APUSH Final Review - European Contact and Early Colonial Motivation

APUSH FINAL REVIEW PERIOD THEMES KEY TERMS, PEOPLE & EVENTS 1 → The Columbian Exchange Smallpox A highly contagious and deadly disease brought by Europeans to the Americas. Native American populations, having no prior exposure and immunity, suffered catastrophic mortality rates, which significantly weakened their societies. European Contact The exchange of goods, ideas, diseases, and people between the Americas and the Old World following Columbus's voyages. This included crops like potatoes and maize to Europe, and horses and smallpox to the Americas. → MotivatIon for imperialism (Spain, France & England) Spain: Sought gold, silver, and to spread Christianity. France: Focused on fur trade and building alliances with Native Americans. England: Sought to establish colonies for trade, new markets, and as a solution to overpopulation. Jamestown The first permanent English settlement in North America, located in Virginia. Early years marked by severe hardships including starvation, disease, and conflicts with Native Americans. The introduction of tobacco cultivation by John Rolfe helped ensure the colony's economic survival. New England Confederation (1643): A military alliance of the New England colonies (Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven) for mutual defense against Native American attacks and Dutch encroachment. Dominion of New England (1686-1689): An administrative union created by King James II that centralized control over the New England colonies, New York, and New Jersey. It was highly unpopular due to its autocratic governance and enforcement of the Navigation Acts, leading to its collapse after the Glorious Revolution. 2 American Colonial Period →Indentured servants & the spread of slavery/cash crops Indentured Servants: Workers who signed contracts (indentures) to work for a specific number of years (usually 4-7) in exchange for passage to America, room, and board. After completing their term, they often received land or money. Spread of Slavery: As the demand for labor-intensive cash crops grew, particularly in the Southern colonies, the reliance on African slaves increased. The Atlantic slave trade became central to the economy, with enslaved people being forcibly brought to work on plantations. Cash Crops: Tobacco (Chesapeake colonies), rice, and indigo (Southern colonies) were the primary cash crops that drove the colonial economy and increased demand for slave labor. → Comparing the colonies New England vs. Chesapeake vs. Southern New England Colonies: Comprised of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. These colonies had a more diversified economy with fishing, shipbuilding, and small-scale subsistence farming. They had a strong focus on religion and community, with Puritanism playing a Bacon’s Rebellion (1676): An armed rebellion in Virginia led by Nathaniel Bacon against Governor William Berkeley. The rebellion was fueled by grievances over frontier defense, economic disparities, and lack of representation. The rebellion highlighted tensions between wealthy planters and landless settlers and led to a shift from indentured servitude to African slavery for labor. Salem Witch Trials (1692): A series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts, resulting in 20 executions and many imprisonments. The trials were fueled by religious fanaticism, social tensions, and local rivalries, and they remain a cautionary tale about the dangers of mass hysteria and scapegoating. Great Awakening (1730s-1740s): A series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies, emphasizing personal piety, emotional religious experiences, and a direct relationship with God. Key figures included Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. The movement led to increased religious diversity, the growth of new denominations, and a challenge to established religious and social orders. central role in society. Chesapeake Colonies: Consisting of Virginia and Maryland, these colonies were heavily reliant on tobacco cultivation, which required large amounts of labor. This region had a higher mortality rate and was initially populated by more single men and indentured servants. Southern Colonies: Including the Carolinas and Georgia, these colonies developed large plantations growing rice, indigo, and later cotton. They had a high dependence on slave labor and a more stratified social hierarchy. 3 French & Indian War → Causes & effects of the 7 Years’ War Causes: Competition between Britain and France for control of North America, particularly the Ohio River Valley. Both nations sought to expand their territories and influence, leading to clashes over land and trade routes. Albany Congress (1754): A meeting of representatives from seven colonies to discuss better relations with Native American tribes and coordinate colonial defense against French threats. Benjamin Franklin proposed the Albany Plan of Union, which suggested a unified colonial government, but it was not adopted. Effects: The Treaty of Paris (1763) ended the war, with Britain gaining control of French Canada and Spanish Florida. France ceded Louisiana to Spain. The war left Britain with a massive debt, prompting the imposition of new taxes on the American colonies, which sowed seeds of discontent and eventual rebellion. Pontiac’s Uprising (1763): A rebellion led by Ottawa chief Pontiac and a confederation of Native American tribes against British postwar policies and encroachment on their lands. The conflict highlighted Native American resistance to British expansion and led to the British issuing the Proclamation of 1763 to stabilize the frontier. Proclamation of 1763: Issued by King George III, it prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains to prevent conflicts with Native Americans. Many colonists were angered by the restriction, feeling it limited their economic opportunities and expansionist aspirations. 3 Road to the American Revolution → Mercantilism An economic theory that emphasized the role of colonies in providing raw materials to the mother country and serving as markets for finished goods. British mercantilist policies included the Navigation Acts, which restricted colonial trade to benefit England. → Resistance to Increased British Taxation of Colonies Britain faced a massive national debt and looked to its American colonies to help pay for the costs of the war and for maintaining a standing army in North America. This led to a series of taxes and regulations that were deeply unpopular in the colonies and set the stage for resistance. IDEAS: ●​ ●​ No Taxation Without Representation: Colonists believed that they should not be taxed by a government in which they had no elected representatives. Natural Rights: Enlightenment ideas, particularly those of John Locke, emphasized natural rights and the social contract, arguing that governments derived their authority from the consent of the Stamp Act (1765): Imposed a direct tax on all printed materials in the colonies, including newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards. The act led to widespread