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Whigs
A term at the time for Americans who would reject British rule and supported a separate, independent American nation. -
Prohibitory Act
An action taken by the English government to punish the rebelling states. It cut off all trade between England and the colonies, as well as removing them from the protection of the crown. -
Lexington & Concord
The first military battle of the Revolutionary war. And considered the start of the revolution entirely, in which sudden fighting broke out after a shot was fired from an unknown source and ended in the first victory for the colonies. -
Declaration of Independence
An announcement by the second continental congress that the states would no longer be under the thumb of the English crown. And while not the first action of rebellion by the colonies, it was the first declaration of America's identity outside of England. -
Battle of Saratoga
The turning point of the Revolutionary War, which ended in a surrender by the British and a realization by colonists that victory could be possible. -
Articles of Confederation
The first attempt by Americans at a constitution, it put independence of the states above the central government but would later be found to be inefficient. -
Battle of Yorktown
The battle that won the war for the colonists and the beginning of the new America. With significant assistance by the French, the colonists managed to get the British to surrender and began a negotiation period. -
Treaty of Paris 1783
The peace treaty signed by Britain that declared the independence and sovereignty of the colonies. The beginning of America as a free and independent nation. -
Land Ordinance of 1785
A system put in place by the congress of the confederation where settlers could purchase land to farm in the west. And part of Jefferson's agrarian dream society. -
3/5 Compromise
A compromise made to determine how slaves would be counted for a state's population to determine taxation and representation in congress. They determined that slaves would be counted 3 of every 5 as a person in the state. -
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
An important legislation by the confederation congress. It established the northwest territory and the government of said territory and was part of a heavy building phase of America as a nation. -
Unicameral Legislature
A system where there is one legislative body or house. Often seen as very effective but not very great at giving a voice to a larger demographic of people. -
Federalist Papers
A series of articles that were made in support of the new constitution that aimed on changing the public's view of it towards support. -
Federalist Era
An era of time where federalist ideas dominated American culture. Under this era the constitution was ratified and the federal government grew in its power. -
Judiciary Act
An act passed in the first session of congress. It established the judiciary branch of the government/the supreme court. With significant push back from Anti-Federalists, it did shape the government system of the U.S. for years to come. -
Citizen Genet
A diplomat from France who attempted to recruit Americans to help the French cause against Britain. Violating neutrality but was allowed to stay in America out of fear for his safety upon returning to revolutionary France. -
Proclamation of Neutrality
A proclamation by President Washington that America would be staying out of the affairs of France in their fight with Britain. And the start of an idea of neutrality that would persist in American culture for centuries. -
Whiskey Rebellion
A large scale protest in response to the whiskey tax that was eventually put down by president Washington himself. This conflict was a big start to the forming of the nation's political parties in response to the different views of the government's place. -
XYZ Affair
An attempt by French diplomats to strong-arm U.S. officials into paying bribe money to negotiate during the Adams administration. It did not help the country's already strong distrust of foreign powers. -
The Election of 1800
An election in which heavy campaigning was utilized for the first time in American politics. Through the press and other means Adams and Jefferson butted heads and even slandered each other. Ultimately ending in the election of Jefferson.
