American Revolution

Albany Congress

Who/What: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Group comes together to discuss Native Americans and doing jointly for defense. Different colonies told their delegates different things and only MA advised delegates to go beyond talking about colonial defense. When: 1754 Importance:

George Whitfield

Who/What: Preacher in Great Awakening When: 1740s Importance: (1) Anti-authoritarian: People have the personal ability to change their lives. They can choose. (2) Spiritual equality. The Great Awakening included women, the poor, and African Americans who were given the choice to effect their fate. This contributed to the spirit of revolution

Benjamin Rush

Who/What: Prominent man of science, moved in high political circles, helped Thomas Paine edited Common Sense When: 1746 to 1813 Importance: Big part in the publication of Common Sense

New England Confederation, United Colonies of New England

Who/What: Representatives of MA Bay, Plymouth and New Haven wanted to form a confederation to defend themselves against Dutch expansion, hostile Indian tribe and create a forum for defending colonial disputes. Members:Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven RI tried to join but was not allowed b/c distrusted It was an advisory council, two members from each colony. ⅔ Vote for action Annual meetings from 1643 to 1664. Then CT annexed New Haven and the number of members decreased, so this created a problem didn't meet very often.. Disbanded in 1684. When: 1643 Importance: First example of colonial unity. Didn't come together except under threat.

Edmund Andros

Who/What: Ruler of Dominion of NE, which is the political organization created when the King wants to bring New England closer together. In 1689, when the Stuart Monarchy fell, American colonists toppled the government and sent Andros back to England. Britain lets colonies resume former status. When: 1686 Importance: Second example of colonial unity. Didn't come together except under threat.

Dominon of New England

Who/What: The political organization created when the King wants to bring New England closer together. Ruled by Edmond Andros. In 1689, when the Stuart Monarchy fell, American colonists toppled the government and sent Andros back to England. Britain lets colonies resume former status. When: 1686 Importance: Second example of colonial unity. Didn't come together except under threat.

Charles Townshend and Townsend Acts

Who/What: Townshend was the new PM and he had to balance the budget. Asked for customs duties from silk, paper, tea, etc. Seemingly an external task that would pay for royal administration in the colonies. Also reorganized colonial administration. When:1767 Importance:Incited further colonial anger

Governor Hutchinson and Boston Tea Party

Who: After Tea Act. When ships loaded with tea arriving in many ports, there was tension. The tea was sometimes unloaded and kept in warehouses and not sold. In other places, like NY, ships can't dock. In Boston, Governor Hutchinson order tea ships to be unloaded. Leads to Boston Tea Party. At town meeting on December 16, 1773, it was announced what the capitan with tea was planning to do with tea on the ships. One account: Scores of people through chests of tea over the sides. No wild riot. Only destroying the tea. Brought a locksmith on board to repair the locks. When: December 16, 1773 Importance: Issue not over taxation but an issue over British authority over the colonies?

Andrew Oliver

Who: Appointed distributor for stamped paper in Boston. Sons of Liberty tear down his warehouse. He resigned. When: Summer 1765 Importance: 1) Warmed to radical action (2) Results from uniting

Thomas Paine

Who: Author of CS. From England, came to America where there seemed to opportunity. Pamphlet had three parts - attack on he Monarchy, (2) Independence 0 a touchy subject at time, (3) The Future - America was separate from England When: January 10, 1776 Importance: Straightforward and accessible pamphlet that laid out major arguments regarding logic of independence. Aimed t tear the world apart. Overturned assumptions. Sold 125,000 copies by March 1776.

Samuel Adams

Who: Between 1768 and 1764, Boston takes center stage. Samuel Adams is a key figure, who has strong rhetoric and a strong sense of self. Wrote a circular letter protesting Townshend Acts. Importance: Important colonial regulator

Thomas Gage

Who: British General who reported on Boston Massacre When: March 5, 1770

Lord Hillsboro

Who: British Secretary of State. Reacts strongly to colonial resistance to Townshend act. Many in Britian urged a lenianet response, but Lord Hillsboro did not even want to accept hints of resistance. Hillsboro said MA legislature had to be resolved and other colonies must ignore MA statements or their legislatures will be resolved. Hillsboro urged Thomas Gage to prepare his troops in NY in case they were need in Boston. When: 1770 Importance: Arrival of army heightens tensions, leads to Boston Massacre

Benjamin Franklin

Who: Famous inventor. At the Albany Congress he comes up with a plan for colonial unity called "Short hint toward a scheme for general union of british colonies on continent." It proposed individual colonial charters and a government above them. When: 1754. Albany congress Importance: Short Hints not passed by colonial legislatures - they want to retain their individual sovereignty.

Thomas Hutchinson

Who: Friend of the Stamp Act. Attacked by Boston mob, sons of liberty When: Summer 1765 Importance: 1) Warmed to radical action (2) Results from uniting

Ebenezer MacIntosh

Who: Leader of Boston Stamp Act Riots, debt ridden shoemaker What Happened: Led Boston's working class - North and South - en masse, two thousand, seem to be politically unified.

