Unit 3: Period 3 (1754-1800)

Seven Years’ War

Major global conflicts fought between Britain vs. France. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris (1763), which greatly expanded British territory but also left Britain with massive debt—leading to increased taxation of the American colonies and growing colonial resentment, helping spark the American Revolution. Battles spanned across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia

French & Indian War

★ 1754-1763

Causes

• Britain and France had both claimed the Ohio RIver Valley, a valuable area for trade and expansion

• British colonists were pushing westward into French-claimed territory

• Native American tribes either sides with Britain or France

• Britain and France were long-standing rivals for global dominance

Effects

• France lost most of its North American territory in the treaty of Paris (1763)

• Proclamation of 1763

• MASSIVE British Debt

• COlonial Unity and Resistance

• Native allies of the French were left vulnerable

George Washington

Leader of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and later the first President of the United States. He played a crucial role in the French & Indian War as a young officer.

ALbany Plan of Union

After realizing that they needed stable colonial defense, the British government had called for representatives from several colonies to meet in Albany, NY in 1754

• Benjamin Franklin developed a plan that provided for an intercolonial government and a system for recruiting troops and collecting taxes from the various colonies for their common defense.

• ended up NOT WORKING

Peace of Paris Treaty in 1963

Big Effects

• Ended the French and Indian War

• France lost nearly all its North American territory

Britain Gained

• Canada (from France)

• All land east of the Mississippi River (including Florida from Spain)

• Spain (France’s ally) gave Florida to Britain but received Louisiana (west of the Mississippi) from France.

Why do we care?

• marked the end of French colonial power in mainland N. America

• Gave Britain massive territorial gains but HUGE DEBT

• New British policies in the colonies

salutary neglect

• British policy during the early to mid-1700s in which the British government intentionally relaxed enforcement of trade laws and colonial regulations on the American colonies

• ended after the French & Indian War

Pontiac’s Rebellion (1763-1766)

A coordinated attack by several Native American tribes against British forts and settlers in the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes region, aiming to resist British control and protect tribal lands and ways of life.

Proclamation of 1763

What?

• a law issued by King George III after the French and Indian War that forbade American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Why?

• To prevent conflict between colonists and Native American tribes after Pontiac’s Rebellion.

Colonists Reaction?

• Coloniss were angry that Britain was restricting them

• they believed that they had the ight to enjoy the spoilsof war and expand their settlements further west.

Quartering At of 1765

part of parliaments plan to eradicate the practice of salutary neglect

• kept British soldiers stationed in colonies and forced colonists to be responsible for their food and housing

Sugar Act

A law passed in 1764 that imposed a tax on sugar, molasses, coffee, and imported goods in the American colonies to raise revenue for Britain.

Stamp Act of 1765

a direct tax imposed by Britain on the colonies, requiring that printed materials be produced on stamped paper from London, featuring an embossed revenue stamp.

Currency Act

A British law passed in 1764 that regulated the colonial currency system, restricting the issuance of paper money and requiring colonies to use British currency for trade.

No Taxation without Representation

A slogan representing the colonists' belief that they should not be taxed by a government without having a direct representative in that government.

Virtual Representation

The British policy asserting that colonists were represented in Parliament through the interests of the British members, despite not having direct representatives.

• Colonists DID NOT agree with this!

Sons/ Daughters of Liberty

A secret organization formed in the American colonies to oppose British policies and taxation through protests, boycotts, and acts of civil disobedience. Formed particularly in response to the Stamp Act.

Stamp Act Congress

A meeting of representatives from 9 colonies in 1765 to organize opposition to the Stamp Act and assert colonial rights. It was the first unified colonial response against British taxation, leading to a declaration of rights and grievances.

• KEEP IN MIND: the though of “revolution“ as not yet in the colonists’ minds!! They did this as loyal British citizens who were just unhappy at the treatment they were receiveing

Declaratory Act

said that Congress had the right to pass whatever they wanted to the colonies

Townshend Acts

a series of laws passed by the British Parliament in 1767, named after Chancellor of the Exchequer Charles Townshend. These laws placed import duties (taxes) on common goods the colonists used every day — including glass, paint, paper, lead, and tea — all to raise revenue for the British government.

Boston Massacre

A deadly confrontation in 1770 between British troops and Boston colonists, resulting in the deaths of five civilians. This event escalated tensions between the colonies and Britain, fueling anti-British sentiment.

tea Act

a law that imposed taxes on imported tea and granted the British East India Company an advantage in the colonial tea trade.

Boston Tea Party

A political protest by the Sons of Liberty in 1773 against the Tea Act, where colonists dumped 45 tons orth of tea of British tea into Boston Harbor to oppose taxation without representation.

Intolerable Acts

A series of punitive measures imposed by Britain in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party, which restricted colonial autonomy and further escalated tensions between Britain and the American colonies.

Militia

A body of armed citizens organized for military service, particularly during times of emergency or conflict, often representing local interests.

Continental Congress

• Met in response to the Intolerable Acts and aimed to restore rights and fix tensions with Britain.

• Delegates from 12 colonies (not Georgia) met in Philadelphia.

