The Birth Of The Republic Flashcards
How did the colonists see England?
Colonist still considered themselves British and maintained traditions
How were the colonies governed by England?
a lot of physical space between Britain and colonies, so not much direct rule but there was imperial officers and local assemblies
What policies toward the colonies did the British adopt after 1763?
sugar and stamp acts
How did the colonists view each other?
There was conflict between colonies
Why were the colonist alarmed by the sugar and stamp acts?
Because they had never been taxed before, and taxation without representation
The colonists reaction to the policies:
“Taxation without representation”, boycotts and riots
What was Thomas Whatley’s response:
said they had “virtual representation” in parliament
What did the stamp act do and how did the colonist respond?
Taxed all paper products used for everything, and they decided to act up and boycott
Why was the Stamp Act repealed?
- Effected British merchants income
- Ben Franklin told parliament that colonist only objected internal taxes
- The protests and boycotts limited the sales
- declaratory act
What did Ben Franklin tell the British House of Commons?
Told British House of Commons that colonist were only opposed to internal taxes
What was the Declaratory Act and why was it passed?
Gave parliament the right to legislate the colonies, it was passed to appease the colonist
What were the townshend acts and why did Parliament think the colonist wouldn’t object?
The townshend act taxed all trade, it was an external tax
What did custom officials appointed by England do to create popular anger?
They were greedy and took advantage of their position and took ships/ cargo
What happened at the Boston massacre?
a few colonist started throwing snow and sticks at British Officers, a gunshot was heard after the officers responded and 3 colonists died and 8 were wounded
Why did the repeal of most of the Townshend Act raise questions about the colonists’ commitment to principle?
Bought things they needed
What did the tea acts do, how and why did colonist respond?
Taxed the import of tea, Lower price of tea, only one tea company could be sold,
What were the Coercive Acts?
Closed ports, military in Boston, royal governors/ anybody had to go to trial and billeting act
How did the colonial population divided over who to support in the war and how did it change?
1/5 of the population still supported the British, most were indifferent over time more became loyalists
What, according to Morgan, were “the two factors which were to weigh heavily in determining the outcome of the war”? What evidence does he use to support his argument?
mediocrity of the commanders that England sent to subdue the colonists: General Howe was a cautious, methodical soldier, not given to taking chances
Washington’s talent to learn: though he mainly won small battles this showed that Washington had the courage and initiative which gave Americans some assurance.
Why were the French reluctant to form and alliance?
The colonies were a new and unstable group, and Britain was a huge empire that were just in a war with
What event persuaded the French to form a treaty?
Battle of Saratoga
How specify did the French help the colonist?
They provided navy, arms and troops and money and distraction all the attention from the colonies
What happened at the battle of Yorktown?
Yorktown was where the British retreated to after chasing Greene all over the south. They soon became surrounded by colonists and French on land with the French navy to their backs. The allies bombarded Yorktown which forces the British to surrender. The only thing that could have saved the British would have been an outside source, which never arrived. The Battle at Yorktown was essentially the end of the Revolutionary War.
