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.