An economic system where colonies exist to benefit the mother country economically by exporting raw materials and importing manufactured goods.

A tax imposed by the British Parliament on all printed materials in the American colonies, including newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards.

Indigenous peoples of North America who inhabited the land prior to European colonization.

The transatlantic journey taken by enslaved Africans from Africa to the Americas, characterized by harsh conditions and high mortality rates.

Pamphlet written by Thomas Paine advocating for American independence from British rule, published in 1776.

A group of British colonies on the Atlantic coast of North America during the 17th and 18th centuries

King George III declared that no British settlement should take place beyond the Appalachian Mountains, aimed at preventing conflicts with Native Americans but resented by American colonists.

A group of British colonists who were not in favor of independence.

British policy of lax enforcement of colonial trade laws, allowing the colonies a degree of self-governance and economic freedom.

Secret society formed to protest British policies and advance the rights of the colonists, known for organizing acts of resistance such as the Boston Tea Party.

Colonies known for agriculture, particularly tobacco, rice, and indigo.

A series of taxes imposed on goods imported to the American colonies such as glass, lead, paint and tea.

People forcibly brought from Africa to work as slaves in the American colonies, particularly in the southern colonies on plantations.

British soldiers stationed in Boston opened fire on a crowd of colonists, killing five and injuring several others.

Women's organization supporting the American Revolution through activities such as boycotting British goods and producing domestic goods.

Colonies characterized by a focus on trade, shipbuilding, and religious freedom.

Legislation requiring colonial governments to provide housing and supplies for British troops stationed in America.

Settlers from Britain who established and lived in the American colonies.

Conflict between Britain and France (and their respective Native American allies) over control of territory in North America.

Founding Father and principal author of the Declaration of Independence, third President of the United States.

Colonies known for diverse economies such as farming, fishing and trading.

A series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party, aimed at punishing the colonists in Massachusetts.

Individuals who agreed to work for a specified period of time (usually 4-7 years) in exchange for passage to the New World and eventual freedom.

Religious revival movement in colonial America during the 1730s and 1740s, emphasizing individual piety and personal religious experience.

English philosopher whose ideas on natural rights and social contract theory influenced American political thought, particularly the Declaration of Independence.