Revolutions Flashcards
Who was fighting each other during the French and Indian War?
Colonists and British vs. French and the Native Americans
What was the prize of the French and Indian War?
Control of North America
How was the French and Indian War important in bringing about the American Revolution?
The war left the English in debt, which made them try to erase by taxing the colonists. The Colonists were upset about paying taxes and not have representation. The tensions led to the Boston Tea Party, which caused the Intolerable Acts to be passed. We never could repair our relationship with Britain and began to see ourselves as enemies.
Explain how the Navigation Acts were making Britain richer.
Restricted trade to between the colonies and England. Allowed England to buy our goods at lower prices, and sell theirs at higher prices.
What is Mercantilism?
The policy of linking national security to national wealth. This made the English view the colonies as nothing more than money makers
What was the Stamp Act?
At attempt to make money by having a tax on all printed goods
Why did the British occupy Boston, and pass the rest of the Intolerable Acts?
This was done in response to the Boston Tea Party, and were meant as a punishment for the colonists
What were the Intolerable Acts?
- Laws Britain placed on the colonist in rebuttal to the Boston Tea Party
1. Occupying Boston and shutting down its harbor
2. Disbanding the colonial government and installing a dictator
3. Forcing colonists to house and feed the English troops
4. Allowing loyalists to be tried for crimes in England
Explain how the Enlightenment ideas inspired the American Revolution.
John Locke thought that a government was only supposed to be around to protect natural rights, and if it didn’t it should be overthrown. England was only trying to make itself richer, and wasn’t protecting our rights (the Navigation Acts, the Stamp Act, not allowed us to govern ourselves, forcing us to house their troops, etc.)
In what ways can you still see the impact of the Enlightenment on the United States government?
We have a government that focuses on protecting its citizens’ happiness. Voting rights, freedoms of speech religion, press, etc. 3 branches of government, trial by jury, no illegal search and seizure, capitalism.
What is an Estate?
French social class
What things did the first and second estates have in common?
All had political power, paid no taxes, were wealthy, and there were very few of them
What were the professions sizes of the 1st and 2nd estates?
1st - Clergy (Catholic church leaders)
2nd - Royalty
What is the only quality that all 3rd estate members shared?
All lacked political power, and paid taxes
How large was the 3rd estate, and what kind of people did it encompass?
97% of the population. Included everyone from rich business owners, merchants and artisans to peasants and poor unskilled city workers and the homeless
Describe the living conditions for the peasants. Give specific examples.
Were small farmers who grew just enough food to survive on, gave half to the king. Lived in a one room house, with no windows or heat, ate anything they could find. Were very close to starvation all the time. Had no rights, were used only to make the king richer and more powerful.
What are four economic problems that France had before the Revolution?
- Raising taxes on the citizens caused an economic collapse
- Droughts killed crops and made food too expensive to buy
- France spent too much money help the colonists in the American Revolution
- General overspending by the king and queen on themselves
