1765 law that taxed printed materials and sparked widespread protest.
Stamp Act
1776 document declaring independence from Britain.
Declaration of Independence
First U.S. government that created a weak national structure.
Articles of Confederation
Political party that supported a strong central government.
Federalists
First president of the United States.
George Washington
1773 protest against British tea policies in Boston Harbor.
Boston Tea Party
1777 battle that convinced France to support the U.S.
Saratoga
1787 meeting where the Constitution was written.
Constitutional Convention
Party led by Thomas Jefferson favoring states’ rights.
Democratic-Republicans
Farewell Address warned against this type of political division.
Political parties / factions
British policy shift after 1763 that increased enforcement of taxes and laws.
End of salutary neglect
1781 battle that effectively ended major fighting.
Yorktown
1786–87 uprising that exposed weaknesses of the Articles government.
Shays’ Rebellion
Alexander Hamilton proposed this financial institution.
National Bank
Agreement that improved relations with Britain but was unpopular.
Jay’s Treaty
Colonists argued these rights were being violated by British policies.
Natural rights
The U.S. victory depended heavily on support from this foreign nation.
France
Compromise that resolved large vs. small state representation.
Great Compromise
George Washington used this policy to avoid foreign conflicts.
Neutrality
Laws passed in 1798 that restricted immigrants and limited speech.
Alien and Sedition Acts
Explain why colonial resistance increased after 1763.
Increased British control/taxation after French and Indian War
Explain why the American colonies were able to defeat Britain.
French aid + geography + colonial motivation
Explain why the Constitution created a stronger federal government.
To fix weaknesses of Articles (taxation, unity, defense)
Explain the main difference between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.
Strong vs. weak central government
Explain how political conflict increased during Adams’ presidency.
Alien & Sedition Acts + partisan tensions