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Treaty of Paris (1763 & 1783)
Agreement to end the French-Indian War,
France lost land in Canada, Spain got all of the French territory in the west, Britain had an increased empire but also an enlarged national debt that they blamed on the colonists → united against Britain as their common enemy, signaled the end of salutary neglect
This treaty ended the Revolutionary War, recognized the independence of the American colonies, and granted the colonies the territory from the southern border of Canada to the northern border of Florida, and from the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi River
George Grenville
British prime minister at the end of the war, argued for colonists to “pay your share” due to the increased debt after the war. Argued for internal taxes → taxes within the colonies that were greatly objected by settlers because they viewed themselves as British
The Sugar Act of 1764
The first law passed to create tax revenue on sugar in the colonies for the crown after the war, the colonies didn’t profit from this external tax, learned to protest because the government loosened it
Thomas Paine
1776-Pamphlet that encouraged the Colonists to fight the British, helped establish the Declaration of Independence
The Stamp Act
a 1765 law in which Parliament established the first direct taxation of goods and services within the British colonies in North America (internal tax), greatly hated by the colonists → tarred and feathered monarchs that supported the act, colonial unity against the act led to the crown repealing it, the stamp act congress claimed taxation without representation
Declaratory Act (1766)
Passed at the same time that the Stamp Act was repealed, the Act declared that Parliament had the power to tax the colonies both internally and externally, and had absolute power over the colonial legislatures
Townshend Act (1767-70)
laws passed in 1767 that internally taxed goods such as glass, paper, paint, lead, and tea; payed royal governor and judges salaries, angered colonist bc it payed people that were restricting their rights, committee of correspondence (a colonial network of passing information throughout the colonies; organized first in Massachusetts by Samuel Adams) led to act being repealed except on tea bc it was a staple product of the British
Intolerable Acts
series of laws passed in 1774 to punish Boston for the Tea Party; Boston Port Act, New Quartering Act, Massachusetts Regulating Act (limit crowds), and Administration of Justice Act
Dickinson’s ‘Letters from a farmer in Pennsylvania,’
These letters, all signed “A Farmer,” laid out a case against the acts. Dickinson argued that the British parliament had the right to regulate trade with the colonies within the imperial system, but that the colonies were sovereign to regulate their own internal matters. This included raising revenue
The Poor Richard’s Almanac(k)
Poor Richard's Almanack was a yearly almanac published by Benjamin Franklin, who adopted the pseudonym of "Poor Richard" or "Richard Saunders" for this purpose. The publication appeared continually from 1732 to 1758. Wikipedia
Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations
On March 9, 1776, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, Smith, a Scottish moral philosopher by trade, wrote the book to describe the industrialized capitalist system that was upending the mercantilist system.
Navigation Act of 1651
Law that required imported goods to be carried in English ships or ships of the country making the goods; prohibited Dutch merchants from the colonial trade
Albany Congress
Intercolonial congress summoned by the British government to foster greater colonial unity and assure Iroquois support in the escalating war against the French (1st priority); Ben proposed plan for colonial home rule; colonists and crown opposed
First Continental Congress
September 1774, delegates from twelve colonies sent representatives to Philadelphia to discuss a response to the Intolerable Acts; John Adams persuaded people to revolutionary cause, making Declaration of Rights and other appeals (moderates wanted British-guided home rule)
Second Continental Congress
Political authority that continued and directed the struggle in 1775; didn't want independence at first, made new appeals to king, raised money for army
French and Indian War
(1754-1763) War fought in the colonies between the English and the French for possession of the Ohio Valley area. The English won. Broadened into 7 years war.
Battle of Quebec
(1759) British victory over French forces on the outskirts of Quebec in the plains of Abraham. The surrender of Quebec marked the beginning of the end of French rule in North America.
Bunker Hill
(June 17, 1775) Site of a battle early in the Revolutionary War. This battle contested control of two hills (Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill) overlooking Boston Harbor. The British captured the hills after the Americans ran-out of ammunition. "Don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes!" Battle implied that Americans could fight the British if they had sufficient supplies.
