AP US History: Period 3 (1754-1800) Overview

Key Themes and Changes

• Transition from colonies being loyal to the British Crown to seeking independence.
• Impact of Enlightenment ideas and the end of salutary neglect.
• Challenges of forming a new nation lead to political parties and debates over federal power.
• Revolution of 1800 marked a peaceful transition of power to Democratic-Republicans.

Seven Years War (French and Indian War)

• Conflict over the Ohio Valley and resources like beaver fur between British and French.
• Benjamin Franklin’s Albany Plan was proposed for unified colonial defense.
• Treaty of Paris 1763 ended the war; Britain victorious but deemed colonies responsible for war costs.

Taxes and Protests

• End of salutary neglect with enforcement of mercantilism and taxes.
• Proclamation of 1763 angered western colonists; Stamp Act 1765 affected all colonists.
• "No Taxation Without Representation" - Patrick Henry; formation of Sons and Daughters of Liberty.
• Boston Tea Party and Coercive Acts following King George III’s measures.
• Declaration of Independence influenced by Enlightenment thinkers.

Revolutionary War

• Begins at Lexington Green in 1775, challenges faced till Treaty of Paris 1783.
• George Washington’s leadership pivotal; turning point at Saratoga with French alliance.
• Victory at Yorktown 1781; new nation formed.

New Governments

• Articles of Confederation initially governed the new nation.
• Successes included the Land Ordinance of 1785 and Northwest Ordinance of 1787.
• Failures led to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.

The Constitution

• Revised Articles turned into the US Constitution with checks and balances.
• Slavery and trade debated; Three-Fifths Compromise.
• Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists; the Bill of Rights added to secure ratification.

Hamilton's Financial Program

• Economic instability addressed by Hamilton’s plan: national bank, tariff, and debt payment.
• Jefferson opposed the national bank, advocating for a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

Foreign Affairs

• US pursued neutrality during the French Revolution.
• Jay’s Treaty with England and Pinckney’s Treaty with Spain aimed to maintain peace.
• XYZ Affair under Adams; avoided war with France despite Federalist pressure.
• Alien and Sedition Acts challenged free speech principles.

Key Timeline

• 1754-1763: French and Indian War
• 1763: Treaty of Paris ends the War
• 1765: Stamp Act
• 1773: Boston Tea Party
• 1776: Declaration of Independence
• 1781: Articles of Confederation ratified
• 1783: Treaty of Paris ends Revolutionary War
• 1788: Constitution ratified
• 1791: Bill of Rights approved
• 1800: "Revolution of 1800"

Major Themes

• Competition over resources leads to the French and Indian War.
• Colonial desire for parliamentary rule and revenue disputes with Britain.
• Enlightenment ideals support revolution and societal change.
• Migration westward and land ordinances guide expansion.
• Ideological factions develop as Federalists and Anti-Federalists debate governance.
• Political parties form over finance, foreign affairs, and domestic issues.
• Expansion of slavery and Native American disputes arise with westward migration.
• Discussions on slavery and abolition movements in northern states begin.

Study Tips

• Develop a study plan with a focus on the timeline and key figures.
• Use techniques like the Pomodoro method for productive study sessions.
• Study in groups for motivation and effective learning.