APUSH Revolution To 1800 Review The Revolution The American Revolution marks the first time in history that a colony successfully separated from its mother country. The reasons for the Revolution stem from the way England treated her colonies for over a century. Throughout the 17th Century the British essentially left the colonies to themselves through what is known as salutary neglect. As long as England was benefiting economically from America, she all but ignored her colonies, even allowing some forms of self-government (the Virginia House of Burgesses). Then came the French and Indian War in 1754. The British were forced to defend their colonies against the French and their Native American allies. When the war ended two things happened that initiated an angry response from the American colonists. The first was the Proclamation of 1763, which prohibited the colonists from expanding beyond the Appalachian Mountains to prevent them from further antagonizing the Native Americans. The second action was prompted by England's desire to recoup their financial losses from the war. A series of taxes were placed on the colonies marking a drastic shift from how England had been administering their colonial empire. Some leading American colonists were so outraged by these taxes they began to organize demonstrations against the Crown, which prompted a swift and heavy-handed response by the King. Soon talk of rebellion filtered through the colonies and a call for unified action was discussed at the First Continental Congress. As we all know, eventually the colonies declared their independence and defeated the most powerful army in the world. The Constitution The oldest democracy in the world had a rocky and nearly disastrous start. America's original constitution, the Articles of Confederation, was weak and ineffective. The countless problems that plagued America under the Articles were highlighted by the inability of the national government to regulate interstate commerce, specifically on the Potomac River. To solve this problem, Washington organized the Mount Vernon conference, which became the primer for the Constitutional Convention. When the first attempt at a convention failed, James Madison called for another one where the delegates would "revise" the Articles. He then went about preparing a draft that would replace the Articles with a unique form of government predicated on the concept of federalism. Washington would act as the president of the Convention where the small states and the big states battled over representation and the division of power between the states and the national government. Compromises were brokered on both major issues leading to a bicameral legislature where slaves would count as 3/5s of a person when determining representation in the lower house. Thanks to Madison, Hamilton, Franklin, and Washington our Constitution was ratified in 1788. Revolution and Constitution Resources www.battlefields.org/learn/videos/declaration-independence https://www.gilderlehrman.org/collection/american-revolution-1763-1783 www.history.com/news/american-revolution-causes constitutioncenter.org/blog/10-reasons-why-americas-first-constitution-failed www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/mount-vernon-conference/ https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/white-papers/the-declaration-the-constitution-and-the-bill-of-right Assignment: Utilizing the information above, other outside sources, and your textbook, define in detail the following terms/people/events/acts. Revolution 1. French and Indian War – outcome ● The outcome of the war resulted in a shift in power and territorial gains for Great Britain in North America. Native American tribes lost their protection since France was expelled from the continent, and British colonial territories had expanded significantly. The victory had led to increased tensions between Britain and the colonists, leading towards the American Revolution. 2. Albany Congress ● A meeting held in Albany, New York in 1754 where representatives from British colonies in North America, along with members of the Iroquois Confederacy, discussed defense strategies against the French and a potential unification of the colonies. Primary goals were to secure an alliance with Iroquois and a colonial response to the French in the Ohio Country. 3. Salutary Neglect ● A British policy where colonies would lack British authority over the colonies since the British chose to relax its enforcement of laws and regulations in the American colonies. helped allow colonies to develop independence and self-governance which contributed to the conditions that led to the American Revolution. 4. Proclamation of 1763 ● A British decree that established a boundary along the Appalachian Mountain which prohibited colonists from settling west of the line. Additionally prevents conflicts with Native American tribes and to control westward expansion over the colonies. 5. Stamp Act and Stamp Act Congress ● An act, in which to recoup some of the massive debt left over from war with France, the Parliament passed which taxed a range of transactions in the colonies (Imposed tax on printed material). The Stamp Act Congress wasa meeting held in New York in October 1765, where 9 out of 13 representatives from the colonies gathered to respond to the Stamp Act (First resistance to British taxation and repeal of Stamp Act). 