Yorktown
in 1781 during the American Revolution the British under Cornwallis surrendered after a siege of three weeks by American and French troops (Washington, Rochambeau, and de Grasse)
Lexington and Concord
April 8, 1775: Gage leads 700 soldiers to confiscate colonial weapons and arrest Adam, and Hancock; April 19, 1775: 70 armed militia face British at Lexington (shot heard around the world); British retreat to Boston, suffer nearly 300 casualties along the way (concord)
Richard Henry Lee
A member of the Philadelphia Congress during the late 1770's. On June 7, 1776 he declared, "These United colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states." This resolution was the start of the Declaration of Independence and end to British relations.
Saratoga and Horatio Gates
A battle that took place in New York where the Continental Army defeated the British. Burgoyne surrendered his army to General Horacio Gates. It proved to be the turning point of the war. This battle ultimately had France to openly support the colonies with military forces in addition to the supplies and money already being sent.
Zenger trial
New York libel case against John Peter Zenger. Established the principle that truthful statements about public officials could not be prosecuted as libel.
Quartering Act of 1765
Act forcing colonists to house and supply British forces in the colonies; created more resentment; seen as assault on liberties.
Olive Branch Petition
On July 8, 1775, the colonies made a final offer of peace to Britain, agreeing to be loyal to the British government if it addressed their grievances (repealed the Coercive Acts, ended the taxation without representation policies). It was rejected by Parliament, which in December 1775 passed the American Prohibitory Act forbidding all further trade with the colonies.
Triangular Trade
A three way system of trade during 1600-1800s in which Africa sent slaves to America, America sent Raw Materials to Europe, and Europe sent Guns and Rum to Africa.
Declaratory Act (1766)
Passed at the same time that the Stamp Act was repealed, the Act declared that Parliament had the power to tax the colonies both internally and externally, and had absolute power over the colonial legislatures.
Suffolk resolves
The Suffolk Resolves was a declaration made on September 9, 1774, by the leaders of Suffolk County, Massachusetts. The declaration rejected the Massachusetts Government Act and resulted in a boycott of imported goods from Britain unless the Intolerable Acts were repealed.
Circular letter
The Massachusetts ____ was written by Samuel Adams on behalf of the Massachusetts legislature in reaction to the unpopular Townshend Acts passed by Parliament in 1767. Dated 11 Feb. 1768, the letter asserted that Parliament had no right to tax Americans, as they were not represented by that legislative body.
Professions in the colonies
successful and diverse economy. Largely agricultural, farms in this region grew numerous kinds of crops, most notably grains and oats. Logging, shipbuilding, textiles production, and papermaking were also important in the Middle Colonies.
Alexander Hamilton
Defense attorney in the Zenger case who made the first step toward freedom of the press. 1789-1795; First Secretary of the Treasury. He advocated creation of a national bank, assumption of state debts by the federal government, and a tariff system to pay off the national debt.
salutary neglect
as long as the colonies are profitable they can do what they want
mercantilism
process in which a country stays profitable when trading with other countries, more exports than imports
External taxes
Taxes on goods of all the English territory
Boston Massacre
The first bloodshed of the American Revolution (1770), as British guards at the Boston Customs House opened fire on a crowd killing five Americans, first black man dies at the hands of the British, Crispus Attucks
Boston Tea Party
a political protest that occurred on December 16, 1773, at Griffin's Wharf in Boston, Massachusetts. American colonists, frustrated and angry at Britain for imposing “taxation without representation,” dumped 342 chests of tea, imported by the British East India Company into the harbor.
The Quebec Act
Extended boundaries of Quebec and granted equal rights to Catholics and recognized legality Catholic Church in the territory; colonists feared this meant that a pope would soon oversee the colonies.
The Association
A document produced by the Continental Congress in 1775 that called for a complete boycott of British goods. This included non-importation, non-exportation and non-consumption. It was the closest approach to a written constitution yet from the colonies. It was hoped to bring back the days before Parliamentary taxation. Those who violated The Association in America were tarred and feathered
Great Awakening
A revival of religious feeling in the American colonies during the 1730s and 1740s
French aid in the revolution
Between 1778 and 1782 the French provided supplies, arms and ammunition, uniforms, and, most importantly, troops and naval support to the beleaguered Continental Army. The French navy transported reinforcements, fought off a British fleet, and protected Washington's forces in Virginia.
