Significance: Marks the formation of the USA as an independent nation.
Key Documents: Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights.
Importance for AP US History: First time period covered on the DBQ (Document-Based Question) exam, constituting about 12% of class time.
Key Events
1754: Start of the French and Indian War, setting off the American Revolution.
1800: Thomas Jefferson wins the presidency, signaling the early steps of the American Republic.
Key Concepts
Key Concept 3.1
British Control vs. Colonial Independence:
British attempts to assert tighter control led to colonial independence movement and Revolutionary War.
The narrative blames Great Britain for the revolution due to poor governance and a lack of adaptability from the monarchy.
Agreement among scholars that British governance was out of touch with the colonies.
Colonial Context
Diverse Settlements:
Colonies established for various purposes: religious freedom, economic pursuits (e.g., Maryland as Catholic, Pennsylvania as Quaker, Virginia for English settlers).
New France, a vast territory, formed alliances with Native Americans and others, focusing on trade.
The French and Indian War
British Expansion: Conflict arose from British encroachment on Native American and French territories.
Outcome: British victory, leading to increased debt and imposition of taxes on colonies.
Proclamation of 1763: British attempt to halt westward migration, exacerbating tensions.
Causes of the American Revolution
Economic Causes:
Taxes such as the Stamp Act, Sugar Act, and Tea Act fueled resistance.
"No taxation without representation" became a rallying cry.
Intellectual Causes:
Enlightenment ideas, particularly social contract theory, influenced colonial thought.
Social contract theory argued for mutual obligations between rulers and the ruled, justifying rebellion if the king violated this contract.
Summary
Causes of the Revolution:
British overreach with strict controls and taxes.
Colonial rebellion driven by new Enlightenment ideas.
Impact: These factors culminated in the American Revolution and the birth of the United States.