U.S. History Chapter 5 Flashcards

Key Terms and Definitions

• "No taxation without representation" expresses the colonists' belief that they should not be taxed without having representatives in British Parliament.
• The Proclamation of 1763 restricted colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.
• The Declaration of Independence lists colonial grievances against King George III, asserting the colonies' desire for independence.
• The Sugar Act of 1764 aimed to eliminate smuggling between the colonies and the West Indies by imposing taxes.
• The protests against the Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, Tea Act, and Coercive Acts were fueled by hardships imposed on daily life for colonists without representation.
• Unalienable rights are those that cannot be revoked without due process, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Significant Events and Acts

• The Tea Act instigated the Boston Tea Party, where colonists famously dumped tea into the harbor in protest.
• Colonists employed various protest methods, including boycotts, burning effigies, and organizing groups like the Sons and Daughters of Liberty.
• The Stamp Act of 1765 imposed a tax on newspapers, directly affecting communication and expression.
• The Boston Massacre involved British soldiers killing five protesting colonists, escalating tensions between Britain and the colonies.

Key Figures

• Samuel Adams, a prominent leader, helped establish the Sons of Liberty, advocating for colonial rights.
• The Daughters of Liberty promoted homemade goods to boycott British imports during the Townshend Acts.
• Crispus Attucks, part African and part Native American, was the first casualty of the Boston Massacre.
• Paul Revere, alongside William Dawes, alerted colonists of British troop movements with the famous phrase "the British are coming."

Revolutionary War Context

• The first battles of the Revolutionary War were fought at Lexington and Concord, marking the start of armed conflict.
• The "shot heard round the world" signifies the global impact of the Americans' fight for independence.
• George Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army, leading the fight against British forces.

Declaration of Independence

• Written by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration articulates the colonies' intention to establish a separate government.
• The document contains three main parts: the introduction outlining the need for a new government, the explanation of natural rights, and a list of grievances against the king.
• The phrase "self-evident" indicates the belief that certain truths, like the right to life and liberty, are obvious and universally acknowledged.
• The Declaration emphasizes that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed.

Ideals and Concepts

• Loyalists were colonists who remained supportive of the British monarchy, while patriots sought independence from it.
• Committees of Correspondence were formed to facilitate communication and coordination among the colonies regarding British actions.
• The Coercive Acts aimed to punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party, including prohibiting town meetings.
• "Minute men" were local militia members prepared to respond quickly to threats, showcasing the colonies' readiness for conflict.

Influence and Legacy

• Abigail Adams advocated for women's rights and equality during the fight for independence in her correspondence with John Adams.
• Thomas Paine’s pamphlets "Common Sense" and "The American Crisis" called for independence and rallied support for the revolutionary cause.

Test your knowledge on key concepts from U.S. History Chapter 5 with these flashcards. Explore important terms like 'no taxation without representation', the Proclamation of 1763, and the Declaration of Independence. Perfect for students wanting to reinforce their understanding of early American history.