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Albany Plan of Union
A plan created by Benjamin Franklin that suggested a unified govt for the 13 colonies but was rejected by England.The first subtle attempt by America for independence. -
The Seven Year War
A war fought to determine if Britain or France would be the American strong power. Aided by Indians on both sides, Britain prevailed. Due to crippling debt incurred by the war, Britain began a series of taxes and subjugation against the American colonies. This war resulted in the continued oppression of America. -
Sugar, Quartering, Stamp, Declaratory, Townshend, Tea & Coercive Acts
These were a series of acts passed by the British Parliament, taxing the colonists in order to raise revenue to pay off French and Indian War debt. These acts included taxing of sugar, requiring all printed material to come with a taxed British stamp, etc. There were all acts passed to punish the colonists after the Boston Tea Party, like the quartering act which allowed the British soldiers to occupy homes. These laws continued to make America an oppressed country. -
Intolerable Acts
A series o acts passed by British Parliment-like the Quartering and Boston Port Acts- in response to the Boston Tea Party. These were some of the last sparks that lit the fire of the American Revolution. -
Battle of Lexington and Concord
The "shot heard 'round the world"; the first major battle of the revolution. The result was a strategic American victory as British forces succeed in destroying cannon and supplies in Concord but the American militia successfully drove British back to Boston -
Common Sense
A pamphlet created by English craftsman Thomas Paine, giving logical reasons why America should be an independent nation. Attacked British govt. for being tyrannic. Promised economic freedom and freedom from unnecessary conflict if the Colonies became independent. -
Declaration of Indepence
A document written by Thomas Jefferson and signedby famous colonial politicians(Benjamin Franklin,John Adams,etc). Gave list of grievances that stated why colonies were going to war against GB and formally declared independence. This made American identity more independent. -
Battle of Yorktown
Final battle of Revolution. With support from French allies, the Americans were successfully able to get Britain and Cornwallis to surrender, effectively ending the war. -
Treaty of Paris
A treaty between US and GB that officially ended Revolutionary War. Settled North American boundary disputes between the two countries. -
Annapolis Convention
A convention held by state delegates that discussed how to improve commercial relations between states. This led to the Philadelphia convention, where the Constitution was drafted -
Checks and Balances
A system enacted by The Philadelphia Convention under the Constitution that made sure all branches of federal government were equal. Legislative makes laws, executive passes laws, and judicial branch determines Constitutionality of laws through Judicial Review. This process made the federal government more balanced. -
Articles of Confederation/Shay's Rebellion
The O.G. Constitution. Limited powers of Central Govt., giving more power to States. After Shay's Rebellion(1787)-veteran Daniel Shays tried to seize Springfield armory and federal government was powerless- there was a uniform realization that the Articles needed to be reformed. -
Virginia Plan
A plan proposed by Virginia delegates, calling for a bicameral legislature and population-weighted representation.Overall, the plan favored large states. -
Federalists Papers
A collection of articles written by Hamilton(wrote the most), Adams, and Jay. Written to promote ratification of the Constitution, which would lead to a strong central govt. -
Judiciary Act
This government act est. the Supreme Court with one Chief Justice and 5 associate justices;judicial power should be rested in the Supreme Court and inferior courts. -
Washington's Farewell Address
He urged against the formation of political parties, defended his admin's neutrality in the French Revolution,and also advised his countrymen to do the same, stay neutral in intl.politics. -
Whiskey Rebellion
An excise tax applied during the Washington admin. on whiskey and all alcohol products.Led by disgruntled farmer/Rev. War vet McFarlane who argued the familiar "No taxation without representation". Washington organized a militia, which scared the rebels. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
A series of acts passed under the Adams administration that made it harder to become a citizen(Naturalization Act),allowed president to imprison/deport dangerous non-citizens, especially from a hostile nation. Finally, made it illegal to criticize the government. This made the US less democratic. -
Revolution of 1800
Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans triumphed over Adams and the Federalists.This was in part due to Hamilton campaigning against his own party mate, Adams. This led to the end of the Federalists. This was the first election where two parties both formally nominated tickets.
