Heimler's History: AP U.S. History Unit 3 Overview

Introduction

• Theme: Transformation of American colonies into an independent nation (1754-1800).
• Major Event: French and Indian War (1754-1763).

French and Indian War

• Part of the Seven Years' War.
• Conflict over Ohio River Valley due to British and French encroachment.
• Albany Plan of Union: Proposed by Benjamin Franklin for centralized colonial government (rejected).
• Outcome: British win, Treaty of Paris signed in 1763.
  • French ousted from North America.
  • British gains east of Mississippi.

Post-War Colonial Tensions

• Royal Proclamation of 1763: Prevented colonists from moving west of Appalachian Mountains.
• Increased British debt led to stricter taxes and regulations.

Taxation and Representation

• Salutary Neglect: Lax enforcement of colonial trade laws ended.
• Acts Imposed:
  • Quartering Act (1765)
  • Sugar Act
  • Stamp Act (Taxes on paper goods)
  • Townshend Acts (Taxes on imports)
• Colonial Response:
  • "No taxation without representation."
  • Formation of groups like Sons and Daughters of Liberty.
  • Stamp Act Congress petitioned for repeal.
• Repeal & Declaratory Act: Stamp and Sugar Acts repealed but Britain declared right to legislate colonies.

Escalation to Revolution

• Boston Massacre (1770): Spark of increasing unrest.
• Boston Tea Party (1773): Protest against Tea Act.
• Intolerable Acts: British response to Tea Party.
• Continental Congress (1774): Organizing resistance; influenced by Enlightenment ideas.

Independence Movement

• Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense': Advocated for independence.
• Declaration of Independence (1776): Emphasized Enlightenment ideals like natural rights and social contract.

American Revolution

• Key Battles: Lexington and Concord, Saratoga (1777), Yorktown (1781).
• French Alliance: Crucial for American victory.
• Outcome: Inspired global revolutions.

Articles of Confederation

• Structure: Weak central government, strong state powers.
• Northwest Ordinance (1787): Territory settlement and anti-slavery provisions.
• Shay's Rebellion (1786): Highlighted weaknesses.

Constitutional Convention (1787)

• Debates: Representation (Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan), Great Compromise, Three-Fifths Compromise.
• Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists: Debate over central government strength.
• Ratification: Federalist Papers, promise of Bill of Rights.

Early Republic

• Washington's Presidency: Established precedents and departments.
• Hamilton's Financial Plan: National bank, assumption of state debts.
• Whiskey Rebellion (1794): Federal response.
• Washington's Farewell Address: Warned against political parties and foreign alliances.

Adams Presidency and Foreign Challenges

• XYZ Affair: French diplomatic scandal.
• Alien and Sedition Acts: Federalist overreach, Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions.

Domestic Policies and Social Changes

• Indian Relations: Indian Trade and Intercourse Act.
• Pinckney Treaty: Defined U.S. and Spanish border.
• Slavery: Regional disparities, African Methodist Episcopal Church founded.

Conclusion

• Legacy: Foundations for future American political and social development.
• Encouragement to utilize additional review materials for exam preparation.