APUSH ERA 3 Test

Writs of Assistance

legal document (basically, general search warrants) that enabled officers to search homes and warehouses for goods that might be smuggled Part of the Townshend Acts

VA Resolves

series of resolutions (in response to Stamp Act) inspired by fiery young Patrick Henry. Said Virgniains were entitled to all the rights of Englishmen (could only be taxed by their own elected representatives). Newspapers spread the Virginia Resolves throughout the colonies, other colonial assemblies followed VA's example.

Richard Henry Lee

A member of the Philadelphia Congress during the late 1770's. On June 7, 1776 he declared, "These United colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states." This resolution was the start of the Declaration of Independence and end to British relations.

Proclamation of 1763

A proclamation from the British government which forbade British colonists from settling west of the Appalacian Mountains, and which required any settlers already living west of the mountains to move back east. To keep peace w/ Indians, King George II issued Royal Proclamation of 1763-- drew imaginary "proclamation line" along crest of the App. Mountains. -- prohibited white settlers from going west of the line so that the Indians would not be distrubed on their ancestral lines. For the first time, royal officials curtailed American territorial expansion-- first of several efforts to tighten control over the colonies after French and Indian war). Sent 10,000 soldiers to enforce new boundary line Yet proclamation line= impossible to enforce Land-hungry settlers pushed across App. into Indian country. Indian chief said that whites were making more encroachments on their country than ever before.

French Alliance of 1778

The colonies needed help from Europe in their war against Britain. France was Britain's rival and hoped to weaken Britain by causing her to lose the American colonies. The French were persuaded to support the colonists by news of the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga (1777).

Thomas Paine and Common Sense

A British citizen, he wrote Common Sense, published on January 1, 1776, to encourage the colonies to seek independence. It spoke out against the unfair treatment of the colonies by the British government and was instrumental in turning public opinion in favor of the Revolution.

3/5 Compromise

(when counting population for purposes of taxation/representation-- for every 5 slaves will be 3 towards total population) (during constitutional convention)

Virginia Plan

"Large state" proposal for the new constitution, calling for proportional representation in both houses of a bicameral Congress. The plan favored larger states and thus prompted smaller states to come back with their own plan for apportioning representation.

2nd Continental Congress

1)Sent the "Olive Branch Petition" 2)Created a continental army with George Washington as the leader. 3)Agreed to write a formal letter declaring their independence from England (decl. of Independence) Congress of American leaders which first met in 1775, declared independence in 1776, and helped lead the United States during the Revolution

Pontiac's Rebellion

1763 F&I War ended Immediately after, colonists squabbling over Indian-owned lands west of the Appalachian Mountains (that the French had ceded to the British in the Treaty of Paris). (French gave their ancestral lands to the British) In attempt to recover their lands, Indians fought back in spring of 1763, captured most of British forts around Great lakes/ohio valley Embarrassed by their losses, British eventually agreed to renegotiate w/ Indians-- allowed British troops to reoccupy the frontier forts in exchange for a renewal of the fur trade.

Tea Act

1773-- allowed the East India Company to send its tea directly to America w/o paying taxes. British tea merchants could undercut the prices charged by their American competitors-- most of whom were smugglers who bought tea from the Dutch. (EIC== struggling, had 17 million pounds of tea that needed to sell before it rotted) Created by new Prime Minister Lord North-- sparked colonial resentment

Yorktown

1781; last battle of the revolution; Benedict Arnold, Cornwallis and Washington; colonists won because British were surrounded and they surrended French there with huge navy, GW has brought his army south and is waiting for French to arrive (French creates blockade w/ navy so British can't go get more supplies), British forced to surrender

VA Statute of Religious Freedom

1786 (by Thomas Jefferson)-- said that no man shall be compelled to go support any religious worship/place, and that all men are free to profess their opinons on religions. --This and revolutionary ideology that justified them-- helped shape religious life in US-- diverse and voluntary (not monolithic/enforced by govt) Even religious life= revolutionized.

Great Compromise

1787; This compromise was between the large and small states of the colonies. The Great Compromise resolved that there would be representation by population in the House of Representatives, and equal representation would exist in the Senate. Each state, regardless of size, would have 2 senators. All tax bills and revenues would originate in the House. This compromise combined the needs of both large and small states and formed a fair and sensible resolution to their problems.

