Chapter 5 & 6: Road to Revolution

Albany Plan of Union

The first official plan to unite the colonies for mutual defense against the French and Native Americans.

Seven Years War

Also known as the French and Indian War, a conflict where British forces, led by General Braddock, faced significant losses against French and Native forces.

Treaty of Paris (1763)

Agreement that ended the Seven Years War, resulting in France ceding land east of the Mississippi River to Britain and Florida to Britain temporarily.

Pontiac’s Rebellion

An anti-British movement led by Ottawa chief Pontiac, resulting in attacks on British forts and a brutal response from the British.

Proclamation of 1763

Issued by King George III to prevent colonial expansion west of the Appalachian Mountains, aimed at calming Native tensions but angering colonists.

Writs of Assistance

Search warrants that allowed British officials to crack down on colonial smuggling and trade with the French West Indies.

Sugar Act (1764)

Legislation that imposed taxes on sugar and other materials, ending the exemption of colonies from British taxes.

Stamp Act (1765)

A direct tax on paper goods that sparked significant colonial resistance and protests against taxation without representation.

Sons of Liberty

A group founded by Samuel Adams to organize resistance against British taxation and policies, advocating for colonial rights.

Stamp Act Congress (1765)

A gathering of representatives from nine colonies that united in opposition to the Stamp Act, leading to widespread boycotts.

Boston Massacre (1770)

A confrontation between British soldiers and Boston colonists that resulted in the deaths of five colonists, escalating tensions.

Committees of Correspondence

Networks established by Samuel Adams to facilitate communication and cooperation among the colonies regarding political issues.

Boston Tea Party (1773)

A protest against the Tea Act where colonists, disguised as Native Americans, dumped tea into Boston Harbor to oppose British taxation.

Coercive/Intolerable Acts (1774)

A series of punitive measures taken by Britain in response to the Boston Tea Party, which further inflamed colonial resistance.

1st Continental Congress

A meeting of delegates from 12 colonies in 1774 to coordinate resistance against British policies and prepare for potential conflict.

Lexington and Concord

The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, marked by the "shot heard 'round the world."

Olive Branch Petition

A final attempt by the Continental Congress to avoid war with Britain, which was ignored by King George III.

Bunker Hill

A significant battle where colonial forces inflicted heavy casualties on British troops, despite ultimately losing the strategic position.

Common Sense

A pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating for American independence, widely circulated and influential in swaying public opinion.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

The agreement that formally recognized American independence and established borders for the new nation.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, which created a weak federal government with limited powers.

Shays’ Rebellion

An uprising led by Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Shays against high taxes and economic injustices, highlighting weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

Philadelphia Convention

The 1787 meeting where delegates decided to replace the Articles of Confederation with a new Constitution, establishing a stronger federal government.

Great Compromise

The agreement that created a bicameral legislature, balancing representation between states with equal Senate votes and House representation based on population.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches (Legislative, Executive, Judicial) to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.