The American Revolution Flashcards
What were the Writs of Assistance?
Search warrants issued to help royal officials stop evasion of the mercantilists trade restrictions.
Who was George Grenville?
The anti-american prime minister issued the proclamation of 1763 to forbid settlement west of the Appalachians, the Sugar Act of 1764 to raise revenue, the Quartering Act which forced colonists to house British soldiers and the Stamp Act of 1765. All were an effort to offset the costs of defending the new colonies and paying off the debt incurred by the French and Indian War.
What was the significance of the Stamp Act?
The Stamp Act (1765) was the first direct tax on colonists, requiring them to buy revenue stamps and draining hard currency. The House of Burgesses agreed to boycott British goods which eventually led to the repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766. The repeal of the Act by King George garnered greater loyalty to the throne.
What were the Townshend Acts?
Chancellor Townshend in 1767 initiated Acts that imposed duties on goods like paint, tea and paper. All were repealed except for Tea by 1770 in a truce. Relative peace was restored, but the colonists remained suspicious of the throne.
What was the Tea Act of 1773?
The East India Tea Company received approval to ship tea directly to the Americas which resulted in lower tea prices than smuggled dutch tea. Americans rejected the tea and the Boston Tea Party was the iconic climax in 1773.
What were the Intolerable Acts?
A series of punitive laws passed in response to the Boston Tea Party that included the closing of the Port of Boston, banning of town meetings and increased authority for the governor. The first continental congress was called in response.
Describe the significance of Lexington and Concord.
British forces, looking for a reason to flex their military might, set out to destroy a stockpile of rebel munitions in Concord. They were ambushed by 70 minutemen. One shot was fired and the British returned fire. Eight Americans were killed as they retreated. Minutemen from every village ambushed and the British relied on reinforcements to avoid total destruction.
What was the significance of Bunker Hill?
Americans surrounded the British forces in Boston for 3 months until the British decided on a frontal attack to show their dominance. Over 1000 British were killed.
What was established at the second continental congress (1775) ?
The creation of the continental army with Washington as its commander in chief. In 1776 they declared independence.
Who was Thomas Paine?
Author of Common Sense (1776), the pamphlet called for immediate independence, including the Prohibitory Act (essentially a declaration of War on america) as a reason.
What were a few of Washington’s early military moves?
Placing large cannons overlooking Boston. This forced the British to evacuate. They later landed on New York City that summer. On Christmas night in 1776, the famous crossing of the Delaware to defeat the British at Trenton.
What was the French involvement in the early days of the Revolution?
Out of hatred for England and a desire to weaken the British and deprive them of their colonies, France supplied shipments of arms to the Americans.
What was the significance of the Battles of Saratoga?
The American victory at the second battle of Saratoga convinced the French to openly support America. Eventually the Spanish and Dutch joined in.
What was the significance of Yorktown?
Fall 1781 Washington combined forces with the French to defeat General Cornwallis at Yorktown. Peace negotiations ensued and this was the last battle in the Revolution.
Who were privateers?
Ships owned by private merchants preyed on British merchant ships.
