APUSH CHAPTER 7

Who was Marquis de Lafayette?

at age 19, was made a major general in the colonial army and was a great asset. His commission was largely a recognition of his family influence and political connections, but his service also secured further aid with France

Describe the Intolerable Acts

"Repressive Acts" were passed by the Parliament in 1774 which were designed to chastise Boston in particular, and Massachusetts in general. Most drastic was the Boston Port Act, which closed the tea-stained harbor until damages were paid and order could be assured. Many of the chartered rights of colonial Mass. was taken away, like restriction on town meetings.

What are the Townshend Acts?

1767, was a light import duty on glass, white lead, paper, paint and tea. Made this tax an indirect customs duty payable at American ports. These revenues would pay the salaries of royal governors and judges.

What was the mercantile theory?

A country's economic wealth could be measured by the amount of gold or silver in its treasury. To amass gold and silver, a country had to export more than it imported (it had to obtain a favorable balance of trade).Countries with colonies were at an advantage, because the colonies could supply the mother country with raw materials, wealth, supplies, a market for selling manufactured goods etc (colonies existed first and foremost to help mother country)

Who was Sam Adams?

A master propagandist and engineer of rebellion, cousin to John Adams, who lived and breathed politics, known as "penmen of revolution", set up committee of correspondence which was a network of letter-writers and fore-runners of the continental congress.

What was the menace of mercantilism?

Americans couldn't buy, sell, ship, or manufacture under their most favorable conditions. The South, which produced crops that weren't grown in England, was preferred over the North. Virginia, which grew just tobacco, was at the mercy of the British buyers, who often paid very poorly and were responsible for putting many planters into debt. Many colonists felt that Britain was just milking her colonies for all they were worth.

Why did colonials turn to paper money?

Americans had no currency, but they were constantly buying things from Britain, so that gold and silver was constantly draining out of America, forcing some to even trade and barter. Eventually, the colonists were forced to print paper money, which depreciated.

Why did the Seven Years' War force British to redefine it's relationship with the colonies?

British had a lot of debt, it amounted in 140 million pounds about half of which had been incurred in defending the American colonies. They wanted the Americans to pay 1/3 of the cost.

What is virtual representation?

Every member of Parliament represented all British subjects, even those Americans in Boston or Charleston who never voted for a member of the London Parliament

What is the Sugar Act 0f 1763?

He also secured the Sugar Act of 1764, which increased duty on foreign sugar imported from the West Indies; after numerous protests from spoiled Americans, the duties were reduced. Provided for offenders to be tried in the admiralty courts, where defenders were guilty until proven innocent.

What did Prime Minister George Grenville do?

He ordered the British navy to begin strictly enforcing the Navigation Laws (1763). He secured the Sugar Act of 1764, the Quartering Act of 1765 and the Stamp Act of 1765.

What happened at Lexington and Concord?

In April 1775, the British commander in Boston sent a detachment of troops to nearby Lexington and Concord to seize supplies and to capture Sam Adams and John Hancock. Minutemen, after having eight of their own killed at Lexington, fought back at Concord, pushing the Redcoats back. "The shot heard 'round the world"

Describe the First Continental Congress.

In Philadelphia, from September 5th to October 26th, 1774, the First Continental Congress met to discuss problems. While not wanting independence yet, it did come up with a list of grievances, which were ignored in Parliament. 12 of the 13 colonies met, only Georgia didn't have a representative there. Also, they came up with a Declaration of Rights and the creation of The Association

What was the Boston Tea Party?

On December 16, 1773 a band of white townsfolk, disguised as Indians boarded the three tea ships, they smashed opened 342 chests and dumped the "cursed weed" into the Boston Harbor.

What is the Declaratory Act?

Proclaimed Parliament had the right "to bind" the colonies "in all cases whatsoever". Came after the Parliament repealed the Stamp Act in 1766

What was the Stamp Act of 1765?

Raise money for the new military force. The Stamp Act mandated the use of stamped paper or the affixing of stamps, certifying payment of tax.Stamps were required on bills of sale for about 50 trade items as well as on certain types of commercial and legal documents. Provided for offenders to be tried in the admiralty courts, where defenders were guilty until proven innocent.

What was the Quartering Act of 1765?

Required certain colonies to provide food and quarters for British troops.

Describe the American militia

The American army was desperately in need of clothing, wool, wagons to ship food, and other supplies.Many soldiers had also only received rudimentary training. German Baron von Steuben, who spoke no English, whipped the soldiers into shape. African Americans also fought and died in service, though in the beginning, many colonies barred them from service.

What did Parliament do when British merchants/ creditors worried about paper money?

They restrained the colonial legislatures from printing paper currency and from passing lax bankruptcy laws

How did Parliament enforce the mercantile system?

They passed many Navigation Laws which restricted commerce from the colonies to England (and back) to only English ships, and none other. Kept money within the empire but bolstered the British and colonial merchant marine which in turn was an indispensable auxiliary to the Royal Navy. Other laws stated that European goods consigned to America had to land first in England, where custom duties could be collected. Also, some products, "enumerated goods," could only be shipped to England.

What were the Americans expected to do based on the mercantile theory?

They were expected to furnish products needed in England, buy British goods in return, and not bother their hands with dangerous dreams of economic independence. Specifically the Americans were expected to ensure Britain's naval supremacy by furnishing ships, ships' stores, sailors, and trade. Also, they had to grow tobacco and sugar for England that Brits would otherwise have to buy from other countries.

What was the merits of the mercantilism?

Tobacco planters, though they couldn't ship it to anywhere except Britain, still had a monopoly within the British market. Americans had unusual opportunities for self-government. Americans also had the mightiest army in the world in Britain, and didn't have to pay for it. After independence, the U.S. had to pay for a tiny army and navy.

Describe the Boston Massacre and what led to it

Two regiments of British troops in Boston (Tea became smuggled, though, and to enforce the law, Brits had to send troops to America.) many soldiers were drunken and profane characters. While colonials resenting the presence of them taunted them. On March 5, 1770 a crowd of about sixty townspeople set upon a squad of 10 Redcoats one whom was knocked down and another whom was hit by a club. Acting under extreme provocation and without orders the troops opened fired and killed or wounded 11 "innocent" citizens. 2 redcoats were found guilty

What is nonimportation agreements?

Were against British goods, colonists agreed to boycott supplies, instead, making their own and refusing to buy British goods. Spontaneuously united the American people for the first time in common actions. Gave ordinary American men and women new opportunities to participate in colonial protest.

What were some imperial strengths and weaknesses?

With war broken open, Britain had the heavy advantage: (1) 7.5 million people to America's 2 million, (2) superior naval power, (3) great wealth. However, Britain still had Ireland (which required troops) and France was just waiting to stab Britain in the back; plus, there was no William Pitt. Many Brits had no desire to kill their American cousins, as shown by William Pitt's withdrawal of his son from the army. Britain's generals were second-rate, and its men were brutally treated. Provisions were often scarce, plus Britain was fighting a war some 3,000 miles away from home. America was also expansive, and there was no single capital to capture and therefore cripple the country.

What did the British East India Company do?

was overburdened with 17 million pounds of tea and was facing bankruptcy, if they collapsed London gov would lose heavily in tax revenue. The corporation was able to sell the coveted leaves more cheaply than ever before even with the three pence tax tacked on.