Time Period 3

What was the significance of the British victory in the French and Indian War?

• significantly expanded British territory in North America → leading to increased colonial control

• the war's cost contributed to Britain imposing new taxes on the colonies → strained relations and sowed seeds of discontent

How did the French and Indian War affect the relationship between the colonies and the mother country?

led Britain to enforce new taxes and regulations on the American colonies to recover war debts → caused friction and resistance among colonists who felt these measures infringed on their right

Name two ways in which colonists responded to various taxation acts legislated by the British.

1. protests and boycotts of British goods

   1. the Stamp Act Congress 

   2. the widespread non-importation agreements

2. organized acts of civil disobedience

   1.  including the Boston Tea Party

What was the Quebec Act?

extended Quebec's boundaries and granted religious freedom to Catholics,

Why was the Quebec Act so hated?

angered colonists b/c it undermined their territorial claims and promoted a Catholic presence in a predominantly Protestant area

What were the advantages of the Americans heading into the Revolutionary War?

1. familiarity with the terrain

2. strong motivation for independence

3. support from foreign allies like France

What were the disadvantages of the Americans heading into the Revolutionary War?

1. a lack of a regular army

2. limited resources

3. less financial stability.

What were the advantages of the British heading into the Revolutionary War?

1. a well-trained and equipped military,

2.  substantial resources, and strong naval power

What were the disadvantages of the British heading into the Revolutionary War?

1. logistical challenges over the Atlantic

2. unfamiliarity with American terrain

3. less motivation among troops.

Proclamation Line of 1763

Restricted colonial expansion west of the Appalachian Mountains, angering settlers who wanted to move into new lands.

Stamp Tax/Act

•  Imposed a direct tax on all printed materials

• lead to widespread protests and the rallying cry of "no taxation without representation."

Townshend Acts

• Levied taxes on imported goods like paper and tea

• lead to boycotts and increased resentment among colonists.

Admiralty Courts

Tried smugglers without juries, which colonists saw as a violation of their rights and an abuse of power.

Boston “Massacre”

• British soldiers killed five colonists during a confrontation

• escalating anti-British sentiments and propaganda against British rule.

Boston Tea Party + Intolerable Acts

• colonists' protest against the Tea Act led to the Boston Tea Party, prompting the punitive Intolerable Acts, which closed Boston Harbor and revoked Massachusetts' charter, further uniting the colonies against British policies.

“Join or Die”

• political cartoon created by Benjamin Franklin in 1754

• Depicted a segmented snake to symbolize the American colonies

• urged colonial unity against the French and their Native American allies during the French and Indian War 

• later became a symbol of resistance against British rule.

Pontiac’s Uprising/War

• a rebellion led by Ottawa chief Pontiac against British military posts and settlers in the Great Lakes region

• was a response to the post-war policies and encroachments by the British, leading to significant conflict

• eventually prompted the British to issue the Proclamation Line of 1763 to stabilize the frontier

Mercantilism

• an economic theory prevalent in the 16th to 18th centuries

• emphasized the importance of accumulating wealth through a positive balance of trade and the accumulation of precious metals

• Under this system, the American colonies were seen as sources of raw materials and markets for British manufactured goods → led to restrictive trade policies and economic grievances among colonists.

First Continental Congress

• convened in Philadelphia in 1774

• response to the Intolerable Acts

• a gathering of colonial delegates who sought to address:

  • grievances against British policies, assert colonial rights

  • coordinate a collective response

    • boycotts of British goods and preparation for potential conflict.

Lexington and Concord

• fought on April 19, 1775

• the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War

• marked the beginning of armed conflict between colonial militias and British troops → leading to a wider revolution for independence

What were the Articles of Confederation?

• Adopted: 1781

• Purpose: The first constitution of the U.S.; aimed to preserve state sovereignty.

How were the Articles of Confederation weak?

• No Executive Branch: No enforcement of laws.

• No Judiciary: No system to resolve disputes.

• No Power to Tax: Reliant on state contributions; led to financial instability.

• No Regulation of Commerce: Economic difficulties; conflicts between states

• Difficult Law Passage: Major laws required 9 of 13 state approvals.

• Unanimous Amendments: Amendments required unanimous consent, making changes nearly impossible.

What was the cause of Shay’s Rebellion?

