NYPL. "EM1970." 1774. Scan by New York Public Library. Retrieved from: https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47da-e46f-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 

Unit 3 Vocabulary

Boston Massacre: The Boston Massacre, which occurred on March 5, 1770, was a pivotal event in American history. It was a confrontation between British soldiers and a crowd of colonists in Boston, Massachusetts. Tensions had been rising due to the presence of British troops and the enforcement of the Townshend Acts, which imposed taxes on various goods. The incident began when a group of colonists taunted and threw objects at British soldiers guarding the customs house. In the chaos that followed, the soldiers fired into the crowd, resulting in the death of five colonists. This event further fueled anti-British sentiment and played a significant role in the lead-up to the American Revolution. It served as a rallying cry for colonial resistance against British oppression and contributed to the growing desire for independence. The Boston Massacre remains a symbol of the struggle for freedom and the power of public opinion in shaping history.

Boycott: A boycott during the colonial era was a form of protest in which people refused to buy or use certain goods or services as a way to show their disapproval. It was a way for colonists to demonstrate their opposition to British policies and taxes imposed on them. By boycotting British goods, they aimed to put economic pressure on the British government and encourage others to join their cause. One famous example of a colonial boycott was the boycott of British tea, which led to the Boston Tea Party in 1773. Boycotts played a significant role in the fight for independence and were an important strategy used by the colonists to challenge British authority.

Civil Liberties: During colonial America, civil liberties played a crucial role in shaping the foundations of the United States. These liberties encompassed individual rights and freedoms that were protected by law. One significant aspect of civil liberties during this period was the concept of limited government. Colonists believed in the importance of restricting the power of the government to prevent tyranny and protect their rights. Freedom of speech, religion, and the press were also fundamental civil liberties valued by the colonists. They believed in the right to express their opinions, practice their chosen religion, and share information freely. However, it is important to note that these civil liberties were often limited to specific groups, such as white male property owners. Nevertheless, the principles of civil liberties established during colonial America would serve as a foundation for the development of the Bill of Rights in the future United States Constitution. Understanding the civil liberties of colonial America provides insight into the struggles and progress made towards ensuring individual rights and freedoms in our nation's history.

Commander in Chief: A Commander in Chief is the highest-ranking military officer in a nation's armed forces. In the United States, the President holds the title of Commander in Chief. This means that the President has the ultimate authority and responsibility for making military decisions and commanding the country's armed forces. The role of Commander in Chief was established by the United States Constitution and has been held by every U.S. President since George Washington. As an example, George Washington, the first President of the United States, served as the Commander in Chief during the Revolutionary War, leading the Continental Army to victory and later establishing the foundation for the nation's military. It is important to understand the role of the Commander in Chief as it relates to the military and national defense.

Intolerable Acts: The Intolerable Acts, also known as the Coercive Acts, were a series of parliamentary acts imposed by the British government upon the American colonies in response to the Boston Tea Party in 1773. These acts aimed to assert British authority and punish Massachusetts for its rebellious actions. One of the key provisions was the Boston Port Act, which closed the port of Boston until the tea destroyed during the Boston Tea Party was paid for. This severely impacted the economy of Boston and caused hardships for its residents. Additionally, the Massachusetts Government Act dissolved the colonial assembly and gave the British-appointed governor more control over the colony. This act significantly limited the political power of the colonists and undermined their self-governance. The Administration of Justice Act allowed British officials accused of committing crimes in the colonies to be tried in Britain instead of locally. This provision raised concerns about a lack of fair trials and further eroded colonial rights. The Intolerable Acts were a turning point in colonial history and played a significant role in fueling the American Revolution.

Lexington and Concord: The Battle of Lexington and Concord marked the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War. On April 19, 1775, tensions between the American colonists and British forces reached a boiling point. British troops marched from Boston towards Lexington, aiming to seize a cache of weapons and capture rebel leaders. However, the local militia, known as the Minutemen, were ready and waiting. As the British approached Lexington, a shot was fired, which ignited a fierce exchange of gunfire. Although outnumbered and outgunned, the colonists put up a valiant resistance before being forced to retreat. The British continued their march to Concord, where they faced a similar response from the colonists. The battles at Lexington and Concord demonstrated the colonists' determination to defend their rights and paved the way for the American Revolution.

Loyalist: During the American Revolution, a Loyalist was someone who remained loyal to the British Crown and opposed the movement for independence. Loyalists believed that the American colonies should remain under British rule and maintain their allegiance to the king. They feared that a break from Britain would lead to chaos and instability. Loyalists often faced persecution and discrimination from the Patriots, who supported independence. Some Loyalists chose to leave the colonies and seek refuge in Canada or other British-controlled territories. The American Revolution was a complex and divisive time, and understanding the perspectives of both the Patriots and the Loyalists helps us comprehend the challenges faced during this pivotal period in American history.

Parliamentary Acts: In colonial America, Parliamentary Acts played a crucial role in shaping the relationship between the British government and the American colonies. These acts were laws passed by the British Parliament and had a significant impact on the lives of the colonists. One such act was the Stamp Act of 1765, which imposed a tax on printed materials in the colonies. This act led to widespread protests and boycotts by the colonists, who felt that they were being unfairly taxed without representation. Another notable act was the Townshend Acts of 1767, which imposed duties on imported goods such as glass, paper, and tea. These acts were met with resistance from the colonists, who organized boycotts and protests to show their dissatisfaction. The acts eventually sparked tensions that would later contribute to the American Revolution. Understanding the significance of these Parliamentary Acts helps us recognize the struggles and sacrifices made by the colonists in their fight for independence.

