1. French & Indian War (1754–1763) → “The Divorce That Sparked the Fight” Story analogy: Britain and the colonies were like a married couple who tolerated each other until financial stress hit. The war was the breaking point. Britain defeats France, gains land (Treaty of Paris 1763). Proclamation of 1763: bans westward settlement → angers colonists. British debt explodes → end of Salutary Neglect → taxes coming. Colonial identity shift: Saw themselves as “Protestant, free, victorious.” Britain saw them as freeloaders. Quote clue: “We have suffered much from these colonies and their indolence” → British view. 2. Crisis Decade (1763–1774) → “Taxes Without Love” Acts to know: Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Townshend Acts → colonists revolt. Boston Massacre (1770) → used as Patriot propaganda. Tea Act (1773) → leads to Boston Tea Party. Coercive (Intolerable) Acts (1774) → punishment, fuels calls for independence. Colonists argue Parliament had no right to tax them (“taxation without representation”). Britain insists on Parliamentary supremacy. Quote clue: “Parliament has the supreme authority over American politics” → British perspective. 3. Revolutionary War (1775–1783) → “The Teenager Runs Away From Home” Key turning points: Lexington & Concord (1775): shots fired. Common Sense (1776): Paine convinces ordinary colonists monarchy is corrupt. Declaration of Independence (1776): Jefferson channels Locke (natural rights). Battle of Saratoga (1777): turning point, French ally. Yorktown (1781): final surrender with French help. Treaty of Paris (1783): U.S. recognized, Mississippi River as western boundary. Impact on groups: African Americans: contradiction between slavery & liberty. Women: “Republican Motherhood.” Natives: pushed out despite fighting with Britain. Quote clue: “We hold these truths to be self-evident…” → Declaration. 4. Articles of Confederation (1781–1789) → “13 Roommates Without a Landlord” Weak central gov: no taxes, no executive, no judiciary. Successes: Land Ordinance (1785): surveyed land, set aside for schools. Northwest Ordinance (1787): new states, banned slavery in NW. Problems: war debt, inflation, interstate disputes. Shays’s Rebellion (1786–87): farmers revolt → fear of anarchy → push for stronger gov. Quote clue: “A firm league of friendship…” → Articles. 5. Constitution (1787–1789) → “Renovating the House” Compromises: Great Compromise: bicameral legislature. 3/5 Compromise: slavery counted for representation/taxes. Slave Trade Compromise: can’t ban until 1808. Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists: Federalists (Hamilton, Madison, Jay): strong gov., loose interpretation. Anti-Federalists (Patrick Henry, George Mason): protect liberty, demanded Bill of Rights. Federalist 10 & 51: factions controlled by large republic & checks/balances. Quote clue: “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition” → Madison. 6. Washington’s Presidency (1789–1797) → “The Trailblazer” Hamilton’s Plan: Assume state & federal debt. Protective tariffs. National Bank (implied powers, loose interpretation). Jefferson opposed (strict interpretation). Foreign Policy: Proclamation of Neutrality (1793). Jay’s Treaty (1794): Britain leaves forts, unpopular but prevents war. Pinckney’s Treaty (1795): Spain opens Mississippi River. Domestic: Whiskey Rebellion (1794): Washington enforces tax w/ troops. Farewell Address: Avoid parties, foreign alliances, sectionalism. Quote clue: “Steer clear of permanent alliances…” → Washington. 7. Adams’ Presidency (1797–1801) → “The Paranoid Parent” Foreign: XYZ Affair (1797): French demand bribes → outrage. Quasi-War (naval skirmishes w/ France). Domestic: Alien & Sedition Acts (1798): restrict speech/immigrants. Kentucky & Virginia Resolutions: Jefferson/Madison argue states can nullify laws. Adams avoids war → loses popularity but preserves peace. Quote clue: “Millions for defense, not one cent for tribute!” → XYZ Affair. 8. National Identity (Theme Across Unit) Before Revolution: British identity, loyal to crown. During Revolution: Patriots vs. Loyalists → fracture. Articles period: “state-first” identity. Constitution: stronger federal identity emerges. Washington/Adams: beginnings of political parties → competing visions of “American identity.” Federalists: elite-led, Britain-friendly, commerce & industry are
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