APUSH Unit 3: The Revolutionary Era (1775–1783)

American Revolution

A political and ideological upheaval fought between the British Empire and the American colonies from 1775 to 1783.

Franco-American Alliance

The alliance formed between the American colonies and France in 1778 after the American victory at Saratoga.

Battle of Saratoga

The turning point battle of the American Revolution in 1777 that proved the colonists could win and secured French support.

Benjamin Franklin

American diplomat who negotiated the Franco-American Alliance after the victory at Saratoga.

General George Washington

Commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

The Treaty of Paris (1783)

The treaty that officially ended the American Revolution and recognized American independence.

Social Contract

Philosophical concept by John Locke that governments are formed with the consent of the governed.

Natural Rights

The rights to Life, Liberty, and Property as described by John Locke; modified by Jefferson to 'Pursuit of Happiness'.

Common Sense

A pamphlet by Thomas Paine that argued for American independence and against monarchy.

Republican Motherhood

The idea that women were responsible for raising virtuous, civic-minded male citizens.

Loyalists (Tories)

Colonists who remained loyal to the British crown during the American Revolution.

Gradual Emancipation

The process by which northern states began to abolish slavery following the American Revolution.

Iroquois Confederacy

A group of Native American tribes that sided with the British during the American Revolution.

Inflation

The economic concept where the value of currency decreases and prices rise, experienced by the Continental Congress.

Hessian Mercenaries

German troops hired by the British to fight against the American colonists.

Continental Congress

The governing body that managed the American Revolution and represented the colonies.

Home Turf Advantage

A military advantage gained from fighting on familiar territory.

Thomas Jefferson

The primary author of the Declaration of Independence.

Lord Dunmore's Proclamation

A British proclamation that offered freedom to enslaved people who fought for the British.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement that influenced revolutionary thought, emphasizing reason and individual rights.

Civil War

A conflict within the colonies as many colonists remained loyal to Britain during the Revolution.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Not explicitly mentioned in the notes but relevant for studying the social impact of the Revolution.

Economic Necessity

The justification used by Southern states to maintain slavery post-Revolution.

Concept of Liberty

The fundamental principle driving the American Revolution, emphasizing freedom from oppression.

Atlantic Revolutions

A term denoting a series of revolutionary movements inspired by the American Revolution in various countries.

Mississippi River Boundary

The western boundary for the newly recognized United States as stated in the Treaty of Paris.

Impressment

The British practice of forcing American sailors into the Royal Navy, a source of tension leading to the War of 1812.

White Land-owning Males

The primary demographic allowed to vote in the early U.S. Republic, highlighting limits to democracy.