insurrection - Rebellion against political authority. “Insurrection of thought usually precedes insurrection of deed.”

mercantilism - The economic theory that all parts of an economy should be coordinated for the good of the whole state; hence, that colonial economics should be subordinated for the benefit of an empire. “That theory was called mercantilism.”

depreciate - To decrease in value, as in the decline of the purchasing power of money. “…dire need finally forced many of the colonies to issue paper money, which unfortunately depreciated.”

protective tariffs - Taxes places on imported goods, often to raise prices and thus protect domestic producers. “Manufacturers, workers, and farmers seek to ensure their prosperity through protective tariffs….”

mortgage - To pledge property to a creditor as security for a loan or debt. “Virginia planters … were forced to buy their necessities in England by mortgaging future crops.”

admiralty courts - In British law, special administrative courts designed to handle maritime cases without a jury.  “Both [acts] provided for trying offenders in the hated admiralty courts….”

virtual representation - The political theory that a class of persons is represented in a lawmaking body without direct vote. “Elaborating the theory of ‘virtual representation.’ Grenville claimed that every member of Parliament represented all British subjects, even…Americans….”

nonimportation agreement - Pledges to boycott, or decline to purchase, certain goods from abroad. “More effective than the congress was the widespread adoption of nonimportation agreements….”

mulatto - A person of mixed African and European ancestry.  “…Crispus Attucks [was] described…as a powerfully built runaway ‘mulatto’….”

duty - A customs tax on the export or import of goods.  “…Parliament…repeal[ed] the Townshend revenue duties.”

propaganda - A systematic program or particular materials designed to spread certain ideas; sometimes but not always the term implies the use of manipulative or deceptive means. “Their chief function was to spread propaganda….”

boycott - An organized refusal to deal with some person, organization, or product.  “…this one called for a complete boycott of British goods….”

inflation - An increase in the supply of currency relative to the goods available, leading to a decline in the purchasing power of money. “Inflation of the currency inevitably skyrocketed prices.”

desert - To leave official or military service without permission.  “…hundreds of anxious husbands and fathers deserted.”