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

Major Themes

• Transformation from British colonies to an independent nation (1754-1800).
• Development of a distinct national identity.

Key Events and Legislation

French and Indian War (1754-1763)

• Part of the Seven Years' War.
• Conflict over Ohio River Valley.
• British colonists vs. French and Indian allies.
• Albany Plan of Union proposed by Benjamin Franklin for centralized colonial government; rejected.
• Treaty of Paris (1763): British gain land east of the Mississippi River; French ousted from North America.

Post-War Consequences

• Royal Proclamation of 1763: Prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.
• British debt led to increased taxation of colonies - "Taxation Without Representation."
• End of salutary neglect, leading to stricter enforcement of Navigation Acts.
• Quartering Act (1765), Sugar Act, Stamp Act (1765) led to colonial unrest.

Colonial Response

• Formation of Sons of Liberty and Daughters of Liberty.
• Stamp Act Congress petitions for repeal of the Stamp Act; Declaratory Act asserts British authority.
• Townshend Acts (1767): New taxes on paper, glass, and tea.
• Boston Massacre (1770): Catalyst for anti-British sentiment.
• Boston Tea Party (1773): Response to Tea Act; leads to Coercive Acts.

Road to Revolution

• Formation of Continental Congress (1774) to resist British policies.
• Influences of Enlightenment thought: Natural rights, social contract, republicanism.
• Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' (1776): Advocates for independence.
• Declaration of Independence (1776): Emphasis on Enlightenment principles.

American Revolution (1775-1783)

• Continental Army and George Washington.
• Battle of Saratoga (1777): Secures French alliance.
• Battle of Yorktown (1781): British surrender.
• Inspired other revolutions (France, Haiti).

Post-Revolution America

Articles of Confederation

• Weak central government; no executive or judicial branch.
• Northwest Ordinance (1787): Guidelines for territory management and statehood; abolished slavery in Northwest Territory.
• Shays' Rebellion (1786-1787): Highlights weaknesses of the Articles.

Constitutional Convention (1787)

• Debates over representation (Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan).
• Great Compromise: Bicameral legislature.
• Three-Fifths Compromise: Slavery and representation.

Ratification and Federalist Papers

• Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists.
• Bill of Rights added to satisfy Anti-Federalist concerns.

Development of American Culture

• Public education and historical art.
• Republican Motherhood: Role of women in shaping future citizens.

Early U.S. Government

• George Washington's presidency; establishment of Treasury, State, War, and Justice departments.
• Alexander Hamilton's financial policies: National Bank; assumption of state debts.
• Whiskey Rebellion (1794): Federal response demonstrates new government strength.

Foreign Relations and Challenges

• Jay's Treaty and Pinckney Treaty: Define U.S. borders and trade relations.
• Alien and Sedition Acts: Federal overreach and political backlash.

Legacy of Slavery

• Regional differences in attitudes toward slavery.
• Growth of free black population in the North; establishment of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
• Expansion of slavery in the South and Western territories.

For further study, consider Heimler's Ultimate Review Packet for a comprehensive understanding and review materials for the AP U.S. History exam.