New France vs. Britain: Conflicts and Treaties

The French established their first permanent settlement in North America in 1608 in Quebec.

The French primarily relied on the fur trade for economic prosperity in North America, particularly for beaver pelts. This fueled exploration and westward expansion.

The Jesuit missionaries, a Catholic order, aimed to convert Native Americans to Christianity. They believed that converting indigenous peoples would weaken their ties to the fur trade, benefiting French traders.

The French and British struggled for control of the Ohio Valley, as it was crucial for westward expansion and connecting the Mississippi River to Canada. This tension eventually escalated into the French and Indian War.

The Seven Years' War (French and Indian War) was a global conflict between France and England, fought in multiple theaters, including North America. The fighting involved colonists and indigenous allies on both sides.

The Albany Congress convened in 1754 to strengthen alliances with the Iroquois Confederacy and unify the colonies against the French. Benjamin Franklin proposed the Albany Plan, which aimed to establish a grand council with significant governing powers, but it was ultimately rejected.

The Treaty of Paris in 1763 ended the French and Indian War. France ceded Canada and territories east of the Mississippi River to Great Britain. This British victory shifted the power balance in North America, leading to future conflicts.

The British government's act of 1765 that required colonists to pay a tax on all printed materials, including legal documents, newspapers, and playing cards.

The British government's response to colonial protests against the Stamp Act. It repealed the act but also asserted Parliament's authority to tax the colonies "in all cases whatsoever."

An economic policy that restricted colonial trade to only British ships and goods. Colonists responded by smuggling goods.

The British government's act of 1764 that lowered the tax on molasses but strictly enforced its collection. This was to improve British revenue, but it angered colonists who felt it was unfair.

The British government's act of 1751 that prohibited the printing of paper money in New England. This angered the colonists, who believed it was designed to benefit British merchants.

A term used to describe the belief that parliament members represented all British citizens, including those in the colonies, regardless of whether they had directly elected them. This was used to justify taxing the colonies even though they had no elected representatives in Parliament.

Colonists' refusal to buy British goods in protest of British policies. This economic pressure was a powerful tool for the colonists.

A group of colonists in Boston who became known for their activism against British policies, especially the Stamp Act.

A term referring to the colonists' belief that they had the same fundamental rights as people living in Britain, including the right to not be taxed without their consent.

Parliament's attempt to impose taxes on the colonies without their consent, sparking the cry of "No taxation without representation!"

Series of acts passed by the British Parliament in 1767, designed to raise revenue from the colonies and increase British control over colonial affairs. Key measures included taxes on imported goods (like tea) and a new system for enforcing those taxes.

A law that placed import taxes on goods like lead, glass, paint, and tea. Money raised from these taxes was intended to pay British officials.

A law that established a new board of customs commissioners to enforce tax collection and increase British control in the colonies.

Law that suspended the New York Assembly until the colony complied with the Quartering Act. This act demonstrated British willingness to use force to enforce its policies.

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine, advocating for American independence from British rule. It argued that colonists were entitled to self-governance and called for the establishment of a republic based on the principles of equality and liberty.

A secret group of colonial leaders that organized resistance to British policies. They played a vital role in coordinating actions across the colonies and spreading revolutionary ideas.

A series of acts passed by the British Parliament in 1774, designed to punish Boston for the Boston Tea Party and tighten British control over the colonies. These acts included the closure of the Boston Harbor, a change in Massachusetts government, and the quartering of British troops in private homes.

The first meeting of delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies, held in Philadelphia in 1774. It was a pivotal event as it allowed for communication and coordination across the colonies and laid the groundwork for resistance to British policies.

The first governing document of the United States, adopted in 1777, established a weak central government with limited powers, focusing on state sovereignty.

A rebellion by farmers in Massachusetts in 1786-87, protesting high taxes and debt, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger national government.

A law passed in 1787 that established a process for governing and admitting new states in the Northwest Territory. It also prohibited slavery in the territory.

A system of government where power is divided between different branches (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

A set of rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals, typically included in a constitution. It protects citizens from government overreach.

The colonists were receptive to the ideas of revolution because they had experience with local self-government, such as colonial assemblies and town halls, and they were already unhappy with the British king's policies.

Signed on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence formally declared colonial independence from Great Britain. It was written by Thomas Jefferson and used British legal history and natural rights theories.

They represented about 40% of the population and were the driving force behind the revolution. They were often younger generations and supported the ideals of liberty and self-government.

Loyalists, also known as Tories, were about 16% of the population. They supported the British crown and believed that the British would ultimately prevail. Many Loyalists left the colonies after the war, leaving their land behind.

The Battle of Trenton, a crucial American victory, was fought on December 26, 1776. George Washington led the Continental Army across the Delaware River and surprised the Hessian forces.

The Battle of Saratoga (1777) was a major American victory that led to France's formal recognition of American independence. It also convinced Spain and the Netherlands to join the fight against Britain.

Hyperinflation crippled the American economy during the Revolutionary War. It was caused by a shortage of goods, limited trade, and the depreciation of Continental currency.

The Battle of Yorktown (1781) was a decisive American victory that ended the Revolutionary War. General Cornwallis was trapped by French and American forces, leading to his surrender.

France played a key role by providing financial aid, military support, and diplomatic recognition. Their involvement was crucial for the American success in the war.

Native Americans were divided in their support during the Revolution. Some sided with the British, hoping to maintain their lands and influence, while others allied with the Americans, believing they could gain more through independence.