Questions and Answers
Who was King of Great Britain that took the throne in 1760?
What was the goal of the Molasses Act (1733)?
To restrict trade between the French Caribbean and New England by imposing a tax on French molasses.
What did the Navigation Acts aim to control?
Key exports like tobacco.
What does 'virtual representation' mean in the context of British taxation?
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What were writs of assistance?
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Who was James Otis?
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What was the Sugar Act (1764) intended to do?
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What was the purpose of the Revenue Act (1764)?
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What did the Stamp Act (1765) require?
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What event is referred to as the Boston Massacre?
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What was the Boston Tea Party?
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Who wrote 'Common Sense'?
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What was the outcome of the Treaty of Paris (1783)?
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What role did George Washington serve in the Second Continental Congress?
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What was the main goal of the Continental Association?
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What was the significance of Saratoga?
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What did the Daughters of Liberty do?
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Study Notes
Key Figures
- George III: King of Great Britain since 1760, faced colonial unrest.
- George Grenville: Prime Minister who introduced the Sugar Act (1764) to curb smuggling.
- James Otis: Lawyer who condemned writs of assistance as violations of English liberty.
- Patrick Henry: Virginia delegate known for his powerful oratory, famously declared "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death."
- Thomas Paine: Writer of "Common Sense," advocating independence, and "The American Crisis" to inspire troops.
- George Washington: Leader of the Continental Army, appointed by the Second Continental Congress.
- Lord North: British Prime Minister during the American Revolution, emphasized British authority over colonies.
- General Cornwallis: British officer defeated at Yorktown, leading to the conclusion of the war.
Legislative Acts and Colonial Response
- Molasses Act (1733): Restricted trade with French Caribbean by imposing a tax on molasses.
- Navigation Acts: Aimed to control colonial exports; widely ignored by colonists.
- Sugar Act (1764): Reduced tax on molasses but strengthened enforcement against smuggling.
- Stamp Act (1765): First direct tax on colonists, requiring stamped paper for printed materials; met with significant opposition.
- Declaratory Act (1766): Asserted British authority to tax colonies following the repeal of the Stamp Act.
- Townshend Acts (1767): Imposed duties on imported goods; pushed for colonial resistance.
- Tea Act (1773): Allowed East India Company to ship tea directly to America, sparking colonial protests.
Key Events and Protests
- Boston Massacre (1770): Clash between colonists and British soldiers, resulting in five deaths, including Crispus Attucks, viewed as a martyr.
- Boston Tea Party (1773): Protest against the Tea Act, where colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor; led to punitive measures from Britain.
- First Continental Congress (1774): Convened to organize opposition against British policies, leading to the Suffolk Resolves that called for a trade halt.
- Second Continental Congress (1775): Gathered after the start of fighting, authorized the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as commander.
Military Engagements
- Lexington and Concord: Marked the beginning of armed conflict between British troops and colonial militias.
- Bunker Hill (1775): A costly battle for the British, showcasing colonial resolve despite heavy losses.
- Saratoga (1777): Significant American victory that boosted morale and secured French support.
- Yorktown (1781): Decisive victory for American forces, leading to British surrender.
Treaties and Aftermath
- Treaty of Paris (1783): Officially recognized American independence and defined new borders.
- Treaty of Amity and Commerce (1778): Established trade relations between the U.S. and France, reinforcing their alliance.
Social Movements
- Sons of Liberty: Group opposing British rule, known for protests and boycotts of British goods.
- Daughters of Liberty: Women who supported resistance by producing goods locally.
- Committees of Correspondence: Organized communication across colonies to coordinate resistance against British policies.
Economic and Social Context
- Land Speculators: Viewed negatively for inflating land prices and not contributing to development.
- Loyalists vs. Patriots: Divided colonists; Loyalists remained loyal to Britain while Patriots fought for independence.
- Militia: Local military forces contributing to the revolutionary effort, with service often required from able-bodied men.
Key Concepts
- Virtual Representation: The British argument that colonists were represented in Parliament despite not having direct elected representatives.
- Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts): Set of punitive laws passed in response to the Boston Tea Party, significantly limiting Massachusetts' self-government.
These study notes encapsulate pivotal events, influential figures, and critical legislative acts that shaped the American Revolution, helping in understanding the complexities of this historical period.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key terms from Chapter 5 of 'Give Me Liberty'. This quiz features important historical figures and acts that shaped early American history. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of colonial policies and their impact.