Heimler's History: AP US History Unit 3 Overview

Major Themes

• Transformation of American colonies into a distinct independent nation
• Development of a national identity
• Time period: 1754-1800

Key Events and Concepts

French and Indian War (1754-1763)

• Part of the larger Seven Years' War
• Conflict over territories in the Ohio River Valley
• British initial losses, eventual victory
• Albany Plan of Union proposed by Benjamin Franklin (rejected)
• Treaty of Paris 1763:
  • French ousted from North America
  • British gain land east of the Mississippi

Post-War Consequences

• Colonists push westward, conflict with American Indians
• Royal Proclamation of 1763: forbade colonists from settling west of Appalachian Mountains
• British debt leads to increased taxes on colonies: "Taxation Without Representation"

British Taxation and Colonial Response

• Strict enforcement of Navigation Acts
• Quartering Act of 1765
• Sugar Act and Stamp Act of 1765
• Colonial protests, formation of groups like Sons and Daughters of Liberty
• Stamp Act Congress: petition against "taxation without representation"
• Repeal of Stamp and Sugar Acts, passage of Declaratory Act
• Townshend Acts and widespread boycotts

Escalation of Tensions

• Boston Massacre (1770)
• Boston Tea Party (1773)
• Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) in response

Towards Independence

• First Continental Congress (1774) debates
• Influence of Enlightenment thought: natural rights, social contract, republicanism
• Common Sense by Thomas Paine (1776) spreads independence sentiment
• Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)

American Revolution

• Formation of Continental Army, George Washington as General
• France allies with America after Battle of Saratoga (1777)
• British defeat at Yorktown (1781), Treaty of Paris (1783)

Forming a New Government

• Articles of Confederation: emphasis on legislative power, weak central government
• Northwest Ordinance of 1787: plan for statehood, abolished slavery in Northwest Territory
• Shays' Rebellion highlights weaknesses of the Articles
• Constitutional Convention (1787)
  • Debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists
  • Great Compromise: bicameral Congress
  • Three-Fifths Compromise
  • Formation of a stronger federal government: legislative, executive, judicial branches
  • Federalist Papers advocate for Constitution
  • Bill of Rights added to secure ratification

Washington and Adams Administrations

• George Washington's presidency:
  • Established government departments
  • Hamilton's financial plans: national bank, assumption of state debts
  • Whiskey Rebellion showcases new federal power
• John Adams' presidency:
  • XYZ Affair
  • Alien and Sedition Acts
  • Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Foreign and Domestic Relations

• Indian Trade and Intercourse Act
• Pinckney Treaty with Spain

Legacy of Slavery

• Regional differences in attitudes toward slavery
• Growth of free black population in the North
• Institutional entrenchment of slavery in the South and westward expansion

Review Materials

• For more comprehensive review materials, consider accessing the Ultimate Review Packet offered by Heimler's History.