Overview
This lecture covers the transformation of the American colonies into an independent nation (1754–1800), focusing on key conflicts, political developments, and formation of national identity.
The French and Indian War (1754–1763)
- War between Britain and France over the Ohio River Valley led to British victory and expanded British territory in North America.
- The Albany Plan of Union, proposed by Ben Franklin, aimed for colonial unity but was rejected.
- The Royal Proclamation of 1763 forbade colonial settlement west of the Appalachians, angering settlers.
British Policies and Colonial Resistance
- Britain’s war debt led to increased colonial taxation (Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Quartering Act).
- "Salutary neglect" ended; stricter enforcement of laws and taxes angered colonists.
- Colonists protested "taxation without representation," forming groups like the Sons and Daughters of Liberty.
- The Stamp Act Congress petitioned for repeal, asserting colonists’ rights as British subjects.
- Parliament repealed some taxes but enacted the Declaratory and Townshend Acts, prompting further boycotts and unrest.
- Notable incidents: Boston Massacre (1770) and Boston Tea Party (1773), which led to the Intolerable Acts.
Move Toward Independence
- First Continental Congress (1774) formed to resist British policy but aimed to remain British subjects.
- Enlightenment ideas (natural rights, social contract, republicanism) influenced colonial leaders.
- Thomas Paine’s Common Sense (1776) popularized the push for independence.
- Declaration of Independence (1776) formalized the break from Britain, rooted in Enlightenment principles.
The American Revolution (1775–1783)
- Early defeats for the Continental Army, led by George Washington, shifted after the victory at Saratoga (1777), securing French support.
- British defeat at Yorktown (1781) led to American independence, inspiring revolutions elsewhere.
The Articles of Confederation and Constitutional Change
- Articles of Confederation created a weak national government with no executive or judiciary and limited ability to tax or maintain an army.
- Northwest Ordinance (1787) set rules for statehood and banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.
- Shays' Rebellion highlighted weaknesses of the Articles, prompting the Constitutional Convention (1787).
The U.S. Constitution and Early Government
- Federalists (strong central government) and Anti-Federalists (states’ rights) debated the new government structure.
- Compromises included the Virginia Plan (representation by population), New Jersey Plan (equal state votes), and the Three-Fifths Compromise (counting enslaved people for representation).
- Constitution created three branches: legislative, executive, judicial.
- Federalist Papers advocated ratification; Bill of Rights was added to ensure individual liberties.
Early National Developments
- American culture grew: public education, historical art, "Republican motherhood" (women guiding civic values).
- Washington established executive departments, Hamilton’s financial plan (national bank, assumption of state debts), and handled the Whiskey Rebellion with federal force.
- Political parties emerged: Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans.
Adams Administration and Foreign Affairs
- Adams faced the XYZ Affair with France, leading to anti-French sentiment.
- Alien and Sedition Acts restricted immigrants and free speech, opposed by Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions (state nullification).
U.S. Relations and Slavery’s Legacy
- Indian Trade and Intercourse Act aimed to regulate settler-Indian relations, but conflicts persisted.
- Pinckney Treaty set U.S.-Spain border; westward expansion increased conflict.
- North saw growth of free black communities; South entrenched and expanded slavery, foreshadowing future conflict.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Salutary Neglect — British policy of lax enforcement of laws in the colonies before 1763.
- Albany Plan of Union — Franklin’s 1754 proposal to unify colonial governments for defense.
- Proclamation of 1763 — Law banning settlement west of the Appalachians.
- Stamp Act — 1765 tax on paper goods, sparking colonial protest.
- Townshend Acts — Import taxes on goods like tea and glass in 1767.
- Intolerable Acts — Laws punishing Massachusetts after the Boston Tea Party.
- Enlightenment — Intellectual movement emphasizing reason, natural rights, and self-government.
- Articles of Confederation — First U.S. constitution; weak central government.
- Northwest Ordinance — Law for governing western territories and banning slavery there.
- Federalist Papers — Essays promoting Constitution ratification.
- Three-Fifths Compromise — Formula for counting enslaved people for legislative representation.
- Republican Motherhood — Belief that women should teach civic virtue to children.
- Alien and Sedition Acts — Laws restricting immigrants and free speech.
- Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions — Claimed states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key legislation and events leading to independence.
- Study the differences between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.
- Prepare to discuss early presidential administrations and their policies.