2. Possible Quick Write Questions
A. Compare and contrast British and American views
regarding the results of the French and Indian War.
B. Explain the connection between the ideas of the
Enlightenment and the protest movement in the
colonies against British Imperial policy.
C. Compare and contrast the Townsend Acts of 1767
and the Intolerable Acts of 1774 in terms of (a)
British reasons for enacting the laws and (b) the
nature of the laws
3. French, Spanish and English Settlers
Each country had different motives and settlement patterns
French- friendly relations with Indians (comparatively), tried
to convert Natives to Christianity, came in small numbers,
extractive economic activity (fur trade), explored deep into
continent, Catholic, had economic motives
Spanish- came to conquer (conquistador), looked for and
found precious minerals, tried to convert Indians, blended
their culture with Native culture, explored deep into continent
to look for wealth, Catholic
English- came in larger groups (especially NE), settled and
“improved” land, more religiously tolerant, wiped out Indian
culture, established their own “footprint”, did not explore
deep into continent, mostly Protestant
5. I. France Finds a Foothold in Canada
Latecomer to colonizing New World
Louis XIV took interest in colonial
expansion
First successful colony Quebec 1609
Samuel de Champlain explore,
solider, leader early French colonial
efforts
Colony known as New France
Problems with Iroquois hampered
French conquest of Ohio River
Valley
French colonies autocratic, no
representative assemblies, no right
to fair trail
Favored Caribbean colonies because
of sugar trade
6. II. New France Fans Out
Most valuable resource in New
France- beaver fur
Fur trappers (voyageurs)
trapped beaver, recruited
Indians into fur business
Traveled deep into wilderness,
created ecological disaster by
eliminating most of beaver
population
French Missionaries attempted
to “Christianize” Indians
Voyageurs, missionaries vital
role as explorers, geographers
7. II. New France Fans Out
French try to block British and Spanish expansion
Detroit (1701), keep out British
LaSalle claims Mississippi River Valley for France
(Louisiana)
French fortify posts along river to keep out Spanish,
protect beaver trade
Establish New Orleans (1718) to keep fur and grain
flowing to mother country, keep MS River from
Spanish
8. III. Clash of Empires
Four wars in the 17th and 18th century for economic
control of Americas
King Williams War 1688-1697, Queen Anne’s
War 1701-1713
Did not involve large numbers of troops, America not
seen as worthy of commitment from European
powers
Usually involved French and Indian allies attacking
English colonial settlements
Deerfield, MA; Schenectady, NY scenes of most
violence
9. III. Clash of Empires
Treaty of Utrecht 1713 British defeat French
England controlled most of Canada except land along St. Lawrence River
End of war begins period of “salutary neglect”
War of Jenkins Ear 1739 between British and Spanish, mostly in Caribbean,
some fighting in GA
King Georges War 1744-1748 Colonists and British capture fort at entrance
to St. Lawrence River
Peace treaty 1748 gives it back to France, enrages colonists
As a result of wars British military more involved in colonies
10. IV. George Washington Inaugurates War with France
Ohio River Valley becomes
source of problems between
British, French
Key to continent for French,
linked colonial holdings
Region key to economic
security for French
Land hungry British
colonists attempt to secure
“rights” to region
French building forts to
secure region
11. IV. George Washington Inaugurates War with France
1754 Governor of VA sends group of
militia to secure claims, led by George
Washington
Encounter small group of French
soldiers near Fort Duquesne
(Pittsburgh)
French initially defeated, return with
reinforcements
Washington forced to surrender
1755 British authorities uproot 4,000
French from Nova Scotia, deportees
end up in LA (Cajuns)
Beginning of French and Indian War
12. V. Global War and Colonial Disunity
War began in America, others began in Europe
England and Prussia vs. France, Spain, Austria, and
Russia
Bloodiest battles in Germany
“America conquered in Germany” British statesman
William Pitt
French and Indian War beginning of colonial unity
Before certain colonies had enjoyed advantage of
remoteness, now needed to come together to fight
French
13. V. Global War and Colonial Disunity
1754 Colonists meet Albany,
NY
Plan to keep Indians in check,
achieve colonial unity,
common defense against
French
7 of 13 colonies show up
Ben Franklin “Join or Die”
slogan, presents Albany Plan
for colonial home rule
(rejected by British), colonists
could not agree on details
First sign of colonial unity
14. VI. Braddock’s Blundering and Its Aftermath
Indians allied with French, worried about British settlement
First part of war went badly for British
Slow moving, heavy artillery
Poorly supplied, poorly disciplined colonial militia
Smaller French force defeated them at Ft. Duquesne (Pittsburg)
Opened up frontier from NC to PA to Indian attack
Losses began to pile up for British
15. VII. Pitt’s Palms of Victory
1757- William Pitt becomes leader of London gov’t
Stopped concentrating on West Indies, focused on
Canada
Understood colonial concerns
Offered colonists a compromise:
colonial loyalty & mil. cooperation-->Br.
would reimburse col. assemblies for
their costs.
Remove oppressive gov’t. officials
Result was improved colonial morale by 1758
1758 Louisbourg defeated
32 year old James Wolfe (BR) commanded troops
that attacked and defeated Quebec (1759)
1760 Montreal falls, last French stronghold
1763 Treaty of Paris French give up all claims
in NA
Spain received all land west of MS River and New
Orleans
British emerged as dominant regional power,
worlds most powerful navy
16. VIII. Restless Colonials
Effects of the war on the colonies
Colonists came out of war confident, shattered myth of
British invincibility
Colonists began to feel part of British Empire
Barriers of disunity began to dissolve
Colonists found unity in language, tradition, ideals
Colonials felt they deserved credit for war effort
British position – colonists demand rights, without
paying dues, war increased British debt
British said they did not support cause
Friction between colonials and British officers
Smuggling by colonists helped FR and SP
17. IX. War’s Fateful Aftermath
With French gone colonists could roam freely across
Appalachian Mts.
