Colonial Resistance: Writs of Assistance

Study Notes

Writs of Assistance

General search warrants employed by British customs officials to seek smuggled goods in colonial homes and businesses.
No specific locations or items were identified, leading colonists to view them as a violation of their rights.
Contributed significantly to colonial resentment against British authority.

Continental Congress

First assembly of colonial delegates met in 1774 to address grievances against British policies.
Coordinated actions such as boycotts and petitions as a means of protest.
Played a crucial role in organizing a collective defense strategy as tensions with Britain increased.

Second Continental Congress

Convened in 1775 and functioned as the de facto government during the American Revolution.
Established the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as commander.
Issued the Declaration of Independence in 1776, promoting the cause of independence from British rule.

Coercive Acts

Enacted in 1774, also known as the Intolerable Acts, as punitive measures following the Boston Tea Party.
Restricted self-governance in Massachusetts and closed Boston Harbor.
Allowed trials of British officials to be conducted in England, escalating colonial resistance.

English Magna Carta

Signed in 1215, it was a landmark document that limited the powers of the English king.
Established the principle that everyone, including the monarch, is subject to law.
Influenced American political thought regarding rights and governance.

English Bill of Rights

Enacted in 1689, it limited the powers of the British monarchy and defined individual rights.
Guaranteed rights such as fair trials, free elections, and protection against cruel punishment.
Served as a significant influence on the American Bill of Rights.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights believed to be inherent to every individual, including life, liberty, and property.
Promoted by Enlightenment philosophers like John Locke, shaping colonial beliefs.
Central to the ideals presented in the Declaration of Independence.

Federal Government Powers & Federalism

Federalism refers to the distribution of power between a national government and state governments.
Federal government powers include regulating trade, managing national defense, and conducting foreign policy.
State governments are responsible for local issues, establishing a critical balance in the U.S. Constitution.

Proclamation of 1763

Issued by the British government to restrict colonial expansion west of the Appalachian Mountains.
Intended to reduce tensions with Native American tribes and maintain peace.
Angered colonists eager for new land, intensifying their dissatisfaction with British governance.

Description

This quiz explores the concepts of Writs of Assistance and their role in colonial resistance against British rule. Learn about how these general search warrants impacted the relationship between colonists and British authorities, culminating in the formation of the Continental Congress. Test your knowledge on these pivotal events in American history.