Patriot: During the American Revolution, a Patriot was an individual who actively supported the fight for independence from British rule. These individuals were deeply committed to the cause of freedom and were willing to take great risks to secure liberty for their fellow countrymen. Patriots believed in the ideals of self-governance, individual rights, and the pursuit of happiness. They played a crucial role in organizing protests, participating in boycotts, and ultimately fighting in the war for independence. Patriots were motivated by a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to create a new nation based on principles of democracy and equality. Their bravery and determination laid the foundation for the birth of the United States of America.

Proclamation Act 1763: The Proclamation Act, one of the significant Parliamentary Acts during colonial America, had a profound impact on the development of the British colonies. Enacted by King George III in 1763, the Proclamation Act aimed to regulate the expansion of settlements beyond the Appalachian Mountains. It stated that colonists were forbidden from settling in the lands acquired from France after the French and Indian War. The act was primarily intended to avoid conflicts with Native American tribes and to maintain British control over the colonies. It was met with mixed reactions from the colonists, as some saw it as a necessary measure for peace, while others viewed it as a restriction of their rights to expand westward. Regardless, the Proclamation Act set the stage for future tensions between the British government and the American colonists, contributing to the growing discontent that eventually led to the American Revolution.

Quartering Act 1765: The Quartering Act was a parliamentary act passed in 1765 by the British Parliament during the colonial era in America. This act required the American colonies to provide housing, food, and supplies to British soldiers stationed in the colonies. The purpose of the Quartering Act was to ensure that British soldiers had a place to stay and provisions while they enforced British rule in the colonies. This act became a source of tension between the colonists and the British government, as many colonists felt that it violated their rights and freedoms. The Quartering Act was one of the contributing factors that eventually led to the American Revolution.

Saratoga: The Battle of Saratoga was a significant turning point in the American Revolutionary War. It took place in 1777, near Saratoga, New York. The battle was fought between the British forces, led by General John Burgoyne, and the American forces, led by General Horatio Gates. The American victory at Saratoga is considered a crucial moment in the war because it convinced the French to openly support the American cause. This support from France ultimately played a vital role in securing American independence. The battle showcased the determination, resilience, and strategic skills of the American soldiers, as they outmaneuvered and defeated the British forces. The Battle of Saratoga is often regarded as a turning point in the war, proving that the American colonists had a real chance at winning their fight for freedom.

Sons of Liberty: The Sons of Liberty were a group of passionate patriots who played a significant role in the lead-up to the American Revolution. Founded in the early 1760s, this secret society originated in the thirteen American colonies and aimed to protect the rights of the colonists against British oppression. Comprised of merchants, artisans, and influential figures, the Sons of Liberty organized protests, boycotts, and acts of civil disobedience to challenge British policies such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts. They were responsible for iconic acts like the Boston Tea Party, where members disguised as Native Americans dumped British tea into the harbor to protest against unfair taxation. The Sons of Liberty played a crucial role in uniting the American colonists and fostering a sense of rebellion against British rule, ultimately paving the way for the birth of a new nation.

Taxation without Representation: Taxation without Representation was a significant issue in colonial America. During this time, the British government imposed various taxes on the American colonies without giving them a voice or representation in the decision-making process. This meant that the colonists had no say in how their taxes were being levied or how the revenue would be used. The British justified this practice by considering the colonies as subjects of the Crown rather than citizens with rights. This unfair taxation system eventually fueled the flames of the American Revolution and was one of the key factors that led to the colonists' fight for independence.

Treason: Treason, during the colonial era, referred to the act of betraying one's own country against the British Crown. It was considered a grave offense, punishable by severe consequences. People found guilty of treason were seen as enemies of the state and were often subjected to harsh punishments, such as imprisonment, fines, and even execution. Treasonous acts included acts of rebellion, aiding the enemy, or conspiring against the British government. Accusations of treason were taken seriously, and trials were conducted to determine guilt or innocence. Understanding the concept of treason helps us comprehend the significant role it played in shaping the course of history during the colonial period.

Treaty of Paris: The Treaty of Paris, signed on September 3, 1783, marked the official end of the American Revolution and established the United States as an independent nation. This significant agreement was negotiated between the American colonies, represented by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay, and Great Britain. According to the treaty, Britain recognized the United States as a sovereign nation and agreed to withdraw all its troops from American soil. Additionally, the treaty defined the boundaries of the new nation, extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River, and from Canada to the northern border of Florida. The Treaty of Paris not only secured the freedom and independence of the United States but also set the stage for the formation of a new democratic government.

Unalienable Rights: In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote about the concept of unalienable rights. These rights are considered to be given to all individuals by God and cannot be taken away or denied by anyone. Unalienable rights include fundamental freedoms such as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Jefferson believed that these rights are inherent to every human being and should be protected by the government. This idea of unalienable rights has had a significant impact on the formation of democratic societies and continues to be a fundamental principle in the United States today.

Yorktown: The Battle of Yorktown was a pivotal event during the American Revolutionary War. It took place in Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781. This battle marked the final major engagement between the British forces, led by General Charles Cornwallis, and the American and French forces, commanded by General George Washington and General Comte de Rochambeau, respectively. The American and French troops successfully laid siege to Yorktown, cutting off the British from receiving reinforcements or supplies by land or sea. After weeks of intense fighting, Cornwallis was forced to surrender on October 19, 1781. This victory proved to be a turning point in the war, as it significantly weakened the British resolve and ultimately led to the recognition of American independence. The Battle of Yorktown serves as a testament to the determination and strategic prowess of the American and French armies, solidifying their place in history as key contributors to the birth of a new nation.