Spanish, Indian threat reduced
Indians could not play Br and Fr against each other
1763 Ottawa chief Pontiac led attacks on settlers
British retaliated (gave Indians smallpox infected blankets)
British saw need to stabilize frontier now that it was open
to settlement
18. IX. War’s Fateful Aftermath
Proclamation of 1763
Prohibited settlement west
of Appalachian Mts.
Designed not to oppress
colonists but to solve Indian
problem
Colonists viewed it as form
of oppression
Settlers went west anyway in
defiance of royal authority
20. I. Deep Roots of Revolution
Victory in Seven Years War costly
After 1763 British wanted colonists to take on financial
burden
Crown began to exercise more authority (end of salutary
neglect)
Change in policy reinforced sense of American identity
American experience caused colonists to question ways of the
Old World, colonists felt fundamentally different from British
Americans had grown accustomed to running own affairs,
shock when British try to crack down
Two ideas emerged in Britain during colonial experience-republicanism,
ideas of Whigs
21. I. Deep Roots of Revolution
Republicanism
Society where citizens
subordinate selfish interests
to common good
Stability of government
depended on authority of
“good” government
Opposed to authoritarian
institutions (monarchy,
aristocracy)
Whig Political Thought
Result of more royal authority
Threat to liberty by monarch
Warned citizens to be on
guard against corruption
People should be
represented by elected
officials, not monarchs
22. II. Mercantilism and Colonial Grievances
British authorities embraced policy of mercantilism (countries
wealth measured by gold and silver, needed to export more than
import, colonies needed to supply mother country with raw
materials)
Colonists felt if handcuffed American trade
Colonies provided raw materials, acted a market for finished
products
Enumerated goods, certain products could only be shipped to
England
To the British the Americans were tenants, not built for economic
self sufficiency or self government
23. II. Merits and Menace of Mercantilism
Merits of Mercantilism
British tried to regulate colonial trade (Navigation Acts 1660, 1663,
1673, 1696)
Before 1763 Navigation Laws (with some exceptions) not a
burden, lack of enforcement called “salutary neglect”
Tobacco planters had a monopoly in Britain
Americans had some form self-government.
British mightiest army and navy in the world, colonists didn’t
have to pay for it.
Repressive laws weren’t enforced much, average American
benefited much more than the average Englishman.
Mistakes that occurred didn’t occur out of malice, at least until
revolution.
France and Spain embraced mercantilism, enforced it heavily.
24. II. Merits and Menace of Mercantilism
Menace of Mercantilism
After enforcement of mercantilist policies fuse of
revolution was lit
Stifled economic initiative
Dependent on British agents and creditors
State of perpetual economic adolescence
The South, which produced crops that weren’t grown
in England, was preferred over the North
Colonists felt British were taking advantage of them
25. III. Mercantilism and Colonial Grievances
Currency shortage in colonies
Regularly bought more than they sold to Britain, trade with West
Indies drained cash
Colonies needed hard currency
Parliament prohibited colonies to print money, they did anyway
Colonists saw interests being sacrificed for British commercial
interests
British also could nullify any colonial legislation (did not happen
often)
Principle weighed more heavily than practice
26. IV. The Stamp Tax Uproar
Half of British debt came from Seven Years
War, wanted colonists to pay for own
defense
Britain began to redefine relationship with
colonies
1763- Prime Minister George Greenville
began to enforce Navigation Acts
1764- Parliament passed Sugar Act- duty
on imported sugar
1765- Quartering Act, required certain
colonies to provide food and lodging troops
27. IV. The Stamp Tax Uproar
1765 worst of all the Stamp Act
Mandated the use of stamps, certifying payment of
tax.
Required on bills of sale for about 50 trade items and
on certain types of commercial and legal documents.
Both the Stamp Act and the Sugar Act offenders tried
in the admiralty courts, where defenders were
guilty until proven innocent
Greenville felt taxes were justified, British paid much
heavier tax
28. IV. The Stamp Tax Uproar
Colonists angry at fiscal aggression
Colonial assemblies refused to provide
supplies for troops
Felt unfairly taxed for unnecessary
army, lashed out against the stamp tax.
Americans formed the battle cry, “No taxation
without representation!”
Angered, to the principle of the matter
Americans denied the right of Parliament to
tax Americans, since none were in Parliament.
British idea of “virtual representation,”
every Parliament member represented all
British subjects (so Americans were
represented).
Americans rejected “virtual representation”,
began to consider political independence
29. V. Forced Repeal of the Stamp Act
1765- Stamp Act Congress drew up statement of
rights and grievances, asked king and Parliament to
repeal tax
Congress made colonies feel unified against common
cause
Colonists began to boycott imported British goods,
more effective than congress
Ordinary people began to participate in colonial
protests, opportunity for women “spinning bees”
30. V. Forced Repeal of the Stamp Act
Sons and Daughters of Liberty took the
law into their own hands
Punished people who purchased British
goods, stormed the houses of important
officials
Machinery to collect tax broke down, no
officials to collect taxes
Hit England hard (25% of exports purchased
by colonies)
Parliament confused, Britons had to pay
much heavier taxes
1766, Parliament repealed the Stamp Act,
passed the Declaratory Act, defined British
had unqualified sovereignty over the colonies
31. VII. The Townshend Tea Tax and the Boston Massacre
Americans in rebellious mood after
victory over Stamp Act
1767 Charles “Champagne Charley”
Townshend persuaded Parliament to
pass the Townshend Acts
Taxes on lead, paper, paint, and tea,
later repealed, except tea.
Revenue to pay salaries of royal
officials in America
1767- New York’s legislature
suspended for failure to comply with
the Quartering Act.