• Economic hardships, high taxes, debt, property seizures

  1. Many farmers faced high taxes that they were unable to pay due to the economic depression following the Revolutionary War

What was the crucial role of Shay’s Rebellion in sparking the movement for a new constitution?

1. Revealed Weaknesses: Showcased the ineffectiveness of the Articles of Confederation.

2. Spurred Reform: Highlighted the need for a stronger central government.

Anti-Federalists

• Opposition: Fear of strong central government; opposed Constitution.

• Key Figures: Patrick Henry, George Mason, Samuel Adams.

• Arguments: Lacked a Bill of Rights; threatened states' rights and individual liberties.

Federalists

• Support: Strong central government; Constitution ratification.

• Key Figures: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay.

• Arguments: A strong central government needed for order and unity; Constitution includes checks and balances.

Republican Motherhood

• Mothers raised the future leaders of the Republic

  • Keepers of “nation’s conscience”

Land Ordinance of 1785

• Land winks be divided into sections, and sold to pay off the national debt

• 6x6 mile townships with 1 section set aside for public schools

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

• Established a framework for governing the Northwest Territory (land north of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi River), which would later become several states, including Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

• Banned Slavery

The Federalist Papers

• Purpose: A collection of 85 essays written to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and explain its provisions.

• Authors: Primarily written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.

James Madison

• Constitutional Convention: Played a leading role in the drafting of the Constitution and in the creation of the Federalist Papers.

• Bill of Rights: Authored the first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, which guaranteed individual liberties.

• Presidency: Served as the 4th President of the United States (1809-1817).

Alexander Hamilton

• Founding Father, first Secretary of the Treasury, and influential promoter of the U.S. Constitution.

• Federalist Papers: Wrote many of the Federalist Papers to support the Constitution’s ratification.

• Economic Policies: Established the foundation for the U.S. financial system, including the creation of the First Bank of the United States and the promotion of a strong central government.

• Political Philosophy: Advocated for a strong central government and a robust executive branch.

Why was George Washington chosen to command the Continental army? (What made him such an effective leader?)

1. his service in the French and Indian War

2. his previous military experience and the hope that a leader from Virginia could help unite the colonies

3.  strong moral character and commitment to the cause of American independence 

What was groundbreaking/significant about the Declaration of Independence?

•  articulated the colonies' right to self-govern and declared their independence from British rule, framing the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness as fundamental rights.

• Philosophical Foundation: It was based on Enlightenment ideas of equality and natural rights, influencing future democratic movements worldwide.

• Unified Statement: It provided a unified statement of the colonies' intentions and justifications for independence, rallying support both domestically and internationally.

Why did the Americans win at the Battle of Saratoga?

factors that forced Burgoyne to surrender

• the strategic defensive position they held at Bemis Heights

• British logistical problems

• poor planning by General Burgoyne,

• inability of British reinforcements to reach the battlefield

Why was the Battle of Saratoga significant?

made it able to convince the French and Spanish to support the American cause for independence with troops, supplies, and material

Loyalists

American colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War

What role did the royalist play during the Revolution?

• served as soldiers in British regiments

• provided valuable intelligence to the British forces

• provided political and social support

What happened to loyalists after the Revolution?

• faced persecution

• property confiscation

• social ostracism from Patriots who viewed them as traitor

• chose or were forced to leave the newly established United States (went to British territories, Canada)

What role did France play in winning America’s independence and why did they choose to help the United States?

• Provided crucial military support

  • troops and experienced military leaders

• provided substantial financial aid to the American cause

  • loans and grants.

• France sought to weaken Britain, its long-time rival, and gain revenge for its defeat in the Seven Years' War (1756–1763). 

  1. Supporting the American colonies provided an opportunity to challenge British dominance and influence.

• Enlightenment ideals of liberty and democracy resonated with many French intellectuals and leaders

Second Continental Congress

• served as the governing body of the American colonies during the war

• responsible for

  • managing the war effort

  • drafting important documents

  • setting policy

Olive Brance Petition

• a final attempt by the Continental Congress to avoid a full-scale war with Britain.

• expressed a desire for peace and sought a resolution to the conflict.

• rejected by King George III, who declared the colonies in a state of rebellion

  • rejection solidified the path toward war and prompted the colonies to pursue independence more resolutely.

Common Sense

• highly influential pamphlet advocating for American independence from Britain. 

