American History: Beginnings to 1877: 3. The Revolutionary Era, Lessons 1–3

To protect their land claims, the French built an extensive system of forts.

An ally is a nation that works with another nation for a common purpose.

Benjamin Franklin, the delegate from Pennsylvania, proposed the Albany Plan of Union. The plan was an attempt to create "one general government" for the British colonies.

General Wolfe devised a bold plan to capture Quebec.

Finally, in 1763, Britain and France signed the Treaty of Paris, bringing the long conflict to an end.

Pontiac's violent raids against British troops convinced officials that they should prohibit British subjects from settling beyond the western frontier for their own safety.

A petition is a formal written request to someone in authority, signed by a group of people.

To boycott means to refuse to buy certain goods and services.

Finally, in 1766, Parliament repealed, or canceled, the Stamp Act.

Using legal documents known as writs of assistance, the officers would be allowed to inspect a ship's cargo without giving a reason.

Men and women in New England and Virginia were especially active and influential in the colonial cause.

Samuel Adams later expanded on the idea of a letter-writing campaign by forming the committee of correspondence.

The Boston Tea Party was an important act of civil disobedience. Civil disobedience is the nonviolent refusal to obey laws that one considers unjust.

With the closing of the port, merchants could not sell their good, and consequently, the colony's economy suffered.

A militia is an army of citizens who serve as soldiers during an emergency.

The colonists who favored war against Britain called themselves Patriots.

Reuben Stebbins of Massachusetts was typical of many patriotic farmers. When the British approached, he rode off to battle.

American colonists who remained loyal to Britain were known as Loyalists.