Untitled Flashcards Set

Tories vs Whigs: The Tories and Whigs represented opposing political factions during the American Revolution. Tories, also known as Loyalists, remained loyal to the British Crown, believing that colonial rebellion was unjustified and that British rule provided stability and protection. Whigs, or Patriots, opposed British policies and supported independence, arguing that taxation without representation violated their rights. The ideological divide between these groups led to internal conflicts and civil strife within the colonies.

Thomas Hutchinson: Thomas Hutchinson was a Loyalist governor of Massachusetts whose strong support for British policies made him a target of Patriot resistance. He played a key role in enforcing unpopular laws like the Stamp Act and the Tea Act. His house was ransacked by an angry mob in 1765, and he later fled to England in 1774 as tensions escalated, never to return to America.

Declaratory Act: Passed in 1766, the Declaratory Act was Britain's response to colonial protests against the Stamp Act. While repealing the Stamp Act, it asserted that Parliament had the authority to legislate for the colonies "in all cases whatsoever." This act reinforced British control over the colonies and set the stage for further conflicts over taxation and governance.

Townshend Acts: Enacted in 1767, the Townshend Acts imposed duties on imported goods like glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. These acts aimed to raise revenue for the British government and assert parliamentary authority. Colonial opposition was strong, leading to widespread boycotts and resistance movements, ultimately contributing to the escalation of revolutionary sentiment.

Daughters of Liberty: The Daughters of Liberty was a group of colonial women who actively supported the Patriot cause by producing homemade goods to replace British imports. They played a crucial role in sustaining boycotts against British goods, spinning their own fabric and encouraging economic independence from Britain.

Gaspee Incident: The Gaspee Incident occurred in 1772 when Rhode Island colonists attacked and burned the British customs ship HMS Gaspee. This act of defiance against British enforcement of trade regulations heightened tensions between Britain and the colonies, prompting stronger crackdowns and resistance efforts.

Committees of Correspondence: The Committees of Correspondence were networks established by colonial leaders to facilitate communication and coordination among the colonies. Organized by figures like Samuel Adams, these committees spread information about British policies and helped unify the colonies against British rule, laying the groundwork for organized resistance.

Boston Tea Party: The Boston Tea Party took place in December 1773 as a protest against the Tea Act, which allowed the British East India Company to sell tea directly to the colonies, bypassing colonial merchants. In response, the Sons of Liberty, disguised as Mohawk Indians, boarded British ships and dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor, escalating tensions with Britain.

Coercive Acts: In response to the Boston Tea Party, Britain passed the Coercive Acts (also called the Intolerable Acts) in 1774. These punitive laws included closing Boston Harbor, revoking Massachusetts' charter, and allowing British officials accused of crimes to be tried in Britain. These acts further united the colonies against British rule.

Quartering Act: One of the Coercive Acts, the Quartering Act required colonists to provide housing and supplies for British soldiers stationed in the colonies. This act was widely resented as an infringement on colonial rights and contributed to growing hostility toward British authority.

First Continental Congress: The First Continental Congress convened in 1774 in response to the Coercive Acts. Delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies gathered to discuss resistance to British policies. They agreed to implement a colonial-wide boycott of British goods and prepared for possible military action, marking a crucial step toward independence.

Declaration of Independence: Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson and adopted on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence formally announced the American colonies' separation from Britain. It articulated Enlightenment principles of natural rights, asserting that all men are created equal and that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. This document justified the Revolution and inspired future democratic movements worldwide.