• They agreed to boycott British goods and sent the Declaration of Rights and Grievances to King George III.

• They did not yet seek independence.

Second Continental Congress

• Met after the Battles of Lexington and Concord had already started the war.

• Created the Continental Army and chose George Washington as commander.

• Sent the Olive Branch Petition as a last attempt at peace.

• Eventually adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

• Served as the de facto national government during the Revolutionary War.

Natural Rights

life, liberty, property

Common Sense

★ 1776

• A powerful pamphlet that urged colonists to support independence from Britain.

• Argued that monarchy is unnatural and corrupt, especially hereditary rule.

• Said it was “common sense” for an island (Britain) not to rule a continent (America).

• Rejected the idea that America needed Britain for economic or military protection.

• Helped shift public opinion toward full independence, especially among common people.

• Sold over 100,000 copies, making it a massive influence on the Revolutionary movement.

Thomas Jefferson

• An influential founding father who authored the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

• He served as the third president of the United States and completed the Louisiana Purchase, significantly expanding the nation's territory.

• Jeffersonian values! agrarian…anti-federalist….

• Owned enslaved people despite writing that “all men are created equal,” which makes his legacy complex.

Loyalists

American colonists ho did not want to leave Britain (THINK: they wanted to remain LOYAL)

War of Attrition

• this as thee kind of war that the American Revolution was

• military strategy here each side tries to eat down the other by inflicting continuous losses in materials and soldiers

• the goal is to tire the enemy out!!

Battle of Saratoga

• A turning point in the American Revolution where American forces defeated the British.

• It convinced France to formally ally with the United States, providing military aid and resources.

• The victory boosted American morale and proved that the U.S. could win against Britain. (“dang maybe they have a chance“)

Benjamin Franklin

• A Founding Father, inventor, and writer, Franklin played a key role in shaping the early United States.

• Served as ambassador to France, securing French support during the American Revolution.

• Helped draft the Declaration of Independence and was a major contributor to the U.S. Constitution.

• Famous for inventions like the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove.

• Wrote the influential Poor Richard’s Almanack, promoting thrift, hard work, and practical wisdom.

• His diplomatic efforts in France were instrumental in securing the Treaty of Paris (1783), ending the Revolution.

Battle of Yorktown

• The decisive battle that ended the American Revolution in favor of the United States.

• Took place in Yorktown, Virginia, where General George Washington, with the help of French troops and navy, trapped the British forces led by General Cornwallis.

• Cornwallis, unable to escape, surrendered on October 19, 1781, effectively marking the end of major fighting in the war.

• Washington's victory forced Britain to negotiate a peace treaty, leading to the Treaty of Paris (1783), which recognized American independence.

Paris Peace Treaty of 1783

• The treaty officially ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized U.S. independence from Britain.

• Signed September 3, 1783

• Britain acknowledged U.S. independence and ceded control of territory from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River

• It marked the conclusion of formal hostilities between the United States and Great Britain, establishing the boundaries of the new nation

Ladies Association of Philadelphia

• Formed during the American Revolution to support Washington’s Continental Army.

• The group raised money and supplies for the troops, especially by creating fundraising efforts and promoting patriotic giving.

• They notably produced "soldier’s boxes", which were filled with essential goods like clothing, food, and other supplies to be sent to soldiers.

Republican Motherhood

• Emphasized the role of women in teaching virtue and civic responsibility to their children, particularly sons, to prepare them for future citizenship.

• Linked women's education to the strength of the republic, suggesting that women should be educated to instill democratic values in the next generation.

• in a way, it encouraged education for women

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a weak central government and limited powers for Congress.

• ratified in 1781

• 9/13 stated had to agree for the articles to be changed

Legislative Branch

the branch of government responsible for making laws

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

1. Abolished slavery in the Northern states

2. Provided a means by which western territories could get a population and apple for statehood into the Union

Shay’s Rebellion

Causes

• many farmers were in debt on their farm mortgages after having to fight in the war

• the government was not easing up on the taxes and financial stress was upon the farmers

Effects

• in anger, local farmers in Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shay started a militia of around 1000 people

Why does it matter?

• there was no National Guard or army to call to squash the rebellion: that WOULD HAVE BEEN Congress’ job but remember…it was striped of that power.

• it exposed the weakness in the Articles of Confederation

Constitutional Convention

• 1787

• 55 delegates across the country met in Philadelphia in order to discuss the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation

• quickly turned into the Constitutional Convention where the US Constitution was drafted

New Jersey Plan

plan for representation proposed at the constitutional convention that said that each state should get the same amount of representatives.

• favored smaller states

• turned into our Senate

Virginia Plan

plan for representation proposed at the constitutional convention that said that each state’s number or representatives should be given based on the states’ population

• favored bigger states

• turned into our House

Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature, creating the Senate with equal representation for each state and the House of Representatives based on population. Appeased both the Virgina and New Jersey Plan.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature with two chambers or houses, typically a lower house and an upper house.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that determined that three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted for representation and taxation purposes.

Ratification

• The process by which a proposed law, treaty, or constitutional amendment is formally approved and made official.

