APUSH Unit3

Which future U.S. President committed a military blunder that triggered the French and Indian War?

George Washington. In $1754$, while leading a Virginia militia, Washington's forces attacked a French scouting party at Jumonville Glen, an event that escalated into the French and Indian War.

What was the primary purpose of the Proclamation Line of $1763$?

The British government established the line along the Appalachian Mountains to prevent colonists from settling westward. This was intended to avoid expensive conflicts with Native American tribes following the French and Indian War.

What did the Quartering Act require of the American colonists?

The Quartering Act mandated that colonists provide housing, food, and supplies to British soldiers stationed in the colonies, which many viewed as an indirect tax and a violation of their rights.

What was the specific target of the Stamp Act?

The Stamp Act of $1765$ was a direct tax on nearly all printed paper items, including legal documents, newspapers, and playing cards, requiring them to carry a government-issued stamp.

What was the significance of Thomas Paine's pamphlet, Common Sense?

Published in $1776$, Common Sense used accessible language to argue that the colonies should seek total independence from British tyranny and that monarchy was an unfit form of government.

Which engagement served as the final major victory of the American Revolution?

The Battle of Yorktown in $1781$. Combined American and French forces trapped British General Cornwallis, leading to his surrender and the effective end of the Revolutionary War.

Why did the Articles of Confederation lead to significant financial problems for the young nation?

The Articles created a weak central government that lacked the authority to tax the states directly. This left the federal government unable to pay off war debts or fund national operations.

How does the U.S. Constitution prevent any single branch of government from becoming too powerful?

The Constitution established a system of separation of powers and checks and balances, dividing responsibilities among the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.

What legislative structure was established by the Great Compromise?

The Great Compromise created a bicameral (two-house) legislature:

1. The House of Representatives
   • Representation is based on state population.
2. The Senate
   • Each state receives equal representation with two senators.

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

It was an agreement that determined $3/5$ of the enslaved population would be counted for both state representation in Congress and for federal taxation purposes.

What addition to the Constitution was promised to secure its ratification?

The Bill of Rights (the first $10$ amendments) was promised to address the concerns of Anti-Federalists by explicitly protecting individual liberties and limiting federal power.

Which executive department was established first by President Washington to manage foreign relations?

The Department of State. Washington also formed the first cabinet by including the Departments of the Treasury and War.

Why were the Alien and Sedition Acts considered controversial during John Adams' presidency?

These acts were viewed as unconstitutional because they limited freedom of the press and speech (Sedition) and made it easier to deport immigrants (Alien), leading to a backlash from several states.

What was the major outcome of Pinckney's Treaty?

Also known as the Treaty of San Lorenzo ($1795$), it formally defined the borders between the U.S. and Spanish colonies and granted Americans the right to navigate the Mississippi River.