APUSH short answer Unit 3
"As to the history of the revolution, my ideas may be peculiar, perhaps singular. What do we mean by the revolution? The war? That was no part of the revolution; it was only an effect and consequence of it. The revolution was in the minds of the people, and this was effected from 1760 to 1775, in the course of fifteen years, before a drop of blood was shed at Lexington." Former president John Adams to former president Thomas Jefferson, August 1815 "There is nothing more common than to confound the terms of the American Revolution with those of the late American war. The American war is over: but this is far from being the case with the American Revolution. On the contrary, nothing but the first act of the great drama is closed. It remains yet to establish and perfect our new forms of government; and to prepare the principles, morals, and manners of our citizens, for these forms of government, after they are established and brought to perfection." A. Briefly describe ONE significant difference between Adams' understanding and Rush's understanding of the American Revolution. B. Briefly explain how ONE specific historical event or development from the period between 1760 and 1800 could be used to support Adams' interpretation. C. Briefly explain how ONE specific historical event or development from the period between 1760 and 1800 could be used to support Rush's interpretation.
. Adams thought that the revolutionary spirit that led to fighting was the revolution; out of a growing resistance to British regulation, the emergence of an American identity completed the revolution. . Rush argued that the revolution was changing political systems and seeing if this new form of government could work; the revolution came after fighting ended. _ b) Stamp Act, Stamp Act Congress, and public demonstrations, including Sons of Liberty C) Developments: republican form of government, American identity, nationalism, Bill of Rights
a. Briefly explain ONE social development in the 13 colonies between 1754 and 1775. b. Briefly explain ONE economic development in the 13 colonies between 1754 and 1775. c. Briefly explain the impact of the development explained in Part A or Part B on the United States between 1776 and 1800.
A) Among social developments were the westward migration of colonists, a decline in colonial need for British protection, and a growing identity among colonists of being American. B) Among the economic developments were British efforts to increase taxation to pay off war debts, including but not limited to, passage of the Stamp Act, Sugar Act, Townshend Acts, and Tea Act. C) The growing identity of being American and the conflicts with the British over taxes, led to the Declaration of Independence and American Revolution, severing political ties with Great Britain.
During the mid-18th century, new pressures began to unite the British colonies, sparking an independence movement and ultimately a war against England. a. Briefly explain ONE political or economic pressure faced by the colonies during this time. b. Briefly explain ONE action taken by the colonists to address the pressure explained in Part A. c. Briefly explain ONE response by the British government to the action explained in Part B.
A) Among the political pressures faced by the colonists were taxes imposed by the British Parliament even though the colonies had no representation in Parliament. These taxes included the Stamp Act, The Townshend Duties, and the Tea Act, among others. All were attempts to raise revenue from the colonies and/or control colonial trade in favor of Great Britain. B) Passage of the Stamp Act led to the convening of the Stamp Act Congress. formation of groups such as the Sons of Liberty and the Daughters of Liberties. Occasional protests led to acts of mob violence, which led to events such as the Boston Massacre. The passage of the Tea Act led to the Boston Tea Party. C) Parliament simultaneously passed the Declaratory Act, which reiterated Parliament's sovereignty over the colonies. While the Townshend Duties were also repealed, the British government responded by sending troops to restore order in Boston. And the Boston Tea Party led to a series of repressive measures known as the Coercive Acts, which required, among other actions, that colonists house and feed British soldiers (quartering).
a) Briefly explain support for the argument that the Articles of Confederation succeeded in guiding the United States through its first decade using ONE of the choices below. ¥ victory in the Revolutionary War ¥ Land Ordinance of 1785 ¥ Northwest Ordinance b) Briefly explain a challenge to the statement during this period using ONE of the choices below. ¥ financial circumstances ¥ foreign affairs ¥ domestic concerns c) Briefly explain using either ONE of the choices above or your own historical knowledge whether you agree or disagree with the statement.
