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Transformation from Colonies to Nation
Nov 15, 2024
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.
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