Captain Preston

Who: Leader of the army in Boston When: March 5, 1770

The CT Compromise/Great Compromise

When: Passed on July 16, 1787. What: Roger Sherman helps facilitate this. Deals with representation issue. Propose representation in lower house on population in the upper house, one state one vote. Importance: part of dealing with issues on representation. Slavery was linked to the question of representation. Northern states attacked slavery on moral grounds, proposed excluding enslaved people in counting representation. Southern states should not be rewarded for having slaves. Southerners disagreed defending slavery on moral and economic grounds. Northerners felt mixed. Brief discussion of slavery. Occupies only a few days. In the end, economic and political concerns that would jeopardize project.

Battle of Saratoga

When: Sep 19, 1777 - Oct 17, 1777 What: While the Brits were flying through Pennsylvania, British General John Burgoyne leads troops into Saratoga, wildly undersupplied due to logistical problems. The British lose, surrendering 6000 men to American forces led by General Horatio Gates and aided by Benedict Arnold. Importance; Huge turning point for the Americans! Most important impact of Battle of Saratoga on the world stage because it gave credibility to the American cause.

Staten Island Peace Conference

When: September 11, 1776 What: General Howe invites Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge to this peace conference. Howe tells American commissioners BF, John Adams and Rutledge that the would hate to be forced to destroy and kill brothers. Benjamin Franklin says, "We will try to spare you the trouble" General Howe wrote to GW to see if he could get Washington to come to terms with the British. This was the letter addressed to Mr. Washington, which was not addressed to General Washington -- this does not go well either. Importance: Contingency

The Constitution

When: September 17, 1787 signed and sent to CC. Ratified. June 21, 1788 Importance: Addresses three main issues of representation, slavery, and the executive branch.

Treaty of Paris

When: September 1783 What: Negotiated between the United States and Great Britain, ended the revolutionary war and recognized American independence. The Continental Congress named a five-member commission to negotiate a treaty-John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Laurens.

Annapolis Conference

When: September 1786 What: Annapolis Convention was a meeting incipiently aimed at constructing uniform parameters to regulate trade between states during a time of political turbulence and economic strain Importance: Stepping stone to constitutional convention

Shay's Rebellion

When: September 1786 What: Farmers in Hampshire, MA protest when they can't pay state taxes. At first many farmers protests in traditional way of writing petitions. Protests don't work. Feel government is letting them down. Feeling repressed and liberty and property are underattack, these farmers take more drastic action.Daniel Shays was followed by 1100 debt ridden farmers, calling creditors/merchants a riding elite class. hey marched on the courts of Massachusetts and ultimately closed them, demanding that the state legislature respond to their demands. Congress sends 800 militia. They do not respond because they sympathize. Congress calls for ½ a million to raise money for a special unit to crush this. Congress can't do anything! A number of established elite - lawyers, merchants - take things into their own hands. They fund a private army of several thousand men. Importance: Weakness of Articles of Confederation

Declaration of Independence

When: Submitted June 28, debating and editing July 1 What: Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, declares colonial independence Importance: duh

Valley Forge

When: Winter 1777 - 1778 What: Supply deficiencies led many American soldiers starving to death, but it didn't lead to mutiny. Importance: Showed to some to American political leaders that they REALLY needed to strengthen the central government.

Great Awakening

Who/What: A vast religious revival that swept through the colonies (also in England). Hamilton said he could always tell who the revivalist were because they always had a dour expression on their faces. When: 1740s Importance: (1) Anti-authoritarian: People have the personal ability to change their lives. They can choose. (2) Spiritual equality. The Great Awakening included women, the poor, and African Americans who were given the choice to effect their fate. This contributed to the spirit of revolution

Salutary Neglect

Who/What: Britain basically leaves colonies to their own devices in terms of governing When: 1760s Importance: When the British enforcing laws in the colonies, huge shift from salutary neglect, which provoked a strong reaction

Budget Debate House of Commons

Who/What: George Grenville new PM must figure out how t pay for the French Indian War. Taxes England first then colonies to pay for standing army. Leads to Sugar Act and American Revenue Act as well as enforcement of smuggling laws. When: 1764 Importance: People think about the understanding of the colonial relationship

Stamp Act

Who/What: Grenville proposed and passed in 1765: Stamp Act. Said that stamped paper (papaer w stamp that you paid extra for) had to be used for all kinds of documents: legal, contracts, bills of deads, playing cards, pamphlets, newspaper, almanacs. Places a tax on these items by making people pay for stamped paper. First direct tax on the colonies. NOT a duty. Had to purchase paper from Stamp Act. Violators tried in vice admiralty courts -- no jury. The revenues all only covered 1/2 the cost of maintaining the standing army When: summer 1765, enforced in November 1765 Importance: Colonist complain of no taxation without representation. British say you have virtual representation. Subjects in British proper who also did not vote for their representation in parliament. The colonists were not the only people virtually representative. Stamp Act gave a sense of shared cause because it affected all colonies equally and it affected people who used papers like lawyers - aka attacked the most vocal colonists.