Federalist Papers

1788 A collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison under the name "Publius" to defend the Constitution in detail. Most famous== 10 (James Madison) Made to promote ratification of US Constitution Written to NY citizens

Articles of Confederation

1st Constitution of the U.S. 1781-1788 (weaknesses-no executive, no judicial, no power to tax, no power to regulate trade, no power to draft army) Reflected long standing American fears of monarchy. New state governments not willing in 1776 to create strong natl govt that might threaten their liberties.

George Washington

1st President of the United States; commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution (1732-1799) 1st president of the US 1789-97. Commander in chief of the Continental Army, he helped to win the Revolution by keeping his army together through the winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge and winning a battle at Yorktown in 81. In 87, he led the convention at Philadelphia that wrote the US Constitution.During 2 terms, he followed a policy of neutrality and of expansion on the domestic front. George Washington is called "the father of his country" for his crucial role in fighting for, creating and leading the United States of America in its earliest days. Washington was a surveyor, farmer and soldier who rose to command the Colonial forces in the Revolutionary War. He held the ragtag Continental Army together -- most famously during a frigid encampment at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania during the winter of 1777-78 -- and eventually led them to victory over the British.

Crispus Attucks

A free black man who was the first person killed in the Revolution at the Boston Massacre.

Fort Necessity

A hastily built British fort where Washington attempted to defeat the French. However, the French took the fort and forced Washington to surrender. After 2 months of difficult travel, Washington learned that French had beaten him to the site and built Fort Duquesne. GW and men made camp 40 miles up the fort. Next day, Virginians ambushed French scouting party, killed 10 French soldiers-- first fatalities in French/Indian War. GW and troops-- reinforced by more Virginians/British soldiers hastily constructed crude fort (Fort Necessity). Month later, Fort Necessity attacked by large force of French soldiers. After daylong Battle of Great Meadows, Washington surrendered (⅓ of his army of 300 men killed or wounded). France== undisputed control of Ohio Country. GW's expedition-- had triggered series of events that would ignite a massive world war.

Glorious Revolution

A reference to the political events of 1688-1689, when James II abdicated his throne and was replaced by his daughter Mary and her husband, Prince William of Orange Took place with almost no bloodshed. James II fled to France, King's Protestant daughter Mary and her Protestant husband William III of Orange (Dutch) took throne. Ruled as constitutional monarchs-- powers limited by Parliament/English common law. New monarchs issued religious Toleration Act and Bill of Rights--- to ensure that there would never again be absolute monarchy.

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power

Townshend Acts

A tax that the British Parliament passed in 1767 that was placed on leads, glass, paint and tea

Declaratory Act

Act passed in 1766 after the repeal of the stamp act; stated that Parliament had authority over the the colonies and the right to tax and pass legislation "in all cases whatsoever." Growing violence in America, success of nonimportation movement-- convinced Rockingham that the Stamp Act was a mistake. 1766- Humiliated parliament repealed the Stamp Act To save face, also passed the Declaratory Act-- asserted the power of Parliament to govern the colonies in all cases whatsoever Hoped worse was over (was not)

New State Constitutions

All states wrote a new constitution. The new state constitutions show that Americans agreed on two things: 1. equality as an important goal 2. republican form of government. But the states disagreed on to how the government should be structured New state level governments being created--all of which were designed to reflect principles of "republic ideology" limiting powers of government-- to protect peoples' rights. not willing in 1776 to create strong natl govt that might threaten their liberties.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Also called elastic clause, enables Congress to make the laws required for the exercise of its other powers established by the Constitution

Benedict Arnold

American General who was labeled a traitor when he assisted the British in a failed attempt to take the American fort at West Point.

Supremacy Clause

Article VI of the Constitution, which makes the Constitution, national laws, and treaties supreme over state laws when the national government is acting within its constitutional limits.