A) Northwest Ordinance set the rules for creating new states. It granted limited self-government to the developing territory and prohibited slavery in the region. B) Financial circumstances were weak as war debts were unpaid and states and the Congress were issuing worthless paper money. The Congress had no taxing power. C) answers will vary
"I wish I knew what mighty things were fabricating. If a form of government is to be established here, what one will be assumed? Will it be left to our assemblies to choose one? And will not many men have many minds? And shall we not run into dissensions among ourselves? "I am more and more convinced that man is a dangerous creature; and that power, 'Whether vested in many or a few, is ever grasping. . . . "How shall we be governed so as to retain our liberties? Who shall frame these laws? Who will give them force and energy. . . . "When I consider these things, and the prejudices of people in favor of ancient customs and regulations, I feel anxious for the fate of our monarchy or democracy, or whatever is to take place." a) Briefly explain the point of view expressed by Abigail Adams about ONE of the following: ¥ power ¥ liberties ¥ prejudices b) Briefly explain ONE development in the period leading up to independence that led to the point of view expressed here by Abigail Adams. c) Briefly explain ONE development in the period immediately after the Revolutionary War that challenges or supports the point of view expressed by Abigail Adams.
A) Power is something that by nature man becomes dangerous with, regardless if it is held by one man or a group. B) Any of the events or actions by the colonists and/or the British government during the period from the 1760s through 1776 starting with the Proclamation of 1763 and going to the Declaration of Independence can assist in explaining the views Abigail Adams expressed in the excerpt. C) Events or actions such as the concerns with the Articles of Confederation and the debates over a new Constitution and its ratification can be used to challenge or support the point of view expressed by Abigail Adams.
a) Briefly explain how ONE of the following best supports the statement that "the United States Constitution is a bundle of compromises." Provide at least ONE piece of evidence to support your explanation. ¥ the office of the presidency ¥ the system of representation ¥ the institution of slavery b) Briefly explain a criticism of ONE of the compromises cited above; c) Identify and briefly explain the role played by an individual at the Constitutional Convention in bringing about ONE of the compromises mentioned above or a compromise not mentioned.
A) The system of representation adopted the Connecticut Plan, also known as the Great Compromise, which provided for a two-house Congress. One house, the Senate, would have equal representation for each state, and the other house, the House of Representatives, would have representation according to population size. B) The system of representation was challenged by both those who believed that all states should be equal and those in large states who wanted all of their larger populations empowered C) Roger Shennan, who proposed the Connecticut Plan or the Great Compromise for representation;
a. Briefly explain ONE political or economic challenge faced by the U.S. government during the 1790s. b. Briefly explain ONE foreign policy challenge faced by the U.S. government during the 1790s. c. Briefly explain ONE action taken by the federal government to respond to the challenge explained in Part A or Part B.
A) the inability of the federal government to repay debts, the weak economy, and the problem of state debts incurred during the American Revolution. The new government also faced land pressures and Indian attacks on the frontier. The British attempted to undermine U.S. manufacturing economically by selling its manufactured goods in the United States at significantly deflated prices. B) The French Revolution—and debates over U.S. support for the French or the British—was a major foreign policy challenge in the 1790s. C) In terms of foreign policy actions, the United States issues a Neutrality Proclamation in relation to the French Revolution. The U.S. government negotiated Jay's Treaty with Great Britain in 1794 to avoid war and settle outstanding issues from the American Revolution. The United States in 1795 negotiated Pinckney's Treaty (also known as the Treaty of San Lorenzo) with the Spanish, which guaranteed U.S. access to the port of New Orleans. In terms of western lands and threats from Indians, after the Battle of Fallen Timbers, the United States negotiated the Treaty of Greenville in 1795 with tribes from the Ohio Valley, establishing an expansion of U.S. boundaries.
