Category 1
Imperial war between Britain and France for control of North America (beginning in 1754) that
became a larger-scale European war in 1756. American Indians generally supported the French
French and Indian War, 1754-1763 (aka The Seven Years' War, 1756-1763)
Delegates from the thirteen colonies met in Philadelphia to create a Continental army and
prepare the colonies for war against Britain.
Second Continental Congress, 1775
The British army surrendered to General George Washington and the Continental Army, virtually
bringing the American Revolution to an end.
Battle of Yorktown, 1781
Compromise at the Constitutional Convention by which Congress would have two houses — the
Senate (where each state would get the equal representation of two senators) and the House of
Representatives (where representation would be based on population).
Great Compromise
American writer, scientist, inventor, and diplomat who negotiated the Treaty of Alliance with
France during the American Revolution. Franklin also negotiated the treaty ending the American
Revolution and attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787
Benjamin Franklin
Under the Treaty of Paris, which ended the French and Indian War, Britain gained possession of
all of French Canada and Spanish Florida.
British defeat of the French, 1763
A formal statement adopted by the Second Continental Congress declaring the American colonies
independent.
Declaration of Independence, 1776
Treaty that ended the American Revolution, securing American independence from Britain.
Treaty of Paris, 1783
85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay in support of the
ratification of the U.S. Constitution
Federalist Papers, 1787-1788
Revolutionary leader who played an instrumental role in the vote for American independence.
After the American Revolution he served as U.S. minister to Great Britain, first vice-president of
the United States and second president of the United States.
John Adams
Unsuccessful Indian rebellion led by an Ottawa chief named Pontiac against British Indian policy
in the Northwest Territory.
Pontiac's Rebellion, 1763
17th century philosophical movement in Europe that emphasized reason and individualism rather
than tradition and faith.
The Enlightenment (Age of Reason)
First constitution of the United States. Created a national government with limited powers.
Articles of Confederation, 1781-1789
Law establishing the Supreme Court and the lower federal courts. President Washington
appointed John Jay as the first chief justice of the United States
Judiciary Act of 1789
Chief author of the Declaration of Independence, governor of Virginia during the American
Revolution, U.S. minister to France after the Revolution, second vice-president, and third
president of the United States
Thomas Jefferson
Britain established a boundary in the Appalachian Mountains, banning colonists from settling west
of the boundary. Designed to prevent conflict with Indians.
Proclamation Line of 1763
Battle that marked the turning point of the American Revolution, convincing France to aid the
American cause.
Battle of Saratoga, 1777
Rebellion of debtor farmers in Massachusetts led by Daniel Shays. After the rebellion was
crushed by the Massachusetts state militia, many prominent American leaders called for a
strengthening of the national government to prevent such rebellions in the future.
Shays' Rebellion, 1786-1787
During the ratification process for the U.S. Constitution, demands for greater guarantees of rights
resulted in a promise for the addition of a Bill of Rights to the new Constitution. A Bill of Rights
was added to the Constitution by 1791. (3.2-IIC)
Bill of Rights, 1791
Virginia planter, political theorist, delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and co-author of the
Federalist Papers. His work in creating the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights has earned him
the title "father of the Constitution."
James Madison
Delegates from every colony except Georgia met in Philadelphia and asserted their rights as
Englishmen.
First Continental Congress, 1774
Alliance between the Americans and French in war against Britain. France recognized U.S.
independence from Britain. (Note: This was the first and only treaty of alliance made by the U.S.
until NATO was created in 1949.)
Treaty of Alliance, 1778
The convention to write a new constitution for the United States met from May through
September in 1787.
Constitutional Convention, 1787
Commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. First President of
the United States under the U.S. Constitution
George Washington
American envoys to France were told that the U.S. would need to loan France money and bribe
government officials as a precondition for meeting with French officials. This led to a "Quasi-War"
between the U.S. and France that lasted until 1800.
XYZ Affair, 1797