US History Colonial and Revolutionary Period Flashcards

What were the Intolerable Acts?

Answer: British laws passed in response to the Boston Tea Party to punish Massachusetts

The Intolerable Acts were four punitive laws passed by Britain in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party, which outraged colonists throughout America.

What was the significance of April 19, 1775?

Answer: The first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired at Lexington and Concord

April 19, 1775 marks the beginning of the Revolutionary War with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, where 'the shot heard round the world' was fired.

Who was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War?

Answer: George Washington

George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress in June 1775 and led American forces throughout the war.

What ideals were expressed in the Declaration of Independence?

Answer: Natural rights, equality of all men, and the right to change unjust government

The Declaration of Independence expressed the ideals of natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness), equality, and the right of people to alter or abolish government that fails to protect these rights.

What was the Articles of Confederation and why did it fail?

Answer: The first US constitution that was too weak because it gave the central government limited power

The Articles of Confederation was the first US constitution but proved too weak because the central government lacked power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws.

What was the Boston Massacre?

Answer: A confrontation where British soldiers killed five colonists during a street altercation in 1770

The Boston Massacre occurred on March 5, 1770, when British soldiers fired into a crowd of colonists, killing five people including Crispus Attucks.