Virginia History

Richard Bland

"The Antiquary" Became voice of self government. Argued that laws could not be overturned by king because they pertained only to internal affairs.

Townshed Duties

-imposed import duties on tea, paper, glass, red & white lead, & painter's color

Dunmore's War

A 1774 war led by Virginia's royal governor, the Earl of Dunmore, against the Ohio Shawnees, who had a long-standing claim to Kentucky as a hunting ground. The Shawnees were defeated and Dunmore and his militia forces claimed Kentucky as their own.

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.

Common Sense

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that claimed the colonies had a right to be an independent nation

William Byrd II

A planter, slave-owner and author from Charles City County, Virginia. He is considered the founder of Richmond, Virginia

Father of the Constitution

A title given to James Madison for his role in drafting the document that lays out the system of government in the United States

French and Indian War impact on George Washington and Virginia?

After two failed attacks that led to the defeat of the English troops, Washington realized that they needed to lead a more disciplined group. Helping the troops to become disciplined was a real challenge. First, the government, House Burgesses were unresponsive to the Indian attacks in Shenandoah Valley. There was little funding put into recruiting and paying for troops. If the service men volunteered to serve in the military, they did not have to pay county or parish taxes. They also could receive a signing bonus of two pistols. They was not enough to draw people to serve. Much of the military was made up of 60% of people born outside of VA. Much of the soldiers were landless men. Few of the elite and middle planters volunteered to serve in the army. The only time the elite and farm owners stepped up to serve was if their personal property or the property of their family was attacked. Other than that they were not really trying to fight for people that they did not know. Especially since a large majority of the people were German, Scotch-Irish immigrants. Virginians had a lukewarm attitude towards the war making it difficult to help the group to become disciplined. Not being able adequately train and discipline his troops because a significant problem that Washington threatened to quit being the Colonel. The house responded by creating stricter military laws with severe consequences. This helped Washington to develop the military that he had hoped for.

Loyalists

American colonists who remained loyal to Britain and opposed the war for independence

Great Wagon Road

An early Pioneer route through the alpalachians; this main North-South trail stretched from Pennsylvania to North Carolina

Committee of Safety

Any of the extralegal committees that directed the revolutionary movement and carried on the functions of government at the local level in the period between the breakdown of royal authority and the establishment of regular governments.

Briefly trace Virginia's role in the conflict between "landed" and the "landless" states.

Article 13 giving congress the power to determine the boundaries of those states whose original charters "extend to the south sea." This provision put Virginia's claims to the Ohio Valley in jeopardy. Lee worked tirelessly to undermine the western lands clause. Congress not given power to set boundaries of the "landed" states. The ratification of the article was heald by the "landless" states, especially Maryland. Virginia was willing to give up it's claims to all of the territory north of the ohio, but the general assemby insisted that it would determine the permanent boundaries of the state, not the national government; it was a matter of sovereignty. 1781 recognized Virginia historic claims to the west and VA voluntarily ceded all of its terrtories north of the ohio to the US while retaining complete title to all of the land it claimed south of Ohio encompassing was is today VA, WVA, and Kentucky.

Discuss the nature and significance of the conflict between Governor Dunmore and Virginians.

At the beginning of the open rebellion in Virginia, Governor Dunmore, who was Virginia's governor, did not believe that it was a sustainable revolt. His views were similar to those in the Parliament. Many people in the Parliament were somewhat confused about whether America was really seeking a rebellion. If Governor Dunmore believed that the open rebellion was real, he did not effectively communicate the extent of the Virginians plan to separate. I believe it was highly unlikely that Governor Dunmore was ineffectively communicating what was going on in Virginia. His ultimate allegiance was to the crown; not Virginia. He was willing to do whatever it took to maintain ties between the colony and the crown. His allegiance ultimately led to him going into a little war with Virginia in 1775. The war began when Governor Dunmore ordered the gunpowder in a Williamsburg public magazine be removed. Governor Dunmore attempted to persuade the colonists that gunpowder was being moved as a prevention method. The stated that it was rumored that some slaves were planning a revolt. In reality, Governor Dunmore was aiding the British soldiers who were sent to collect America's arms and munitions that could be used against Britain. The colonists was not aware of the troops being on American soil during the gunpowder removal but they had difficulty believing the Governor and started a march on the Governor's Palace. Eventually the march was deterred by colonial delegates. They convinced the marchers that the fight could be fought through intercontinental relations created at the Second Continential Congress. Governor Dunmore's primary allegiance to the crown resulted in him having to flee to a British warship. A primary reason for his fleeing involved a shooting at the gunpowder magazine. Dunmore's lack of response to this incident and his unwillingness to give the keys to the gunpowder magazine signaled his allegiance to the crown. The tension between Governor Dunmore continued after he fled to a British warship. When he refused to sign a bill created by the house, they decided to act without his approval.He served as a Virginia governor in 1774 during a time when the hostility between Britain and America was brewing. Britain grew fearful that the colonies were moving towards an open rebellion so they ordered the commanders and governors to be more tough on the American colonies. Dunmore was one of these governors at the time who attempted to follow these orders. After an attempt yo assemble the House of Burgesses to share the instructions from Britain failed, Dunmore fled to a British warship for protection. From then on Dunmore's behavior sparked hostility between some Virginians and loyalists inspired by him. Dunmore rallied some loyalists and moved to Norfolk to create a hub for Britain's military. This provided a place for Britain to plan attacks on American soil which they did under Dunmore's command. Dunmore commanded the army to raid plantations, steal weapons and munition, and offering freedom to slaves willing to fight. This mini-war led to the city of Norfolk being burned down to prevent the British army from carrying out attacks on American soil

Middle Plantation

Became Williamsburg in 1699. The first major inland settlement in the colonies.

Francis Nicholson

Became governor in 1690. Supported Blair in establishing William and Mary. Reorganized the military and was in general support of legislation pushed by council and house. Became governor of Maryland in 1692.

Why was the state capital moved to Richmond in 1780?

Before being burned down by a former American, a year earlier, Richmond became the capital of Virginia. The capital was moved to Richmond because of the population growth westward. It was also chosen as a place of refuge to escape British powers.The previous capital in Williamsburg served as a location for meetings for the House of Burgesses.

Comittees of Correspondence

Bodies organized by the local governments of the thirteen colonies for the purposes of coordinating written communication outside the colony.

Fort Loudoun

British fort built in 1757 in the area that is now Monroe County, Tennessee. The friendly trading relations turned sour and the Cherokees surrounded the fort and eventually took all 230 people as prisoners.

American Prohibitory Act

British law of 1775 that authorized the royal navy to seize all American ships engaged in trade; it amounted to a declaration of war.

How did British and Colonials differ in their views on each contribution in the French and Indian War?

British's view:They had saved America. They believed that their strategic planning and military strategy is what forced the French armies away from North America.Believed that the colonists were reluctant partners, some letters from London were ignored, requests for troops were never met in full and the ones they did provide did not met the English expectations and standards.The colonists soldiers were viewed as lazy, unprofessional, fickle, undisciplined, and cowards. The were considered more of a hindrance than help.Some American merchants were considered unpatriotic because they continued to trade with the French and Spanish despite being told not to do so.British had reimbursed the colonies for their military expenses. This led to England's debt doubling.Virginia and other Colonists Views:They saw themselves as equal if not superior partners in the glorious victory.There were 20,000 Americans that fought in the war. Virginia provided 100% of the troops that were required. Although the number of troops provided by Virginia decreased over time, about 15% of the population had fought in the war. Also, Virginia and other colonies had only received 40% of the money back from the war and rest was paid by treasuries of individual colonies. Englishmen and Anglo-American Views: They believed that all Indian groups on American territory now belong to Britain because they own the east of the Mississippi. They wanted to protect both the Indians and whites. The Proclamation Line of 1763 stopped settlement west in an attempt to maintain peace between the colonists and Indians. The Colonists had a different view of Indians because they had become their enemies and hated them.

Continental Association

Created by the First Continental Congress, it enforced the non-importation of British goods by empowering local Committees of Vigilence in each colony to fine or arrest violators. It was meant to pressure Britain to repeal the Coercive Acts.

Ohio Company

Created in 1749 Virginia speculators, supported by London merchants. They obtained a royal grant of 20,000 acres of Ohio Valley. This alarmed the French and the Iraquois and lead to the development of forts.

Knight of the Golden Horseshoe

Expedition to lead by spotswood across the piedmont and into the valleys. Had the house of burgesses creat 2 counties, spotsylvania and burnswick.

Quebec Act

Extended boundaries of Quebec and granted equal rights to Catholics and recognized legality Catholic Church in the territory; colonists feared this meant that a pope would soon oversee the colonies.

James Blair

Founded William and Mary College in Virginia. Became one of the most powerful men in VA by leadership of the Church of England.

Fort Duquesne

French fort that was site of first major battle of French and Indian War; General Washington led unsuccessful attack on French troops and was then defeated at Fort Necessity, marking beginning of conflict.

The Definitive Treaty of Peace

Gave Great Britain all of North America east of Mississippi. French was eliminated from North America

Discuss the nature of the government in colonial VA. Why did the capital move from Jamestown to Williamsburg?

Government of VA gradually changed from corporate to Royal colony. 1619 first establishment of representatives(HOB). King is the model of the governor. Two house parliament and two house legislator. HOB is given the power to tax b/c they need to pay governor and upper house. HOB reffuses to pay for salaries. Establishment of county courts... Combination of board of supervisors and courts-had legislative and executive powers. Local government patterned after england as sheriff and justice of peace. Local Church make decisions for county.

Virginia Resolves

In response to the 1765 Stamp Act, Patrick Henry persuaded the Virginia House of Burgesses to adopt several strongly worded resolutions that denied Parliament's right to tax the colonies. Known as the Virginia Resolves, these resolutions persuaded many other colonial legislatures to adopt similar positions.

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.

Antifederalists

Opponents of ratification of the Constitution and of a strong central government, generally.

Trace the impact of the following Virginians in the colonial protests the preceded the Declaration of Independence: Patrick Henry, George Mason, George Washington and Richard Henry Lee.

Patrick Henry - He played a significant role in ending the Stamp Act.p. 109George Mason - Developed the nonimportation associationGeorge Washington - introduced the nonimportation association list for colonists to sign pledging not to purchase items that were taxed under Townshend Acts.FCC: functioned as a presiding officer + he worked behind the scenes**Although Virginians were not as loyal to the nonimportation association, other colonies were leading to the Townshend Acts being repealed on everything except tea.p.110Richard Henry Lee- He took the lead on the Committee of Correspondence with the general support of the Burgesses.FCC: At FCC, he argued for the most radical approach against Britain. He had the most crucial role because he worked with John and Sam Adams to push a Continental Association. This association was designed to stop the importation of British goods and the exportation of American goods to Britain. Unfortunately, some of the Virginians united against him because Lee attacked the Quebec Act. The Quebec Act tolerated Catholicism and nearly eliminated all of Virginia's western land. They did not like his proposal of congress paying for military training.He was the most radical in his beliefs that in order to separate from Parliament that it would require military action in the future.p. 111'All of these men played significant roles in Virginia's colonial protests beginning with the resistance against the acts. Another significant role that they played was being members of the First Continental Congress.

First Continental Congress

September 1774, delegates from twelve colonies sent representatives to Philadelphia to discuss a response to the Intolerable Acts

Parson's Cause

Series of developments (1758-1763) that began when the Virginia legislature modified the salaries of Anglican clergymen, who complained to the crown and sued to recover damages. British authorities responded by imposing additional restrictions on the legislature. Virginians, who saw this as a threat, reacted by strongly reasserting local autonomy.

Virginia Declaration of Rights

Served as a model for the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States of America

Why did settlement of the Shenandoah Valley began in 1730? What type of people inhabited it?

Settlement of the Shenandoah Valley began in 1730s as a result of British and Virginia policies designed to create a buffer between the more settled regions of the colony and French and Indian lands farther west.Governor Spotswood was responsible for recruiting people to expand to the Shenandoah region. Spotswood formed a group of companions called the Knights of the Golden Horseshoe to travel with him on the adventure.From this expedition two large counties were created by the House of Burgesses, Spotsylvania and Brunswick.A large majority of the settlers were German and Scotch-Irish immigrants. These settlers were pushed out of their original areas because of wars, high cost of rent, short leases, and increased poverty. They journeyed from New York or Philly to get to Shenandoah Valley using what they called the Great Wagon Road.They were attracted to the area because there were some entrepreneurs from their ethnic group that lived in the Valley. For example, German Leader, German Jost Hite owned 140,000 acres in the early 1730s. This led to many of the immigrants settling on scattered farmsteads. They raised livestock and grain. The German communities were known for their careful and industrious farming habits, distinctive barns and log homes, and Lutheran churches.I think the Scotch-Irish were jealous of their political and religious freedom, especially their Presbyterianism.The English did not want to be outdone so they purchased land in the Northern end of the Valley.The immigrants became country justices of peace and occasionally parish vestry. What made them different was the fact that they had no tobacco plantations and limited slavery.p. 93 - 94

What impact did the American Revolution have upon slaves, women and lower-class white men?

Slaves- Dumore's proclamation in 1775 encouraged slaves to join the British side in order for freedom. Runaway slaves were on the rise and nearly 30,000. This shook VA's slave culture at it's core. Cracks in the racial regiment from some language used in the rhetoric of liberty (all men are created equal). Women- Thrust women into military and politics when assuming economic responsibilities normally reserved for men. Women took the revolutionary message to heart. Widows had to pay property taxes on large lots of land but were not represented. Some women paid for people to vote correctly. Others used their common duties to make political statements. Women would boycott by deciding what to buy and use in their everyday cooking and household chores. Some women encouraged writing in the Virginia Gazatte, a call to countrywomen to boycott teas and other imports. Homespun clothing became marks of patriotism. Lower-class white men-

How did Virginia attempt to fund a volunteer army of property-less men?

State issued $196,000 in paper currency but took in only 1/10 of that sum in revenue. Tax code that added a 0.5% percent tax on property and 10% tax on interest income and small tax on non military government salaries. The tax was fairly even across the population but the elites were paying the majority. Legislation by george mason tried to clear up western land titles in hope that it'd bring revenue to the state. Congress tried to runaway inflation by making 40 continental dollars equal to one Spanish silver dollar. This made paper money reduce in circulation making it hard for small farmers to pay their annual levies. Farmers were allowed to pay taxes with hemp, tobacco, etc. A bill was introduced to allow citizen to pay their debt in 6 months for the next tobacco harvest.

Proclamation Line of 1763

Stated that no colonists could settle in lands to the west of the Appalachian mountains-- made the colonists very upset

Federalists

Supporters of the U.S. Constitution at the time the states were contemplating its adoption.

Discuss the conflict between British administrators and Virginians over the Stamp Act.

The Stamp Act along with the others was intended to create a more efficient and financially sound empire. This act drew forceful reactions from all of the colonies including Virginia. The Stamp Act required that a stamp with a specific value be bought and added to all paper used for newspaper, pamphlets, cards, and etc. Much of the conflict arose before the act was put into full effect. This is due to the fact that American colonists knew about it long before it came to fruition. This act was mostly that of a power struggle between the Virginia's House of Burgesses and British Parliament. The house believed that they had the right to tax and manage internal affairs within the colony. They tried to appeal to the Parliament in a manner that was firm and polite but it did not persuade Parliament. This actually made Parliament more adamant about implementing the tax. Although the specific fees were lower in the American colonies, more of their items had required stamps than those in Britain. The revenue from this tax was used to fund having British troops in America to protect the frontiers. After the act was officially passed, there was no strong opposition present but this soon changed after the first protest led by Patrick Henry. Internal conflict arose in Virginia in regards to 5 resolutions were written. These resolutions were written against the Stamp Act. It was veteran burgesses verses newer burgesses. These resolves included a series of 5 resolutions written against the Stamp Act. The writing of these resolutions were led by Patrick Henry although it is not clear if he was the author of these resolutions. Internal conflict arose in Virginia in regards to 5 resolutions were written. These resolutions were written against the Stamp Act. It was veteran burgesses verses newer burgesses. The veteran burgesses believed that some of the resolutions were too far fetched and that the English would not consider the requests. The new burgesses felt as though what was written was justified and grew impatient with the English. Virginia set the pace for resolves being developed and imitated in other colonies. This eventually led to an assembly of 9 colonies meeting together to discuss the resolves. Although Fauquier prevented any official meetings, there were protests going on in counties within Virginia. These protests led to county courts closing because they refused to use the stamp papers, limited business took place at the ports because of the refusal of trade with ships with stamp papers. The House of Burgesses went on a long recess therefore adding to Virginia being at a standstill.

Briefly describe the military events that occurred around Yorktown and state their significance.

The events that took place at Yorktown indicated significant turning points in the war for America. Though it was not the only site where fighting took place, it had a domino effect on the trajectory of the war in other locations. Before the battles in Yorktown, the war was appeared as if it would be in favor of Britain. Cornwallis, Britain's General, had an army of 7,000 men at the beginning half of 1781. When given orders to move towards a deepwater port, he chose Yorktown. It would have appeared that the British army had the upper hand until a Franco-American army of 16,500 men formed. This large Franco-American army moved to Yorktown where General George had men positioned in an European-style siege. The French men took the left and the American men took the right with other units scattered in other locations. The men were spread along the York River. Another strategy that they bombarded Yorktown by digging 2,000 yards of trenches. They were within 250 yards into Yorktown. The timing could not have been more perfect as it was around the time that Cornwallis' army was running out of weapons and the British soldiers were suffering from a smallpox outbreak. Because the Franco-American army had the town surrounded there was no way for the British men to escape to seek help. Without enough healthy fighting men and artillery, it was impossible to evade defeat so the Cornwallis surrendered. They first tried to surrender to the french but they redirected them to the Americans because it was George Washington who gave the commands. The aggressive tactics that were used by America was imitated in other locations and deemed to be successful.

Explain why Virginians moved toward independence as the answer to their problems with England. What role did Richard Henry Lee and Thomas Jefferson play in these events?

The idea of independence from the crown grew stronger and stronger with every ignored attempt for reconciliation and consideration of grievances. Additionally, reading Thomas Paine's Common Sense pamphlet persuaded Americans that independence was the only way to evade the corrupt English rule.The reality of the independence being the only option of the colonists began with the American Prohibitory Act. It was an act that came after the king declared that the American colonies were in an open rebellion against the crown with the desire for the crown to be destroyed. As a response to the King sharing this with the Parliament, they created the American Prohibitory Act. The act was passed to eliminate all American commerce from the empire and blockade all of American imports. When the news of the act reached the colonies, a minority of Americans believed that they had no choice but to seek independence. When the delegates were hesitant about pursuing independence, one of the delegates called a meeting with the intentions of them voting. Richard Henry Lee presented Virginia's resolution for independence to congress. He also asked Congress to construct a "plan of confederation." The Congress agreed and selected a person to create the articles for them to debate. Lee would spend a year working against some of the clauses presented in the article of confederation. The declaration of independence was written by five men chosen by congress but most of the declaration of independence was written by Thomas Jefferson. Even though a significant amount of the Declaration of Independence was revised, Jefferson played an important role in the development process.

Second Continental Congress

They organized the continental Army, called on the colonies to send troops, selected George Washington to lead the army, and appointed the comittee to draft the Declaration of Independence

A Summary View of the Rights of British America

Thomas Jefferson to VA delegates; a "free people claiming their rights , as derived from the laws of nature, and not as the gift of their chief magistrate"

Fancis Faquier

Tried to hide the resolves by dissolved the house and sent burgesses home for summer. Held HOB out of session during stamp act.

Explain the movement in Virginia from religious toleration to religious liberty and separation of church and states

VA sponsored and supported the Church of England; church attendance was required and civil authories collected taxes to sustain the church and it's function. The taxes didn't only support ministires and upkeep of the church but also social welfare. Civil society could only if the citizenry was of high moral fibre; and morality could only come by exposure to the christian religion. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison argued for complete freedom of thought; religion should be entirely private and voluntary matter. Religious tolerance began with construction of the VA declaration of Rights. "All men should enjoy the fullest toleration in the exercise of religion." changed to "all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion according to dictates of consciousness." *wording important for equal footing for all religions.

Patrick Henry

a leader of the American Revolution and a famous orator who spoke out against British rule of the American colonies (1736-1799)

Two Penny Act

after several years of low tobacco yields act allowed cleric salaries to be paid at a fixed rate of two cents per pound of tobacco, instead of high market value... Once the loss of value was factored in, a clergyman was receiving about one-third of his normal, stipulated salary. The colony's councilors had approved and with the House of Burgesses, convinced Francis Fauquier, the royal governor, to allow the act to go into effect.

General Edward Braddock

commander of all British forces in North America during the French and Indian War

George Rodgers Clark

led 200 troops to suprise British and claim the land west of the Appalachins for America

William Gooch

lieutenant governor of Virginia:tobacco inspection plan called for public warehouses;inspectors;standardized hogsheads. Place Bill-forbiding burgesses/liteunant to become inspectors for tobacco.

Alexander Spotswood

started the tradition of the Golden Horseshoe. Tackled colonial defense, relationship with natives, and tobacco problems