Meeting during which colonists chose Washington as Commander in Chief, wrote the Olive Branch Petition and appointed a committee to write the Dec. of Independence.

This document was the first constitution of the United States that set up a gov't that ultimately proved to be too weak and unable to collect taxes or settle disputes.

Impromptu skirmish between British and rebel forces that broke out as the former attempted to arrest 2 leaders and seize munitions, but suffered heavy casualties.

Decisive military battle during the second phase of the Revolutionary War that ultimately convinced the French to ally with the Americans against the British.

Decisive military battle that ended the third phase of the Revolutionary War, with French assistance, that convinced a majority of Whigs to move to surrender.

Impromptu conflict between the British and colonists that resulted in the death of five colonists resulting in a mistakenly heard order to open fire.

Action taken by the Sons of Liberty to protest a British law that granted the East India Company a monopoly over a particular good - punished by Coercive Acts.

The act of refusing to buy goods or services from a particular provider or at all in the attempt to protest or make a greater political statement.

Groups of Sons of Liberty supporters spread throughout the English colonies who spread news and propaganda surrounding protest actions quickly and efficiently.

Pamphlet published by Thomas Paine in which he makes the argument that revolt is the only natural course of action, arguing against monarchies and island empires.

Jefferson largely authored this document that established that the British had violated their social contract with America, supported by a list of grievances.

Global conflict between the British and French empires that originated in the Ohio River Valley that ultimately led to the latter losing all North American land claims.

Parliamentary legislation that was the combination of the Coercive Acts and the Quebec Act that closed the port of Boston and took away jury trials and the charter.

Group of people who were never convinced by the arguments of the rebels and whose property, life and liberty were taken away in many cases by colonists.

Laws whose intent was to reinforce the system of mercantilism by requiring that certain goods be shipped only to Britain and only on board British ships.

Series of uprisings that took place directly after the French and Indian War as a unified group of natives attacked and seized nearly a dozen Northwest forts.

Order issued by the king following the French and Indian War that forbid any colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains to avoid native conflict.

Piece of legislation that required colonists to house and pay to sustain British soldiers who were stationed in North America in an attempt to preserve order.

This person is known as the "Father of the Industrial Revolution" who memorized factory plans from England to build his first ever mill in the U.S. in Rhode Island.

Name given to the uprising in western Massachusetts led by a small white farmer unhappy by an unresponsive gov't that led to the downfall of the Articles of Confederation.

Group of rebels that protested British legislation and controls that was first organized by Samuel Adams, as seen in the Boston Massacre and Tea Party.

Direct tax on the English colonists on a series of 54 paper goods, including all legal documents and even playing cards that was protested heavily.

First act passed for the sole purpose of raising revenue; it collected a duty on rum and molasses products; few protested it since it was an indirect tax.

Search warrants that were used by the British after the French and Indian War to root out smugglers who were defying the Navigation Acts and tax laws.

Tax on tea, glass, and paper. Passed after the stamp act

American Revolutionary leader and pamphleteer (born in England) who supported the American colonist's fight for independence and supported the French Revolution (1737-1809). Author of Cmmon Sense

A member of the Philadelphia Congress during the late 1770's. On June 7, 1776 he declared, "These United colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states." This resolution was the start of the Declaration of Independence and end to British relations.

Thomas Jefferson

agreement signed by British and American leaders that stated the United States of America was a free and independent country.

A collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison under the name "Publius" to defend the Constitution in detail.

Ability to free slaves.

The idea that American women had a special responsibility to cultivate "civic virtue" in their children.

Unofficial policy of relaxed royal control over colonial trade and only weak enforcement of Navigation Laws. Lasted from the Glorious Revolution to the end of the French and Indian War in 1763.

This organization supported the boycott of British goods. They urged Americans to wear homemade fabrics and produce other goods that were previously available only from Britain. They believed that way, the American colonies would become economically independent.

Political theorist who defended the Glorious Revolution with the argument that all people are born with certain natural rights to life, liberty, and property. Greatly influenced American Revolution

A term used to describe supporters of the Constitution during ratification debates in state legislatures. Favored a stronger central government.

Opponents of the American Constitution at the time when the states were contemplating its adoption.

1st President of the United States; commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution (1732-1799)