Enhance Your Learning with History The Declaration of Independence Flash Cards for quick revision
The document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, announcing the separation of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain and the formation of a new nation, the United States of America.
One of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. He later served as the third President of the United States.
The governing body of the American colonies that convened in Philadelphia in 1775 and eventually declared independence from Great Britain. It also served as the de facto national government during the Revolutionary War.
The belief that individuals have inherent rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which cannot be taken away by any government or authority.
A Founding Father of the United States who played a key role in the American Revolution. He served as the second President of the United States and was a strong advocate for independence.
The year in which the Declaration of Independence was adopted, marking a significant turning point in the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States as a sovereign nation.
Rights that are inherent to all individuals and cannot be taken away or denied by any government or authority.
The unified army of the American colonies during the Revolutionary War, led by General George Washington. It played a crucial role in securing American independence.
The King of Great Britain during the American Revolution. He was the target of much of the colonists' grievances and was seen as a tyrant by many.
The war fought between Great Britain and the thirteen American colonies, which resulted in the colonies gaining independence and the formation of the United States of America.
The introductory section of the Declaration of Independence, which outlines the reasons for declaring independence and the principles upon which the new nation would be built.
The legislative body that governed the American colonies before and during the Revolutionary War. It played a crucial role in the decision to declare independence.
The abuse of power by a ruler or government, often characterized by oppressive and unjust actions.
One of the Founding Fathers of the United States who played a key role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and securing foreign support for the American Revolution.
A document issued by the Continental Congress in 1775, which expressed the grievances of the American colonies against British rule and called for a peaceful resolution.
The act of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or a group of people. The lack of representation in the British government was one of the grievances of the American colonists.
A secret organization formed by American colonists to protest against British policies and advocate for independence. They played a significant role in the lead-up to the American Revolution.
The idea that the American colonists were being taxed by the British government without having any say or representation in that government.
An agreement among the American colonies in 1774 to boycott British goods and trade as a form of protest against British policies. It was an important step towards unity and resistance.
A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776, which argued for American independence from Great Britain and became a widely influential piece of revolutionary literature.
A series of punitive measures imposed by the British government on the American colonies in response to the Boston Tea Party. They further fueled the colonists' desire for independence.
A document issued by the Continental Congress in 1774, which asserted the rights of the American colonists and called for a peaceful resolution to the growing tensions with Great Britain.
A political protest in Boston in 1773, in which a group of American colonists dumped tea into the harbor to protest against British taxation policies. It was a significant event leading to the American Revolution.
A series of resolutions passed by the Continental Congress in 1774, which outlined the grievances of the American colonies against British rule and called for united action.
An act passed by the British Parliament in 1765, which imposed a tax on printed materials in the American colonies. It was met with widespread resistance and helped fuel the push for independence.
An agreement among the American colonies to boycott British goods and trade as a form of protest against British policies. It was an important step towards unity and resistance.
A series of acts passed by the British Parliament in 1767, which imposed taxes on various goods imported into the American colonies. They were met with widespread resistance and boycotts.
A meeting of delegates from the American colonies in 1774, in response to the Intolerable Acts and other grievances. It marked a significant step towards colonial unity and resistance.
An incident in Boston in 1770, in which British soldiers fired upon a crowd of American colonists, killing several. It further inflamed tensions between the colonies and Great Britain.
A meeting of delegates from the American colonies in 1775, which marked a significant step towards independence and the establishment of a unified colonial government.
A proclamation issued by the British government in 1763, which prohibited American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. It was met with resistance and defiance.
A meeting of delegates from the American colonies in 1774, in response to the Intolerable Acts and other grievances. It marked a significant step towards colonial unity and resistance.
A conflict between Great Britain and France in North America from 1754 to 1763, which resulted in British victory and the acquisition of French territories in North America. It also left Britain with a large debt.
A meeting of delegates from nine American colonies in 1765, in response to the Stamp Act. It marked the first unified protest against British taxation policies.
A series of laws passed by the British Parliament in the 17th and 18th centuries, which regulated colonial trade and restricted economic activity to benefit the British Empire.
A proposal put forward by Benjamin Franklin in 1754, which called for the creation of a unified colonial government to coordinate defense and other matters. It was not adopted, but laid the groundwork for future unity efforts.
A British policy of loosely enforcing colonial trade laws in the 17th and early 18th centuries, which allowed the American colonies to develop their own economic and political systems.
Native American tribes and French forces who fought alongside each other against the British during the French and Indian War. Their alliance posed a significant challenge to British control in North America.
An economic theory prevalent in the 17th and 18th centuries, which held that a nation's wealth and power were determined by its accumulation of precious metals and its control of trade.
A religious revival movement that swept through the American colonies in the 1730s and 1740s, emphasizing personal salvation and a direct relationship with God. It had a profound impact on colonial society and culture.
A system of trade between Europe, Africa, and the American colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries, involving the exchange of goods, slaves, and raw materials.
An agreement signed by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in 1620, which established a self-governing colony based on majority rule. It is considered a precursor to democratic governance in America.
One of the earliest English settlements in North America, established by the Pilgrims in 1620. It played a significant role in the development of the American colonies.
The first permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607 in present-day Virginia. It marked the beginning of English colonization in the New World.
An early English settlement in present-day North Carolina, which mysteriously disappeared sometime between 1587 and 1590. Its fate remains unknown.
Explorers and conquerors from Spain who sought to expand Spanish territory and spread Christianity in the Americas during the 16th century. They played a significant role in the colonization of the New World.
An Italian explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for widespread European exploration and the eventual colonization of the Americas.
A period of European exploration and discovery that lasted from the 15th to the 17th centuries. It led to the colonization of the Americas and the establishment of global trade networks.
The diverse indigenous peoples who inhabited the Americas before the arrival of European colonizers. They had complex societies, cultures, and economies.
The establishment and expansion of European colonies in the Americas, beginning in the late 15th century. It had profound and lasting effects on the indigenous peoples and the development of the New World.
The widespread transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and culture between the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia following Christopher Columbus's voyages. It had far-reaching ecological, economic, and social consequences.
The expeditions undertaken by European explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries to find new trade routes, establish colonies, and expand their empires. They led to the discovery and colonization of the Americas.
The period of history in the Americas before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. It was characterized by diverse indigenous cultures and civilizations.
A powerful and highly advanced civilization in Mesoamerica, centered in present-day Mexico. It was conquered by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.
The largest empire in pre-Columbian America, located in the Andes Mountains of South America. It was conquered by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.