6. Townshend Acts ● In 1767, the Parliament tried again to tax the colonies using this act which taxed essential imports like paper, lead, paint, glass, and tea. 7. Committees of Correspondence / Sons of Liberty ● The Committees of Correspondence were groups of Patriot leaders in the Thirteen Colonies established to facilitate communication and coordinate resistance to British policies during the American Revolution (Like a shadow government). A networking to disseminate information and organize support for the cause of independence. The Sons of Liberty were colonial Americans who formed a secret organization to protest and boycott British rule, mainly unfair taxation and oppressive laws. Well-known patriots would interfere like Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere. 8. Coercive (Intolerable) Acts ● The Parliament had passed a series of laws, the Coercive Acts, which had closed Boston Harbor until restitution was paid for destroyed tea, replaced the colony’s elected council with one appointed by the British, gave sweeping powers to the British military governor Thomas Gage, and forbade town meeting without approval. Additional provisions were protection of British colonial officials who were charged with capital offenses and the Quartering Act which allowed the British military to demand accommodations for their troops in houses and buildings. 9. Boston Tea Party ● The British had repealed most of the Townshend legislation, but left in place the tax on tea which in 1773, they enacted the Tea Act to support the British East India company. The Sons of Liberty decided to confront the British and disguised as Mohawks, they boarded 3 ships in Boston Harbor and destroyed more than 92,000 pounds of British tea by dumping it into the harbor. 10. Lexington and Concord ● General Thomas Gage led a force of British soldiers from Boston to Lexington where he had planned to capture colonial leaders Sam Adams and John Hancock. Then, head to Concord to seize their gunpowder. American spies got wind of the plan and were prepared, alongside help from Paul Revere and the riders. 11. Continental Congress – Olive Branch Petition ● At the Second Continental Congress, they had adopted the Olive Branch Petition, a document drafted and sent by the Second Continental Congress to King George III in July 1775. The document was intended as a last-ditch effort to prevent war and seek reconciliation with the British government by expressing colonial loyalty and outlining grievances, which was rejected by the king. 12. Common Sense – Thomas Paine ● “Common Sense” a pamphlet written by Thomas Jefferson between 1775 and 1776 contained powerful arguments and excerpts for the American colonies to declare independence from Great Britain. Persuaded for self-governance and challenged the authority of the British monarchy, arguing that a government should serve people’s needs. 13. Declaration of Independence – reasons for/meaning/people involved in writing it ● The document is a formal statement outlining the reasons for colonies’ separation from Great Britain. The reasons for its drafting were for detailing why American colonies declared their separation from Great Britain, wanted natural rights and social contract, and that the people should have the right to alter or abolish government that becomes destructive. The people who would write the DoI would be the Committee of Five: Thomas Jefferson (main drafter), John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston. 14. Battle of Trenton ● On December 26, 1776, General George Washington’s Continental Army surprised and defeated a force of Hessian mercenaries in Trenton, New Jersey in crossing the Delaware River. Eventually set the stage for another American victory at Princeton a week later and boosted morale of the American troops as they had a series of defeats previously. 15. Battle of Saratoga – why turning point? Impact on war? ● A series of engagements and encounters in 1777, New York. Considered a turning point of the Revolutionary War because it had convinced France to openly support the American cause by joining an official military alliance which provided Americans with financial, military, and naval assistance to defeat the British. The impact was it led to a French alliance with Americans, which was critically beneficial. 16. Treaty of Paris ● The treaty between Great Britain and the United States, in 1783, officially ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized the U.S. as an independent nation. Allowed the establishment of new territorial boundaries which would become the western border of the nation. Constitution 1. Articles of Confederation – weaknesses/important legislation passed under Articles ● The first American constitution was sent to 13 states for consideration which had lasted for less than a decade. Weaknesses of the articles were that the states didn’t act immediately in which it took two years for 12 states to approve the document and 2 more years for Maryland to as well. The central government was designed to be weak in which it was provided few central powers with no branches. The congress only had one chamber and one vote per state which made states operate independently from the government. It was difficult to pass legislation since 9 out of 13 states were needed to pass any laws. The Articles required unanimous consent to any amendment. The central government couldn't collect taxes to fund its operations. States were able to conduct their own foreign policies and had their own money systems. The confederation couldn’t settle the Revolutionary War-era debts. What had really put down the Articles of Confederation was Shay’s rebellion which showed the central government couldn’t act to stop an internal rebellion. Important legislation passed under the articles was the Land Ordinance of 1785, establishing a standardized system for surveying and selling federal land. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which organized northwest territory. The Treaty of Paris of 1783, officially ended the Revolutionary War and recognized the U.S. as an independent nation. 