Declaratory Act

Who/What: Lord Rockingham is the new PM after Grenville's administration fell. Rockingham repealed Stamp Act, blaming it on the weak British colony. Also passes Declaratory Act 1766, which says Parliament can pass laws on the colonies in all cases at all times. To colonists, mentioned legislation not taxes, they felt they had one British felt they had asserted their power When: March 1766

Lord North

Who: New PM after Grenville. He wants to get rid of the Townsend Act but has to put a new tax in its place. Lord North wants to be a friend to trade and America, but still assert British authority. He ends some taxes. Leaves Tea tax in effect because tea was most profitable for England and it could not be manufactured in the colonies (had to imported). Tea was also a social beverage and the center of social activity. With full knowledge of cultural importance of tea in the colonies, North left tea tax in place. He thought the concessions might get rid of some radicalism and destroy non-importation. When: 1770s Importance: Leads to end of non importation. Both colonies and England feel that they have succeeded.

Constitutional Convention

When: May to September 1787 What: Twelve states sent delegates to the CC. 55 attended. Well-educated men. Many were lawyers. Some had worked in Continental or Confederation Congress. These delegates were a self selecting group. People who were opposed to strengthening government did not attend. Most people who were there were nationalists in one way or another.

Sugar Act /American Revenue Act

What: George Grenville added duties some items like animal hides and raised duties on coffee etc. He did lower the duty on molasses though. Wanted to pay for French Indian War, and standing army left in the colonies. After stopping smuggling. When:1764 Importance: People think about the understanding of the colonial relationship

Lord Dunmore, Virginia

What: Governor of Virginia. Proclamation called people who were enslaved and willing to bear arms should flee and come to Norfolk. If they fought for Britain they would gain freedom. Established Ethiopian Regiment. False promises When: November 1775 Importance: Fifteen to twenty percent of white males were loyalists. 20,000 enslaved blacks joined the revolution.

Glorious Revolution

What: Growing opposition to King and Court in Britain. sentiments inspired colonists. When: 1688 - 89

Battle of Bunker Hill

When: June 1775 What: Brits won the battle, held their ground, but at the cost of half their forces. ■ British General John Burgoyne later called the battle a gloomy victory, indicating that even the Brits didn't like how it turned out entirely

Continental Army

When: May 1775 What: Army of the new states. Difficulties of regionalism. Soldiers would sign on for a year and often leave after that year - constant turnover. Difficult of supplies -- Continental Congress had virtually no power of enforcement. It could advise the states. It could ask them for things. It could make recommendations, but couldn't force states to give supplies. Led by George Washington Importance: Issues in Continental Army caused by lack of centralized power led to interest in more centralized government after the war

Battle of Fort Ticonderoga

When: May 1775 What: Strategic fort in upstate New York. Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold capture this strategic fort, suffering only one injury, and capturing 48 Brits (as well as their weaponry/ammunition). Inspired, Americans then attacked Canada to liberate it (which made no sense)

Second Continental Congress

When: May 1775 to March 1781 What: Served as the government of the United States. Importance: In 1775, it had two motives: (1) Reconciliation (2) defense. The failure of the second continental congress led to the creation of the next iteration of the government.

The Federalist Papers

When: October 1787 and May 1788. What: Defend the Constitution, written to persuade New York to ratify. Publius → This pseudonym was used throughout the papers to convince people that their arguments were even-handed, rational ideas that were out in the public sphere.○Authors: Hamilton, Madison, and John Jay Main thesis: A federal government would energize the government without prostrating the states or trampling on the American people; that's the compromiseof federalism Importance: Helped push NY to ratify

Green Mountain Boys

At the close of the French and Indian War, many land-hungry settlers purchased cheap claims in northern New England. They were fradulanet. Benning Wentworth of New Hampshire declared on his own authority that the area came under his jurisdiction. Breaking the land down into affordable units, Wentworth sold deeds to the sons of New England yeomen. But NY speculators also held deeds. Unsuccessful court case. Green Mountain Boys, an unauthorized militia with the single goal of intimidating anyone holding or enforcing New York titles.Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys burned houses and haystacks, demolished fences, and threatened the personal safety of their opponents. blackened faces with soot. The Green Mountain Boys drew obvious parallels between their own struggle with a tyrannical governor and the troubles which other New Englanders were having w a tyrannical king.

Harbottle Dorr

Beginning on January 7, 1765, Dorr collected copies of the Boston Evening Post of the Boston Gazette. Preserved a copy of newspaper and commented on their contents. Put them in volume and indeed them. Became a documentary historian> Over 3,000 pages of annotated newspaper.