Committees of Correspondence 1772
a colonial network of passing information throughout the colonies; organized first in Massachusetts by Samuel Adams
Declaration of Colonial Rights and Grievances
On October 14, 1774, the Continental Congress passed a resolution known as the ___. It stated that all Acts of Parliament providing for the taxation of colonists limited the rights of colonists derived from the natural rights, Constitution, and charters of the colonies. Among other complaints, the Congress criticized the British Parliament’s unfair taxation, lack of representation, and the judicial abuses collectively known as the Intolerable or Coercive Acts.
privateering
privately owned armed vessel commissioned by a belligerent state to attack enemy ships, usually vessels of commerce. Privateering was carried on by all nations from the earliest times until the 19th century.
The Proclamation Line of 1763
was a British-produced boundary marked in the Appalachian Mountains at the Eastern Continental Divide. Decreed on October 7, 1763, the Proclamation Line prohibited Anglo-American colonists from settling on lands acquired from the French following the French and Indian War.
Writs of assistance
documents which served as a general search warrant, allowing customs officials to enter any ship or building that they suspected for any reason might hold smuggled goods.
Bill of Rights
First ten amendments to the Constitution, drafted by Madison, placed limitations of government and protects natural rights (freedom of religion, press, and speech; freedom to bear arms, trial by jury, gov can't randomly seize property, right to assemble, etc.)
Role of women
Most women carried on with their daily tasks at home, but many took action by boycotting British goods or following their men into war as cooks, nurses, and care-givers. After the revolution, the laws of coverture, established during the colonial period, remained in place. These laws ruled that when women married they lost their legal identity. Women could not own property, control their own money, or sign legal documents. Women often followed their husbands in the Continental Army. These women, known as camp followers, often tended to the domestic side of army organization, washing, cooking, mending clothes, and providing medical help when necessary.
Republican Motherhood
An idea linked to republicanism that elevated the role of women. It gave them the prestigious role as the special keepers of the nation's conscience. Educational opportunities for women expanded due to this. Its roots were from the idea that a citizen should be to his country as a mother is to her child (cultivate "civic virtue").
Articles of Confederation
1st Constitution of the U.S. 1781-1788
weaknesses-no executive, no judicial → no mechanism to control people to follow the laws, no power to tax → had to go to states for money so the power belonged to the states, states taxes each other, no power to regulate trade, only legislative branch→ could not enforce laws made , no money, laws needed a 2/3 vote and every state got 1 vote in congress → could not agree on laws, money was issued by states and congress → different currencies, inflation, no consistent exchange rate
strength- every state showed up to solve the problem, colonial unity
women
behind the political scenes, Abigail Adams, left out of the constitution, advocated for abolition of slavery, guardians of virtue
Shay's Rebellion
Rebellion led by Daniel Shays of farmers and war veterans in western Massachusetts in 1786-1787, protesting mortgage foreclosures and heavy taxes. Massachusetts officials used donations from the wealthy to raise army and eventually put down rebellion. It highlighted the need for a strong national government just as the call for the Constitutional Convention went out.
John Dickinson
Conservative leader who wrote "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania"; advocated for colonial rights but urged conciliation with England & opposed the Declaration of Independence; helped to write the Articles of Confederation.
Whiskey Rebellion
In 1794, farmers in Pennsylvania rebelled against Hamilton's excise tax on whiskey, and several federal officers were killed in the riots caused by their attempts to serve arrest warrants on the offenders. In October, 1794, the army, led by Washington, put down the rebellion. The incident showed that the new government under the Constitution could react swiftly and effectively to such a problem, in contrast to the inability of the government under the Articles of Confederation to deal with Shay's Rebellion.
