The Constitution & Laws
What were the Declaration of the Rights of Man
They were French document during the french revolution that was inspired by the Declaration of Independence
Define the Sugar Act
Increased duty on foreign sugar imported from the West Indies, first law passed by parliament to raise tax revenue in colonies for the crown.
What was Valley Forge, and how many people died from diseases?
Place where Washington's army spent the winter of 1777-1778, a 4th of troops died here from disease and malnutrition, Steuben comes and trains troops
Who are "Hessians"?
German mercenaries
What were the XYZ affair?
A 1797 incident in which French officials demanded a bribe from U.S. diplomats in order to speak to the foreign minister, Talleyrand.
What was the New Jersey Plan?
Equal representation in a unicameral congress by state.
Quartering Act
Required certain colonies to provide food and quarters for British troops.
What were the "Crispus Attucks"?
A free black man who was the first person killed in the Revolution at the Boston Massacre.
Who are Patriots?
Colonists who wanted independence from Britain
Describe the Bill of rights
The first ten amendments to the constitution, providing safeguards for some of America's core principles.
Describe the three-fifths compromise
In counting populations for taxes and representation, slaves represented three-fifths of a person.
Define the Townshend acts
A tax that the British Parliament passed in 1767 that was placed on leads, glass, paint and tea. Started by Charles Champagne Charley Townshend, who took over the british ministry
Describe the Lexington and Concord event.
The first battle of the American Revolution (April 19, 1775)
Who was Thomas Paine?
The author of the book "Common Sense"
What were "Privateers"?
Private ships hired by a country to attack its enemies
What are Nonimportation Agreements?
A nonimportation against British goods. One of the first movements that everybody could participate in
Define the Declaratory Act
Act passed in 1766 after the repeal of the stamp act; stated that Parliament had authority over the the colonies and the right to tax and pass legislation "in all cases whatsoever."
Describe the Battle of Long Island
Battle for the control of New York. British troops overwhelmed the colonial militias and retained control of the city for most of the war.
Who was George Mason?
He was an Anti-Federalist who strongly opposed the ratification of the Constitution. Madison used his bill of rights in Virginia to submit amendments to Congress.
Describe the "Society of the Cincinnati"
Exclusive, hereditary organization of former officers in the Continental Army. Many resented the pretentiousness of the order, viewing it as a vestige of pre-Revolutionary traditions.
Describe the Committees of Correspondence
Started by Samuel Adams, these were committees in many towns that tried to spread the spirit of resistance and keep hatred towards British policy. Led to intercolonial committees, too, which encouraged a lot of collaboration.
Define the Quebec Act
Extended boundaries of Quebec and granted equal rights to Catholics and recognized legality Catholic Church in the territory; colonists feared this meant that a pope would soon oversee the colonies.
Describe the Battle of Trenton
Followed the battle of long island. Washington captured a thousand hessians after Christmas, and got away and had a small victory over the British at Princeton.
Who was Patrick Henry?
A leader of the American Revolution and a famous orator who spoke out against British rule of the American colonies (1736-1799). "give me liberty or give me death."
What happened in the Election of 1796?
Adams beat Jefferson barely in the Electoral College and became president, with Jefferson becoming vice president.