Colonial America Conflict and Governance

Britain's policy of loose enforcement of laws in the American colonies.

Economic system where colonies provide raw materials and markets for the mother country.

A British tax on paper products in the colonies.

Colonists' complaint about being taxed by Britain without having a voice in Parliament.

The colonists' complaints about British policies.

British taxes on goods like glass, paper, and tea, leading to colonial boycotts.

British soldiers fired on unarmed colonists, killing five. It fueled anti-British sentiment.

Organized by Samuel Adams to spread news and anti-British propaganda throughout the colonies.

A protest against the Tea Act where colonists disguised as Native Americans dumped tea into the harbor.

Punitive laws passed by Britain targeting Massachusetts after the Boston Tea Party, closing Boston Harbor and revoking their charter.

American colonists who supported independence from Britain during the American Revolution.

American colonists who remained loyal to the British crown during the American Revolution.

A decisive American victory in 1777 that convinced France to formally ally with the colonies.

The French alliance with the American colonies during the Revolution, providing military, financial, and naval support.

A harsh winter encampment of George Washington's Continental Army in 1777-1778, highlighting the hardships faced by the soldiers.

A meeting of all 13 colonies in Philadelphia in 1775, aiming initially to seek redress of grievances from Britain, rather than declaring independence.

The military force formed by the colonies to fight against British rule, led by George Washington.

A last attempt by the colonies to reconcile with Great Britain in 1775, but it was rejected by King George III.

A powerful pamphlet published in 1776 that strongly argued for independence, republicanism, and the natural rights of the people.

A document drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 that declared the 13 colonies independent from Great Britain. It asserted natural rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and listed grievances against the British government.

The inheritance practice of passing property and titles to the eldest son, often excluding other children and family members.

A landmark document that established the separation of church and state in Virginia, preventing government-sponsored religion.

The ideology that women were responsible for raising virtuous citizens and shaping future generations.

The first American constitution, which lacked a strong central government and created a weak national structure.

Northern states began the process of abolishing slavery, while Southern states relied heavily on it.

The decisive battle of the American Revolution where American and French forces surrounded British General Cornwallis, forcing his surrender in 1781.

The surrender of British General Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781, marking a significant turning point and ultimately securing American independence.

The peace treaty that formally recognized the United States as an independent nation. It also granted the US territory stretching west to the Mississippi River.

The formal recognition of the United States as an independent nation, achieved through the Treaty of Paris in 1783, ending British rule.

The Treaty of Paris promised fair treatment for Loyalists, those who remained loyal to Britain during the Revolution, though this was often not upheld.

A law that established a system for surveying and selling western lands, promoting westward expansion and orderly development.

Established a process for admitting new states to the Union, ensuring the expansion of democracy and governing principles.

A farmers' uprising in Massachusetts protesting debt, taxes, and economic hardship, exposing weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

An agreement at the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature with the Senate representing states equally and the House of Representatives based on population.

A compromise that counted three-fifths of enslaved people towards a state's population, determining representation in the House and direct taxation.

The division of government authority among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, ensuring no one branch becomes too powerful.

A system where each branch of government has the power to limit the actions of the other branches, preventing any one branch from becoming dominant.

The division of power between the national and state governments, allowing for both levels to govern specific areas.

Supporters of the Constitution who believed in a strong central government to ensure unity and stability.

Opponents of the Constitution who feared a powerful central government and advocated for stronger states' rights.

A diplomatic incident where French officials demanded bribes from American diplomats, leading to a near-war with France.

Laws passed by the Federalist party that targeted immigrants and restricted free speech, sparking opposition from the Democratic-Republican party.

Statements by Jefferson and Madison arguing that states can nullify federal laws they deem unconstitutional.

The idea that states have the right to invalidate federal laws they consider unconstitutional.

An undeclared naval war between the United States and France, sparked by the XYZ Affair.

A group of advisors chosen by President Washington to head important departments like Treasury, War, and State. This set a precedent for future presidents.

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing basic freedoms like speech, religion, and the press. It addressed concerns of Anti-Federalists who worried about a strong central government.

An uprising in 1794 by farmers protesting a tax on whiskey. Washington's swift response showed the power of the federal government to enforce its laws.

A speech given by Washington in 1796 where he warned against political parties and permanent alliances with foreign nations. This influenced US foreign policy for centuries.

Washington served two terms as president and then voluntarily stepped down. This set a precedent for a two-term limit for presidents that was later codified in the 22nd Amendment.