Madison argument: "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If governemnt were administered by saints, no checks upon it would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed, and fill the next place oblige it to control itself." Cato: In my last number I endeavored to prove that the language of the article relative to the establishmnet of the executive of this new government was vague and inexplicit, the great powers of the President, connected with his duration in office would lead to oppression and ruin... that the president cannot represent you because he is not of your own immediate choice, that if you adopt this government, you will incline to an arbitrary and odious aristocracy or monarchy, chat the president possessed of the power given to him by this frame of government differs but very immaterially fromthe establishment in Great Britain" A. Briefly explain the main point of Madison's argument B. Briefly explain the main point of Cato's argument C. Briefly discuss how the basis of ONE of the two arguments influenced the ratification debate of the United States Constitution
Madison: there needs to be checks and balances in government because people are naturally evil and are bound to abuse their power. He believes there needs to be a strong central government to be able to control the people Cato: There should not be a strong central government because it violates our rights and we won't be rightfully represented. madison contributed to ratification of the constitution because madison believed that man would abuse their powers so not only did he place the three branches of government with equal power. He placed checks and balances so they could check each other's power
"The freedom of the press and opinions was never understood to give the right of publishing falsehoods and slanders, nor of exciting sedition, insurrection, and slaughter, with impunity. A man is always answerable for the malicious publication of falsehood; and what more does this bill require? "Such liberty of the press and of opinion is calculated to destroy all confidence between man and man; it leads to a dissolution of every bond of union; it cuts asunder every ligament that unites man to his family, man to his neighbor, man to society and to government. God deliver us from such liberty." -Congressional Representative John Allen, Speech for the Sedition Act, 1798 "Does the situation of the country, at this time require that any law of this kind should pass? Do there exist such new and alarming symptoms of sedition as render it necessary to adopt, in addition to the existing laws, any extraordinary measure for the purpose of suppressing unlawful combinations, and of restricting the freedom of speech and the press? For such were the objects of the bill, whatever modification s it might receive. . . . "While, therefore, they support the bill in its present shape, do they not avow that the true object of the law is to enable one party to oppress the other. . . . Is it not their object to frighten and suppress all presses which they consider as contrary to their views; to prevent a free circulation of opinion; . . . to delude and deceive . . . and through those means, to perpetuate themselves in power?" a) Briefly explain the main point of the first excerpt. b) Briefly explain the main point of the second excerpt. c) Provide ONE piece of evidence from the era before 1800 that is not included in the excerpt and explain how it supports the interpretation of either excerpt.
a) Allen believes that allowing the press to print anything they want, regardless of its truth, will lead to disaster. b) Gallatin believes that the Sedition Act is designed so that the Federalists can remain permanently in power by silencing anyone who criticizes them. c) Responses will vary but could include the Peter Zenger case, in which he was tried for libel because he criticized the British government. This helped establish a tradition of a free press and therefore supports Gallatin's arguments.
"Sir, suffer me to recall to your mind that time, in which the arms and tyranny of the British crown were exerted. . . . "This, Sir, was a time when you clearly saw into the injustice of a State of slavery . . .that you publicly held forth this true and invaluable doctrine. . . . 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. . . .' "But, Sir, how pitiable is it to reflect, that although you were so fully convinced of the benevolence of the Father of Mankind, and of his equal and impartial distribution of these rights and privileges, which he hath conferred upon them, that you should at the same time counteract his mercies, in detaining by fraud and violence so numerous a part of my brethren, under groaning captivity, and cruel oppression." a) Briefly explain why Banneker questioned Jefferson's actions on slavery. b) Briefly explain why ONE of the following people would either support or question Banneker's view. ¥ Ben Franklin ¥ John Adams ¥ George Washington c) Briefly explain how Thomas Jefferson might have responded to Banneker 's questions about slavery.
a) Banneker believed that Jefferson was contradicting his own words in the Declaration of Independence when he allowed slavery to continue. b) John Adams strongly opposed slavery and fought against it his entire life. c) Jefferson would have recognized the validity of much of Banneker's argument but he would have advised that it was not the right time or conditions to end it. He would also submit that hopefully slavery would end naturally as the nation grew.