protests, boycotts, and the formation of the Stamp Act Congress, which petitioned for its repeal. Intolerable Acts (1774): A series of punitive measures in response to the Boston Tea Party, including the Boston Port Act (closing Boston Harbor), the Massachusetts Government Act (altering the Massachusetts charter), the Administration of Justice Act, and the Quartering Act. These acts united the colonies in opposition to British authority. Continental Congress: ●​ First Continental Congress (1774): Convened to respond to the Intolerable Acts, delegates from 12 colonies (excluding Georgia) met in Philadelphia. They agreed to a boycott of British goods and established the Continental Association to enforce it. ●​ Second Continental Congress (1775): Convened after the battles of Lexington and Concord, it managed the colonial war effort, established the Continental Army, appointed ●​ governed. Economic Autonomy: Many colonists resented economic restrictions and wanted greater freedom to trade and manufacture goods. George Washington as commander-in-chief, and eventually adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Sons & Daughters of Liberty: Patriotic groups that organized resistance to British policies, including protests, boycotts, and acts of civil disobedience. They played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion and fostering a sense of unity among the colonies. Common Sense (1776): pamphlet by Thomas Paine that argued for American independence from Britain and the establishment of a democratic republic. It was widely read and highly influential in shaping public opinion and galvanizing support for the revolutionary cause. AMERICAN REVOLUTION 1776 - 1781 3 American Revolution → Advantages of colonies & Britain in Revolution Declaration of Independence Advantages of the Colonies: Drafted by: Thomas Jefferson, with input from John Adams, Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​ Familiar Terrain: The colonists were fighting on their home ground and had better knowledge of the local geography. Guerilla Tactics: Colonists used unconventional warfare tactics, including guerilla warfare. Strong Leadership: Leaders like George Washington provided strategic military guidance and inspiration. Foreign Aid: The colonies received crucial military and financial assistance from France, and later Spain and the Netherlands. Advantages of Britain: ●​ ●​ ●​ Professional Army: Britain had a well-trained, professional army and the world's strongest navy. Financial Resources: Britain had greater financial resources and the ability to hire mercenaries (e.g., Hessians). Established Government: Britain had a stable government and experienced military leadership. → Ideas of Republicanism ●​ ●​ ●​ Popular Sovereignty: The authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people. Civic Virtue: Citizens should prioritize the common good over their own interests. Limited Government: Emphasis on limiting the powers of government to prevent tyranny. → Patriots vs. Loyalists Patriots: Colonists who rebelled against British control during the American Revolution, seeking Key Points: ●​ ●​ ●​ Natural Rights: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Government by Consent: Governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed. Right to Revolt: People have the right to abolish or alter a government that violates their rights. Battle of Saratoga (1777): ●​ ●​ Significance: Turning point of the Revolutionary War. The American victory convinced France to enter the war as an ally of the colonies. Outcome: British General Burgoyne surrendered to American General Gates. Battle of Yorktown (1781): ●​ ●​ Significance: The last major battle of the Revolutionary War. The combined American and French forces besieged British General Cornwallis’s army, leading to his surrender. Outcome: Cornwallis’s surrender effectively ended major fighting, paving the way for peace negotiations. Abigail Adams Known for her letters to her husband advocating for women’s rights and urging him to “remember the ladies” in the new laws of the land. Associated with “Republican Motherhood” independence. They were also known as Whigs. Desire for self-governance, resistance to British taxation without representation, and belief in Enlightenment ideas. Loyalists: Colonists who remained loyal to Britain during the Revolution. They were also known as Tories. Loyalty to the Crown, fear of retribution, economic ties to Britain, and skepticism about the revolution’s success. 3 Articles to the Constitution → Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​ ●​ No Central Authority: Lack of a strong central government to enforce laws and regulations. No Taxation Power: Congress had no power to tax; it could only request money from states. Unanimous Consent: Major decisions required unanimous consent of all 13 states, making decision-making difficult. No Executive Branch: No president or executive branch to implement laws. No Judiciary: No national court system to resolve disputes between states. → Debates and compromises during the Constitutional Convention Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise): Created a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives (based on population) and the Senate (equal representation for states). Three-Fifths Compromise: Each enslaved person would be counted as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes. Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise: Allowed Congress to regulate interstate and international commerce but prohibited any laws banning the slave trade until 1808. Northwest Ordinance Purpose: Established a process for admitting new states from the Northwest Territory (north of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi River). Key Provisions: ●​ ●​ ●​ Prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory. Guaranteed freedom of religion and trial by jury. Established guidelines for self-governance and statehood. Shays’ Rebellion Cause: Economic hardship and post-war depression led to high taxes and debt burdens on farmers. Event: A rebellion led by Daniel Shays in Massachusetts where farmers protested against state and local enforcement of tax collections and judgments for debt. Outcome: Highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger central government, influencing the Constitutional Convention. Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists Federalists: ●​ ●​ ●​ Leaders: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay. Beliefs: Supported a strong central government and the ratification of the Constitution. Publications: The Federalist Papers. Anti-Federalists: ●​ ●​ ●​ 3 Washington & Adams Leaders: Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, George Mason. Beliefs: Opposed a strong central government and the ratification of the Constitution without a Bill of Rights. Concerns: Feared that the Constitution would erode states’ rights and individual liberties. → Hamilton’s economic policies The Bill of Rights Report on Public Credit: Advocated for federal assumption of state debts and the establishment of Purpose: To protect individual liberties and address