Competition over the Ohio River Valley: Both the British and French sought to control this strategic region.
International competition: Reflects the broader European rivalry between Britain and France.
Desire to gain colonial supremacy: Each nation aimed to be the dominant power in North America.
The French attempted to stop the westward expansion of the British colonies, which was a direct challenge to British territorial ambitions.
During the French and Indian War:
British officials were disturbed by the lukewarm support of colonial troops, indicating a lack of unified commitment to the war effort.
Effects on Native Americans after the French and Indian War:
Lost a powerful diplomatic weapon: The ability to play off European powers against each other was diminished as the French influence declined.
Forced to convert to Christianity: European powers often sought to assimilate Native Americans through religious conversion.
Staged an uprising led by Pontiac to attempt to drive the British out of Ohio: Pontiac's Rebellion demonstrated Native American resistance to British control.
Joined the British in the Revolutionary War because they didn't want the Americans to take over all their land: Native Americans feared American expansionism more than British rule.
After the French and Indian War:
Britain tried to alleviate the debt from the war, leading to new taxation policies in the American colonies.
Ending the War:
France surrendered its territorial claims to North America, marking a significant shift in the balance of power.
American Revolution:
Republicans wanted truthful government and didn't want people to rely on one another, and wanted people to be individuals.
The Battle of Saratoga was a key victory for the Americans because it brought the colonists much needed aid and a formal alliance with France: This alliance provided crucial military and financial support.
Stamp Act:
First internal tax: A direct tax on goods within the colonies, as opposed to a tax on imports.
On any paper: Affected a wide range of documents, from newspapers to legal papers.
Completely ignored by the colonists: Resistance to the Stamp Act was widespread and effective.
To raise money to support the new military forces needed for colonial defense: Britain argued the tax was necessary to protect the colonies.
First Continental Congress (1774):
Started after the taxes: Convened in response to growing colonial grievances against British policies.
Made the statement of grievances to the King: Articulated colonial complaints and demands for redress.
Suffolk Resolves (stated to prep for war): A declaration urging Massachusetts to prepare for military action, signaling growing radicalism.
Articles of Confederation:
The debate with the articles centered around how to reconcile states rights with a strong national government: This tension was a central challenge in forming a unified nation.
Constitution:
When first written, people directly elected the House of Representatives: A key feature of the new government, designed to ensure popular representation.
Hamilton:
Parts of his economic program:
National bank: To stabilize the economy and provide credit.
Funding the entire national debt at “par”: Paying back the debt at its full value to establish national creditworthiness.
Paying only domestic debts but not foreign
Privileges for the upper class: Hamilton's policies were seen as favoring the wealthy elite.
Pro-British: Favored closer ties with Britain for economic and political reasons.
Potent central government: Advocated for a strong federal government to ensure stability and order.
Government support for businesses: Believed government should actively promote economic growth.
Jefferson:
Sympathy for the common people: Advocated for the interests of ordinary citizens.
Pay off the national debt: Prioritized reducing the national debt to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Pro-French: Favored closer ties with France, reflecting republican ideals.
Universal education: Believed education was essential for a functioning democracy.
Alien and Sedition Acts:
A response to debates about the nature of balancing federal and state interests: These acts reflected Federalist concerns about internal dissent and state challenges to federal authority.
The main purpose was to silence and punish critics of her federalist: Seen by many as an attempt to suppress opposition to the Federalist Party.
Madison initially advocated a strong Federal government but later protested against the abuses of the federal government: Madison's shift reflected concerns about the potential for federal overreach and the protection of individual liberties.