APUSH American Revolution Flashcards

Long-Term Causes

• Tradition of Self Government:

  • Colonies developed legislative assemblies, such as the House of Burgesses.
  • This promoted autonomy and the belief in self-governance.

• End of Salutary Neglect:

  • Britain shifted from a period of lax enforcement of the Navigation Acts to stricter control.
  • This change caused colonial resentment.

• French and Indian War:

  • The war increased British debt.
  • To address the debt, Britain imposed higher taxes on the colonies, which strained relations.

• Geographic Separation:

  • Physical separation hindered British control.
  • This allowed colonial leaders to foster independence and a distinct American identity.

Short-Term Causes

• Stamp Act (1765):

  • This was the first direct tax on the colonies.
  • It led to widespread protests and the formation of the Stamp Act Congress.

• Tea Act (1773):

  • The Tea Act led to the Boston Tea Party.
  • The Boston Tea Party was a pivotal act of colonial defiance.

• Boston Massacre (1770):

  • British troops killed five colonists, including Crispus Attucks.
  • The event inflamed anti-British sentiments.

• Intolerable/Coercive Acts:

  • These were punitive laws passed in response to the Boston Tea Party.
  • These acts united the colonies against Britain.

• Ideological Influences

  • Enlightenment:
    • Emphasized reason, individual rights, and skepticism of authority.
    • Inspired revolutionary ideals of liberty and democracy.
  • First Great Awakening:
    • Encouraged personal faith and questioned traditional authority.
    • Fostered a sense of equality and unity among colonists.

Key People

• Sons of Liberty:

  • Colonists who protested British taxation and organized boycotts, including the Boston Tea Party.
  • Key figures included Sam Adams and Paul Revere.

• Daughters of Liberty:

  • A women's group that supported boycotts.
  • They made homemade goods to replace British imports in what was known as the "Homespun Movement."

• George Washington:

  • Commander of the Continental Army.
  • Led key victories, such as the Battle of Yorktown, and secured American independence.

• Thomas Jefferson:

  • Author of the Declaration of Independence.
  • Outlined the colonies' reasons for breaking from Britain.

• John Adams:

  • Advocated for independence.
  • Served as a diplomat who helped secure French support.

• Marquis de LaFayette:

  • A French general who played a crucial role in American victories.
  • Helped secure French aid.

• Benjamin Franklin:

  • Diplomat who secured the French alliance.

• King George III:

  • British king whose policies and refusal to compromise escalated the conflict.

Documents to Know

• Letters from a Pennsylvania Farmer (1767-1768):

  • Letters by John Dickinson opposing taxation without representation.
  • Advocated for colonial rights and unity.

• Declaration of Independence (1776):

  • Document authored by Thomas Jefferson.
  • Declared colonial independence from Britain and outlined individual rights and government by consent.

• Common Sense (1776):

  • A pamphlet by Thomas Paine.
  • Advocated for independence from Britain and promoted republican government.

• Treaty of Paris (1783):

  • Agreement that ended the American Revolution.
  • Recognized U.S. independence and established the border of the U.S. at the Mississippi River.

Significant Battles

• Lexington and Concord (1775):

  • First shots of the Revolution, known as "the shot heard 'round the world."

• Saratoga (1777):

  • Turning point in the war.
  • Convinced France to ally with the American cause.

• Yorktown (1781):

  • Final major battle.
  • Led to British surrender and American victory, won with the help of the French Navy.

Reasons for America's Victory

• Home-Field Advantage:

  • Used guerrilla tactics.
  • Enjoyed local support.

• French Alliance:

  • Military and financial aid from France played a crucial role in American success.

• Strong Leadership:

  • Figures like George Washington provided strong leadership.

• Unified Cause:

  • Patriot spirit and unity inspired perseverance.

Global Impacts of the American Revolution

• French Revolution (1789-1799):

  • Inspired French revolutionaries with ideas of liberty and democracy.
  • Also contributed to France's financial crisis.

• Haitian Revolution (1791-1804):

  • Inspired enslaved people in Haiti to revolt.
  • Led to the first successful slave rebellion and Black republic.