Stamp Act of 1765

Britain's prime minister-- George Grenville Aggravated the controversy w/ the colonists by pushing through even more controversial measure to raise money in America-- Stamp Act Required colonists to purchase stamped paper for virtually every possible use-- newspapers, pamphlets, bonds, leases, deeds, licenses, playing cards, etc. Stamp Act= especially important bc affected all the colonists (not just New England) And was first effort by Parliament to place a direct/ "internal" tax specifically on American goods (not just "external" tax on imports/exports)

Molasses Act of 1733

British legislation which taxed all molasses, rum, and sugar which the colonies imported from countries other than Britain and her colonies. The act angered the New England colonies, which imported a lot of molasses from the Caribbean as part of the Triangular Trade. The British had difficulty enforcing the tax; most colonial merchants ignored it, still smuggled

Grenville

British minister, GB government in huge debt, Grenville called Americans the "least taxed people in the world", ordered colonial officials to tighten enforcement of the Navigation Acts and dispatched warships to capture smugglers. Grenville's enforcement— posed threat to New England (bc smuggled molasses had become very profitable). To get more money from the colonists, Grenville put through American Revenue Act of 1764 (Sugar Act)— designed to raise revenue for the first time— taxation w/o consent/representation. Also currency Act Quartering Act Stamp Act (INTERNAL tax on American goods, not just external on imports/exports) — outraged Americans Whigs (Patriots) said Grenville was violating their rights Grenville called them ungrateful Grengille removed from office by King bc of stormed caused by Stamp Act)

Albany Congress

British officials in America-- worried about war w/ French and French Indian allies-- hastily organized meeting of delegates from the northern colonies as far south as Maryland. 21 representatives from 7 colonies-- met in Albany. First time that large group of colonial delegates met to take joint action. At urging of Penn's Benjamin Franklin, Albany Congress (1754) approved the Albany Plan of Union. ====plan proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 that aimed to unite the 13 colonies for trade, military, and other purposes; the plan was turned down by the colonies and the Crown Albany Plan of Union-- too radical for the time. (Failed bc) Colonial legislatures (wanted to maintain their powers) and British officials (wanted only military alliance against Indian attacks) rejected it. Benjamin Franklin later said that if the Plan of Union had been approved it may have postponed/eliminated the later need for full-scale revolution. Franklin's proposal still had lasting impact-- it would later be model for the form of governance (Articles of Confederation) made by new American nation in 1777.

Slave Trade Compromise

Congress could not regulate or outlaw slavery or slave trade until 1808 (made during constitutional convention)

John Dickinson

Conservative leader who wrote "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania" (1776); advocated for colonial rights but urged conciliation with England & opposed the Declaration of Independence; helped to write the Articles of Confederation.

Separation of Powers

Constitutional division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with the legislative branch making law, the executive applying and enforcing the law, and the judiciary interpreting the law (Montesquieu)

John Locke and Natural Rights

English, Wrote Two Treatises on Government— had big impact on political thought in the colonies, rejected traditional divine rights of monarchs/absolute power, insisted that people are born with natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that people made governments to protect those natural rights (social contract—when rulers fail to protect property/lives of their subjects, people have right to overthrow monarch/change the government).

Regulator movement (1768-1771)

Eventually violent uprising of backcountry settlers in North Carolina against unfair taxation and the control of colonial affairs by the seaboard elite. It was a movement during the 1760's by western North Carolinians, mainly Scots-Irish, that resented the way that the Eastern part of the state dominated political affairs. They believed that the tax money was being unevenly distributed. Many of its members joined the American Revolutionists.

Northwest Ordinance 1787

Federal order that divided the Northwest Territory into smaller territories and created a plan for how the territories could become states. The 3rd Major land policy created by Confed Congress Outlined 2 key principles— new W territories could become states that would be treated as equals rather than colonies and that slavery was banned from the W region (but slaves already there would remain slaves) Northwest ordinance included promise (which would be broken a lot) that Indian lands "shall never be taken w/o their consent" Specified that new territory would become state through 3-part process: 1st— Congress would appoint territorial governor and other officials to create a legal code, keep the peace, and administer justice. 2nd-- when territorial pop of adult males reached 5,000, a legislature would be elected. 3rd— when territory's pop reached 60,000 "free inhabitants"— could create a state constitution/apply to Congress for statehood 1803— Ohio first to be granted statehood this way.

