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

Major Theme

• Transformation of British colonies into a distinct independent nation.
• Development of a national identity from 1754 to 1800.

Key Events and Concepts

French and Indian War (1754-1763)

• Conflict due to British and French tensions in 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): French ousted, British land increased east of Mississippi River.

Post-War Consequences

• Westward expansion led to conflicts with Native Americans (e.g., Pontiac's Rebellion).
• Royal Proclamation of 1763: Ban on colonial expansion west of Appalachians, angered colonists.
• British debt and increased colonial administration costs led to taxation.

Taxation Without Representation

• End of Salutary Neglect: Stricter enforcement of Navigation Acts.
• Quartering Act (1765), Sugar Act, and Stamp Act (1765) introduced.
• Concept of "virtual representation" rejected by colonists.
• Resistance groups: Sons of Liberty, Daughters of Liberty, Stamp Act Congress.
• Townshend Acts (1767): Boycott of British goods, Boston Massacre (1770).

Steps Toward Independence

• Boston Tea Party (1773) and Intolerable Acts.
• First Continental Congress (1774) unites colonies in resistance.
• Enlightenment ideas: Natural rights, social contract, republican government.
• Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" sways public towards independence.
• Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776): Enlightenment principles.

American Revolution

• Loyalists vs. Patriots.
• French alliance post-Saratoga victory (1777).
• Treaty of Paris (1783): Independence recognized, inspired global revolutions.

Articles of Confederation

• Weak central government: No executive or national army, limited taxation power.
• Northwest Ordinance (1787): Statehood and slavery ban in Northwest.
• Shays' Rebellion (1786-87): Highlighted Articles' weaknesses.

Constitutional Convention (1787)

• Debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
• Great Compromise: Bicameral legislature.
• Three-Fifths Compromise for representation.
• Constitution ratified (1789) with promise of Bill of Rights.

New Government and Culture

• George Washington's precedents: Cabinet formation.
• Alexander Hamilton: National bank, debt assumption.
• Whiskey Rebellion (1794): Federal response demonstrated new power.
• Washington’s Farewell Address: Warnings against political parties, foreign alliances.

John Adams and Foreign Affairs

• XYZ Affair and Alien and Sedition Acts.
• Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions: Opposition to federal overreach.

International and Domestic Relations

• Indian Trade and Intercourse Act to regulate settler-Indian relations.
• Pinckney Treaty with Spain (31st parallel boundary).

Legacy of Slavery

• Regional differences: North's free black population vs. South's expanding slavery.
• Rise of African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Conclusion

• Unit 3 covers the complexities of forming a nation and the challenges faced internally and externally during the late 18th century.