Antifederalists, Democratic Republicans, Jeffersonians
Opponents of ratification of the Constitution and of a strong central government, generally. Thought that constitution was drawn up by only aristocrats, making it undemocratic. Thought that individual state freedoms were being destroyed. Were dominantly lower income people, cautious of constitution but believed in a strict constitution
Federalists, Alexander Hamilton
A term used to describe supporters of the Constitution during ratification debates in state legislatures. Focused on business, supported trickle down theory, died out around 1815
Northwest Ordinance
Enacted in 1787, it is considered one of the most significant achievements of the Articles of Confederation. It established a system for setting up governments in the western territories so they could eventually join the Union on an equal footing with the original 13 states
Strict Construction
Jefferson and his states' right disciples believed the Constitution should be interpreted "literally" or "strictly". The reason why was to protect individual rights. Jefferson did not want the Bank of the United States, Hamilton thought it would not only be proper, but also necessary. Jefferson thought it was up to the states and Hamilton thought it was up to Congress. The Bank was created by Congress in 1791. Having a strong central government made people fear that their rights would be taken away from them.
Republicanism
the belief that government should be based on the consent of the people; against hierarchy and authoritanism
John Locke and the two treatises of government
model consists of a civil state, built upon the natural rights common to a people who need and welcome an executive power to protect their property and liberties; the government exists for the people's benefit and can be replaced or overthrown if it ceases to function toward that primary end.
The federalist papers
Essays promoting ratification of the Constitution, published anonymously by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison in 1787 and 1788.
funding at par
it meant that the federal government would pay off its debts at face value with interest. In 1790, Alexander Hamilton proposed that the federal government pay its Revolutionary war debts in full in order to bolster the nation's credit.
Assumption
Hamilton's policy of having the federal government pay the financial obligations of the states; wanted states to feel closer with federal government
The Bank of the US
a national bank for federal funds from foreign countries, businesses and citizens, possible investments, passes in congress, Proposed by Alexander Hamilton as the basis of his economic plan. He proposed a powerful private institution, in which the government was the major stockholder. This would be a way to collect and amass the various taxes collected. It would also provide a strong and stable national currency. Jefferson vehemently opposed the bank; he thought it was un-constitutional. nevertheless, it was created. This issue brought about the issue of implied powers. It also helped start political parties, this being one of the major issues of the day.
Founders
influenced the creation of a new government, created a foundation
Framers
actually wrote the constitution at the Philadelphia convention, framework, James Dickinson
Assumption → The D.C. Compromise
Hamilton’s Rationale: The U.S. had borrowed from states to chiefly finance the Revolution, so it was national obligation Problem: Northern States had large outstanding debts; Southern States had paid back some/most of their debt Solution: The D.C. Compromise: Southerners agreed to assumption when the Nation’s Capital was moved to the banks of the Potomac River. Philadelphia became temporary capital
Exercise Tax
(Tax on goods produced/services within the U.S.) Some items include liquor, cigarettes & gasoline In 1793, the excise tax was about 8% - Today it’s about 4% Western & Southern farmers especially resented the tax (Whiskey rebellion)
Protective Tariff
(1st was passed in 1816, but other tariffs existed, such as a tariff act in 1789 on certain imports) Hamilton proposed a protective tariff to discourage importation of foreign goods and stimulate the growth of American industry. Congress rejects it – Opposition especially came from the South
Montesquieu’s The Spirit of Laws
(1689-1755): Frenchman who studied the Roman Empire. impacted the writing of the constitution he said the best way to make sure a government would serve the people would be to:
Separate the powers of government among different branches so one branch could not have overwhelming power.
Balance the power among the branches evenly
Check the power of the branches against each other
The Annapolis Convention: (1786)
Purpose: To settle the issue of interstate commerce, but also overhaul the Articles of Confederation Significance: Only 5 colonies show, but Alexander Hamilton gets Congress to call a Convention next year in Philadelphia
Philly convention
Convention was called to revise the Articles of Confederation, but the plan was scrapped. Members instead turned to framing a new Constitution. During the ensuing discussions, sectional differences threatened the success of ratification, but many deals were made to save it
Washington’s cabinet
The First Cabinet: Thomas Jefferson – Secretary of State Henry Knox – Secretary of War Alexander Hamilton – Secretary of Treasury (The above 3 executive departments were created by Congress) Edmund Randolph – Attorney General (Department later added during the Washington Administration)
Articles of confederation
The time when the ‘Articles’ were in effect was dubbed The Critical Period by historian John Fiske (The Critical Period of American History,
Virginia Plan
"Large state" proposal for the new constitution, calling for proportional representation (based on population) in both houses of a bicameral Congress. The plan favored larger states and thus prompted smaller states to come back with their own plan for apportioning representation.
