The Colonies
What was the primary purpose of the Southern Colonies?
Economic profit, agricultural development, and social and religious goals.
Imposed taxes on sugar, and other imported goods. Aimed to curb smuggling and generate revenue for Britain after the French and Indian War. Colonists objected to the lack of representation in Parliament, calling it "Taxation without representation.”
What were the Intolerable Acts?
British response to Boston Tea Party to punish Massachusetts. These included: Closing Boston Harbor until the tea was paid for. Restricting town meetings. Placing the colony under stricter military control.
What is the primary purpose of the New England Colonies?
Religious freedom, community building, and economic opportunity.
What was the Stamp Act?
Placed a tax on legal documents, newspapers, playing cards, and other printed materials. Sparked widespread protests and the formation of the Sons of Liberty, who organized resistance.
What were the First and Second Continental Congress?
Both key meetings of colonial representatives of 13 colonies that played significant roles in the lead-up to and during the American Revolution.
What is the purpose of the Second Continental Congress?
Manage the colonies' war efforts and lead toward independence.
What was the main purpose of the Middle Colonies?
Economic opportunity, religious freedom, and cultural diversity.
What was the Townshend Acts?
Imposed taxes on imported goods like glass, paper, paint, and tea. Provoked boycotts of British goods and increased smuggling.
Organize resistance to the Intolerable Acts and assert colonial rights.
What is the outcome of the Second Continental Congress?
Declaration of Independence, formation of the Continental Army, foreign diplomacy, and oversight of the Revolutionary War.
What was the French and Indian War?
The French and Indian War (1754–1763) was a significant conflict fought between Britain and France, with their respective Native American allies, over control of North America.
What was the Boston Massacre?
A deadly confrontation between British soldiers and colonists in Boston.
What was the outcome of the First Continental Congress?
Boycott of British goods, Declaration of Rights and Grievances, and a call for a Second Continental Congress.
What was the action of the Second Continental Congress?
Led the colonies in active military resistance, including declaring independence and managing war finances.
Who were the key figures of the Revolutionary War?
- George Washington
- Thomas Jefferson
- John Adams
- Benjamin Franklin
What was the Proclamation of 1763?
Britain issued this proclamation to prevent colonial expansion west of the Appalachian Mountains, angering colonists eager for land.
Boston Tea Party
About 60 members of the Sons of Liberty, disguised as Mohawk Indians, boarded three British ships. They dumped 342 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor.
What was the action of the First Continental Congress?
Primarily focused on non-violent protests, boycotts, and petitioning Britain.