American Revolution and Constitution

Overview

This lecture covers the transformation of the American colonies into an independent nation from 1754 to 1800, highlighting key conflicts, political developments, and the formation of a distinct American identity.

The French and Indian War (1754-1763)

• The war began over British and French disputes in the Ohio River Valley.
• Benjamin Franklin proposed the Albany Plan of Union for colonial unity, but it was rejected.
• The British won, gaining all land east of the Mississippi and removing most French presence in North America.
• The Royal Proclamation of 1763 forbade colonist settlement west of the Appalachians, angering colonists.

British Taxation and Colonial Resistance

• Britain's debt from the war led to new taxes: Sugar Act, Stamp Act, and Quartering Act.
• Colonists argued "taxation without representation" was unjust; Britain claimed "virtual representation."
• The Stamp Act Congress protested as loyal British subjects, not for independence.
• Repeal of some taxes was followed by new ones (Townshend Acts), sparking widespread boycotts.

Escalation to Revolution

• Violence like the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party fueled colonial unrest.
• The Intolerable Acts punished Boston and unified colonial opposition.
• The First Continental Congress met in 1774 to resist loss of colonial liberties, influenced by Enlightenment ideas: natural rights and the social contract.

Independence and Revolutionary War

• Thomas Paine’s "Common Sense" convinced many colonists of the need for independence.
• The Declaration of Independence (1776) was rooted in Enlightenment philosophy.
• Loyalists opposed independence; Patriots fought in the Continental Army under Washington.
• French alliance after the Battle of Saratoga helped secure American victory.

The Articles of Confederation and the New Nation

• The Articles established a weak central government with no executive or judiciary.
• The Northwest Ordinance (1787) set rules for western territories and banned slavery there.
• Shays’ Rebellion exposed the Articles’ weaknesses, prompting the Constitutional Convention.

The US Constitution and Emergence of Parties

• The Constitutional Convention created a government with three branches and checks and balances.
• The Great Compromise settled representation; the Three-Fifths Compromise counted enslaved people partly for representation.
• Federalists supported the new Constitution and strong central government; Anti-Federalists demanded a Bill of Rights.
• The Federalist Papers advocated for ratification.

Washington and Adams Presidencies

• Washington set precedents and organized the executive branch.
• Hamilton’s financial plan created a national bank and assumed state debts.
• The Whiskey Rebellion tested new federal power; Washington suppressed it.
• Washington warned against parties and foreign alliances in his Farewell Address.
• During Adams' presidency, the XYZ Affair and Alien and Sedition Acts caused controversy; Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions pushed for state nullification of federal laws.

Foreign Relations and Slavery

• Ongoing tension existed between the US, Britain, Spain, and Native Americans; the Pinckney Treaty fixed the southern border with Spain.
• The Indian Trade and Intercourse Act sought fair dealings with Indians but was mostly ignored.
• Northern states saw growth of free black communities and some rights; Southern slavery expanded west and was entrenched.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Albany Plan of Union — Franklin’s proposal for colonial unity.
• Salutary Neglect — British policy of lax enforcement of colonial laws.
• Natural Rights — Inherent rights given by God, not government.
• Social Contract — Idea that government power comes from the consent of the governed.
• Articles of Confederation — First US constitution with limited federal power.
• Northwest Ordinance — Legislation for adding states and banning slavery in the Northwest Territory.
• Federalists — Supported strong central government and Constitution.
• Anti-Federalists — Favored states’ rights and demanded a Bill of Rights.
• Three-Fifths Compromise — Enslaved people counted as three-fifths for House representation.
• Alien and Sedition Acts — Laws restricting immigrants and free speech.
• Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions — Asserted states’ rights to nullify federal law.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review Enlightenment philosophies and their influence on the Declaration of Independence.
• Study the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and causes for the Constitution.
• Read about the Federalist and Anti-Federalist arguments.
• Prepare to learn about Jefferson’s administration in Unit 4.