History Lecture Notes: 13 Colonies and American Revolution

Overview of the 13 Colonies

• Three Colonial Regions
  • New England Colonies: Established by Pilgrims and Puritans for religious freedom.
  • Middle Colonies: Major group - Quakers; known as the "breadbasket" for grain production.
  • Southern Colonies: Established for economic reasons; grew cash crops, leading to the transatlantic slave trade.

Influential Documents and Institutions

• Magna Carta (1215): First instance of limited government.
• House of Burgesses (1619): First representative government in Virginia.
• Mayflower Compact (1620): First self-government in New England.
• Fundamental Orders of Connecticut: Form of representative government increasing voter eligibility.
• English Bill of Rights: Inspired the American Bill of Rights.

Key Enlightenment Thinkers

• John Locke: Advocated for unalienable rights and government overhaul if necessary.
• Charles de Montesquieu: Promoted the idea of separation of powers.

Social Movements

• Great Awakening: Focused on religious freedom and equality.
• Enlightenment: Encouraged awareness and governmental participation.

Grievances Leading to Revolution

• Mercantilism: Restricted trade to benefit England.
• No Taxation Without Representation: Key post-French and Indian War grievance.
• Tyranny Accusations: King and Parliament suspended American legislatures.
• Proclamation Act of 1763: Prohibited westward expansion past Appalachian Mountains.

Key Figures and Events

• Thomas Paine & Mercy Otis Warren: Writers encouraging independence.
• Sam Adams: Led Sons of Liberty and Boston Tea Party.
• Marquis de Lafayette: French ally.
• John Paul Jones: "Father of the American Navy."
• Crispus Attucks: First casualty of the Boston Massacre.

Declaration of Independence

• Authored by Thomas Jefferson (1776): Asserts unalienable rights - life, liberty, pursuit of happiness.

Chronology of the American Revolution

• Lexington and Concord: Start of the Revolution.
• Battle of Saratoga: Turning point with French alliance.
• Valley Forge: Demonstrated perseverance.
• Yorktown: Final battle; British surrender.
• Treaty of Paris: Officially ends war; expands US boundaries.

Articles of Confederation

• Weakness: Created a weak federal government.
• Strength: Northwest Ordinance, orderly statehood process.
• Shay's Rebellion: Highlighted need for stronger government.

Constitutional Convention (1787)

• Representation Issues
  • New Jersey Plan: Equal representation.
  • Virginia Plan: Population-based representation.
  • Great Compromise: Bicameral legislature; Senate = equal, House = population.
• Slavery Issues
  • Three-Fifths Compromise: Slaves count as 3/5 for tax and representation.

Ratification of the Constitution

• Federalists: Madison, Hamilton, Jay - strong federal government.
• Anti-Federalists: Mason - wanted Bill of Rights.

Seven Principles of the Constitution

• Federalism: Power sharing between national and state governments.
• Limited Government: Rulers follow laws.
• Individual Rights: Protected by the Bill of Rights.
• Popular Sovereignty: "We the people" are in charge.
• Republicanism: Vote for representatives.
• Checks and Balances: Prevents one branch from overpowering others.
• Separation of Powers: Three branches of government.

Bill of Rights

• Amendments 1-4: Address grievances with England.
  • 1: Religion, assembly, petition, press, speech.
  • 2: Right to bear arms.
  • 3: No quartering soldiers.
  • 4: No search/seizure without a warrant.
• Amendments 5-8: Rights of the accused.
  • 5: Due process, right to remain silent.
  • 6: Trial by jury, right to a lawyer.
  • 7: Trial by jury in civil cases.
  • 8: No cruel/unusual punishment, no excessive fines.

Citizenship and Responsibilities

• Naturalization Process: 18+, residency, English proficiency, civics test, oath.
• Responsibilities: Jury service, voting, tax payment, law adherence, informed citizenship.

Be sure to review all key concepts and study additional resources for the final exam.