New Jersey Plan
"Small state" proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for equal representation of each state in Congress regardless of the state's population, like under the previous Articles of Confederation.
Father of the constitution
James Madison
Jay-Gardoqui Treaty
1785 - This treaty between the U.S. and Spain would have given the U.S. special privileges at Spanish ports in exchange for giving Spain exclusive rights to the Mississippi River. The U.S. needed access to the Mississippi more than they needed privileged trade with Spain, so this treaty was never signed
Pickney’s Treaty
1795 - Treaty between U.S. & Spain which gave U.S. right to transport goods on Mississippi river & to store goods in the Spanish port of New Orleans.
The Commerce Compromise
• Congress CAN regulate interstate & foreign trade • Congress CAN levy tariffs on imports • Congress CANNOT tax exports, nor impede the slave trade for 20 Years (1808 it ends)
The Three-Fifths Compromise
• Five slaves count as three people in Representation & Direct Taxation
Judiciary Act of 1789
In 1789 Congress passed this Act which created the federal-court system. The act managed to quiet popular apprehensions by establishing in each state a federal district court that operated according to local procedures. It also created the chief justice position, 5 associates, and the attorney general position.
Bunker Hill
(June 17, 1775) Site of a battle early in the Revolutionary War. This battle contested control of two hills (Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill) overlooking Boston Harbor. The British captured the hills after the Americans ran-out of ammunition. "Don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes!" Battle implied that Americans could fight the British if they had sufficient supplies.
John Jay
1st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, negotiated with British for Washington; collaberated with Madison and Hamilton on the "Federalist;" United States secretary of foreign affairs
Battle of Fallen Timbers
1794 battle in which federal troops under General Wayne defeated the Miami Confederacy of Native Americans; when british refused to help fleeing indians, treaty of Greenville was signed
Treaty of Greenville
1795-Gave America all of Ohio and some of Indians (Old NW) after General Mad Anthony Wayne battled and defeated the Indians at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. In return, Indians got 20,000 dollars plus 9,000 annually, the right to hunt the land they gave up, and recognition of their independence.
Jay's Treaty
Was made up by John Jay. It said that Britain was to pay for Americans ships that were seized in 1793 along with abandoning its forts in the US. It said that Americans had to pay British merchants debts owed from before the revolution and Britain had agreed to remove their troops from the Ohio Valley. Highly polarizing and unpopular.
Charles Beard
A historian who argued that the Founders were largely motivated by the economic advantage of their class in writing the Constitution
XYZ Affair
1798 - A commission had been sent to France in 1797 to discuss the disputes that had arisen out of the U.S.'s refusal to honor the Franco-American Treaty of 1778. President Adams had also criticized the French Revolution, so France began to break off relations with the U.S. Adams sent delegates to meet with French foreign minister Talleyrand in the hopes of working things out. Talleyrand's three agents told the American delegates that they could meet with Talleyrand only in exchange for a very large bribe. The Americans did not pay the bribe, and in 1798 Adams made the incident public, substituting the letters "X, Y and Z" for the names of the three French agents in his report to Congress.
Alien Laws
Acts passed by a Federalist Congress raising the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 years to fourteen years and granting the president the power to deport dangerous foreigners in times of peace.
Sedition Acts
Enacted by the Federalist Congress in an effort to clamp down on Jeffersonian opposition, the law made anyone convicted of defaming government officials or interfering with government policies liable to imprisonment and a heavy fine. The act drew heavy criticism from Republicans, who let the act expire in 1801.
Elastic Clause
Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution, which allows Congress to make all laws that are "necessary and proper" to carry out the powers of the Constitution.
Supremacy clause
Article VI of the Constitution, which makes the Constitution: national laws and treaties supreme over state laws when the national government is acting within its constitutional limits.
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