Unit 1 history test American Revolution

Colonization

A country takes over a piece of land, usually far away, for economic benefit, trade competition with other countries, and resources. Dates Ongoing throughout the 16th–18th centuries (e.g., 13 colonies founded 1607–1733). Significance Led to European nations expanding global empires (England in North America/India/Africa, France in North America/Louisiana, Spain in South America) and established trade systems like the Columbian Exchange.

 13 American Colonies

 British colonies established along the Atlantic coast, categorized into New England, Middle, and Southern regions, each with its own economy, government, and society. Dates 1607 – 1733 (First was Jamestown, VA; followed by Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay Colony). Significance Britain used them as a source of raw materials/resources to be sold, laying the economic foundation for what became the United States.

Navigation Acts

Laws passed by the British Parliament restricting colonial trade. Goods shipped to or from the colonies had to pass through England first before reaching their destination. Dates 1651 Significance Limited where colonists could sell their goods, leading to widespread merchant smuggling, illegal trading, and colonial resistance (especially in Massachusetts).

Revocation of Massachusetts Corporate Charter

England revoked Massachusetts' original corporate charter and turned it into a royal colony. Dates 1684 Significance Placed Massachusetts under strict direct control of the British Crown in response to their resistance to trade laws.

Salutary Neglect

 An unofficial British policy where England loosened strict enforcement of parliamentary laws, allowing colonies more freedom to govern themselves as long as they remained loyal and produced raw materials. Dates Lasted until 1763
Significance Gave the American colonists an early taste of self-government, making them fiercely resistant when Britain attempted to enforce strict control and taxes after

French and Indian War (Seven Years' War)

A war fought between Great Britain (supported by colonists and the Iroquois Confederacy) and France (supported by French colonists and various Native American tribes) over control of North America.Dates 1754 – 1763 Significance Ended with the Treaty of Paris (1763), giving Great Britain all North American territory east of the Mississippi River including Florida. However, it greatly enlarged England's national debt and led to direct taxation on the colonies.

Proclamation of 1763

An order issued by the British Crown forbidding American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. Dates 1763 Significance Intended to prevent further conflict with Native Americans, but it angered colonists who felt entitled to settled land west of the mountains following the war.

Sugar Act

British legislation designed to raise revenue by placing taxes on imported sugar, rum-making materials, and other goods. It cut the tax on molasses by half to discourage smuggling but reinforced strict enforcement. Dates 1764 Significance Directed smuggling trials to vice-admiralty courts instead of colonial courts, stripping colonists of trial by local jury and increasing colonial resentment.

Stamp Act

A British law requiring a direct tax ("stamp duty") on paper goods used in the colonies, including legal documents, licenses, newspapers, pamphlets, and playing cards. Dates 1765 Significance Created widespread outrage as the first direct tax on internal colonial goods, giving rise to organized resistance and anti-tax protests.

Sons of Liberty

A secret colonial resistance group led by Samuel Adams that opposed British taxation through protests, mob threats, and demonstrations. Dates Formed c. 1765 Significance Harassed stamp agents until many quit their jobs, forcing the repeal of the Stamp Act. Later organized major protest actions like the Boston Tea Party.