Causes of the American Revolution
This conflict included the American colonist and British fighting against the French and their Native American Allies over land in North America.
French & Indian War
After the Battle of Lexington and Concord, this group met in Philadelphia and begin to make major moves towards American independence.
Second Continental Congress
General Washington led his troops across the Delaware River to launch a surprise attack on a group of Hessian soldiers who had celebrated Christmas a little too hard. The victory provided a much needed morale boost and confidence builder for the Americans.
Battle of Trenton
The first government established in America after its claim of independence.
Articles of Confederation
Afraid of giving too much power to the central government, the framers established a limited government in which power would be divided between what 3 branches?
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
It forbade colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains and put the territory under British military control.
Proclamation of 1763
The document that stated that King George of England had violated the colonists’ natural rights and social contract, meaning they were entitled to replace the government with a more favorable one of their own.
The Declaration of Independence
Americans built up fortifications along the ridge that overlooked the Hudson River Valley where the British forces would be marching. Controlling the high ground proved to be the key as British forces were compelled to surrender. A key turning point as it convinced the French to aid the Americans in the fight for independence.
Battle of Saratoga
What were the TWO strengths of the Articles of Confederation?
Land Ordinance of 1785 and Northwest Ordinance of 1787
To prevent one branch from becoming too powerful, the framers added a system that would allow each branch to check over the other branches. This system was called...
Checks and Balances
The British government taxed nearly all printed material by requiring that it bear a government stamp.
Stamp Act
He and the Committee of Five were tasked with drafting a statement that would show the colonists’ desire for independence from Britain.
Thomas Jefferson
Cornwallis of England retreated to the peninsula to await the British fleet. While waiting aid, Cornwallis became surrounded by American forces on the high ground, as well as, the French fleet to the sea. Cornwallis surrendered his forces on October 17, 1781.
Battle of Yorktown
A farmer and Revolutionary War veteran and nearly a thousand other farmers led an armed revolt against Massachusetts and shut down the courts while trying to raid a federal arsenal in response to the economic struggles experienced after the war.
Shay's Rebellion
This group of individuals OPPOSED the Constitution, wanted a WEAK national government, and believed the new Constitution needed a Bill of Rights to protect individual rights of people.
Anti-Federalist
Considering the immense loss of money after the Boston Tea Party, Parliament and King George III decided to punish the colonists of Boston by implementing the...
Intolerable Acts
The two leading foreign diplomats for the Americans as they were tasked with gaining financial and military support in the fight against the English.
John Adams and Benjamin Franklin
Washington camped his troops here where they suffered through harsh weather, little supplies, and dwindling food. Washington’s strong leadership guided the army through the difficult months and took another step towards the development of a successful army.
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Called for the creation of a bicameral legislature with an upper house (Senate) featuring equal representation and a lower house (House of Representation) based upon population.
Great Compromise
This group SUPPORTED the Constitution, opposed adding a Bill of Rights, and wrote essays in support of ratifying the Constitution.
Federalist
Published his famous pamphlet, Common Sense. In it he made a strong case for colonists and the rest of the world to support their independence from Great Britain.
Thomas Paine
The British philosopher who believed mightily in the social contract theory and natural rights. Jefferson used many of his ideologies in the Declaration of Independence.
John Locke
Arrived in North America to provide aid to the Continental Army. Instrumental in training the army in tactical and firing drills, as well as, helpful in training battlefield leadership.
Baron von Steuben and Marquis de Lafayette
Southern states wanted their slaves to be counted in the population to determine their representation power in the House of Representatives. This compromise was made to address this issue.
3/5 Compromise
The Anti-Federalist REFUSED to ratify (approve) the Constitution unless this was added to protect individual rights...
Bill of Rights