NC Regulators/SC Regulators

44 Lacking county sheriffs and courts to administer law and order, respectable citizens felt they had no choice but to regulate society on their own. For the following three years, the interior of South Carolina came under the control of vigilante "Regulators" who tracked down the bandits, captured and tried them, and administered punishment: flogging, forced labor, exile, and, in some cases, hanging. In North Carolina another group of Regulators, claiming that corrupt local officials "continually Squez'd and oppressed poor . . . families" through taxation and For the following three years, the interior of South Carolina came under the control of vigilante "Regulators" who tracked down the bandits, captured and tried them, and administered punishment: flogging, forced labor, exile, and, in some cases, hanging. In North Carolina another group of Regulators, claiming that corrupt local officials "continually Squez'd and oppressed poor . . . families" through taxation and military confrontation with the colonial government that left more than 25 killed and 160 wounded.46 Forced to disband, over 6,000 former Regulators repudiated their past misdeeds by signing oaths of allegiance to the Crown. In this trial run at Revolution—featuring an oppressive government accused by ordinary citizens of unfair taxation and abuses of power—the rebels lost.

Jonathan Mayhew

Famous and controversial Boston minister. He was a radical (political anti-authoritariansim). Aguust 25 preached politico discourse against Stamp Act. Charged with inciting the riot that led to tearing up to Thomas Hutchinson's house. May of 1766 preachers the Snare unbroken which propose was deal with reputation.

Federalism/Anti- Federalism

Federalists thought nationally. Anti federalist did not. Federalism is a brilliant compromise in battle about where invest power, but did not answer all questions. Anti federalists arguments - focus on the placement of power. Worried that rights will be violated by tyrannical national government. Fear overbearing aristocracy repressing common man, no proper representation, standing army. Reading how some of them are directly relatable to the revolution → tyranny, monarchy, aristocracy, unjust representation. It's clear where these fears come from. Patrick Henry says in VA Convention: Giving so much power to national government "tyranny of Philadelphia like the tyranny of George III" In the end, the federalists proved successful, even though they were promoting a radical change in government. One reason they were successful is that they are national-minded, so thinking beyond the bounds of their states. Much more likely to create united publicity campaign. Also because Anti-F do not offer an alternative suggestion, it would have been a different debate if they had another suggestion. Federalist victory was something of anti-federalist default. "We had no principle of concert or union" → we didn't have a unified campaign.

Declaration Resolves

The Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress (also known as the Declaration of Colonial Rights, or the Declaration of Rights), was a statement adopted by the First Continental Congress on October 14, 1774, in response to the Intolerable Acts passed by the British Parliament. Resolved, N. C. D. 1. That they are entitled to life, liberty, and property, and they have never ceded to any sovereign power whatever a right to dispose of either without their consent. Resolved, N.C.D. 2. That our ancestors, who first settled these colonies, were at the time of their emigration from the mother country, entitled to all the rights, liberties, and immunities of free and natural- born subjects, within the realm of England. Resolved, N.C.D. 3. That by such emigration they by no means forfeited, surrendered, or lost any of those rights, but that they were, and their descendants now are, entitled to the exercise and enjoyment of all such of them, as their local and other circumstances enable them to exercise and enjoy.

Olive Branch Petition

The Olive Branch Petition was adopted by the First Continental Congress on July 5, 1775 in a final attempt to avoid a full-on war between Great Britain and the Thirteen Colonies in America

Royal Proclamation

The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was issued October 7, 1763, by King George III following Great Britain's acquisition of French territory in North America after the end of the French and Indian War/Seven Years' War, which forbade all settlement west of a line drawn along the Appalachian Mountains.[

Gaspee

What: A British ship called the Gaspee used in RI to prevent smuggling ran aground. Colonists run onto the ship, force crew off, and burn it to the ground, a smuggling protest. Crown creates a commission to investigate. Colonists took great offense at existence of commission which seemed to meddle with colonies internal affair. Commission was allowed to send men to England for trials. Colonists were super angry about this. When: June 1772, Rhode Island. Importance: Another instance of colonial resistance

Albany Plan of Union

What: Based on Short Hints by Benjamin Franklin, which proposed individual colonial charters and a government above them. These were then consolidated into Albany plan of Union and passed onto colonial legislatures, which rejected the plan. When: 1754. Albany congress Importance: Short Hints not passed by colonial legislatures - they want to retain their individual sovereignty.

Boston Massacre

What: Between 1768 and 1764, Boston takes center stage. Samuel Adams is a key figure, who has strong rhetoric and a strong sense of self. Troops arrive in Boston. Parliament in 1768 says that instiagots be brought to England for trial. At the next election in 1796, more radicals in MA are voted into the assembly. New more radical assembly passes radical resolutions, with Samuel Adams really helping - no man can be justly taxed by any law to which he has not given his consent in person or by his representative. Boston Massacre indicates a lot about British colonial relations. It is not an isolated event. There are bad relationships between colonies and troops. Tensions are building between colonists and troops. In early 1770, outbursts of hostilities between townspeople and soldier. Events: Series of agitated classes and gunfire. Later that day, a small boy began taunting a soldier and the soldier knocks him down. When the boy copaliend to other colonists, a small group gathered around him. Some people tried to accost soldier in barracks and were held off by guards. Soon thereafter some rang bell of Boston meeting house, usually a sign of fire which is a huge deal because everything is wood. Everyone runs into the streets. Many conflicting accounts of what happens next. When: March 5 1770 Importance:

Short hint toward a scheme for general union of british colonies on contient"

What: Book written by Benjamin Franklin, proposed at Albany Congress he comes up with a plan for colonial unity called "Short hint toward a scheme for general union of british colonies on continent." It proposed individual colonial charters and a government above them. When: 1754. Albany congress Importance: Short Hints not passed by colonial legislatures - they want to retain their individual sovereignty.