Fort Ticonderoga

Fort on Lake Champlain in northeastern New York, site of major battles in the American Revolution. A stronghold during the Revolutionary War, in New York on Lake Champlain. It was built by the French in 1755, during the French and Indian War (1754-63), on a vital inland water route to Canada. The French first named it Fort Vaudreuil, but soon changed the name to Fort Carillon. The fort was captured in 1759 by the British and renamed Fort Ticonderoga. In 1775, during the Revolutionary War, it was seized from the British by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys (Vermont troops) in a surprise attack. The British recaptured Fort Ticonderoga in 1777 but abandoned it in 1780.

James Madison

Founding Father "Father of the Constitution," Federalist leader, and fourth President of the United States. Wrote portion of federalist papers, Bill of Rights, founded Democratic-Republican party w/ Thomas Jefferson Democratic Republicans---Led by Thomas Jefferson, believed people should have political power, favored strong STATE governments, emphasized agriculture, strict interpretation of the Constitution, pro-French, opposed National Bank

Alexander Hamilton

Founding Father 1789-1795; First Secretary of the Treasury. He advocated creation of a national bank, assumption of state debts by the federal government, and a tariff system to pay off the national debt. Leader of the Federalists Wrote majority of the Federalist papers At the Constitutional Convention (1787) Federalism--favored a strong united central government, close ties to Britain, an effective banking system, and close links between the government and men of wealth.

Stamp Act Congress

From October 7-October 25, 1765, Stamp Act Congress formulated protest to Parliament-- Declaration of the Rights and Grievances of the Colonies Insisted that they would not accept taxes being imposed on them without their consent. Parliament had no right to tax people who were unrepresented. In response, Grenville called them ungrateful for benefits provided them by the British government.

Treaty of Paris 1783

Grants Americans independence and territory all the way to the Mississippi River.

Sugar Act of 1764

Grenville's effort to enforce various Navigation Acts-- posed serious threat to New England Making rum out of molasses (from sugar cane)--- had become very profitable (esp. If molasses could be smuggled in from Caribbean islands still controlled by the French). To generate more money from the colonies, Grenville put through the American Revenue Act of 1764 (Sugar Act), which cut tax on molasses in half. Believed would reduce temptation to smuggle French molasses. But sugar Act added new duties (taxes) on other goods (sugar, wines, coffee, spices) imported into America-- hoped would help pay for the necessary expenses of defending/protecting the colonies. W/ the Sugar Act-- Parliament (for first time) adopted policy designed to raise revenues from the colonies, and not merely to regulate trade with other nations. Colonists claimed that Sugar Act taxed them without their consent, since they had no elected representatives in Parliament. British officials argued that Parliament's power was absolute and indivisible. -- If Americans accepted parliamentary authority in any area, they had to accept it in every area, including taxation.

Abigail Adams

John Adam's wife, she appealed to her husband to protect the rights of women high spirited/politically astute wife of John Adams wrote to husband John-- "remember the ladies, do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands, men are naturally tyrannical, if people didn't pay attention to the ladies, they would have a rebellion" John laughed at her proposals, insisted upon traditional gender set up, said if women wanted equality, then so would blacks and Indians.

Gaspee Incident

June 1772- Naval incident further worsened colonies' relationship w/ GB. Warwick, Rhode Island, HMS Gaspée (British warship) ran aground while chasing smugglers, hungry crew went ashore and seized local sheep, hogs, and chickens. Angry crowd from the town boarded the ship, shot the captain, set fire to the vessel. Symbolized intensity of anti-British feeling. When the British tried to take the suspects to London for trial, Patriots organized in protest. Jefferson said that it was the threat of transporting Americans for trial in GB that reignited anti-British activities in VA.

King George III

King of England during the American Revolution Oversaw military defeat of France/Spain (made GB the ruler of an enormous world empire) W/in 3 yrs of his ascension to the throne, GB became richest, largest, most powerful empire in the world. Created tighter control over colonies-- led to war 1760- coronated

Navigation Acts

Laws that governed trade between England and its colonies. Colonists were required to ship certain products exclusively to England. These acts made colonists very angry because they were forbidden from trading with other countries. Different Navigation Acts: 1651— required all goods going to/from the colonies to be carried only in English owned ships built in England-- intended to hurt Dutch (who had business shipping goods b/w America and Europe) (Dutch shippers charged less to transport goods than English, actively encouraged smuggling means of defying the Nav. Acts) 1660— specified that certain colonial products (tobacco, etc.) be shipped only to England/other English colonies) 1663- Staples Act— required that all shipments of goods from Europe to America must first stop in England to be offloaded/taxed.