• the federalists wanted this to happen to the constitution…anti-federalists didn’t want this to happen to the constitution

Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay that argued for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, promoting a strong central government and addressing concerns raised by Anti-Federalists.

Federalist

• A political group that supported the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1787-1788, favoring a strong central government.

• A political group that supported the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1787-1788, favoring a strong central government.

• Believed the Articles of Confederation were too weak and that a more unified government was needed to maintain order and manage national affairs.Argued that the separation of powers and checks and balances in the new Constitution would prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

• published the federalists papers

Anit-Federalist

• A political group that opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1787-1788, fearing it created a too powerful central government at the expense of states' rights.

• Key figures included Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, and George Mason.

• Believed the new Constitution lacked sufficient protections for individual liberties and feared it would lead to tyranny.

• Argued for the importance of states' rights and wanted a more decentralized government.

• Pushed for the inclusion of a Bill of Rights to protect personal freedoms, which ultimately led to the first 10 amendments to the Constitution.

• Brutus Paper

Bill of Rights

• The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, designed to protect individual liberties and limit the power of the federal government.

• Was a direct response to the concerns of Anti-Federalists, who feared that the original Constitution did not do enough to safeguard personal freedoms.

Federalism

the sharing of power between the national and state government

Supremacy Clause

Found in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, it establishes that federal law is the supreme law of the land and takes precedence over state laws when there is a conflict.

Enumerated Powers

Powers given to Congress in Article 1 Section VIII

10th amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. This ensures a system of checks and balances.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful by giving each branch some measure of influence over the others.

Veto

The power of the president or a governor to reject a bill passed by the legislature, preventing it from becoming law.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Also known as the Elastic Clause, it grants Congress the power to make all laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers (those listed in the Constitution)

Proclamation of Neutrality

• Issued by President George Washington on April 22, 1793, it declared that the United States would remain neutral in the conflict between Great Britain and France during the French Revolutionary Wars.

• It set a precedent for American foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of neutrality in international affairs, especially in the early years of the Republic.

Edmond Genêt

• A French diplomat sent to the U.S. in 1793 during the French Revolution to gain American support for France’s war against Britain and Spain.

• Instead of following diplomatic protocol, he tried to recruit American privateers and organize military expeditions against Britain from U.S. soil—violating Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality.

• His actions sparked a political scandal known as the Genêt Affair, which embarrassed the pro-French Democratic-Republicans and tested the young nation's commitment to neutrality.

• Washington demanded that France recall Genêt, but fearing for his life due to political changes in France, Genêt asked for and received asylum in the United States.

Pinckney’s Treaty

• 1795

• Treaty with Spain that gave the U.S. access to the Mississippi River and port of New Orleans for trade.

• Set the Florida border at the 31st parallel.

• Big win for Western farmers and merchants.

Battle of Fallen Timbers

Causes

• U.S. settlers moving into Native land in the Northwest Territory.

• Native resistance, supported by the British.

Events

• U.S. Army led by Gen. Anthony Wayne defeats Native confederation.

Effects

• Leads to the Treaty of Greenville—Natives give up land.

• Weakens Native resistance in the Ohio Valley.

Whiskey Rebellion

Causes

• Farmers angry over federal tax on whiskey.

• Seen as unfair to small distillers.

Events

• Rebellion in western PA; protests, attacks on tax collectors.

Effects

• Washington sends troops to crush it—shows federal power.

• Sets precedent for enforcing law under the Constitution.

Washington’s Farewell Address

• Washington warned against the dangers of political parties, saying they would divide the nation

• he advised the U.S. to stay neutral in foreign affairs

• he emphasized the need for national unity and warned against regional division

• he said religion and mortality were the two things that would keep the nation strong and united

• urged America to remain a constitutional republic

XYZ Affair

• After the French Revolution, France started seizing American ships that were trading with Britain

• President John Adams sent U.S. diplomats to negotiate peace with France

• When the American diplomats got there, three French agents called X, Y, and Z demanded $250k in bribes just to start talks and $10M in loans to France

Why does it matter?

• worsened relations with France and sparked anti-France feelings in the U.S.

• Strengthened support for the Federalists

Alien and Sedition Acts

(NASA) 4 laws passed in 1798 by the Federlalist-controlled Congress during John Adam's’ presidency, limiting immigration and curbing dissent against the government. The Acts aimed to silence opposition and strengthen national security during a time of conflict.

• Naturalization Act - extended the time for immigrant to get naturalized from 5 year sto 14 years

• Alien Friends Act - Allowed the President to deport or imprison any non-citizen without trial

• Sedition Act - made it illegal to ritisize the government

• Alien Enemies Act - alloed the president to arrest, detain, or deport enemy aliens of the country the U.S. is at war with during war

VIrginia & Kentucky Resolutions

Political statements drafted in 1798 and 1799 asserting states' rights to declare federal laws unconstitutional. They were a response to the Alien and Sedition Acts. These resolutions were drafted by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, emphasizing the principles of state sovereignty and opposition to federal overreach.

Election of 1800

The election that marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in the United States, leading to Thomas Jefferson's presidency.