2. Shays’ Rebellion ● A post-Revolutionary War uprising in Massachusetts from 1786 to 1787 led by the veteran Daniel Shays. Involved farmers protesting high taxes and attempting to seize the Springfield armory. The rebellion exposed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation and contributed to the call for a strong national government. 3. Mount Vernon Conference ● After Washington, resigning his commission as Commander-In-Chief of the continental army, he returned to his home in Mount Vernon where 2 years later, he carried out his landscape plan for his estate. He invited commissioners from Virginia and Maryland to Mount Vernon to discuss interstate commerce on the Potomac River, Pocomoke River, and Chesapeake Bay. 4. Annapolis Conference ● In September 1786, it was a meeting of commissioners from five states aimed at addressing trade issues and weaknesses under the Articles of Confederation. The convention failed to achieve its goal due to low attendance which the call had led to the Constitutional Convention. 5. Constitutional Convention – major figures in attendance / not in attendance (why?) ● The gathering of delegates in Philadelphia in 1787 which included the drafting and creation of the U.S. Constitution. George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and James Wilson were major figures in attendance. Edmund Randolph, Roger Sherman, and Oliver Ellsworth were also present. Prominent figures that were not present were Thomas Jefferson and John Adams because they were abroad serving as ministers to France and Great Britain. Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Patrick Henry did not attend likely due to the direction the convention was going. 6. Virginia Plan (author) ● James Madison, being the largest drafter of the Virginia plan, wrote the key proposal at the convention (Virginia Plan was a blueprint for a new American government which featured strong authority). 7. New Jersey Plan (author) ● The delegate William Paterson was the author of the New Jersey Plan (Aimed to create a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, regardless of population). 8. Connecticut (Great) Compromise (primary architect/author) ● Roger Sherman was the primary author of the Great Compromise (An agreement during the 1787 Constitutional Convention that resolved the debate over how states would be represented in the new federal government; bicameral legislature/House of Representatives and the Senate). 9. 3/5s Compromise ● During the 1787 Constitutional Convention, it determined that enslaved people would be counted as three-fifths of a person for the purpose of both representation in Congress and taxation. Aimed to address concerns of Southern states (who had large enslaved populations) about political power and tax burden. 10. Slave trade in Constitution ● Addresses of slave trade was brought in the Constitution many way, but the main addresses were the 3/5s compromise, the Importation Clause, and the Fugitive Slave Clause. 3/5s compromise counted 3/5s of a state’s enslaved population for representation in Congress. The Importation Clause prohibited Congress from banning the importation of enslaved people. The Fugitive Slave Clause required the return of runaway slaves to their owners. 11. Three branches – powers of each ● The Legislative branch had the responsibility of making laws, the House of Representatives and Senate. Executive branch was responsible for enforcing laws, which the President is the head of and has the power to conduct foreign relations. The Judicial Branch which is responsible for interpreting laws, consists of the Supreme Court. 12. Ratification fight – Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists ● An intense fight centered on the debate on the proposed U.S. Constitution. Federalists supported a stronger national government, while Anti-Federalists supported a weaker central authority with more power residing in the states. Anti-Federalists also feared the loss of state power and individual rights. 13. Federalist Papers ● A collection of 85 essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay to persuade New Yorkers to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Aimed to defend the principles behind the Constitution and address Anti-Federalist concerns. 14. Anti-Federalist Papers ● A series of essays written by individuals in opposition to the ratification of the 1787 U.S. Constitution. Articulated concerns about potential for a strong central government to infringe on individual liberties and state sovereignty, arguing for a weaker federal government and stronger state governments. 15. Bill of Rights – what are they? Why were they included after the Constitution was ratified? ● The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which guaranteed fundamental rights and liberties to citizens. They were included after the Constitution was ratified to address concerns raised by Anti-Federalists who feared a government who could infringe on individual freedoms. Otherwise seen as a solution to limit government power and protect individual liberties. 16. Marbury v. Madison ● Established the principle of judicial review, granting the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional. William Marbury, who was appointed as a justice, did not have his commission delivered by James Madison. John Marshall used this case to show the role in interpreting the constitution and ensuring other branches of government to adhere as well. The decision cemented the Supreme Court’s role as the interpreter of the Constitution. 17. McCulloch v. Maryland ● In this case, the Supreme Court established that Congress had implied powers beyond those explicitly listed in the Constitution, particularly through the Necessary and Proper Clause. Affirmed the supremacy of federal law over state law and significantly expanded the scope of federal power. 