Heimler's History - AP U.S. History Unit 3 Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Focus: Transformation of British colonies into an independent nation (1754-1800).
• Major theme: Development of a distinct national identity.

French and Indian War (1754-1763)

• Conflict part of the larger Seven Years' War.
• Causes: Tensions over Ohio River Valley; French vs. British territorial claims.
• Significant event: Benjamin Franklin's Albany Plan of Union (proposed centralized government).
• Outcome: British victory, Treaty of Paris 1763.
  • French ousted from North America, Louisiana Territory to Spain.
  • British gain land east of the Mississippi River.

Post-War Tensions and Policies

• Colonists push westward, conflict with American Indians (e.g., Pontiac's Rebellion).
• British response: Royal Proclamation of 1763 (limits westward expansion).
• War expenses lead to British debt, result in increased taxation.

Taxation Without Representation

• British enforce existing laws strictly (end of salutary neglect).
• New acts: Quartering Act, Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Townshend Acts.
  • Stamp Act Congress: Colonists petition against taxation without representation.
  • Repeal of Stamp and Sugar Acts; Declaratory Act asserts Parliament’s authority.

Rising Colonial Resistance

• Boston Massacre (1770): Tensions with British troops, increased colonial resentment.
• Boston Tea Party (1773): Response to Tea Act; leads to Coercive/Intolerable Acts.

Move Towards Independence

• Continental Congress (1774): Unity in resisting British policies.
• Influence of Enlightenment thought: Natural rights, social contract, republicanism.
• Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" influences public opinion.
• Declaration of Independence (1776): Formally declares separation from Britain.

The American Revolution

• Conflict with Loyalist opposition.
• Key moments: Battle of Saratoga (1777) and French alliance.
• Victory: British surrender at Yorktown (1781).
• International influence: Inspires revolutions in France and Haiti.

Articles of Confederation

• Established a weak central government, legislative-focused.
• Challenges: Economic issues, Shays' Rebellion highlight weaknesses.

Constitutional Developments

• Constitutional Convention (1787): Drafting of a new Constitution.
• Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists debate.
• Great Compromise and Three-Fifths Compromise.
• Ratification of the Constitution (1789) and the addition of the Bill of Rights.

Cultural and Social Developments

• Growth of a distinct American culture: Education, art.
• Republican Motherhood: Women's role in shaping public morality.

Early American Government

• George Washington's presidency sets precedents.
• Hamilton's financial policies: National bank, debt assumption.
• Political parties emerge: Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans.

Foreign Relations and Domestic Issues

• Neutrality in foreign conflicts (e.g., French Revolution).
• Whiskey Rebellion (1794): Federal authority tested and affirmed.
• Alien and Sedition Acts (1798) and Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions.

U.S. and International Relations

• Conflicts with American Indians, Britain, and Spain.
• Indian Trade and Intercourse Act regulates settler-Indian relations.
• Pinckney Treaty defines U.S.-Spain border.

Legacy of Slavery

• Regional differences in attitudes towards slavery.
• Growth of free black communities in the North.
• Continued expansion of slavery in the South and western territories.

Conclusion

• Recap of the transformation into an independent nation.
• Preparation for ongoing issues in Unit 4.