Unit Three AP US History Review

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, influential figures, and themes from Unit Three of AP US History, focusing on the transformation of American colonies into an independent nation.

French and Indian War

A conflict between British colonists and the French with their Indian allies from 1754 to 1763, part of the Seven Years’ War.

Albany Plan of Union

Proposed by Benjamin Franklin, it called for a centralized colonial government to improve defense and trade.

Peace of Paris 1763

Treaty that ended the French and Indian War, granting Britain substantial territorial gains in North America.

Royal Proclamation of 1763

British proclamation forbidding colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains to prevent conflicts with Native Americans.

Salutary Neglect

The British policy of lenient enforcement of laws in the colonies, allowing them significant autonomy.

Stamp Act of 1765

A law that taxed printed materials in the colonies, sparking widespread protests.

Virtual Representation

The British argument that colonists were represented in Parliament because members represented all British subjects.

Sons of Liberty

A secret society formed to oppose British policies and taxes, especially the Stamp Act.

Stamp Act Congress

A meeting of colonial delegates in 1765 to protest the Stamp Act and assert their rights.

Declaratory Act

Passed alongside the repeal of the Stamp Act, it asserted Parliament's right to legislate for the colonies in all cases.

Townsend Acts

A series of laws passed in 1767 that imposed taxes on imported goods, leading to colonial boycotts.

Boston Massacre

A deadly confrontation in 1770 between British soldiers and Boston residents, escalating anti-British sentiments.

Boston Tea Party

A 1773 protest where colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor in response to the Tea Act.

Intolerable Acts

A series of punitive measures against Massachusetts following the Boston Tea Party, uniting the colonies in opposition.

Continental Congress

A convention of delegates from the thirteen colonies that coordinated resistance against British policies.

Natural Rights

The Enlightenment idea that individuals have certain inherent rights, including life, liberty, and property.

Social Contract

The theory that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed.

Common Sense

A pamphlet by Thomas Paine that advocated for American independence from Britain.

Declaration of Independence

The document adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring the colonies’ independence from Britain, influenced by Enlightenment thought.

Loyalists

Colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution.

Continental Army

The military force formed by the colonies to fight against British rule.

Battle of Saratoga

A pivotal 1777 battle that resulted in a major victory for the American forces and secured French support.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, creating a weak federal government with limited powers.

Shays' Rebellion

An uprising led by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Constitutional Convention

The 1787 meeting to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, resulting in the U.S. Constitution.

Federalists

Supporters of a strong central government who advocated for the ratification of the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who favored stronger state governments and a Bill of Rights.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual liberties and restricting government power.

Republican Motherhood

The belief that women should raise virtuous citizens for the new republic, emphasizing the importance of women in society.

Bank of the United States

A national bank proposed by Alexander Hamilton to stabilize and improve the nation's credit.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising of farmers against tax collectors enforcing whiskey tax, demonstrating federal authority.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident in which French agents demanded bribes from American negotiators, leading to anti-French sentiment.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed in 1798 limiting immigration and encroaching on free speech, causing controversy and opposition.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Statements asserting states' rights to nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional.

Indian Trade and Intercourse Act

A law regulating trade and interactions between American settlers and Native Americans.

Pinckney Treaty

A 1795 agreement between the United States and Spain establishing borders and navigation rights along the Mississippi River.

African Methodist Episcopal Church

The first African American denomination in the United States, formed in the early 19th century.

Slavery in Southern states

The growing institution of slavery in the South, leading to social and economic issues.

Free blacks in Northern states

The population of free African Americans growing in the North, where some states allowed them to vote.