18. Gibbons v. Ogden ● The Supreme Court defined the scope of the Commerce Clause, establishing that the federal government has the authority to regulate interstate commerce and that federal law takes precedence over conflicting state laws. This came to be from a dispute over a state-granting steamboat monopoly that clashed with federal license. 19. Fletcher v. Peck ● The first time the Supreme Court ruled a state law unconstitutional, marking a significant step in establishing judicial review. Revolved around the Yazoo Land Act of 1795 in Georgia where state legislature initially granted land to private speculators but later repealed the grant due to corruption. Under John Marshall, he held that the Constitution’s Contracts Clause was violated. Washington’s Presidency 1. Cabinet officers ● His cabinet consisted of Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of Treasury, Henry Knox as Secretary of War, and Edmund Randolph as Attorney General. 2. Hamilton’s financial plan ● A set of economic policies by the Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton. His financial plan was focused on establishing a strong national economy and strengthening the federal government; the federal assumption of state debts, national credit, the creation of a national bank, and the promotion of domestic manufacturing. 3. National Bank ● The First Bank of the United States was established in 1791, after being proposed by Hamilton, the bank aimed to manage the nation’s finances, create a stable currency, and support economic growth by handling government funds and providing loans. 4. Judiciary Act of 1789 ● Established the federal court system in the U.S. which formalized the creation of the Supreme Court, defined the jurisdiction of federal courts, and set up a multi-tiered judicial structure with district and circuit courts. Additionally established the Office of Attorney General which created the position of U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal. 5. Whiskey Rebellion ● 1794 uprising by farmers in western Pennsylvania who protested against a federal excise tax on whiskey which was imposed by the newly formed federal government under Alexander Hamilton (Secretary of Treasury). The rebellion demonstrated the strength of the federal government and its ability to enforce its laws. 6. Development of Parties – Federalist/Democratic-Republican ● The Federalist Party emerged from debates surrounding ratification of the Constitution, with figures like Alexander Hamilton advocating for a strong central government (Consisting of farmers, but mainly wealthy property owners, merchants, and professionals). Democratic-Republican Party, founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, was created as a response to the Federalist Party’s policies in the early 1790s. The party served as a strict interpretation of the Constitution and supported the government should have limited powers (Agrarian; rural life, farming). 7. Neutrality Proclamation ● A declaration of U.S. neutrality in the war between France and Great Britain following the French Revolution. Aimed to keep the U.S. out of European conflicts and maintain trade with both sides. Warned Americans against aiding either power. 8. Jay Treaty ● Otherwise known as the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation, it was a 1794 agreement between the U.S. and Great Britain. Negotiated by John Jay, it aimed to resolve issues stemming from the Treaty of Paris and to avert possible war (Unpopular with Americans). 9. Pinckney’s Treaty (Treaty of San Lorenzo) ● A crucial agreement between the U.S. and Spain which was signed in 1795. Addressed territorial disputes and navigation rights on the Mississippi River, establishing boundaries between U.S. and Spanish Florida, and granted U.S. access to New Orleans (Named after Thomas Pinckney; U.S. Minister to Great Britain). 10. Farewell Address ● A letter published in 1796 by Washington which advised Americans to avoid permanent alliances with foreign nations and to remain neutral in international conflicts. It also went against the dangers of political factions and supported national unity. Adams’ Presidency 1. Negotiations with France ● Primarily centered around the XYZ affair, the U.S. sent a delegation to Paris to resolve disputes, but were met with demands for bribes. The negotiations were unsuccessful, and the situation was resolved through the Convention of 1800. 2. XYZ Affair ● A major diplomatic incident which involved a failed negotiation attempt between the U.S. and France. French diplomats known as X, Y, and Z, demanded bribes and a loan before even engaging in negotiations leading to a surge of public outrage and a near-war situation. 3. Alien and Sedition Acts ● The Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 aimed to address perceived threats to national security during a period of heightened tensions with France and restricting immigration. The Alien Acts allowed the president to deport or imprison foreign citizens deemed dangerous, while the Sedition Act criminalized criticism of the government (particularly known for violating the First Amendment). 4. Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions ● The Virginia Resolution, in 1798, was a response to the Alien and Seditions Acts passed by Congress which, written by James Madison, argued that the acts were unconstitutional and exceeded the powers granted to the federal government. The Kentucky Resolution was also a response, asserting that states had the right to interpose and nullify unconstitutional federal laws, meaning to refuse to enforce them within their borders. 5. Washington, DC ● A relatively new and undeveloped city, and the seat of the government moved to Washington, D.C. from Philadelphia in 1800. The District of Columbia Organic Act established that this district would be under jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress.