AP U.S. History - Unit 3 Overview

Introduction

• Focus: Transformation of British colonies into an independent nation with a distinct national identity (1754-1800).
• Importance of the French and Indian War (Seven Years' War) as a catalyst.

French and Indian War (1754-1763)

• Began due to British and French tensions over the Ohio River Valley.
• Early British losses; eventually won and led to Peace of Paris (1763).
• Consequences:
  • French ousted from North America; Louisiana to Spain.
  • British landholdings doubled.
  • Increased conflicts with American Indians (e.g., Pontiac’s Rebellion).
  • Royal Proclamation of 1763: Colonists forbidden to settle west of Appalachians.
  • War debt led to taxation of colonies.

Taxation Without Representation

• End of salutary neglect; stricter enforcement of Navigation Acts.
• Quartering Act (1765), Sugar Act, and Stamp Act (1765) imposed.
• Stamp Act Congress and rising protest movements (Sons and Daughters of Liberty).
• Repeal of Stamp and Sugar Acts but introduction of Declaratory Act.

Rising Tensions

• 1767: Townshend Acts; led to organized boycotts.
• Boston Massacre (1770) fueled anti-British sentiment.
• Boston Tea Party (1773) in response to Tea Act.
• Coercive (Intolerable) Acts followed.

Move Toward Independence

• Continental Congress (1774): Resistance against British tyranny.
• Enlightenment influences: Natural rights, social contract, republicanism.
• Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" (1776) galvanized support for independence.
• Declaration of Independence (1776), heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideas.

Revolutionary War

• Continental Army led by George Washington; initial losses but eventual victory (Battle of Saratoga).
• French alliance pivotal.
• British surrender at Yorktown (1781).

Post-War Governance

• Articles of Confederation: Weak central government, no executive/judicial branches, limited taxation power.
• Northwest Ordinance (1787): Managed westward expansion, prohibited slavery in Northwest Territory.
• Shays' Rebellion highlighted weaknesses of the Articles.

Constitutional Convention (1787)

• Need for new Constitution; debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
• Great Compromise: Bicameral legislature (House by population, Senate equally).
• Three-Fifths Compromise on slavery representation.
• Ratification with promise of Bill of Rights.

Early U.S. Government

• Washington's presidency set precedents; Hamilton’s economic plans (National Bank, assumption of state debts).
• Whiskey Rebellion and federal response.
• Washington's Farewell Address warnings.
• Adams' presidency: XYZ Affair, Alien and Sedition Acts, Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions.

Foreign Relations and Domestic Issues

• Indian Trade and Intercourse Act to manage Native American relations.
• Pinckney Treaty with Spain established borders.
• Slavery's regional differences intensified post-independence.

Conclusion

• Unit 3 covers the foundational period leading to the establishment of the United States both politically and culturally.
• Understanding these events is crucial for comprehending subsequent developments in U.S. history.