a) Briefly explain the British view of how the Seven Years' War fundamentally changed the relationship between Britain and its American colonies. b) Briefly explain the colonial view as a result of the war. c) Briefly describe an initial reaction taken as a result of the changing views by either the British or colonists.
a) From the war the British had a low opinion of the colonial military and that some colonies had refused to contribute to the war effort. The British government shifted its policies to be forceful and take control of North America. The British wanted the colonists to pay for troops to guard the frontier. b) The colonists were proud of their military performance and developed confidence that they could provide for their own defense. They were not impressed with British troops or their leadership. c) Reactions included but were not limited to: New revenues and regulations by Parliament through the Sugar Act, Quartering Act, and the Stamp Act. From the colonists' point of view, each act represented a threat to their liberties and practice of representative government.
a) Briefly explain the reasons why the British issued the Proclamation of 1763. b) Briefly explain why the colonists objected to the Proclamation. c) Briefly explain how effective the Proclamation was.
a) In an effort to prevent hostilities between colonists and American Indians, the British issued a proclamation that prohibited colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. b) The colonists reacted to the proclamation with anger and defiance as after their victory in the Seven Years' War colonists hoped to gain access to western lands. c) The prohibition failed as thousands went westward beyond the boundary line drawn by the British. The British felt justified in protecting its colonial empire while the colonists saw this as threat to their liberties and representative government.
passage one: "If the towns of Manchester and Birmingham, sending no representatives to Parliament, are notwithstanding there represented, why are not the cities of Albany and Boston equally represented in that Assembly ? . . . Are they not Englishmen? Or are they only Englishmen when they solicit for protection , but not Englishmen when taxes are required to enable this country to protect them?" passage two: "That the petitioners have been long concerned in carrying on the trade between this country and the British colonies on the continent of North America; . . . From the nature of this trade, consisting of British manufactures exported and of the import of raw materials from America, many of them used in our manufactures and all of them tending to lessen our dependence on neighboring states, it must be deemed of the highest importance in the commercial system of this nation." a) Briefly explain the main point in excerpt 1. b) Briefly explain the main point in excerpt 2. c) Briefly explain an action, in response to ONE of the two views expressed, taken by the British government from the period between 1763 and 1774.
a) Jenyns is objecting to the lack of representation the colonists have in British Parliament. He believes that if the colonists are considered Englishmen, they should be given all the rights due to that status. b) The London merchants are objecting to the Stamp Act because, as a result of the colonists' boycott, manufacturers in London are not able to export or import the goods and raw materials they need. c) The British Parliament repealed the Stamp Act in order to quell protests from their citizens and return trading between the colonists and England. They immediately passed the Declaratory Act however, and this added to the differences with the colonists.
(a) United States historians have proposed events to mark the beginning of an American identity. Choose ONE of the events listed below, and briefly explain why your choice best represents the beginning of an American identity. Provide at least ONE piece of evidence to support your explanation. Publication of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" in 1776 Ratification of the Articles of Confederation in 1781 Signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783 (b) Contrast your choice against ONE of the other options, demonstrating why that option is not as good as your choice
a) Paine's arguments against the British aristocracy and monarchy pave the way for his assertion that all men were equal at creation and there should be no distinction between the rulers and the ruled. From this premise he called for not only independence but for a democratic government- an almost heretical view at that time. Tt,e legacy that Paine established in "Common Sense" included independence, aversion to monarchy, natural rights equality, and democratic institutions. All of these would play major roles in the establishment of a distinct American identity. The strongest evidence to support "Common Sense's" contribution to the development of American identity is the Declaration of Independence, a document that came directly from the ideas first proposed by Thomas Paine in "Common Sense." b) On the surface the Treaty of Paris was an overwhelming accomplishment for the new country. The American victory in the war of independence from Britain was accomplished with the help of France. That the U.S. reneged on its alliance by making a separate peace with Great Britain contrary to an understanding that there would be no separate peace between Britain and America without French agreement left the former allies estranged.