Virtual representation

What: British argument when colonists complained about taxation without representation in response to Stamp Act. Subjects in British proper who also did not vote for their representation in parliament. The colonists were not the only people virtually representative. When: 1765 Importance:Stamp Act gave a sense of shared cause because it affected all colonies equally and it affected people who used papers like lawyers - aka attacked the most vocal colonists.

Galloway's Plan of Union

What: Delegat from Pennsylvania at CC. Proposes less radical plan than Suffolk Resolves. Plan details a separate American legislature elected by colonial assemblies (called a Grand Council). GC regulates civil, commercial and criminal manners the affect the colonies. It could veto Parliamentary legislature but would be inferior to Parliament. Plan did not pass. When: 1774 Importance: Suggests moderates don't have power to achieve goals, mobilizes radicals

Petition to the King

What: Drafted a petition to the King at CC. Restrained and respectful. Warned king of "evil plot in Parliament taking away colonial liberties" When: 1774 Importance: Shows King is still a figure that can be reasoned with, and that the problem is parliament.

Non-Importation associations

What: In response to Townshend acts. Between 1768 - 1770, people begin to form non importation associations. They were springing up outside the formal political system, but they had some power. In the north, merchants were at the core of the movement. For example, when some RI agreements tried to pull out of non importation agreement, MA etc merchants said they would not buy RI goods. In the South, non importation associations centred around free white populous. They were more focused on non consumption, as opposed to non importation. Associations spread sense of popular involvement in resistance. Boycotting British goods was a political act. Here, average colonists are being brought in. When: 1768 to 1770 Importance: on importation politicized the dialy activities of men and women, joined people in a political effort, and joined them in a willigness to sacrifice luxury for a worthy cause

Tea Act

What: Lord North passes in 1773 to pass East India Company from collapse. Removed import duties from British tea, which is now cheaper than Dutch tea, hopefully inspiring people to buy British tea. Colonists felt Tea Act granting a monopoly to East India Tea Company, and it is no longer free trade. Reducing the duty on English tea stoked colonial fears that England was trying to suppress colonial rights of free trade. When: 1773 Importance: More tensions!

Stamp Act Congress

What: MA first suggests united colonial actions in June 1765. In October 1765 Albany. 9 Colonies respond to MA call for Stamp Act Congress in October 1765. First of series extralegal organization created outside of regular colonial political system to resist/reform British policies. The Congress passes a series of resolution: (1) Allegiance to the crown (2) Colonists entitled to rights and liberties of any English subject (3) English subjects in colonies cannot be taxed without consent (4) Trial by jury right of any British subject When: October 1765 Importance: Step to unified thinking

First Continental Congress

What: Meeting of delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies who said their actions were based on laws of nature, principles of English constitution, and the charters of colonies. They agree to secure repeal of INtoler acts. Use the network of local nonimportation committees as a continental association. Agreed to meed again in 1775 if their grievances hadn't been met. When: August 1774 Importance:Colonies meet - force them to make beliefs clear to themselves, force people from separate colonies to meet one another. Training ground for American statesman. To some in England, symbolized potential rebellion

John Dickinson, Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania to the Inhabitants of the British Colonie

What: Moderate in tone, used past precedents to argue against parliament from taxing colonies. Did not advocate for revolution. But did say we cannot be happy without being free, can't be free without security in property, and can't be secure without consent that others cannot take it away. When: 1767 Importance: Raised anger at Townshend Acts

Edmund Burke

What: Parliament had a range of views; some members of Parliament had sympathy while others were outraged. In March 1775, Edmund Burke gave this speech in the House of Commons he argued that Parliament should be concillitaory to the colonies or risk psuhign them to extremes versus pushing colonies into civil war. Why this was this case, according to Burke: Americans love their liberties because they are liberty loving English subjects. Americans feel that they are not others - they are British and their rights are violated. To those who argue that giving concessions would cause them to want more concessions - this incorrect. Outlines reasons why using force is not a good idea Use of force is temporary but colonial resistance isn't Is it good to battle colonists? We are damaging our own colonies Not sure if Britain could win a war if things got that far When: March 1775 Importance: Expresses different views in Parliament

Currency Act of 1764

What: Passed by George Grenville. Colonies cannot issue their own money. Any act passed by colonial legislature that violates this act was null and void. Any governor who consented to colonial money would be fined 1000 pounds, dismissed from office and barred from this. Reactions: (1) Why are you clamping down on this working system? (2) Trial w/o jury seems to be second class citizen (3) Worried that new duties and taxes would fund standing army in colonies that could be a potential threat When: 1764 Importance: People think about the understanding of the colonial relationship

Suffolk Resolves

What: Resolves initiated in MA, but MA did not bring them to CC because MA knew people already considered them too radical. Resolves (1) declare intolerable acts unconstitutional and to to be obeyed (2) MA should create new legislature to collect colonial taxes (3) People should arm themselves in case of British attack (4) Jailing of patriot leader gave pope of MA, right to jail royal officials When: October 8th, 1774 Importance: Bold act of colonial unity.

