Chapter 5 Key Terms

Question 0

Common Sense

Answer 0

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.

Question 1

Prohibitory Act

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Declaration of Independence

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Continental Congress

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Treaty of Paris of 1763

Answer 4

Treaty by which France ceded virtually its entire North American empire to Britain and Spain

Question 5

Proclamation of 1763

Answer 5

An attempt to end Indian problems by preventing westward movement of colonists

Question 6

Sugar Act

Answer 6

Act passed by British Parliament that placed new taxes and restrictions on colonists trade

Question 7

Stamp Act

Answer 7

Revenue measure that provoked open opposition by colonist

Question 8

Sons of Liberty

Answer 8

Groups to resist Stamp Act; formed by elites in an attempt to curb violence

Question 9

Stamp Act Congress

Answer 9

Assembly where representatives from nine colonies met to discuss resistance to Stamp Act

Question 10

Quartering Act

Answer 10

Required colonial legislatures to provide supplies to British troops

Question 11

Declaratory Act

Answer 11

Parliamentary assertion of right to legislate for the colonies

Question 12

Townshend duties

Answer 12

More Parliamentary attempts to raise revenues from the colonists

Question 13

Boston Massacre

Answer 13

Confrontation between colonists and British troops in which five colonists were shot and killed

Question 14

committees of correspondence

Answer 14

Local committees established throughout colonies to coordinate anti-British actions

Question 15

Tea Act

Answer 15

Attempt to bail out East India Company that heightened tensions between England and colonists

Question 16

Lexington and Concord

Answer 16

• Skirmish between colonists and British troops of a few hours after Concord
• One of first armed conflicts between Britain and colonists

Question 17

George III

Answer 17

King of England during the American Revolution, instituted many taxes on the colonists to boost revenue for England.

Question 18

Quebec Act

Answer 18

Give French Canadians benefits, such as guaranteed Catholic religion, permitted to retain traditions and institutions. Colonists resented the act.

Question 19

Patrick Henry

Answer 19

Outspoken member of House of Burgesses; inspired colonial patriotism with “Give me liberty or give me death” speech

Question 20

Coercive acts

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

Loyalists/Tories

Answer 21

Colonists who remained loyal to Britain and opposed the war for independence.

Question 22

Virtual representation

Answer 22

British governmental theory that Parliament spoke for all British subjects, including Americans, even if they did not vote for its members.

Question 23

Battle of Saratoga and Yorktown

Answer 23

• 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.