Using the cartoon, answer a, b, and c. In the cartoon, the labels on the limbs are "Virg," "Pensyl," "New York," and "New Eng." a) Explain the point of view reflected in the cartoon regarding ONE of the following: ¥ British colonial policies ¥ efforts at colonial unity ¥ Seven Years' War b) Explain how ONE element of the cartoon expresses the point of view you identified in Part A. c) Explain how the point of view you identified in Part A helped to shape ONE particular colonial government action between 1607 and 1774.
a) Seven Years' War was different from previous wars in that the fighting began in the colonies and then spread to Europe. Moreover, Britain now recognized the full importance of its colonies and shipped large numbers of troops to North America. Britain's victory gave it complete control of North America and they felt a need to have the colonists pay for the costs of the war and their future protection. b) Seven Years' War required the British defense of the colonies as embodied in the globe on the left and the shield and spear on the right-hand side of the cartoon. C) Seven Years' War resulted in the colonists being proud of their record in the war, confident that they could successfully provide for their own defense.
(a) United States historians have proposed various events to mark the beginning of an American identity. Choose ONE of the events listed below, and explain why your choice best represents the beginning of an American identity. Provide at least ONE piece of evidence to support your explanation. Ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791 Washington's Farewell Address Revolution of 1800 (b) Contrast your choice against ONE of the other options, demonstrating why that option is not as good as your choice.
a) The American character or national identity has many components and one of the most important is the concept of the peaceful transfer of power from one political group to another. Prior to the Jeffersonians replacing the Federalist in 1800, it was thought that the great weakness in a democratic and republican system of government compared to the monarchy form that dominated in most other countries was the blurred line of succession that existed. After the peaceful transition of power Jefferson said," we are all Republicans [Jeffersonians] and are all Federalist." This is another way of saying we all Americans, which supersedes being either a Republican or Federalist. B. Washington's Farewell Address gave advice to the nation in two important areas. He warned that we should have good relations with all nations and should avoid permanent alliances (the word entangling was never used). This became a part of our national identity throughout the 19th and into the 20th century. In modern times this advice has been totally ignored as the U.S. has engaged in a number of political alliances with the best example being NATO. His other advice was not followed either when he warned against the formation of factions or political parties. He felt that a representative government could not stand the strain of two opposing parties. As the Revolution of 1800 has shown the republic was safe even if two opposing political groups-Federalist and Jeffersonians- controlled the government. These are the reasons is why "Washington's Farewell Address" is not as good a choice as the "Revolution of 1800" in depicting the development of American identity.
a) Explain the point of view reflected in the cartoon above regarding TWO of the following: ¥ the British public ¥ the French government ¥ the American cartoon, "Join or Die" ¥ Yorktown b) Contrast the American Patriots' view of this cartoon with that of the American Loyalists' view.
a) The British public felt that the disloyal colonist and the French had joined in a conspiracy to trap the outnumbered British forces in America. b) American Patriots saw the power of unity both among the colonies and with their French allies leading to victory while the American Loyalists would feel the evil force of their traditional enemy, France, and traitorous brothers overwhelming the King's men.
a) The Revolutionary War was in some respects a civil war in which anti-British Patriots fought pro-British Loyalists. Briefly explain who the Patriots were. b) Briefly explain who the Loyalists were. c) Briefly explain the role played in the war by ONE of the following: ¥ African Americans ¥ American Indians ¥ France
a) The Patriots supported the revolution with the largest number coming from the New England states and Virginia. They would serve in local militia units for short periods, leave to work their farms, and then return to duty. b) The Loyalists maintained their allegiance to the king and were also called Tories. In New York, New Jersey, and Georgia, they were probably in the majority. Although Loyalists came from all groups and classes, they tended to be wealthier and more conservative than the Patriots. c) African Americans after the British promised freedom to enslaved people who joined their side Congress quickly made the same offer. Approximately 5,000 Africans fought as Patriots, most were free citizens from the North and fought in mixed racial forces.
