Key Concepts of American Revolutionary History

Key Concept 3.1

• British Control and Colonial Independence Movement

  • Competition in North America led to the Seven Years' War (French and Indian War).
  • Britain defeated France, changing colonial dynamics.
  • Pontiac’s Rebellion (1763) aimed to resist British control:
  • British restrictions on Native trade and armed support fostered distrust.
  • Uprising highlighted the potential for pan-tribal cooperation against colonialism.

• Treaty of Paris (1763) cemented British dominance but ignored Native claims.

  • Colonist desire for self-governance clashed with British imperial policies resulting in revolution.

British Taxation and Colonial Response

• Post-war, Britain’s debt led to increased taxation, ending salutary neglect.

  • Major Acts included:
  • Stamp Act (1765) - tax on printed material, led to colonial unrest and repeal.
  • Townshend Acts (1767) - taxes prompted protests arguing for no taxation without representation.
  • Intolerable Acts in response to Boston’s unrest (e.g., occupation of Boston).

• Colonial Reactions:

  • Organization of Stamp Act Congress, acts of protest like the Boston Tea Party, and formation of groups like Sons of Liberty.

Key Concept 3.2

• Revolutionary Ideals
  • Influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke (natural rights, social contract).
  • The Common Sense pamphlet urged independence and criticized monarchy.
• Declaration of Independence articulated grievances against the Crown and Enlightenment principles.

Key Events Post-Independence

• Treaty of Paris (1783) recognized U.S. independence and set boundaries.
• Articles of Confederation (1781) were weak, lacking executive power and tax authority.
  • Resulted in issues like Shays’ Rebellion that exposed their inadequacies.
• Constitutional Convention led to the creation of a stronger federal government and the Bill of Rights to ensure individual liberties.

Political Developments

• Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans demonstrated early party divisions.
• Marbury vs. Madison (1803) introduced judicial review, reinforcing checks and balances.

Key Concept 3.3

• Migration and Conflict
  • Post-independence, competition for resources heightened tensions, requiring U.S. diplomatic efforts.
  • Jay’s Treaty (1794) and Pinckney’s Treaty (1795) shaped American foreign relations.
  • Washington’s Farewell Address cautioned against alliances and partisanship.