Colonial attitude towards independence
They didn’t want it. Initially the revolution was a petition to get the same rights as other British citizens
12/13 states met to amend the articles of confederation. They eventually decided to draft a new constitution
Annapolis convention
Secret meeting between delegates of 6 states to discuss how to fix the articles of confederation
alien laws
authorized the president to deport "aliens" and permitted their arrest imprisonment and deportation during war time
Townshend Acts
In opposing the stamp act, the colonists said trade should be regulated instead. Parliament passed the townshend acts and began taxing imports and exports.
7 years war
Articles of confederation
Looked to balance national coordination and states rights to prevent tyranny. It featured a unicameral legislature, but the federal government had no money and no military
republican motherhood
the idea that women needed to become educated so that they could educate the new generation
XYZ affair
French and british continued to kidnap american sailors, so Adams sent ministers to negotiate. When they arrived, 3 agents demanded a bribe just to speak to the foreign minister. John Adams almost declared war.
The areas where both colonists and native people would trade and coexist
George Washington's Presidency
1) Establish the U.S. credit worthiness 2) Unify the states' debt 3) Create a national bank 4) Whiskey tax to pay for the revolution 5) Establish tariffs to protect american businesses
Whiskey rebellion
Stamp act
All paper products sold in the colonies had to be stamped and pay a small tax. It spurred on revolutionary ideals.
pinckney's treaty
Virtual representation
The idea that each representative in parliament represented the empire as a whole, and therefore, the colonies were represented.
British impressment
The British continued to kidnap american sailors. Washington sent John Jay to london to negotiate
Election of 1797
First contested election in American history, won by John Adams (Washington's vice president)
Failures of the articles of confederation
France and others wanted their debt paid back, yet the national government didn’t have money. States had individual economies that didn’t collaborate.
Attacked the obstacles to independence. It was the best selling work in American history because it presented his ideas in a vernacular way.
Thomas Gage
The new appointed governor of Massachusetts who began to strictly enforce parliaments laws
Sugar act
Reduced the tax on molasses, but strengthened the court system to end smuggling, making many wealthy smugglers angry.
Shay’s rebellion
British troops marched to take a militia's weapons. They we're beaten back and chased back to boston by militia minutemen
Declaration of Independence
Written by Thomas Jefferson. Declared the colonies an independent country from Britain. Included a statement of intent, list of grievances, and a conclusion that dissolved ties with Britain
Olive branch petition
Congress wanted king George to intervene on their behalf and end the violence. He didn’t read it.
Parliament sent 1,000 troops to boston to enforce the townshend acts. Protesters began throwing snowballs, and eventually rocks at a group of soldiers. Someone fired a shot, and the soldiers killed 5 protesters
Federalists
Strong national government
Weak national government