a. Explain the point view reflected in the painting above regarding TWO of the following: b. Explain ho the point of view you identified in Part A helped to shape ONE specific United States government action between 1783, and 1812.
a) Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War between Great Britain and the United States and is portrayed with the American negotiators. Articles of Confederation established a central government for the U.S. that consisted of just one body, a congress which appointed the negotiators sent to Paris. b) b) Treaty of Paris contained terms, including the payment of debts owed to British merchants and Loyalist claims for property confiscated during the war, that the U.S. could not fulfill until a new government was created under the Constitution . 18th-century art would influence the style and construction of the nation's new capitol near Virginia. Articles of Confederation enacted the Land Ordinance of 1785, which established a policy for selling western lands and provided land for public education, and also the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 that set the rules for creating new states. British recognition of the United States was limited, with the British supporting American Indians on the western frontier and violating American rights at sea. Largely in response to these actions the U.S. went to war with Britain in 1812.
a) Choose ONE of the choices below, and explain why it best supports this statement: "America's first foreign policy under Presidents Washington and Adams had the primary goal of avoiding war." ¥ Citizen Genet controversy ¥ Jay Treaty ¥ XYZ Affair b) Contrast your choice against ONE of the other options, demonstrating why that option is not as good as your choice. c) Briefly explain an argument for war involving ONE of the choices provided OR another situation during this period of the first two presidents.
a) XYZ Affair started with reports that U.S. ships were being seized by the French. President Adams sent a delegation to negotiate a settlement. French ministers, known only as X, Y, and Z, requested bribes to enter into negotiations. Infuriated, many Americans clamored for war against France. "Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute" became the slogan of the hour. President Adams resisted the popular sentiment for war and sent new ministers to Paris. b) Citizen Genet controversy represented a diplomatic dispute while the XYZ Affair involved the loss of American citizens and property. c) There were also two overriding factors during this period. One was the French Revolution and the continued conflict between France and Britain. Many Americans wanted to thank France for its support and sided with them. Another issue was that the actions of Britain and Spain from their outposts on the western frontiers had agitated the American Indians and threatened settlements.
Passage 1: The struggle over the Constitution can best be understood as a social one. Whatever the particular constituency of the antagonists may have been, men in 1787-1788 talked as if they were representing distinct and opposing social elements. Both the proponents and opponents of the Constitution focused throughout the debates on an essential point of political sociology that ultimately must be used to distinguish a Federalist from an Antifederalist. The quarrel was fundamentally one between aristocracy and democracy. Passage 2: The supporters of the United States Constitution touted it as, among many other things, the only solution to a terrible economic slump. Nearly all free Americans believed much of the responsibility for the recession of the 1780s lay with the thirteen state legislatures. The Constitution was also rooted in a struggle between taxpayers and investors in government bonds.Debate over state-level fiscal and monetary policiesÉdivided Americans on the eve of the Constitutional Convention.The debate hinged upon which segment of society should bear the burden of reviving the economy. a. Briefly explain ONE major difference between Wood's and Holton's historical interpretations of the debates over the Constitution in the late 1780s. b. Briefly explain how ONE development in the 1780s not directly mentioned in the excerpts supports Wood's argument. c. Briefly explain how ONE development in the 1780s not directly mentioned in the excerpts supports Holton's argument.
wood: Wood argues that social class was the most important divide in the debates over the Constitution Holton: stresses the economic conflict between taxpayers and investors. Contributing to wood debate: A development supporting Wood's argument is that states rewrote their constitutions to create a separation of church and state.The 1780s also saw the emergence of debates over the abolition of slavery, including a number of Northern states incorporating gradual emancipation into their new constitutions. Contributing to Holton: Among developments supporting Holton are the voting patterns during the ratification debates that illustrate that different social groups had different positions on ratification (wealthier citizens tended to support ratification).