Committees of Correspondence

What: Samuel Adams suggests committee of correspondence formed in Boston to communicated current state of affairs to rest of colony and the world. Created, 21 men. He says they want to communicate views about violation that have been and may be made. By end of Nov 1772, committee had written an open letter, urging other towns to make their own committees. Towns respond and encourage widespread participation. More than eighty local committees of correspondence creates in 12 months. When: November 1772 Importance: Radicals elsewhere created committees of correspondence. Within one year, committees of correspondence in every colony. This strengthened ties between more radical colonies, like MA and VA and links between the radicals.

Mob Protests by Sons of Liberty

What: Sons of Liberty capitalize on the idea of mob actions. In Boston, there were two internal organization of artisans in protesting against the stamp act. Attack Andrew Oliver and Thomas Hutchinson When: summer 1765 Importance: 1) Warmed to radical action (2) Results from uniting

French Indian War

What: The French and Indian War comprised the North American theater of the worldwide Seven Years' War of 1756-63. It pitted the colonies of British America against those of New France. When: 1754 - 1763 Importance: Very costly which led to Grenville taxing the colonies

Virginia Resolves

What: Virginia House of Burgesses Pass the Virginia resolves, which say: Colonists came to colonies w rights equals British subjects and they maintained those rights. Virginians alone can directly tax Virginians. Only those directly affected by taxes has the right to enact them. Within a week, circulated to Philly then RI. Other colonists and colonies picked up resolutions from RI. Widespread audience. When: 1765 Importance:The VA resolutions got people to think about acting and began to build a case offenses against the crown. Made clear in protests that only colonial legislatures can tax colonists.

Intolerable Acts

What:(1) Boston Port Act: Closed Boston port to all shipping until colonists pay for all the tea that they have paid. North assumes that colonists will scramble to get Boston's lost trade, underestimates growing sense of unity. Other colonies supported Boston. Colonies made June 1st the day the act was passed, a day of prayer. ASsumed that if it could happen to Boston it could happen someplace else (2) Quartering the Act: legalized quartering of troops in taverns, empty building, and and of private homes. (3) Administration of Justice Act: Protestors Allows trial to be tried in Britain.Called by some the murdering Act (4) The MA Government Act: The most controversial. Imposed a new charter on MA. The governor, who was appointed by the king, could appoint his own council. All town meetings had to be approved by government. King sent a new governor to MA, General Thomas Gage, the commander of the British forces. This suggests a looming threat of a standing army in British Some in MA felt they were under military occupation. When: Spring 1774 Importance: The colonists are still hoping that things can be resolved. Revolution are not inevitable.

Contiental Associations

What:Method through which to repeal offense parliamentary legislation. Network of local non-importation committees. When: 1774 Importance: (1) creates a centralized local government structure (2) brought people into the war effort (3) CC basically creates legislation via CA (4) Committees of Inspection were able to have some sort of centralized organization as the crisis weighted

Patrick Henry + Virginia House of Burgesses

What:Voiced some of the colonial outrage about the implications of the stamp act. Henry was a 29 year old lawyer. Was a great public speaker. He makes a bold assertion and then withdraws. It is a powerful moment - "country's dying liberty." When: May 30th and 31st of 1765 Importance: Shows the colonial reception of threatened legal liberties.

State of Franklin

When: (1784) what: A partition in the western half of North Carolina tried seceding after hearing that the state government might try selling western lands to pay war debts to the continental congress.E ven considered allowing Cherokee membership in their state!North Carolina ultimately took back these ceded lands - Franklin asked if it was a state or not. Congress didn't answer.North Carolina government eventually suppressed Franklin. Importance: An example of independence movements during the Revolutionary war

Thoughts on Government

When: 1776 What: Pamphlet by John Adams. Adams argued that preserve the best of Anglo-American traditions of government, and particularly, separation of powers. Bicameral. In contrast to Thomas Paine. Importance: Period of experimentation in government from 1776 to 1780. Many states are writing their own constitutions. Even before independence, Continental Congress tells states to start figuring out their own governments.

