native Americans and led by the Sons of Liberty, boarded three British ships (the Dartmouth, Eleanor, and Beaver) docked in Boston Harbor and dumped 342 chests of tea into the water. This bold act of defiance led directly to the passage of the Intolerable Acts by the British Parliament.

What British company was granted a monopoly on tea sales by the Tea Act?

The British East India Company.

What group led the Boston Tea Party?

The Sons of Liberty.

How many chests of tea were dumped into Boston Harbor during the Boston Tea Party?

342 chests.

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

An influential pamphlet published anonymously by Thomas Paine in January 1776. Written in plain, accessible language, it powerfully argued for American independence from Great Britain, denouncing monarchical rule and advocating for a republican form of government. 'Common Sense' galvanized public opinion, convincing many undecided colonists that reconciliation with Britain was impossible and that independence was a logical and necessary step, playing a crucial role in shifting colonial sentiment towards revolution.

When was Thomas Paine's Common Sense published?

January 1776.

What form of government did Common Sense advocate for?

A republican form of government.

What was the immediate impact of Common Sense on colonial sentiment?

It convinced many undecided colonists that reconciliation with Britain was impossible and that independence was necessary.

Lexington & Concord (1775)

The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, occurring on April 19, 1775, in Massachusetts. British troops marched from Boston to Concord to seize colonial military supplies and capture prominent Patriot leaders like Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Forewarned by riders like Paul Revere, colonial militia (Minutemen) confronted the British at Lexington, where the 'shot heard 'round the world' was fired. Subsequent fighting occurred at Concord and during the British retreat back to Boston, marking the beginning of armed conflict between Britain and its American colonies.

When and where did the battles of Lexington & Concord occur?

April 19, 1775, in Massachusetts.

What was the initial objective of the British troops marching to Concord?

To seize colonial military supplies and capture Patriot leaders like Samuel Adams and John Hancock.

What phrase describes the first shot fired at Lexington?

The 'shot heard 'round the world'.

Second Continental Congress (1775)

A meeting of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that convened in Philadelphia in May 1775, shortly after the battles of Lexington and Concord. Initially convened to discuss further responses to British aggression, it gradually evolved into a de facto national government. Key actions included forming the Continental Army, appointing George Washington as its commander-in-chief, attempting reconciliation with the Olive Branch Petition, and ultimately, after much debate, approving the Declaration of Independence in July 1776.

Who was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress?

George Washington.

What was the Olive Branch Petition?

An attempt by the Second Continental Congress to seek reconciliation with Britain before declaring independence.

When did the Second Continental Congress approve the Declaration of Independence?

July 1776.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

A foundational document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson, it formally declared the thirteen American colonies independent from Great Britain. The Declaration articulated Enlightenment principles, especially those of John Locke, asserting that all men are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It also listed numerous grievances against King George III and asserted the right of the colonies to form their own government, serving as a powerful statement of revolutionary ideals.

Who was the primary drafter of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson.

What Enlightenment philosopher's principles influenced the Declaration of Independence regarding natural rights?

John Locke.

What are the three unalienable rights asserted in the Declaration of Independence?

Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Battle of Saratoga (1777)

A pivotal and decisive victory for the American forces in October 1777, fought in upstate New York. It consisted of two battles: Freeman's Farm and Bemis Heights. American forces, under generals Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold, decisively defeated and captured a large British army led by General John Burgoyne. This victory was a major turning point, as it convinced France, a long-time rival of Britain, to officially enter the war as an American ally, providing crucial military, naval, and financial assistance that was essential to the ultimate American victory.

What generals led the American forces to victory at Saratoga?

Generals Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold.

Who was the British general whose army was captured at Saratoga?

General John Burgoyne.

Why was the Battle of Saratoga considered a major turning point?

It convinced France to officially enter the war as an American ally.

Battle of Yorktown (1781)

The decisive siege that effectively ended major combat operations in the American Revolutionary War. A combined force of American troops under General George Washington and French forces led by General Rochambeau, along with a crucial French naval blockade by Admiral de Grasse, trapped the British army commanded by General Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia. After a prolonged siege, Cornwallis surrendered his entire army on October 19, 1781, marking a crushing blow to the British war effort and convincing the British Parliament to negotiate for peace.

Who commanded the British army at the Battle of Yorktown?

General Lord Cornwallis.

What French general and admiral played crucial roles in the Battle of Yorktown?

General Rochambeau (French forces) and Admiral de Grasse (French naval blockade).

Why was the Battle of Yorktown decisive?

It led to Cornwallis's surrender, effectively ending major combat operations in the Revolutionary War.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

The official peace treaty signed in Paris by representatives of King George III of Great Britain and representatives of the United States of America on September 3, 1783, formally ending the American Revolutionary War. Key provisions included British recognition of American independence, the establishment of the United States' western boundary at the Mississippi River, fishing rights for Americans off the coast of Newfoundland, and provisions for British creditors to collect debts and for Loyalists to recover property. American negotiators included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay.

What was the western boundary of the United States established by the Treaty of Paris (1783)?

The Mississippi River.

What rights were granted to Americans off the coast of Newfoundland by the Treaty of Paris (1783)?

Fishing rights.

Who were the American negotiators for the Treaty of Paris (1783)?

Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay.