APUSH Unit 3 Review (Period 3: 1754-1800)—Everything You NEED to Know

Name: APUSH Unit 3 Review (Period 3: 1754-1800)—Everything You NEED to Know
Uploaded: 2020-10-12T16:00:19.000Z
Duration: 50 min 44 s

Overview of Unit 3 in AP US History

Introduction to the Unit

The video introduces Unit 3 of AP US History, emphasizing its complexity and importance for students aiming for high grades.

The unit focuses on America's transformation from British colonies to an independent nation, highlighting the development of a distinct national identity.

Historical Context: French and Indian War

The time period covered is from 1754 to 1800, starting with the French and Indian War, part of the larger Seven Years War.

Tensions arose as British colonists were concerned about French encroachment in the Ohio River Valley, leading to conflict.

Early Conflicts and Responses

Benjamin Franklin proposed the Albany Plan of Union at a Congress aimed at organizing colonial defense against French threats.

Despite its rejection due to taxation concerns, this proposal was significant for future revolutionary efforts.

Outcomes of the French and Indian War

The British ultimately won the war, signing the Peace of Paris in 1763; this treaty had profound implications for American colonists.

Key outcomes included France's removal from North America and Britain doubling its land holdings east of the Mississippi River.

Consequences for Colonists

Post-war land hunger led colonists westward into territories inhabited by Native Americans, escalating tensions.

Pontiac's Rebellion exemplified Native resistance against colonial encroachment following British territorial gains.

Royal Proclamation of 1763

To manage rising tensions with Native Americans, Britain issued a proclamation forbidding settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.

This decision frustrated many colonists who felt entitled to land after fighting in the war.

Financial Strain on Britain

The war significantly increased Britain's debt; running costs for colonies rose dramatically post-conflict.

Shift in Colonial Relations

In response to financial burdens from the war, Britain sought greater control over colonial affairs through taxation without representation.

This marked a departure from previous policies known as salutary neglect that allowed colonies more autonomy.

Enforcement of Navigation Acts

Colonial Tensions and British Policies

The Quartering Act and Taxation

The Quartering Act of 1765 mandated that imperial troops remain in the American colonies post-war to enforce new regulations, placing a burden on colonists for housing and feeding these soldiers.

The Sugar Act imposed taxes on luxury items like coffee and wine, while also enforcing an existing tax on molasses, raising concerns among colonists about economic strain.

The Stamp Act of 1765 taxed all paper goods, including newspapers and contracts, exacerbating tensions as colonists faced declining wages and rising unemployment.

Representation Debate

A heated debate emerged regarding the fairness of taxing colonists without representation in Parliament; British leaders argued for "virtual representation," claiming all British citizens were represented.

This argument was unconvincing to American colonists who were accustomed to more localized forms of representation within their own governing bodies.

Organized Resistance

Groups such as the Sons of Liberty and Daughters of Liberty formed to advocate for the repeal of the Stamp Act.

The Stamp Act Congress convened with 27 delegates from nine colonies, resulting in a formal petition to Parliament asserting that taxation without representation constituted tyranny.

Repeal and Continued Tension

Parliament repealed both the Stamp Act and Sugar Act in response to protests but simultaneously passed the Declaratory Act, asserting its right to legislate over the colonies.

This act served as a reminder of British authority over colonial governance despite the repeal being seen as a victory by colonists.

New Taxes: Townsend Acts

In 1767, Parliament enacted the Townsend Acts which introduced new taxes on imported goods like paper, glass, and tea, prompting further colonial unrest.

Colonists organized widespread protests against these acts; women played a crucial role by boycotting British goods and producing homemade alternatives.

Escalation: Boston Massacre

Tensions culminated in the Boston Massacre (1770), where confrontations between colonists and British soldiers resulted in four deaths.

Despite six out of eight soldiers being acquitted during trials for wrongdoing, this event intensified perceptions of British tyranny among colonists.

Direct Action: Boston Tea Party

In response to the Tea Act of 1773 granting exclusive rights to the East India Company, colonists staged the Boston Tea Party by dumping 45 tons of tea into Boston Harbor.

In retaliation, Parliament enacted coercive measures known as the Intolerable Acts which included closing Boston Harbor until damages were paid.

Growing Patriotism

The Path to American Independence

The Continental Congress and Early Resistance

Leaders from the colonies convened in the Continental Congress of 1774, uniting against further violations of their liberties by Parliament while still wishing to remain British subjects.

Enlightenment thought significantly influenced their discussions, particularly the belief in natural rights—rights endowed by God that cannot be taken away by government.

The concept of a social contract emerged, emphasizing that power resides with the people who consent to govern for protection of their natural rights; if a government fails this duty, it is their right to overthrow it.

Ideals Shaping Independence

The superiority of Republican governance was highlighted, especially through separation of powers and checks and balances among branches.

By 1776, despite elite support for independence within Congress, most colonists remained unconvinced about breaking away from Britain.

Thomas Paine's Influence

Thomas Paine published "Common Sense" in early 1776, arguing for independence as the rational path forward. His use of biblical references and Enlightenment principles helped sway public opinion.

Following Paine's influence, the Second Continental Congress tasked Thomas Jefferson with drafting a formal Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration articulated Enlightenment ideals: all men are created equal and possess unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It emphasized that governments derive just powers from the consent of the governed and affirmed citizens' right to alter or abolish destructive governments.

Opposition and Revolutionary War

Despite growing support for independence, there was significant opposition from Loyalists who wished to remain loyal to Britain.

The Continental Congress established the Continental Army under General George Washington; however, they faced challenges due to being ill-equipped and poorly trained.

Turning Points in War

Initial defeats against Britain's powerful military led Congress to seek foreign assistance; securing an ally became crucial for survival.

A pivotal moment occurred in 1777 when Patriots achieved victory at Saratoga, convincing France to ally with them against Britain due largely to Benjamin Franklin's diplomatic efforts.

Conclusion of War and Aftermath

Following British defeat at Yorktown in 1781, America emerged as an independent nation. This success inspired revolutions elsewhere including France and Haiti.

1781: The Ratification of the Constitution

Overview of the Articles of Confederation

By 1781, the states ratified the document that became the Constitution of the United States, establishing a federal government with all power concentrated in a legislative body.

The new government lacked an executive office (president) and judicial branch, and had no provision for a national military force. Its ability to tax was severely limited, relying on voluntary contributions from states.

Challenges Faced by the New Government

One immediate issue was westward migration, leading to conflicts between settlers and Native Americans. Many settlers occupied land without legal ownership.

To address this, Congress passed the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which provided a framework for territorial governance and abolished slavery in the Northwest Territory.

Shays' Rebellion: A Turning Point

Despite legislative successes like the Northwest Ordinance, weaknesses in the Articles were highlighted by Shays' Rebellion—a revolt led by farmers struggling with debt after returning from war.

Daniel Shays organized about a thousand farmers to seize arms but was quickly suppressed. This uprising alarmed national leaders about their vulnerability due to lack of federal authority.

Constitutional Convention: From Revision to Creation

In response to these challenges, a constitutional convention was convened in 1787 with intentions to revise the Articles but soon recognized that a new constitution was necessary.

Two factions emerged during debates: Federalists favored a stronger central government while Anti-Federalists preferred state power.

Representation Debates and Compromises

A significant debate centered around representation; proponents of the Virginia Plan advocated for population-based representation favoring larger states.

In contrast, smaller states proposed the New Jersey Plan advocating for equal representation regardless of size. This led to heated discussions over power dynamics between large and small states.

The Great Compromise

The resolution came through what is known as the Great Compromise—establishing a bicameral Congress where representation in the House would be based on population while each state would have equal votes in the Senate.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Another contentious issue involved counting enslaved individuals for representation; Southern states wanted them fully counted while Northerners opposed this. The compromise counted three-fifths of enslaved people towards House representation.

Finalization and Ratification Process

A new constitution was drafted creating three branches (legislative, executive, judicial), designed to balance governmental powers before being sent to states for ratification.