Baron von Stuben

When: 1777 Who: Foreign volunteer that arrived in the states in 1777. Specifically, he was given the task of training the Continental Army. He was someone who had experience with European armies. Importance: Major disorder in the Continental Army and American spirit (asked why)

Benedict Arnold

When: 1780s Who: CT Man. Not promoted. Living beyond means. Betrays

Peggy Shippen Arnold

When: 1780s Who: Daughter of a wealthy merchant in Philly. A Socialite. Married Benedict Arnold in April of 1779.They live a lavish lifestyle. He's still upset about his military rank situation. Begins to consider aiding the British. Peggy helps by disguising letters as hers

John Andre

When: 1780s Who: Person responsible for facilitating communication between Benedict Arnold and Sir Henry Clinton (who is the British command in chief). The very ideal of a gentleman. Like Arnold, had used the army to better his station. Plan is to have Shippen send messages through a chain of people ultimately getting to André

Newburgh Conspiracy

When: 1783 What: A group of disgruntled army officers gather in Newburgh, New York, and demand their pensions from the government - or suffer the consequences!George Washington addresses the group, puts on his glasses to read a speech, and says "Excuse me gentlemen, but I've grown not only gray but blind in the service of my country." This makes all the soldiers cry, and they go home Importance: independence of states in 1780s

Pennsylvania Soldier Revolt

When: 1783 What: After being disbanded following the war without pay, Pennsylvania soldiers surround the Congressional State House and poke their bayonets through the windows demanding compensation. Congressmen awkwardly walk out, say goodbye, and hold meetings in Princeton,New Jersey for a while. Importance: independence of states in 1780s

Mt Vernon Conference

When: 1785 What: Washington offered the hospitality of Mount Vernon for the group of Maryland and Virginia representatives to meet. Although not an official participant in the conference, Washington—with his authoritative knowledge of the issues and active interest in Potomac navigation—inspired the delegates and lent considerable prestige to the proceedings. On March 28, 1785, the group drew up a thirteen-point agreement governing navigational rights on the Potomac and Pocomoke Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. The Mount Vernon Compact not only covered tidewater navigation but also extended to issues such as toll duties, commerce regulations, fishing rights, and debt collection. The Mount Vernon Compact was ratified by the Virginia House of Delegates on December 30, 1785. Importance: The achievements of the Mount Vernon Conference helped set a precedent for discussions into areas of mutual concern amongst the states.

Lexington and Concord

When: April 1775 What: The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War. In April 1775, when British troops are sent to confiscate colonial weapons, they run into an untrained and angry militia. This ragtag army defeats 700 British soldiers and the surprise victory bolsters their confidence for the war ahead. Importance: The first!

Virginia Plan

When: May 1787 What: Proposed at Constitutional Convention. Thought of by James Madison, an extreme nationalist, so he had Edmund Randolph present it. Bicameral legislature; lower house elected by the people; upper house selected by the lower house from candidates named by state legislatures; the legislature can nullify any state law that violates the Constitution; representation is based on population. Branch two is the executive who has a qualified veto over acts of Congress Gestures to checks and balances Flexible amendment process. Vote: supreme separate government with three branches. A nationalist victory. They also made the national executive one man, giving one man more power that you might expect. They also talked about representation in the legislature → on population or not?

Articles of Confederation

When: Between 1776 an 1777, Ratified and put into effect in 1781 What: Document that literally created the United States of America. Under the Articles, the Confederation Congress had almost no power to enforce its will at all. The Articles were basically a pact between thirteen sovereign states which agreed that certain powers would be delegated to this new central government for very specific purposes, but these thirteen sovereign states retained all powers not expressly delegated by them in the Articles. National government consisted of a one-chamber national Congress elected by the state legislatures. Each state had one vote. Congress could request funds from the states but it could not enact a tax of its own without every state's approval. he Articles did not provide for any kind of an executive branch or any kind of an executive character at all. Instead, Congressional Committees oversaw anything having to do with finance or diplomacy or military affairs. There was no judicial system by which this new national government could compel allegiance to its laws. Importance: Very minimal and doesn't really work that well. Makes sense in context after everything that happened during the revolution. Caused a lot of frustration

3/5 Compromise

When: Constitutional Convention of 1787 What: The decision to count ⅗ of a state's slaves in appointing representative and taxing. It is a compromise of sorts and trying to grapple with slavery Impact of compromise: Hisotrian David Bryan David - Southern States had 38 percent of seats on Continental Congress. Because of ⅗ compromise, southern states now have 45% of the states. Importance: Dealing with issue of representation

Prohibitory Act

When: December 1775 What: After King George declared the colonies in rebellion in August, 1775 and addresses parliament in October 1775 saying American rebellion was trying to establish independent empire, he punishes them by prohibited commerce with the colonies. Colonial ships no longer under British protections. Importance: Pushed colonies to consider independence for the first time, aided by Common Sense. Prohib. Act very upsetting to many! John Adams called it "the act of independency"

The Crisis

When: December 19th, 1776 What: Pamphlet by Thomas Paine. GW has it read to the troops to inspire morale. Importance: December 1776 is a real low point for army. Food, supplies and pay were at all time low and enlistments end at end of December and they can all just walk away. One last desperate measure -- Washington makes personal plea w him to stay with the army for six more weeks and then you can go.

