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

Overview

• Covers the transformation of America from British colonies to a distinct, independent nation (1754-1800).
• Key theme: Development of national identity and independence.

French and Indian War (1754-1763)

• Part of the Seven Years' War, conflict due to British and French territorial encroachments.
• Albany Plan of Union: Proposed by Benjamin Franklin, aimed at creating a centralized government but was rejected.
• Treaty of Paris 1763: British victory, ousted French from North America, extensive land gains east of Mississippi.

Post-War Consequences

• Westward Expansion: Led to conflicts with American Indians.
  • Pontiac's Rebellion: Indian uprising against colonists' encroachment.
  • Proclamation of 1763: Restricted colonial expansion west of Appalachian Mountains.
• British Debt and Taxation: Led to increased colonial taxation and end of salutary neglect.

Taxation Without Representation

• Navigation Acts: Stricter enforcement post-war.
• Quartering Act 1765: Colonists required to house British soldiers.
• Sugar Act: Taxes on luxury items.
• Stamp Act 1765: Tax on paper goods.
  • Led to colonial debate on tax justice and representation.
  • Stamp Act Congress: Colonists petitioned for repeal, emphasizing "no taxation without representation".
  • Acts repealed but followed by Declaratory Act asserting British control.
• Townshend Acts 1767: Taxes on imports, led to widespread colonial boycotts.

Tensions and Resistance

• Boston Massacre 1770: British troops fired on colonists, symbolizing tyranny.
• Boston Tea Party 1773: Response to Tea Act, led to the Coercive (Intolerable) Acts.
• Continental Congress 1774: Organized colonial resistance, still sought British citizenship rights.

Enlightenment Influence

• Natural Rights: Government should protect God-given rights.
• Social Contract: People consent to governmental power for rights protection.

Road to Independence

• Thomas Paine's Common Sense: Advocated for independence, influenced colonist opinion.
• Declaration of Independence: Enlightenment principles, adopted July 4, 1776.

Revolutionary War

• Continental Army: Led by George Washington.
• French Alliance: Secured post-Battle of Saratoga, pivotal for American victory.
• Treaty of Paris 1783: British recognized American independence.

Articles of Confederation

• Weaknesses: Limited federal power, no executive or judiciary, no national military.
• Northwest Ordinance 1787: Managed western territories, abolished slavery there.

Shays' Rebellion

• Economic struggles post-war, highlighted weaknesses of Articles.
• Prompted Constitutional Convention for new government framework.

Constitutional Convention 1787

• Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists: Debates over central government power.
• Great Compromise: Bicameral legislature (House by population, Senate equal).
• Three-Fifths Compromise: Slave population representation.
• Constitution: Stronger federal government with checks and balances.
• Federalist Papers: Advocated for ratification.

New Government and Culture

• Washington's Presidency: Set precedents, established federal departments.
• Hamilton's Financial Plan: National Bank, federal assumption of state debts.
• Whiskey Rebellion: Tested federal authority.
• Washington's Farewell Address: Warned against political parties and foreign alliances.

Adams' Presidency

• XYZ Affair: French diplomatic controversy.
• Alien and Sedition Acts: Federal overreach, led to Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions.

International Relations

• Indian and Spanish Tensions: Westward expansion conflicts.
• Pinckney Treaty: Resolved US-Spain border.

Slavery and Regional Development

• North vs. South: Diverging attitudes toward slavery.
• African American Institutions: Growth of free black communities and churches in the North.

Conclusion

• Unit 3 covers critical developments leading to American independence and the challenges of forming a new nation.