• argued against monarchy and hereditary succession and made a compelling case for the colonies' right to self-govern.

Yorktown

• decisive final battle of the American Revolutionary War. 

• American and French forces, led by General George Washington and the Comte de Rochambeau, laid siege to the British forces commanded by General Cornwallis.

• The successful siege forced Cornwallis to surrender, effectively ending major military operations in the war.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

• signed on September 3, 1783

• officially ended the American Revolutionary War. 

• The treaty was negotiated by American representatives Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay, along with British negotiators.

• Recognition of American Independence: Britain recognized the sovereignty of the United States.

• Territorial Boundaries: The treaty established the boundaries of the new nation, including land from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River and from Canada to Florida.

• Fishing Rights and Other Provisions: It granted American fishermen access to the rich fishing grounds off the coast of Newfoundland and set terms for the return of loyalist property and the treatment of British debts.

What led to the created of the Bill of Rights?

• Created to address the concerns of Anti-Federalists who feared a strong central government might infringe upon individual liberties

Name 3 rights included in the Bill of Rights.

• First Amendment: Protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

• Second Amendment: Ensures the right to bear arms.

• Fourth Amendment: Guards against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Describe the various means Alexander Hamilton used to put the federal government on sound financial footing.

1. Assumption of State Debts: Hamilton proposed that the federal government assume state debts from the Revolutionary War, promoting national unity and establishing credibility.

2. Creation of a National Bank: He established the First Bank of the United States to manage finances, regulate currency, and facilitate tax collection.

3. Excise Taxes and Tariffs: Hamilton implemented excise taxes (notably on whiskey) and tariffs on imports to generate revenue for the federal government.

4. Funding at Par: He advocated for the federal government to pay back bonds at face value to restore trust in government securities.

Abigail Adams (John Adams’ 4-year stint as Present to close out the 1790’s)

Played a significant role in advising her husband and influencing policies; she was an advocate for women's rights and a key confidante.

Decision not to go to war with France (John Adams’ 4-year stint as Present to close out the 1790’s)

Alein & Sedition Acts (John Adams’ 4-year stint as Present to close out the 1790’s)

acts were seen as a violation of the First Amendment rights to free speech and press, leading to significant backlash and the rise of the Democratic-Republican opposition

Alien Acts

1. a series of laws aimed at restricting dissent and controlling immigration

2.  allowed the president to deport any foreign national deemed dangerous and increased the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 14 years

Sedition Act

Made it a crime to criticize the government or its officials, leading to fines and imprisonment for those who opposed the administration

Hamiltonian Federalists:

1. Membership: Included merchants, landowners, and urban professionals.

2. Principles: Advocated for a strong central government, industrialization, and a loose interpretation of the Constitution. Example: Support for the National Bank.

Jeffersonian Democratic-Republicans

1. Membership: Comprised mostly of farmers, rural citizens, and those wary of centralized power.

2. Principles: Championed states’ rights, agrarianism, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution. Example: Opposition to the National Bank, viewing it as unconstitutional.

Judiciary Act of 1789

• Established the federal judiciary system, creating a Supreme Court and lower courts.

Whiskey Rebellion

• A revolt against Hamilton's excise tax on whiskey, which was quelled by federal troops, demonstrating federal authority.

Washington Farewell Address (1796)

• Farewell adress by President George Washington that offered key advice to the nation as he left office

• Avoiding Political Parties: Washington warned that political factions could lead to the erosion of national unity and increased divisiveness.

• Steering Clear of Foreign Alliances: He cautioned against forming long-term alliances with foreign nations, advocating for neutrality to avoid entanglements in foreign conflicts.

• Importance of National Unity: Washington stressed the significance of unity among the states and the dangers of regionalism.

XYZ Affair

• A diplomatic incident that led to an undeclared naval conflict with France and heightened tensions, contributing to Adams' decision to avoid war.

• Tensions with France: During the late 1790s, relations between the U.S. and France soured due to issues stemming from the French Revolution and American neutrality.

• Bribery Attempt: When American diplomats were sent to negotiate peace, they were approached by French agents (referred to as X, Y, and Z) who demanded bribes before talks could proceed. This led to public outrage in the U.S.

• Undeclared Naval Conflict: The scandal escalated tensions, resulting in an undeclared naval conflict known as the Quasi-War, as the U.S. increased military readiness.