Chapter 5 Key Terms Flashcards
Common Sense
What- A pamphlet that was written describing the reasons why the colonies should separate from the empire.
When- January 10, 1776
Significance- Became the most circulated book in the United States’ history and helped to swing the portion of the population that wasn’t sure about being dependent.
Prohibitory Act
What- An Act passed by the colonies which was an effort to boycott British goods by blockading their own ports.
When- Was passed in 1775.
Significance- Caused a drop in the supplies in the colonies but also showed Britain that the colonies were serious about separating from the empire.
Declaration of Independence
What- A declaration from the colonies to Britain declaring their complete independence from them and that they were united under the single fight for independence.
When- July 4, 1776
Significance- Said that all the colonies were united against Britain and that they would no longer see themselves as part of the British Empire.
Continental Congress
What- A meeting of representatives from the different colonies to make decisions on important matters that would influence the colonies as a whole.
When- held meetings from 1774- 1789
Significance- made decisions on matters such as declaring their independence and ratifying the constitution and its amendments.
Treaty of Paris of 1763
Treaty by which France ceded virtually its entire North American empire to Britain and Spain
Proclamation of 1763
An attempt to end Indian problems by preventing westward movement of colonists
Sugar Act
Act passed by British Parliament that placed new taxes and restrictions on colonists trade
Stamp Act
Revenue measure that provoked open opposition by colonist
Sons of Liberty
Groups to resist Stamp Act; formed by elites in an attempt to curb violence
Stamp Act Congress
Assembly where representatives from nine colonies met to discuss resistance to Stamp Act
Quartering Act
Required colonial legislatures to provide supplies to British troops
Declaratory Act
Parliamentary assertion of right to legislate for the colonies
Townshend duties
More Parliamentary attempts to raise revenues from the colonists
Boston Massacre
Confrontation between colonists and British troops in which five colonists were shot and killed
committees of correspondence
Local committees established throughout colonies to coordinate anti-British actions
Tea Act
Attempt to bail out East India Company that heightened tensions between England and colonists
Lexington and Concord
- Skirmish between colonists and British troops of a few hours after Concord
- One of first armed conflicts between Britain and colonists
George III
King of England during the American Revolution, instituted many taxes on the colonists to boost revenue for England.
Quebec Act
Give French Canadians benefits, such as guaranteed Catholic religion, permitted to retain traditions and institutions. Colonists resented the act.
Patrick Henry
Outspoken member of House of Burgesses; inspired colonial patriotism with “Give me liberty or give me death” speech
Coercive acts
A collection of acts in 1774 applied only to Massachusetts to punish its people for Boston Tea Party; closed Boston’s port, reduced powers of self-government, allowed royal officers to be tried in England or other colonies, and provided for quartering of British troops in empty houses or barns.
Loyalists/Tories
Colonists who remained loyal to Britain and opposed the war for independence.
Virtual representation
British governmental theory that Parliament spoke for all British subjects, including Americans, even if they did not vote for its members.
Battle of Saratoga and Yorktown
- George Washington, together with Admiral de Grasle, defeated British General Cornwallis in Yorktown 1781 and caused him to surrender his troops.
- A battle between British soldiers and the Continental Army in 1777 that proved to be a turning point in the Revolutionary War; convinced aid from France.
