Unit 3: Conflict, Nation-Building, and the New Republic (1754–1800)

Seven Years' War

A global conflict (1756-1763) involving Britain and France, known in the colonies as the French and Indian War.

Causes of the French and Indian War

Imperial competition between Britain and France, conflict over the Ohio River Valley, and George Washington's military actions.

The Albany Plan of Union

Benjamin Franklin's proposal for a unified colonial government for tax and defense, rejected by colonists and Britain.

Treaty of Paris (1763)

Agreement that ended the French and Indian War, resulting in British dominance in North America.

Pontiac’s Rebellion

Ottawa Chief Pontiac's 1763 uprising against British encroachment in the Ohio Valley after the French and Indian War.

Proclamation of 1763

A decree by King George III prohibiting colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Salutary Neglect

The British policy before 1763 of loosely enforcing trade laws and allowing self-governance in the colonies.

Sugar Act (1764)

Law that lowered the molasses duty but tightened enforcement against smuggling, violating colonial rights.

Stamp Act (1765)

Direct tax on printed materials in the colonies, leading to widespread protest under the slogan 'No Taxation Without Representation.'

Virtual Representation

The British argument that Parliament represented all subjects of the empire, not just local constituencies.

Boston Massacre (1770)

Confrontation where British troops killed five colonists, escalating tensions in colonial America.

Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) (1774)

British measures in response to the Boston Tea Party, aimed at punishing Massachusetts and curbing colonial dissent.

First Continental Congress (1774)

Meeting of delegates to address colonial grievances and organize resistance against British policies.

Natural Rights

John Locke's philosophy that individuals are inherently entitled to life, liberty, and property.

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense (1776)

Pamphlet advocating American independence from Britain and promoting republicanism.

The Declaration of Independence

Document drafted by Thomas Jefferson declaring the colonies' independence from Britain.

Great Compromise

Agreement creating a bicameral legislature in the US Congress, balancing representation by population and equality.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement counting enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

Federalists

Supporters of a strong central government, including Hamilton and Adams.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who favored states' rights and feared federal power.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution ensuring individual liberties.

XYZ Affair

Incident in which French diplomats demanded bribes from US negotiators, leading to an undeclared naval conflict.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

Laws restricting immigration and limiting speech against the government, reflecting a crackdown on dissent.

The Revolution of 1800

The peaceful transfer of power from John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, demonstrating the resilience of the US political system.

Shays’ Rebellion (1786)

Revolt by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Northwest Ordinance (1787)

Legislation establishing a method for admitting new states and banning slavery in the Northwest Territory.

Bicameral Legislature

A two-chamber legislature, as established by the US Constitution (House and Senate).

Madison's Federalist No. 10

An essay arguing that a large republic could mitigate the negative effects of factionalism.

Washington's Farewell Address

George Washington's advice against permanent foreign alliances and political parties.

Hamilton’s Financial Plan

A series of measures by Alexander Hamilton aimed at stabilizing the US economy post-Revolution.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

Armed revolt against the whiskey tax, demonstrating the federal government's authority.

Jay’s Treaty (1794)

Treaty with Britain aimed at resolving outstanding disputes but causing domestic controversy.

Pinckney’s Treaty (1795)

Agreement with Spain allowing US access to the Mississippi River and New Orleans.

Democratic-Republicans

Political party led by Jefferson seeking states' rights and strict constitutional interpretation.

Sons of Liberty

Colonial protest group formed to resist British taxation and policies.

Boston Tea Party (1773)

Protest against the Tea Act where colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor.

Quartering Act

Law requiring colonial governments to provide housing and supplies for British soldiers.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Law establishing the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court.

Constitutional Convention (1787)

Meeting to create a new Constitution after the failures of the Articles of Confederation.

Checks and Balances

System allowing each branch of government to limit the powers of the others.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Political statements advocating state authority to nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional.

Republican Motherhood

The idea that women had a role in raising virtuous citizens for the republic.

Lord Dunmore's Proclamation

British declaration promising freedom to enslaved people who joined the British forces during the Revolution.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the US, characterized by a weak central government.

Social Contract

Theory that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed.

Boston Tea Party

Protest where American colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor as a response to British taxation.