First direct tax on colonists, sparking widespread protests and the cry of 'no taxation without representation'.

A protest in 1773 against the Tea Act where colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor.

A series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 after the Boston Tea Party. They were meant to punish the Massachusetts colonists for their defiance.

First battles of the Revolutionary War, signaling the start of armed conflict between Britain and the colonies.

A decisive American victory in 1777 that convinced France to openly support the American cause.

The Continental Army's winter encampment (1777-1778), marked by harsh conditions and significant loss of life, but also crucial training.

The final major battle of the Revolutionary War, leading to British surrender in 1781.

An uprising of farmers in Massachusetts (1786-1787) protesting economic hardship, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

A diplomatic incident between French and U.S. diplomats that resulted in a limited, undeclared naval war known as the Quasi-War. It increased tensions with France.

A tax rebellion in the United States beginning in 1791 during the presidency of George Washington. The so-called "whiskey tax" was the first tax imposed on a domestic product by the newly formed federal government.

A confrontation on March 5, 1770, in which British soldiers shot and killed several people while being harassed by a mob in Boston.

A period of social and political upheaval in late 1700s France, ultimately toppling the monarchy. It influenced American foreign policy debates.

British policy of avoiding strict enforcement of parliamentary laws, meant to keep the American colonies obedient to England.

Economic theory that trade generates wealth and is stimulated by the accumulation of profitable balances, which a government should encourage by means of protectionism.

Rights inherent to all human beings, often including life, liberty, and property (as articulated by John Locke).

British response to the 'no taxation without representation' argument, claiming that Parliament represented all British subjects, including colonists.

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (states).

Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, granting Congress the power to pass all laws 'necessary and proper' for carrying out the enumerated powers.

A system in which the different parts of a government have powers that affect and control the other parts so that no part can become too powerful.

Interpreting the Constitution based on a literal and narrow definition of the language without reference to differences in conditions when the Constitution was written.

Interpreting the Constitution based on the belief that the document permitted everything that it did not expressly forbid.

Colonial boycotts of British goods in response to taxes like the Stamp Act, demonstrating colonial unity.

A plan proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 for a unified government for the Thirteen Colonies. It was ultimately rejected by the colonies.

A controversial act passed in 1798 that limited free speech, particularly criticism of the government. It was associated with John Adams' presidency.

Articles: Weak central government, states retained sovereignty. Constitution: Stronger federal government, divided powers, checks and balances.

Federalists: Supported the Constitution, strong central government. Anti-Federalists: Opposed the Constitution, favored states' rights, demanded a Bill of Rights.

Jay's Treaty: Controversial treaty with Britain, addressed some issues but seen as weak. Pinckney's Treaty: Successful treaty with Spain, granted US navigation rights on the Mississippi River.

Strict: Literal interpretation, limited federal power. Loose: Broad interpretation, expanded federal power (Hamilton).

First: Sought to address grievances with Britain. Second: Declared independence and formed a new government.

Hamilton: Federalist, strong central government, industrial economy. Jefferson: Anti-Federalist, states' rights, agrarian economy.

Sugar Act: Indirect tax on trade. Stamp Act: Direct tax on printed materials, sparking greater colonial outrage.

Loyalists: Supported the British crown. Patriots: Supported American independence.

American: Taxation without representation, British policies. French: Social inequality, economic hardship, Enlightenment ideals.

Federalists: Believed in a strong central government to maintain order and promote economic growth. Anti-Federalists: Feared a strong central government and advocated for states' rights to protect individual liberties.

'Common Sense': Swayed public opinion towards independence. Declaration: Officially declared independence and articulated the principles of self-government.

Albany Plan: Proposed colonial union before the Revolution, ultimately rejected. Articles of Confederation: First government of the US, characterized by a weak central authority.