Tea became smuggled, to enforce the
law, Brits had to send troops to
America
32. VII. The Townshend Tea Tax and the Boston Massacre
March 5, 1770, a crowd of about 60
townspeople in Boston were harassing
some ten Redcoats.
One fellow got hit in the head, another
got hit by a club.
Without orders but heavily provoked,
the troops opened fire, wounding or
killing eleven “innocent” citizens,
including Crispus Attucks, a black
former-slave and the “leader” of the
mob in the Boston Massacre. Attucks
became a symbol of freedom (from
slave, to freeman, to martyr who stood
up to Britain for liberty).
Only two Redcoats were prosecuted,
represented by John Adams
33. VIII. The Seditious Committees of Correspondence
1770- King George III good person, but a poor
ruler who surrounded himself with “yes men”, like
Lord North.
Townshend Taxes repealed, except for the tea tax,
kept alive idea of parliamentary taxation
1772- Resistance kept alive through Committees
of Correspondence, organized by Samuel Adams
1773- Inter-colonial committees established,
exchanged letters, ideas and information, kept alive
opposition across all colonies
34. IX. Tea Brewing in Boston
1773- British East India Company, overburdened
with unsold tea, was facing bankruptcy.
The British decided to sell it to the Americans,
Seen as an attempt to trick the Americans with the
bait of cheaper tea to pay tax.
December 16, 1773, some whites, led by patriot
Samuel Adams, disguised themselves as Indians,
opened 342 chests and dumped the tea
into the ocean in this “Boston Tea Party.”
People in Annapolis did the same and burnt the
ships to water level.
Reaction was varied, from approval to outrage to
disapproval.
o British felt they had no alternative
but to whip colonists into shape
35. X. Parliament Passes the Intolerable Acts
1774- Parliament passed a series of repressive acts to punish the colonies, namely
Massachusetts.
Called the Intolerable Acts by Americans.
The Boston Port Act closed the harbor in Boston.
Self-government limited by forbidding town hall meetings without approval.
The charter to Massachusetts was revoked
The Quebec Act
Intended by British to administer conquered territory
Guaranteed Catholicism to the French-Canadians, retain their old customs, extended
the old boundaries of Quebec all the way to the Ohio River (areas off limits by
Proclamation of 1763)
Americans saw their territory threatened, aroused anti-Catholics, lack of representative
assemblies or trial by jury seen as a dangerous precedent, land speculators see huge
area taken away
36. XI. Bloodshed
Philadelphia 1774- First Continental
Congress met to discuss problems.
Not wanting independence yet, came up with a list
of grievances, ignored in Parliament.
12 of 13 colonies met, only Georgia didn’t have a
representative there.
Came up with a Declaration of Rights.
Boycott of British goods
Began to arm colonists
Split into three groups- moderates
(wanted relationship with GB repaired)
radicals (wanted complete split,
minority) and conservatives (wanted to
restore pre-1763 relationship)
37. XI. Bloodshed
The “Shot Heard ‘Round the World”
April 1775, the British commander
in Boston sent troops to nearby
Lexington and Concord, seize
supplies, capture Sam Adams and
John Hancock.
Minutemen, after having eight of
their own killed at Lexington,
fought back at Concord, British
retreat to Boston
Beginning of American Revolution
38. XII. Imperial Strength and Weakness
Britain had the heavy advantage:
7.5 million people to America’s 2 million
superior naval power
great wealth, could hire mercenaries (German Hessians)
Little popular support in Britain
Whigs wanted American victory, feared George III arbitrary rule
Generals poor, soldiers well trained
Provisions scarce
Fighting far from home
American geography, lack of population centers gave Americans time,
British fits
39. XII. American Pluses and Minuses
Advantages
Great leaders -George Washington (giant general), and Ben Franklin
(smooth diplomat).
French aid (indirect and secretly), provided the Americans with guns,
supplies, gunpowder, etc…
Marquis de Lafayette a great asset.
Fighting in a defensive manner, and they were self-sustaining.
They were better marksmen. A competent American rifleman could hit
a man’s head at 200 yards.
Americans enjoyed the moral advantage in fighting for a just
cause
40. XII. American Pluses and Minuses
Disadvantages
Lacking in unity
1. Colonies resented the Continental Congress’ attempt at
exercising power
2. Sectional jealousy over the appointment of military leaders
Americans had little money. Inflation also hit families of
soldiers hard, and made many people poor.
Colonial money worthless, inflation of prices for basic
goods
Americans had no navy.
41. XIII. A Thin Line of Heroes
American army was desperately in need of clothing, wool, wagons to ship food, and other
supplies.
Many soldiers had also only received rudimentary training.
German Baron von Steuben, who spoke no English, whipped the soldiers into shape
African Americans fought in the beginning, many colonies barred them from service.
By war’s end, more than 5,000 blacks had enlisted in the American armed forces.
African-Americans also served on the British side.
1775, Lord Dunmore, royal governor of Virginia, issued
a proclamation declaring freedom for any enslaved black in Virginia who
joined the British Army.
End of war more than 1,400 Blacks were evacuated to Nova Scotia, Jamaica, and
England.
Many people also sold items to the British, because they paid in gold.
Many people just didn’t care about the revolution, raising a large number of troops was
difficult
Select few threw themselves into the cause with passion
43. Possible Quick Writes
Compare and contrast the background of Loyalists
and Patriots.
Agree or disagree: “The writings of Thomas Paine
had a greater impact on American independence that
any single event in the American Revolution”.
Explain why you agree or disagree
44. I. Congress Drafts George Washington
May 1775 all colonies meet 2nd
Continental Congress
No well defined sentiment for
independence
Adopted measures to raise money for
army and navy, sent list of grievances
to George III
Most important action was selecting
George Washington as military
commander (moral force, great
military mind)
Selection largely political , from VA,
most revolutionaries from New
England area
45. Military Strategies
The Americans
Attrition [the Brits had a
long supply line].
Guerilla tactics [fight an
insurgent war you
don’t have to win a battle,
just wear the British
down]
Make an alliance with
one of Britain’s enemies.
The British
Break the colonies in half
by getting between the
No. & the So.
Blockade the ports to
prevent the flow of goods
and supplies from an ally.
“Divide and Conquer”
use the Loyalists.
46. II. Bunker Hill and Hessian Hirelings, Abortive
Conquest of Canada
Americans fighting war, but did not declare independence for
a 15 month period ( April 1775- July 1776)
1775 Americans capture Ft. Ticonderoga, get gunpowder and
cannons
June 1775 Bunker Hill American hold off British attack until
gunpowder runs out
August 1775 King George formally proclaims colonies were
in rebellion, begins to hire German (Hessian) troops,
Americans were guilty of treason
Fall 1775 British capture Falmouth, Maine, Americans plan
attack on Canada, they are not successful
47. III. Thomas Paine Preaches Common Sense
1776- Thomas Paine published
the pamphlet Common
Sense, urged colonials to stop
war of inconsistency, stop
pretending loyalty, and just
fight.
Nowhere in the universe did a
smaller body control a larger
one, it was unnatural for tiny
Britain to control gigantic
America.
He called King George III “the
Royal Brute of Great Britain.”
48. V. Paine and the Idea of Republicanism
Idea that there should be a “republic” where representative
senators, governors, and judges should have their power
from the consent of the people (POWER FLOWS FROM
PEOPLE TO THE GOV’T)
Ideas with Biblical imagery, familiar to common folk.
Rejecting monarchy and empire and embrace an
independent republic fell on receptive ears in America,
ideas already existed.
The New Englanders already practiced this type of
government in their town meetings.
Some patriots, favored a republic ruled by a “natural
aristocracy” (John Adams), thought too much liberty would
destroy social order (runaway republicanism)
49. VI. Jefferson’s “Explanation” of Independence
2nd Continental Congress gradually moved toward a clean break with Britain.
June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee urged for complete independence, adopted on July 2,
1776.
Congress appointed Thomas Jefferson to write Declaration of Independence.
Contained a list of grievances against King George III explaining why the colonies had
the right to revolt.
His “explanation” of independence also upheld the “natural rights” of humankind (life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness).
Congress approved it on July 2nd, but because of editing and final approval, it was not
completely approved until July 4th, 1776.
50. VII. Patriots and Loyalists
War within a war, not all colonials were united.
Patriots, who supported rebellion and were called “Whigs.”
Loyalists, who supported the king and who often went to
battle against fellow Americans, also called “Tories.”
Moderates in the middle and those who didn’t care either
way. These people were constantly being asked to join one
side or another.
British proved that they could only control Tory areas, because
when Redcoats packed up and left other areas, the rebels
would regain control
Patriots good at political reeducation, agents of revolutionary
ideas
51. VII. Patriots and Loyalists
Typical Loyalist (Tory)
Generally conservatives,
educated, older, war divided
families
Loyalists were most numerous
where the Anglican Church was
strongest (the South).
Loyalists were less numerous
in New England, where
Presbyterianism and
Congregationalism flourished.
Loyalists were more numerous
in the aristocratic areas such as
Charleston, SC
52. VII. Patriots and Loyalists
Typical Patriot
The Patriots were generally the younger
generation (Samuel Adams and Patrick
Henry)
From places where self-government was
strong and mercantilism weak or contested
The Patriot militias constantly harassed
small British detachments.
Patriots typically didn’t belong to the
Anglican Church (Church of England) but
were Congregational, Presbyterian, Baptist,
or Methodist.
There were also “profiteers” who sold to
the highest bidder, selling to the British
and ignoring starving, freezing soldiers (i.e.
George Washington at Valley Forge).
53. VIII. The Loyalist Exodus
After the Declaration of
Independence, Loyalists and
Patriots sharply divided
Patriots often confiscated
Loyalist property to resell it (an
easy way to raise money)
Loyalists attacked and
harassed, no reign of terror like
France or Russia
50,000 Loyalists served the
British in one way or another
(fighting, spying, etc…), British
did not make enough use of
them
59. Britain’s Southern Strategy
Britain thought that there were more Loyalists
in the South.
Southerners not as vocal in support of
Revolution, thought it might inspire slave
revolt
Southern resources more valuable/worth
preserving.
British win small victories, but cannot pacify
the countryside [similar to U. S. failures in
Vietnam!]
Georgia 1778-1779, Charleston, SC 1780
Carolinas, Patriots bitterly fought their Loyalist
neighbors.
1781, rebel victories King’s Mountain,
Cowpens in NC
Quaker- reared Gen. Nathanael Greene
strategy of delay.
Retreating and losing battles but winning
campaigns, clear the British out of most of
Georgia and South Carolina.
60. XII. The Land and Sea Frontier
1777 -the “bloody year” on the frontier
Most Indians supported Britain, believed they would stop
American expansion into the West
Mohawk chief Joseph Brant, recently converted to
Anglicanism, and his men attacked the backcountry of
Pennsylvania & New York defeated 1779.
1784, pro-British Iroquois signed the Treaty of Fort
Stanwix, the first treaty between the U.S. and an Indian
nation.
Indians ceded most of their land.
Pioneers continued to move west
1778-1779 George Rogers Clark, captured British forts
American navy never really hurt the British warships, but
it did destroy British merchant shipping, carried the war
into the waters around the British Isles.
Privateers captured ships forced them to sail in convoys.
61. IX. REVOLUTION IN DIPLOMACY?
France wanted revenge on Britain, secretly
supplied the Americans throughout much
of the war.
Continental Congress sent delegates to
France; delegates were guided by a “Model
Treaty” sought no political/military
connections, only commercial ones.
Ben Franklin, American diplomat to
France, exemplified a raw new America
After Saratoga (1777), the British offered
the Americans a measure that gave them
home rule—everything they wanted
except independence.
62. IX. REVOLUTION IN DIPLOMACY?
After Saratoga, France enters war against Britain.
If Britain regained control, might then try to capture the
French West Indies for compensation
Did not want to risk a stronger Britain with its reunited
colonies.
France, 1778, offered a treaty of alliance, offering America
everything that Britain had offered, plus recognition of
independence.
The Americans accepted agreement with caution, France was
pro-Catholic, but since the Americans needed help, they’d take
it.
Official recognition of American independence by European
power
1779 Other European powers (Armed Neutrality) join war
against Britain, can’t handle them all
63. XI. Blow and Counterblow
Britain, decided to evacuate
Philadelphia, concentrate forces in New
York, Washington bottled up British in
NY
1780 –French reinforcements arrive in
Rhode Island.
Feeling unappreciated and lured by British
gold, Gen. Benedict Arnold turned traitor
by plotting with the British to sell out West
Point.
When the plot was discovered, he fled with
the British.
64. XIII. Yorktown and the Final Curtain
1780-1781 inflation continued to
soar, government was virtually
bankrupt, could not repay debts
In the Chesapeake Cornwallis was
blundering into a trap
Retreating to Chesapeake Bay
Cornwallis instead was trapped by
Washington’s army, Rochambeau’s
French army, and the French navy
King George wanted to continue
the war, fighting continued for
about a year after Yorktown
mostly in the south
Patriot/ Loyalist fighting
Washington had to keep army
happy, unified for next year after
war
65. XIV. Peace at Paris
Brits were weary of the war, suffered heavily
Ben Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay met in Paris for a peace deal.
Jay suspected France would try to keep the U.S. cooped up east of the Alleghenies and
keep America weak.
Jay, thinking that France would betray American ambition to Spain, secretly made
separate overtures to London (against instructions from Congress)
Came to terms quickly with the British, who were eager to entice one of their enemies from
the alliance.
The Treaty of Paris of 1783
Britain formally recognized U.S. granted generous boundaries, Mississippi River to the
west, Great Lakes on the north, Spanish Florida on the South.
Yankees retained a share in fisheries off Newfoundland.
Americans couldn’t persecute Loyalists, though, and Congress could only recommend
legislature that would return or pay for confiscated Loyalist land.
Did not keep obligation to Loyalists
66. XV. A New Nation Legitimized
Britain ceded so much land
because it was trying to
entice America from its
French alliance.
American-friendly Whigs
were in control of the
Parliament
France approved the treaty,
though with cautious eyes.
America came out the big
winner
69. Quick Write Questions
Analyze the role and influence of each of the following in the
debate about ratification: Anti-federalists and the Federalist
Papers
Compare and contrast the views of Jefferson and Hamilton while
they were members of Washington’s cabinet, discuss at least two
specific differences
Discuss American’s foreign policy, formulated by Washington
and Adams, which had as its goal the avoidance of war. Include
in your answer the Jay Treaty, Washington’s Proclamation of
Neutrality and the XYZ Affair.
70. I. The Pursuit of Equality
More evolution than revolution
Most not disturbed by fighting
Changes in social customs, political institutions,
ideas about society, government and gender
Loyalist exodus removed conservative upper class,
allowed for more egalitarian ideas
New patriot elite emerges
71. Classical view of
a model republic
The
“Virtuous
Republic”
“City on a hill”
[John Winthrop]
Ideal citizen
[Cincinnatus]
1. Govt. gets its authority from the
citizens.
2. A selfless, educated citizenry.
3. Elections should be frequent.
4. Govt. should guarantee individual
rights & freedoms.
5. Govt.’s power should be limited
[checks & balances].
6. The need for a written
Constitution.
7. “E Pluribus Unum.” [“Out of
many, one”]
8. An important role for women
raise good, virtuous citizens.
[“Republican Womanhood”].
Enlightenment
Thinking
72. I. Pursuit of Equality
After Revolution, most states reduced property qualifications for voting
By 1800 indentured servitude unknown
Growth of trade organizations, removal of inheritance laws
(primogeniture)
The fight for separation of church and state resulted in notable gains.
Congregational church continued to be legally established (tax
supported) by some New England states
Anglican Church, reformed as the Protestant Episcopal Church
Fight for separation fierce in VA, Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom
(1786)
73. I. Pursuit of Equality
Challenges to institution of
slavery
1775 Quakers est. first antislavery
society
1774 Continental Congress called for
abolition of slave trade
Many northern states called for
abolition or gradual emancipation
No state south of Penn. abolished
slavery
Laws discriminated against free blacks
and slaves (jobs, education, marriage)
Idealism of freedom sacrificed for
political expediency, fight would
fracture national unity
74. I. Pursuit of Equality
Women still were unequal to men,
even though some had served
(disguised as men) in the
Revolutionary War.
Achievements for women such as New
Jersey’s 1776 constitution which
allowed women to vote (for a time).
Mothers devoted to their families
developed idea of “republican
motherhood” , elevated women to
higher status, keepers of the nation’s
conscience
Women raised the children, held the
future of the republic in their hands
75. II. Constitution Making in the States
1776- Continental Congress called upon states to draft constitutions,
form governments
Sovereignty would come from people, contracts defined powers of government
States had written documents that represented a fundamental law.
Many had a bill of rights, required annual election of legislators.
All of them deliberately created weak executive and judicial branches, distrust of central power
In most states, the legislative branch given sweeping powers
Massachusetts- special convention to draft its constitution, could only
be changed through another constitutional convention.
Thomas Jefferson, warned “173 despots [in legislature] would surely be
as oppressive as one.”
Many state capitals followed the migration of the people and moved
westward ( New Hampshire, New York, Virginia, the Carolinas, and
Georgia)
Movement reflected recently enfranchised poorer districts away from
seaports
76. III. Economic Crosscurrents
After war states seized Loyalist, crown
lands
Easily available land spread economic
democracy, this preceded political
democracy
Inflation was a problem
Many worse off financially
War caused dislike of taxes and law
War caused American manufacturers to
make their own goods (British trade cut
off)
America remained agriculturalist by a
large degree.
Prior to war, Americans had great trade
with Britain, and now they didn’t, could
now trade with foreign countries, a
privilege they didn’t have before.
Yankee shippers ventured into far off
places (East Asian markets)
77. IV. Shaky Start Toward Union
Revolution caused responsibility of creating and operating new central
government
America more a name than nation
New patriot elite open to ideas of experimentation and innovation in
government
Revolution provided opportunity for Washington, Madison, Jefferson,
Hamilton, and John Adams, became great political leaders
1784-1786- low point for new republic
British flood Americas with cheap goods, American industry suffered
However, the states all did share similar constitutions, had a rich
political inheritance from Britain
78. V. Creating a Confederation
13 sovereign states coined money, raised armies,
erected tariff barriers
1777-Articles of Confederation adopted
1781- ratified by all states
Main problem- what to do with western lands?
Some states had holdings west of Allegheny Mts.,
some did not
Land rich could sell off land to pay debts, others had
to tax heavily to raise revenue
79. V. Creating a Confederation
States eventually
surrendered land to central
government
Used to make future states
Result was that it bonded
union to central authority
Pioneers bought land from
federal government, benefit
to nation
Weakened state powers
80. VI. Articles of Confederation: America’s First Constitution
Loose confederation, acted together to deal with
common problems (foreign defense)
A. No executive, judiciary left up to states
B. Each state one vote
C. Hard to amend
D. No power to regulate commerce, states had different
trade laws
E. No power to tax, states paid what they wanted
National government could not control states
Positives of Confederation- Outlined general
powers of government, provided idea of union
81. VII. Landmarks in Land Law
Congress of Confederation
passed farsighted legislation,
dealt with public domain of Old
Northwest
Land Ordinance of 1785
1. land sold to settlers to pay
public debt
2. land surveyed before sale and
settlement, led to orderly
settlement
3. sixteenth section set aside to
benefit education
82. VII. Landmarks in Land Laws
Northwest Ordinance 1787
Dealt with how to govern new territory
A.Congress appointed 3 judges & a governor to govern the
territory.
B.When population reached 5,000 adult male landowners
elect territorial legislature.
C.When population reached 60,000 elect delegates to a
state constitutional convention, with all privileges of
other states
D.Forbid slavery in Old Northwest
E. Ideas carried to other frontier areas
83. VIII. World’s Ugly Duckling
British- refused to repeal navigation laws, closed
trade to US in the West Indies
Along northern frontier held trading posts on US soil,
agitated Indians that kept US from effectively settling
territory
British justified action because Americans failed to
keep promises about debts and Loyalists
Some wanted to impose restrictions on British imports
but Congress could not control imports
84. VIII. World’s Ugly Duckling
Spain- openly unfriendly to
US
1784- Closed MS River,
people in KY, TN and Old
Northwest could not ship
goods
Claimed large area of territory
granted to US by British
Schemed with and agitated
Indians to be hostile with US
settlers
85. VIII. World’s Ugly Duckling
France demanded payment of debts,
restricted trade with West Indies
Pirates of North African States
(Barbary States) took American ships,
enslaved Yankee sailors
America too poor to bribe officials to get
release of sailors
Too weak to stop them
86. VIII. The Horrid Specter of Anarchy
1780’s ability of national government to collect
money was limited
Interest on debt piling up, nation’s credit
evaporating abroad
States had trade disagreements, levying duties on
goods from neighbors, states issued depreciated
paper currency
Problems came to a head in Shay’s Rebellion in
1786
87. VIII. The Horrid Specter of Anarchy
1786- Farmers in western
Mass. losing farms to taxes
and foreclosure
Daniel Shay’s led group of
agitators to enforce demands
Mass. authorities raise army
and put down rebellion
After rebellion legislature
passes debt relief laws
88. VIII. The Horrid Specter of Anarchy
Rebellion terrified propertied classes
Revolution created monster of “mobocracy”
Stronger central government needed
Conservatives wanted to protect position, property
Debtors, poorer people wanted feared powerful central
government (would have to pay debts)
All groups agree need to change, question was how?
How would nationalists and states rightists be
reconciled?
89. IX. A Convention of Demigods
1786- Convention called in Ananapolis, MD to
figure out what to do about interstate commerce
5 of 13 states show up, could not do anything to
solve problem
Alexander Hamilton asked Congress to call a
convention to rework the Articles
Congress reluctant, states elect delegates anyway
90. IX. A Convention of Demigods
Only Rhode Island did not send
delegates
May 1787- 55 delegates meet in
Philadelphia
George Washington leader, Ben
Franklin elder statesman
Washington legitimized
convention
Sessions held in secret
James Madison, age 36, known as
father of Constitution, profound
student of government
Alexander Hamilton, 32, advocate
of super powerful central
government
91. X. Patriots in Philadelphia
55 delegates
Conservative, wealthy (lawyers, merchants, land
speculators)
Young- avg. age 42
19 owned slaves
Nationalists, wanted stable political structure
Central authority needed genuine power
Wanted to preserve union, protect property from
“mobocracy”, curb unrestrained democracy
Wanted central government to control nation,
international commerce
92. XI. Hammering Out a Bundle of Compromises
Began to completely scrap Articles
Overthrow existing government by peaceful means
Large state plan vs. small state plan over representation in
legislative branch
Deadlock broken by Great Compromise ( 2 house legislature
on represented by population, one all representation equal)
Executive branch created, but power check by legislative
branch
Indirect method of electing president (prevented
unrestrained democracy)
93. XI. Hammering Out a Bundle of Compromises
Sectional Problems
How to count slaves?
3/5 Compromise- gave southern states more power (counted slaves
as 3/5 of citizen)
How to control trade?
North – Congress should be able to regulate foreign and interstate
trade
South – Thought Congress would tax exports (goods sold to other
countries)
South sold agricultural products to other countries, would cost them
$$$
South worried Congress would stop slaves from coming to US
In a compromise, the southern states agreed that Congress could
regulate trade as long as they would not tax exports, interfere with the
slave trade before 1807
94. XII. Safeguards for Conservatism
All at convention agreed, needed stronger central government,
sound monetary policy, protection of private property, manhood
suffrage
Put up safeguards to excesses of mob
Federal judges selected for life, indirect election of president,
senate
Only House of Representatives elected by people
Power based on consent of people, government limited by
written constitution
People guarantee liberty, not the government
95. XIII. Clash of Federalists and Antifederalists
Framers knew it would be hard to
ratify Constitution
Plan was once 9 states ratify it
became law of the land
Many surprised at new constitution,
saw power of states swallowed up
Antifederalists- against stronger
federal government, distrust form
colonial experience
Wanted states rights, typically
backcountry people, poorer classes,
saw Constitution as plan to steal
their power
Insisted on Bill of Rights to protect
individual freedoms
Federalists- from settled areas,
wealthier, better educated,
controlled established press
96. XIV. The Great Debate in the States
Special Elections held in states
Small states quickly ratify constitution
Mass. First real challenge, many suspicious of
government power, worried about absence of Bill of
Rights
Federalists said this would be taken care of and it
passed
97. XV. The Four Laggard States
VA fierce opposition, but realized it could not continue as an
independent state
NY Series of articles published, The Federalist Papers, seen as
propaganda, became the best commentary ever written on Constitution
They presented reasons why each provision of the Constitution was
necessary, written by Madison, Hamilton and Jay
James Madison, Federalist No. 10, refuted conventional wisdom that
republican government was not possible in large territory
NY shortly afterward ratified
NC, RI always centers of individualism ratified in the end
All four states realized they could not make it on their own
98. XVI. A Conservative Triumph
Minority won twice-
1. Revolution to get rid of British
2. Peaceful revolution to overthrow government (under
Articles)
Only ¼ of adult males had property to vote
Conservatism had erected safeguards against mob
rule, republican gains of revolution conserved,
federalists restored economic and political stability
Every branch of government represented by the
people (though indirectly in some cases), self limiting
system of checks and balances
Reconciled conflicting principles of liberty and order
Elevated ideals of Revolution and set boundaries on
them
100. I. Growing Pains
Over a twelve year period Americans got rid of British
rule and established a central ruling authority they
viewed as a necessary evil
New government had enormous debt, worthless paper
money and unlimited potential
1789- population doubling every 25 years, coastal cities
growing (Philadelphia, NY, Boston, Charleston)
90% rural, 5% lived west of Appalachian Mts. Most in
KY,TN, OH
Foreign visitors looked down on Americans
Western US territory- Spanish controlled mouth of MS
River, British agents moved about the Old Northwest
stirring up trouble
101. II. Washington for President
George Washington unanimously drafted
as president by Electoral College
Commanded by strength of character,
not as a politician
Established cabinet (not specifically
mentioned in Constitution)
Three departments (War- Henry Knox,
Treasury- Alexander Hamilton, Sec. of
State- Thomas Jefferson)
102. III. The Bill of Rights
Antifederalists were promised Bill of Rights during ratification
James Madison drafted them and pushed them through Congress
1791- ratified, safeguarded basic American principles (freedom of
religion, speech, assembly, petition, right to trial by jury,
protection from cruel and unusual punishment and arbitrary
seizure of private property by the government)
Ninth Amendment protected states rights, Tenth Amendment
gave all rights not specified to the states
First Congress established federal courts, office of Attorney
general and Supreme Court (John Jay first chief justice)
103. IV. Hamilton Revives the Corpse of Public Credit
Key figure in Washington’s government – Alexander Hamilton
Loyalty questioned to America (America was his adopted country)
Main rival Thomas Jefferson
Hamilton a financial wizard, shaped fiscal policies to favor wealthier
groups
First objective- restore national credit
Wanted government to pay off debts at face value plus interest
Raised revenue by selling bonds, raising excise taxes and tariffs
Wanted Congress to assume debts of states, would chain states to
federal government
States with heaviest debt were happy
VA not happy with plan, made deal that if federal government assumed
debts they would get federal district for future nations capital
104. V. Hamilton Battles Jefferson for a Bank
Hamilton proposed Bank of the United States
Private institution, major stockholder US
government
Treasury would deposit surplus monies in bank
Federal funds would stimulate business, print
money for sound, stable national currency
Was it constitutional?
105.
106. V. Hamilton Battles Jefferson for a Bank
Jefferson against it, no specific authorization in Constitution, saw
those powers reserved for the states (strict construction)
Hamilton believed what Constitution did not forbid it permitted,
invoked necessary and proper clause (loose construction)
Hamilton prevailed, most support for the bank in northern
commercial and financial centers, agricultural south opposed bank
1791- Bank chartered for 20 years, stock was put on sale and it sold
out in less than 2 hours
107. VI. Mutinous Moonshiners in Pennsylvania
1794- Whiskey Rebellion flares in Penn. Over excise tax
on whiskey
Whiskey was not a luxury but a medium of exchange,
easier to transport as liquid than raw corn
Distillers defied taxes and tax collectors, brought
collection to a halt
Washington called out militia of several states and put
down rebellion
Showed the force of the federal government in stop
insurrection, if citizens wanted change they needed to do
it peacefully, constitutionally
108. VII. The Emergence of Political Parties
Hamilton’s fiscal feats put the US on sound financial
ground
We could borrow funds from European countries on
good terms
Financial schemes seen as an infringement on states
rights by some
Opposition began to build, rivalry between Hamilton
and Jefferson became a political rivalry
Founders did not predict political parties, thought it
would disrupt national unity
Formal parties a few years off in 1790’s
Jefferson and Madison opposed programs of
Hamilton, newspapers spread their political
message and political parties began to emerge
Competition for power good for democracy, creates
balance, no group gets too much power
109. VIII. Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
French Revolution scared many Americans
By mid-1790’s France entered war with British
French wanted US to help defend West Indies
D-R’S favored alliance
Washington wanted to avoid war, US too weak,
politically not united
1793- Neutrality Proclamation- first formal
declaration of aloofness from European conflicts,
US policy until 20th century
110. VIII. Washington's Proclamation of
Neutrality
Citizen Genet- French diplomat,
tried to raise armies to invade
Spanish FL and LA, also BR Canada
Did not think neutrality reflected
true wishes of Americans
Genet removed from US
Neutral stance aided FR, they
needed our foodstuffs in West
Indies, if we declared war on British
they would blockade American coast
and cut off all shipping
111. IX. Embroilments with Britain
Policy of neutrality tried by British
Kept forts on US soil, agitated Indians along frontier
1790-1791- Miami Confederacy attacks US soldiers
1794- Gen. “Mad Anthony” Wayne defeated Indians in the Battle of Fallen
Timbers (OH), forced them to sign Treaty of Greenville
Confederacy gave up huge amounts of land in return for payment and certain
rights
Royal navy seized American ships and sailors, angered Americans
Federalists resisted efforts to punish British, would hurt American economy
112. X. Jay’s Treaty and Washington’s Farewell
1794- Chief Justice John Jay sent to
London
Jeffersonians unhappy with decision
Treaty favorable to British, BR
consented to abandon forts, pay for
seizures of ships (did not promise to
stop doing it)
Bound US to pay pre- Revolutionary
debts, BR most favored status
Crystallized support for Jeffersonians
Southerners would have to pay most
debt, northern shippers would collect
money for damages
Pinckney’s Treaty 1795- Spain
gave US access to Mississippi,
disputed territory north of FL
113. X. Jay’s Treaty and Washington’s Farewell
After second term Washington
decided to retire
Began two term tradition of presidents
1796- Farewell Address published in
newspapers across countries
Advised against “permanent
alliances”, favored temporary alliances
Basic message was unity at home,
independence abroad
Washington’s contributions
enormous- legitimized central
government, kept nation out of war
US economy expanding and
population was moving westward
114. XI. John Adams Becomes President
Federalists turn to John Adams
(Hamilton not popular)
D-R’s turn to Jefferson
Political passion high, election based on
personality
Adams squeezed through electoral college
Adams “prickly” intellectual, little appeal
to masses, hard to follow Washington
Hamilton headed High Federalist party,
conspired against Adams
115. XII. Unofficial Fighting With France
Inherited problems with France
Upset about Jay’s Treaty
French seize American merchant ships
Adams sends envoy’s to France to reach
agreement
XYZ Affair (1797)
Envoys approached by French agents
(X,Y,Z) demand bribe to meet with
French prime minister
Way business done in Europe,
negotiations broke down
US beginnings war preparations
Navy Dept. created
Marines reestablished, army authorized
1798-1800- most battles at sea
French ships captured, American
merchant ships destroyed
116.
117. XIII. Adams Put Patriotism Above Party
France did not need another enemy
British supplied Americans war
supplies
Adams realized weak America needed
to avoid war
1799- sends envoys to France, again
Napoleon now ruled France, wanted
to get rid of American problem
Convention of 1800- ends alliance,
pay damage claims to American
shippers
Adams kept America out of war,
paved path to future acquisition of
Louisiana
118. XIV. Federalist Witch Hunt
1798- Congress passes laws to
keep opposition quiet, Alien
and Sedition Laws
Alien Laws- raises residence
requirement of citizens
Violated traditional American
open door policy and speedy
assimilation
President could deport,
imprison dangerous foreigners
Viewed as an arbitrary grant of
power, laws never really
enforced
119. XIV. Federalist Witch Hunt
Sedition Laws- aimed at newspapers and critics of
Federalist government
Anyone who impeded policies of government liable
to fine, imprisonment
Seen a violation of freedom of speech, press
Many editors and others indicted under act
(“Spitting Lion”)
Direct conflict with Constitution, Federalist court
did not want to hear case
Acts did have popular support, Congressional
elections in1798-1799 Federalist gained many seats
Laws expired 1801
120. XV. The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
Jefferson worried that Federalists would wipe out Constitutional
guarantees,
Fearing prosecution he secretly wrote the Kentucky
Resolution (1798,1799 approved by KY legislature)
Madison drafted less extreme statement, adopted by VA
legislature, Virginia Resolution (1798)
Adopted the compact theory- 13 sovereign states created
government, national gov’t a creation of states
Had exceeded powers with Alien and Sedition Acts
Rightful action was “nullification”
If state disagreed with federal laws, they could be voided
Federalist argument- people created government, only
Supreme Court could nullify
VA, KY Resolutions extreme states’ rights views, crystallize
opposition to Federalists
121. XVI. Federalists vs. Democrat- Republicans
Federalists
Believe in strong central gov’t
Rule by best people
Distrusted full blown
democracy
Promote foreign trade
Little gov’t. Interference in
business
Supported by wealthy
Supporters along Atlantic
seaboard
Promote American interests
overseas
Pro- British
Democrat- Reps.
(Jeffersonians)
Weak central gov’t.
Power held by states
Appeal to middle class,
farmers, laborers
National debt needed to be
paid off
No special privileges for any
class
Pro- French
Protect democracy at home
Supported by southerners,
westerners