Samuel Adams

Leader of the Boston Sons of Liberty organized the Committee of Correspondence-- issued a statement of American rights/grievances, invited other towns to do the same (in response to Gaspée) one of the most radical rebels. Thought that a determined group of Patriots could generate mass protest against GB.== did not need majority, but an irate, tireless minority. American Revolutionary leader and patriot, Founder of the Sons of Liberty and one of the most vocal patriots for independence; signed the Declaration of Independence

Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys

Led a surprise attack on Fort Ticonderoga and Patriots gained valuable supplies

3 branches of government

Legislative, Executive, Judicial (separation of powers== Montesquieu)

Paul Revere and William Dawes

Lexington and Concord— 1775— British army in Boston received secret orders to stop open rebellion in Mass, decided to arrest rebel leaders/seize American militia's gunpowder stored at Concord, secretly went on foot to Lexington. When Patriots learned of the plan, Paul Never and William Dawes mounted their horses to warn the rebels that the "British are coming!" Each village sounded alarm, militiamen grabbed their muskets, rushed out the door. They rode through the countryside warning local militias of the approach of the British troops prior to the Battles of Lexington and Concord, although Revere was detained by the British shortly after setting out, and never completed his portion of the planned ride. Thanks to the advance warning, the militias were able to take the British by surprise.

Lafayette

Marquis de Lafayette was a French major general who aided the colonies during the Revolutionary War. He and Baron von Steuben (a Prussian general) were the two major foreign military experts who helped train the colonial armies.

Boston Massacre

Mass- had long been center of resistance to British authority. Thousands of British soldiers in Boston== constant irritation. Soldiers harassed, intimidated, were heckled by crowds in return. Evening of March 5, 1770-- 2 dozen Boston colonists began taunting Hugh White-- British soldier guarding Custom House., drew huge crowd Squad of soldiers arrived to help White, but crowd surrounded them. Some threw club that knocked a soldier down-- arose and fired his musket. Other joined-- 5 people killed, 8 wounded. First killed= African American former slave Crispus Attucks. --Boston Massacre: Shock throughout colonies all the way to London. Thousands of Bostonians went to the funerals. At same time-- revived colonial boycott of British imported goods-- persuaded Lord North to modify the Townshend Acts. April 1770-- all Townshend duties repealed except for the tea tax. Colonial discontent diminished 2 years later. Redcoats left Boston, but remained nearby in Canada. British navy still patrolled coast looking for smugglers.

Olive Branch Petition

On July 8, 1775, the colonies made a final offer of peace to Britain, agreeing to be loyal to the British government if it addressed their grievances (repealed the Coercive Acts, ended the taxation without representation policies). It was rejected by Parliament, which in December 1775 passed the American Prohibitory Act forbidding all further trade with the colonies.

1st Continental Congress

On September 1774, 55 delegates from 12 colonies gathered in Philadelphia. After debating, the delegates passed a resolution backing Mass. in its struggle. Decided to boycott all British goods and to stop exporting goods to Britain until the Intolerance Act was canceled. First time all colonies met to coordinate GB resistance. Congress adopted Declaration of American Rights-- proclaimed rights of Americans as GB citizens, denied Parliament's authority to regulate internal colonial affairs. "We demand no new rights, we ask only for peace, liberty, and security." Congress adopted Continental Association-- recommended that every colony organize committees to enforce new/complete boycott of all imported British goods-- dramatic step that would be followed by refusal to send American goods to GB. Designed to show that Patriots could deny themselves fancy things from GB (to show commitment to colonial liberties/constitutional rights). 7000 men across America served on local committees, many women put boycotts into practice. Committees required colonists to sign an oath refusing to buy British goods. In East Haddam, Conn. -- Patriots tarred, feathered, and rubbed pig dung onto a loyalist that opposed the boycott. -- Violence-- led Loyalists to claim that it was better to be a slave to the king than to the Patriot mob. Thousands participated in the boycott of British goods-- provided momentum leading to revolution. Common people enforced the boycott (not just leaders like Jefferson or Adams). People = "fountain of power"

Sons and Daughters of Liberty

Organizations that led protests, helped American soldiers, instated a boycott, and generally resisted the British. erected "liberty poles" as sign of their resistance (which British quickly tore down). Daughters of Liberty-- many colonial women stopped buying imported clothes and made their own (public "spinning circles" or "spinning bees"-- would gather to spin yarn, weave into fabric-- "homespun") Would socialize/discuss politics while reading Mostly in Boston secret organization that was created in the Thirteen American Colonies to advance the rights of the European colonists and to fight taxation by the British government. It played a major role in most colonies in battling the Stamp Act in 1765.

Richard Henry Lee's Resolution of June 7, 1776

Stated that the colonies should be independent and sever all political ties with Britain. It was adopted by Congress and was the first step towards independence.

Bill of Rights, 1791

The Bill of Rights is the collective name for the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. Proposed to assuage the fears of Anti-Federalists (who feared that a powerful government would become tyrannical) --James Madison (Each state constitution also had a smaller bill of Rights)

Quebec Act (1774)

The Quebec Act, passed by Parliament, alarmed the colonies because it nullified many of the Western claims of the coast colonies by extending the boundaries of the province of Quebec to the Ohio River on the south and to the Mississippi River on the west. The concessions in favor of the Roman Catholic Church also roused much resentment among Protestants in the Thirteen Colonies as some colonials took it as a sign that Britain was planning to impose Catholicism upon the colonies. The American colonists saw the Quebec Act as yet another law that increased British control over North America

Vice-admiralty courts

The Vice-Admiralty Court Act gave Royal naval courts jurisdiction over all matters concerning customs violations and smuggling, rather than colonial courts.

Constitutional Convention

The meeting of state delegates in 1787 in Philadelphia called to revise the Articles of Confederation. It instead designed a new plan of government, the US Constitution. meets in 1787 Lots of men, famous people who were there: George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin (But No Thomas Jefferson-- hes in Paris, No John Adams-- is in England as the Ambassador) Meet in Philadelphia, in Independence Hall Agree to keep it secret (to allow for open, honest debate) Decide they're getting rid of the Articles of Confederation (originally just going to amend it but decided to get rid of it all together) Great Compromise-- large and small states, bicameral, etc. (Unequal rep in House, Equal in Senate) Electoral College (were terrified of masses electing crazy person-- fear of mass democracy) Slave Trade Compromise (says in 20 years Congress will talk about slave trade) ⅗ Compromise (when counting population for purposes of taxation/representation-- for every 5 slaves will be 3 towards total population) --------Does this new government counter goals of revolution (since Articles of Confederation aligned perfectly w/ goals of revolution (like no taxation, control over trade, etc.)-- Is this counter??) Some say yes, but then add Bill of Rights

Saratoga 1777

The most significant Northern battle of the Revolutionary War. The Americans captured a large number of British troops in a SURPRISE victory, which improved American morale and won them the official support of France. Sept. 1777: Most important American victory in the war, turning point. Americans had negotiators in France (like Benjamin Franklin), after Seratoga signs treaty of alliance w/ France. Seratoga= turning point bc after, France helps.

New Jersey Plan

The proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for equal representation of each state in Congress regardless of the state's population.

Paxton Boys (1764)

They were a group of Scots-Irish men living in the Appalachian hills that wanted protection from Indian attacks. They made an armed march on Philadelphia in 1764. They protested the lenient way that the Quakers treated the Indians. Their ideas started the Regulator Movement in North Carolina. A mob of Pennsylvania frontiersmen led by the Paxtons who massacred a group of non-hostile Indians.

fort dusquesne/fort pitt

This French fort in the Ohio river valley, and where is today Pittsburgh, was what made the British mad at the French in the beginning of the war. Located at a strategic fork in the Ohio River and later renamed Pittsburgh, this fort was seized by the French in the early 1750's in an effort to claim the Ohio Valley before the Virginians could do so

Coercive Acts

This series of laws were very harsh laws that intended to make Massachusetts pay for its resistance. It also closed down the Boston Harbor until the Massachusetts colonists paid for the ruined tea. Also forced Bostonians to shelter soilders in their own homes. 1774 Lord North convinced Parliament to punish rebellious Boston by enacting harsh laws-- the Coercive (or, in America The Intolerable) Acts. Boston Port Act-- closed harbor until city paid for lost tea. New Quartering Act-- ordered colonists to provide lodging for British soldiers (soldiers also stayed in ports, looking for smugglers). Intolerable Acts shocked colonists- had not expected such a severe reaction to Boston Tea party. Colonists rallied to help Boston, raised money, sent supplies, boycotting/burning British tea. Conflict had come down to single question-- will we be governed by British Parliament.

Virtual/actual representation

Virtual representation==that a representative is not elected by his constituents, but he resembles them in his political beliefs and goals. Actual representation mean that a representative is elected by his constituents. The colonies only had virtual representation in the British government. (Bc Parliament had colonists' best interests at heart, were virtually represented)

Valley Forge:

Winter 1777-1778: Military camp-site for Americans Barely survived, many died from starvation and disease. Von Stueben comes in and helps them get it together after winter ends.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

Written by Thomas Jefferson; influenced by the Enlightenment philosophers of his day. *Provisions:* *Part 1* - Explains the necessity of independence for the preservation of basic laws and rights. *Part 2* - Lists a series of "abuses and usurpations" by the king and his government; Jefferson claimed that this treatment violated the social contract the British monarch had with the his colonies, thereby justifying the actions his American subjects felt compelled to take. *Part 3* - Ends with what is tantamount to a formal declaration of war.

Bunker/Breed's Hill

a battle that took place on the strategic point of Breed's Hill. British victory on account of the depletion of American supplies (ran out of gunpowder). yet gave them confidence- It pushed Americans towards a final decision for war. (bc killed a lot of British-- don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes) On June 17, 1775; 2,400 British troops marched through Breed's Hill near Boston where there were attacked by Washington's army who were hiding in the tall grass. The British retreated; on the third attempt, the colonists ran out of gunpowder, the British gained the higher land.

Federalism

a form of government in which power is divided between the federal, state, and local governments (was created after confederal government failed)

Patrick Henry

a leader of the American Revolution and a famous orator who spoke out against British rule of the American colonies (1736-1799) farmer, deer hunter, storekeeper turned lawyer-- told Virginia's Revolutionary Convention that the colonies had done everything they could to avoid war, but it was now inevitable, let it come! Freedom could only be bought with blood! Give me liberty or give me death!

Cornwallis

commander of the British forces in the American War of Independence, surrendered at Yorktown

Ohio River Valley

controversial land that led to the French and Indian War; British win war and claim this land; region where British fur traders went; rich soil for farming The point of contention that sparked the French and Indian War. Both the French and British claimed it. They wanted the area because the rivers allowed for transportation.

Mercy Otis Warren

female patriot who wrote poems to convince others to join the patriot cause The "First Lady of the Revolution" Political writer/propagandist of the Revolution

Committees of Correspondence

organized by patriot leader Samuel Adams, was a system of communication between patriot leaders in New England and throughout the colonies. They provided the organization necessary to unite the colonies in opposition to Parliament. The committees sent delegates to the First Continental Congress. In response to Gaspée-- Samuel Adams in Boston organized the Committee of Correspondence-- issued a statement of American rights/grievances, invited other towns to do the same. Lots of other similar committees started up. Mass. loyalist called the committees "the foulest, subtlest, etc..." Crisis= escalating.

Land Ordinance of 1785

urged states to drop their competing claims to Indian held territory— that way— vast unmapped area could be divided into as many as 17 new states. When western territory's pop equaled that of smallest existing state (Rhode Island)— territory would be eligible for statehood outlined plan of land surveys that would stamp rectangular pattern on Northwest Territory (would become states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin) Whenever Indian lands were taken/bought— would be divided into 6-mile townships— each town then divided into one mile squares (each divided into 4 farms) — "public lands"— sold at auctions, proceeds went to natl treasury.