AP US History Exam: Period 3 Notes (1754-1800)

Overview

Post-French and Indian War:
- England's significant debt led to taxing the colonies.
- Resulted in tension and events like the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party.
Colonial Resistance and Independence:
- Colonial leaders resisted imperial rule, demanding rights.
- Developed new democratic and republican governments.
- Notable figures: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine.
- Key documents: Declaration of Independence.
Articles of Confederation:
- United the states post-American Revolution.
- Established a weak federal government.
- Shays' Rebellion exposed its weaknesses.
- Led to the Constitutional Convention.
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists:
- Debates on governance during Washington and Adams presidencies.
- Federalists (Hamilton) wanted a strong central government.
- Anti-Federalists (Jefferson) favored state power.
American Foreign Policy Developments:
- Washington advised against foreign entanglements.
- Preferred diplomatic solutions like Jay's and Pinckney's Treaties.
Migration and Ethnic Tensions:
- Competition over land and resources.
- Nativist sentiments and evolving relations with American Indians.

1754-1763: Part of the Seven Years War.
Participants: Britain, France, Native American allies.
Outcome: British victory, massive debts.
Treaty of Paris (1763): Ended the war, British gained French Canada and Spanish Florida.

George Washington:
- Colonial militia officer, led Continental Army.
- Established presidential precedents, including a two-term limit.
Benjamin Franklin:
- Inventor and Founding Father.
- Early advocate for American unity.
- First U.S. Ambassador to France.
- Proposed the Albany Plan of Union.

Albany Plan of Union:
- Proposed during the French and Indian War for colonial defense.
- Rejected due to fears of centralizing power.
William Pitt the Elder:
- Key in shifting British focus to capturing Canada during the war.