The Formation of American Government and Culture

Opposition to the Constitution

The Anti-Federalists opposed the ratification of the Constitution due to its lack of a Bill of Rights, which they believed was essential for protecting individual liberties against federal power.

Federalists ultimately prevailed in ratifying the Constitution by promising to add a Bill of Rights shortly after its adoption.

Emergence of American Culture

Following the ratification in March 1789, there was a strong desire among leaders to define a distinct American culture post-Revolution.

Ambitious public education plans were proposed by state leaders, while artists focused on historical themes, with notable figures like Charles Wilson Peale and Samuel Jennings emerging during this period.

The concept of "republican motherhood" emerged, assigning women a role in influencing political realities through raising virtuous sons rather than voting.

Establishment of Government under Washington

George Washington became the first president with John Adams as vice president; together they aimed to bring order to the new administration.

Washington established key departments (Treasury, State, War, Justice), appointing Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of Treasury who introduced significant policies.

Hamilton's Financial Policies

Hamilton proposed that the federal government assume state debts from the Revolutionary War to unify and improve national credit.

He also advocated for creating a national bank despite critics arguing it lacked constitutional provision; he justified it using elastic laws allowing Congress necessary powers.

Political Tensions and Rebellions

Despite opposition, Hamilton's debt plan and national bank were enacted successfully but sparked resistance from Democratic-Republicans who viewed them as federal overreach.

Washington’s administration remained neutral during foreign conflicts like the French Revolution and took decisive action during domestic unrest such as the Whiskey Rebellion (1794).

Whiskey Rebellion Response

Farmers protested against whiskey taxes imposed by Hamilton's policies; their violent response led Washington to federalize militias to suppress rebellion effectively.

Rise of Political Parties

Opposition grew among Democratic-Republicans like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison who criticized perceived federal overreach through financial policies and military responses.

Washington's Farewell Address

After two terms, George Washington chose not to seek re-election. In his farewell address, he warned against political parties' divisive nature and entanglements in foreign alliances.

Adams’ Presidency Challenges

John Adams faced immediate challenges with war between Britain and France; despite advocating neutrality, French actions threatened American trade interests leading to diplomatic tensions.

The XYZ Affair

The XYZ Affair arose when French diplomats demanded bribes from U.S. negotiators before discussions could begin. This incident fueled outrage across party lines.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Fearing dissent at home and abroad following tensions from XYZ Affair, Adams supported Alien and Sedition Acts targeting immigrants opposing Federalist views while restricting criticism against government officials.

The Political Landscape of Early America

Nullification and the Shift in Power

The Democratic-Republicans asserted that states could nullify federal laws deemed blatantly unconstitutional, reflecting a significant ideological divide.

John Adams lost the 1800 election to Thomas Jefferson, marking a pivotal shift in political power from Federalists to Democratic-Republicans.

Relationships with Foreign Entities

U.S. Relations with Britain, Spain, and American Indians

The discussion transitions to the relationships between the United States and Britain, Spain, and American Indians as critical issues for Unit 3.

Political elites expressed concerns about these entities threatening U.S. sovereignty since Washington's administration.

Indian Trade and Intercourse Act

Congress passed the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act to regulate settler interactions with American Indians amid increasing westward migration.

Despite provisions for fair dealings, settlers largely ignored this law, leading to heightened conflicts with both American Indians and British supporters.

Tensions with Spain

Westward migration also created tensions along the southern border with Spain; this led to the Pinckney Treaty establishing borders at the 31st parallel.

The Legacy of Slavery in America

Regional Attitudes Towards Slavery

Post-independence saw distinct regional attitudes towards slavery emerge; northern states experienced growth in free black populations.

New Jersey allowed property-owning free blacks to vote; Philadelphia saw the formation of the African Methodist Episcopal Church as a significant cultural development.

Southern Enslavement Dynamics

In contrast, southern states had predominantly enslaved black populations that were rapidly growing due to restrictive legislation against freeing slaves.

Slaveholders migrating west brought enslaved individuals into new territories where slavery had not previously existed, foreshadowing future conflicts over slavery's expansion.

Conclusion of Unit 3 Overview