APUSH Unit 2 Terms Flashcards

Colonial Relations and Governance

• Salutary Neglect occurred from 1607 to 1763, allowing American colonies to operate with independence due to relaxed enforcement of Parliamentary laws.
• Mercantilism prioritized the accumulation of wealth through limited imports and maximized exports, focusing on precious metals as a primary resource.
• The Sugar Act of 1764 imposed tariffs on imports like sugar and coffee, leading to colonial resistance.
• George Grenville succeeded Prime Minister William Pitt and was instrumental in enforcing various legislative acts affecting colonial governance.
• King George III's indifference to colonial grievances marked a pivotal point in escalating tensions between Britain and the colonies.

Taxation and Colonial Response

• The Stamp Act of 1765 levied taxes on printed materials, provoking widespread anger among colonists.
• The Stamp Act Congress of 1765 represented a collective colonial response, petitioning for the repeal of the Stamp Act.
• Sons of Liberty emerged as a radical group opposing British authority, known for violent protests and vandalism against tax collectors.
• The Declaratory Act of 1767 affirmed Parliament's ability to enact laws binding the colonies, reinforcing British control.
• Townshend Revenue Act of 1767 introduced indirect taxes on various imports, igniting further protests among colonists.

Events Leading to Revolution

• The Boston Massacre of 1770 escalated tensions, resulting in the death of five colonists when British soldiers fired into a hostile crowd.
• The Tea Act of 1773 allowed the East India Tea Company to sell directly to Americans, provoking boycotts due to perceived favoritism.
• The Boston Tea Party involved the Sons of Liberty dumping tea into Boston Harbor as a protest against the Tea Act.
• Coercive Acts of 1774 (Intolerable Acts) aimed to punish Massachusetts, closing Boston Harbor and limiting self-governance.
• The Quebec Act of 1774 expanded Canadian territory, inciting fears of a growing British influence over colonial land claims.

Enlightenment Influence and Revolutionary Ideas

• John Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" argued for the social contract and the right to overthrow ineffective governments, influencing revolutionary thought.
• Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense" criticized the monarchy, rallying support for independence and republican governance.

Continental Congresses and Independence

• The First Continental Congress convened delegates from twelve colonies to formulate a response to British actions, featuring leaders like John Adams and George Washington.
• The Albany Plan of Union proposed a cooperative government structure, though it would remain subordinate to Parliament.
• The Declaration of Rights and Resolves asserted colonial rights to self-legislation in taxation matters, limiting Parliament’s power.
• The Second Continental Congress included influential figures, shaping the ongoing revolutionary efforts.
• The Olive Branch Petition expressed loyalty to King George III, seeking reconciliation, but was ignored.

War and Aftermath

• The Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms indicated a willingness among colonists to fight for their rights.
• Loyalists represented a significant faction of the population, opposing revolutionary sentiments and fearing loss of status and property.
• The Prohibitory Act of 1776 classified resistance to Britain as treason and enacted a blockade of colonial ports.
• Hessians were German mercenaries hired by King George III, but their brutal tactics alienated colonial support for the king.
• Minute Men were local militia prepared to respond quickly to British actions, embodying the spirit of resistance.
• The Peace of Paris in 1783 officially ended the Revolutionary War, acknowledging American independence while concluding prolonged conflict with Britain.