Battle of Trenton

When: December 26, 1776 What: Washington and his men crossed the Delaware to attack Hessians at Trenton - capturing 900 prisoners. Importance: Huge morale boost when the army is majorly faltering.

Yorktown

When: Fall 1781 What: hese British troops stumble into Yorktown, and the French navy, led by Admiral de Grasse arrives on August 30th, 1781. This traps the Brits between Washington's army on land and the French navy by sea. Though Cornwallis holds off a siege for three weeks at Yorktown, he ultimately succumbs to the American troops, surrendering some 7,000 men Importance: Opens peace negations

Conciliatory Propositions

When: February 1775 What: Lord North offered Americans everything they originally sought out to get - no more standing armies, American representation in parliament, etc. Americans sayno, because this would require dependence. ritish commision made fatal error → they tried to bribe high ranking official, including GW. "Washington is certainly to be bought - honors will do it." They will offer Washington a Dukeship. They also tried to buy Franklin, who was also not interested. Importance: Contingency

Lord North's Conciliatory Proposal

When: February 1775 What: The final conciliatory gesture. . It proposes that any colony that contributes to the common defense and supports the civil government and the administration of justice would be relieved of paying taxes or duties, except as needed to regulate commerce. Importance: 1. Stuns parliament 2. Trying to divide colonies 3. It doesn't go far enough for the colonies

Treaty of Amity and Commerce

When: February 1778 What: French recognized US sovereignty Importance: Recognition of cause on a national stage, French are key to winning the war

Treaty of Alliance:

When: February 1778 What: If Treaty of Amity and Commerce led to war with England, France would ally itself with the US. This then proceeded to happen. Importance: French are key to winning the war

Declaration of Independence

When: July 1776

Battle of New York

When: July 1776 What: The British descend on New York with 32,000 troops. Washington dug in on Brooklyn Heights, hoping they would attack head on. How did some kind of flanking maneuver. British lost only 400 men, Americans lost 1500. But then Howe made a mistake. He is so confident in victory he decides he won't bring the death blow today and wait until tomorrow. GW brings troops overnight from Brooklyn into New York City. Series of minor battles in New York - Harlem Heights and White Plains. Howe tries to circle Continental Army and Washington tries to retreat. Howe is slow to advance and conquer. Eventually, Washington retreats. Howe seizes NY and Characteristic Washington move: withdraws and withdraws. Unless the circumstances were overwhelming favorable he could retreat. Strategy of retreat is not overwhelming inspiring and did not strike fear in British. Retreat to New Jersey Importance: Part of British strategy of seizing a major city to try to divide the colonies

Invasion of New Haven

When: July 1779 What: A port city, New Haven faced the threat of a British attack in 1777, so the university sent its students off to different parts of Connecticut. The students eventually came back, though and classes resumed. July 4th, 1779, British fleet of ships approached Bridgeport with course for New Haven. 2000 British Soldiers invade New Haven, and 1/3rd of New Havenites flew to meet them in combat. The rest of the city was either moved out of town or uninspired to fight, highlighting how the town wasn't a "big lump of rebels."A group of 70 Yalies formed to attack the british (led by the famous Captain James Hillhouse), but after being surrounded they were forced to run for their lives by running across West Bridge which was immediate disassembled to keep the British from crossing it. Importance: Average citizens fought. War revealed divisions between loyalists/rebels. Made people politically active.

NJ Plan

When: June 15 1787 What: One house legislature, each state has one vote. Plural executive. Supreme Court chosen by executive Granted more power than the articles did. Three days later, don't vote and consider revising the Articles of Confederation Importance:

George Robert Twelves Hughes

Who: One of the last surviving veterans of the revolution. In the 1830s interviewed to talk about recollections. Hughes shows us: (1) Significant changes in the public mind released by revolution: Had to bring a pair of shoes to John Hancock, ushered into kitchen where he belongs, ushered to see John who asks him to sit down (2) Boston: Shared feelings of many Bostonians - hated the British and remembers ugly British soldier moments. March 5th -> saw British soldiers following on American civilians and ran home to arm himself (grabbed a cane). Soldier tries to take it and Hughes says he has a right to hold the cane Hughes recollections offer a great example on how the revolution inspired average americans to become politically active. Shows us how the revolution can politicize someone. The revolution did not just stamp out deference → but a politicized public understood that it had rights and it could demand them. Eventually the American public would find their voice.

George Grenville

Who: PM who was charged with figuring out the war debt. He raised taxes in England and then established taxes on the colonies which were to pay for the standing army left in the colonies after the French-Indian War. When: 1764 Importance: His taxes and budget plans began colonial anger about "taxation without representation"

William Pitt

William Pitt said he wasn't present when the Stamp Act was passed; argues in the house of commons that parliament can legislate for Americans but can not be taxed directly Troubles began in July - in January grew to tumults. Pitt worried that the colonies might be considering rebellion

Francis Bernard

the governor of mass who is forced to dissolve the assembly