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.