US History: Key Figures and Colonial Acts

Key Historical Figures

• John Locke: Influential Enlightenment thinker known for ideas on natural rights and government by consent, impacting American revolutionary thought.
• King George III: Monarch of Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War, often criticized for oppressive policies toward the colonies.
• George Washington: Commander of the Continental Army and later the first President of the United States, pivotal in leading the colonists to victory.

Legislative Acts and Colonial Response

• Sugar Act and Currency Act: Tax measures imposed in 1764 that regulated sugar trade and currency use in the colonies, engendering dissent among colonists.
• Stamp Act: 1765 legislation requiring colonial purchase of stamped paper for documents and cards, leading to widespread protests and the rallying cry of "no taxation without representation."
• Townshend Acts: Series of acts in 1767 that taxed imports like tea, glass, and paper, increasing tensions and resulting in boycotts and protests.

Colonial Unity and Resistance

• Homespun: A movement encouraging the production of homemade goods to avoid dependence on British imports, symbolizing resistance.
• Committees of Correspondence: Networks formed to facilitate communication and coordination among colonies, enhancing collective resistance to British policies.

Key Events of Dissent

• Boston Massacre: 1770 incident where British troops fired on civilians, escalating anti-British sentiment and serving as a catalyst for revolutionary fervor.
• Boston Tea Party: 1773 protest against the Tea Act where colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor, demonstrating resistance to taxation without representation.
• Coercive Acts: Also known as Intolerable Acts, a series of punitive measures enacted in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party, further uniting the colonies against British rule.

Emergence of American Governance

• Continental Congress: Convened in 1774 to organize colonial resistance, becoming the governing body during the Revolutionary War.
• Lexington and Concord: Sites of the first military engagements of the Revolutionary War in 1775, marking the beginning of open conflict between Britain and the colonies.

Revolutionary Ideals

• Common Sense: Pamphlet by Thomas Paine published in 1776 advocating for independence from Britain, influencing public opinion toward revolutionary action.
• Declaration of Independence: Document adopted on July 4, 1776, articulating the colonies' reasons for seeking independence and asserting natural rights.

Major Military Engagements

• Battle of Saratoga: 1777 turning point in the war, resulting in a significant American victory that prompted French support for the revolution.
• Battle of Yorktown: Final major battle in 1781 where British surrender led to the end of the Revolutionary War.

Post-War Governance

• Articles of Confederation: First governing document of the United States, ratified in 1781, establishing a weak central government and highlighting the need for a stronger federal system.
• Loyalists: Colonists who remained loyal to the British crown, facing persecution and social upheaval in the wake of independence.

Contextual Overview

• The events listed showcase the trajectory from discontent with British rule to the establishment of a sovereign nation, highlighting key figures, legislative actions, and significant battles that shaped the foundation of the United States.

Test your knowledge on key historical figures like John Locke and George Washington, and their roles during the American Revolutionary War. Explore the impact of significant legislative acts such as the Sugar Act and Stamp Act that fueled colonial dissent against British rule.