Unit 2. Declaration and American Independence (1763-1776)

Front

What was the French and Indian War and why did it matter?

Back

What it means: A war where Britain and the colonies fought France and Native allies (1754-1763).
Why it matters: Britain won, but it cost a lot of money and ended the “good vibes” with the colonies.
Remember it: War wins land, but leaves a fat bill.

Front

What was salutary neglect and what happened after 1763?

Back

What it means: Britain mostly left colonies alone as long as trade flowed.
Why it matters: After the war they ended it, cracked down, and raised taxes.
Remember it: Salutary neglect = Britain chillin’. After 1763, chill was over.

Front

What were the Stamp, Sugar, and Tea Acts?

Back

What it means: New taxes on printed goods, sugar, and tea.
Why it matters: Colonists got mad: “Why are we paying when we have no reps?”
Remember it: Stamp = paper, Sugar = sweet stuff, Tea = Boston Harbor protest.

Front

Why did colonists shout “No taxation without representation”?

Back

What it means: They didn’t have members in Parliament but were still taxed.
Why it matters: Became the rally cry of the Revolution.
Remember it: No voice? Then no tax.

Front

What was the Stamp Act Congress?

Back

What it means: Colonies’ reps met to protest the Stamp Act.
Why it matters: First major united action against Britain.
Remember it: Colonies link up to fight taxes together.

Front

How did colonists use boycotts?

Back

What it means: Refused to buy British goods.
Why it matters: Hurt British merchants and pressured Parliament.
Remember it: Boycott = don’t spend, make them bend.

Front

Who were the Sons of Liberty?

Back

What it means: A secret group that organized protests.
Why it matters: Led events like the Boston Tea Party.
Remember it: Sons of Liberty = street action squad.

Front

What happened at the Boston Tea Party?

Back

What it means: Colonists dumped British tea into the harbor.
Why it matters: Direct action against unfair taxes.
Remember it: Harbor full of tea = Britain furious.

Front

What was the First Continental Congress?

Back

What it means: Delegates from colonies met in 1774 to organize resistance.
Why it matters: Step toward unity. Planned boycotts, petitions.
Remember it: First = first big political meetup.

Front

What did the Second Continental Congress do?

Back

What it means: 1775 meeting during the war.
Why it matters: Declared independence, made George Washington commander, asked Jefferson to draft the Declaration.
Remember it: Second = the Congress that makes it official.