Unit 2: American Revolution

New Jersey (Patterson) Plan

smaller states because they have equal representation. - Counter Proposal to VA Plan - Calls for *unicameral* legislature • All states had equal vote (1, same as Articles fo Confedration) - National government supreme, states are separate - If state and national laws are in conflict at all, the national government is supreme. - *Executive branch= multiple people* • No reelection, but recalled by Congress. Plural exectuive branch (historical backing councils)

Proclamation of 1763

- British government issued a proclamation that didn't let colonists settle west past the Appalachian mountain territories. Did this b/c British want to keep peace with the Native Americans (reserving land for colonists). But, the British think they are doing a good thing because they are preventing war in the future (which would benefit everyone, including the colonists). - Colonists mad though because: • They just fought for the land in the war • And they are expanding their population. -because they were mad, not many actually followed this boundary line. - *first of the many acts to come that angered colonists*

Shay's Rebellion

- It showed the conflicts between the need for a central authority versus property rights. - In spring of 1786, in MA, when low prices and high taxes rose to create an armed rebellion under Daniel Shays. Shays and his followers closed the court in Berksire, Hampshire, and Worcester counties, therefore preventing creditors from collecting debts. They thus defied state government, and the loyal militia put the armed mob down. - Threatened anarchy. Farmers: -General Shay raised an army in MA to rebel against the MA government for taxing them and low prices. Army made up of farmers. George Washington that they were way too successful, so Washington thinks that they need a stronger national government because they almost burned down Boston.

Republicanism

- Vs. democracy= a national vote for every person to make a decision, nothing would ever get done. - Republicanism= people elected to people making decisions.

Quartering Act

1765--required colonists to provide food and living quarters for British soldiers stationed in the colonies. GB thinks this is ok: Thomas Whatley 1. sending the soldiers to defend the colonists. 2. Save money for colonists to give troops, so the Br. 3. Taxation and legislation--GB thinks it ok because it is technically legislation. Why colonists think this is not ok: - It is basically a tax though because they have to spend more money to provide for the soldiers. taxation vs *legislation*

Charles Beard's thesis

An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States is a 1913 book by American historian Charles A. Beard. It argues that the structure of the Constitution of the United States was motivated primarily by the personal financial interests of the Founding Fathers.<< so list of names we looked at of founding fathers (all very wealthy, elite)>> very cynical view of the founding fathers, but also they risked a lot by having their names out in public.

East India Co.

The colonists continued their boycott of British tea because the British kept on insisting the right to tax. So, to help the British East India Company with its financial problems, Parliament passed the Tea Act in 1773

checks and balances

(look at class notes)

Tea Act

*What:* But, Parliament continued to keep a small tax on tea as a symbol of its right to tax the colonies. 1. Eliminates middle men. Trying to help east India Company - price of the British East India Company's tea (even with the tax included) cheaper than that of smuggled Dutch Tea. *Purpose* The colonists continued their boycott of British tea because the British kept on insisting the right to tax. So, to help the British East India Company with its financial problems, Parliament passed the Tea Act in 1773 *Why Parliament thinks this is ok:* 2. GB saying we are eliminating all taxes but this one that were in the Townshend Duties. Why colonists not ok: - because some colonial leaders thought it was a maneuver to buy popular support a. Eliminate middle men gets rid of colonial jobs b. Afraid it creates a monopoly which in the long run will drive prices up. c. Colonists now required to do it using middlemen, because they didn't follow it during he Townshend acts. (colonists were smuggling). *Responses* *- refused to buy cheaper tea because they felt that if they did, the colonists would show that they were recognizing Parliament's right to tax the colonies. - no buyers! - Boston tea party*

Sons of Liberty

- In response to the Stamp Act of 1765, very violent protest. A secret society formed to intimidate tax agents; they destroyed revenue stamps and tarred and feathered revenue officials. Sam Adams leader of s.o.l. using torture, intimidation, and violence to rebel against the government they don't like--using terror tactics.

British Forts in NW

- Includes Northwest Indian war - Under the Treaty of Paris (1783), GB gave up control of the Northwest Territory, but it was occupied by many Native American Tribes. However, despite the Treaty, GB still kept their forts in the North West as well as their policies that supported the Natives in the Northwest. So, President George Washington?(was he president yet) took the continental army? To halt the hostilities between the Natives and the US army and settlers to enforce US sovereignty over the territory. The army consisted of untrained recruits, suffered many defeats

Basic Land Ordinance

- May 1785, under the Articles of Confederation. - Because Congress did not have the money to tax and thus raise money through the central government, the goals of the Ordinance was to raise money through selling land in the territory of the West. Government would measure, divide, and distribute western land. Provided setting aside one section of land in each township for public education. 1) DIVIDE UP STATES 2) Send surveyors to establish a grid system across all of these territories. They grid the territories into Township. Within in each square in the township, it is further divided. So they buy this section in the Township. (it is accurate because 160 acres= good chunk of farmland and could buy it at 1$ per acre (cheap) so they can pay the central governemt)>> money coming in from people paying for land to the national government. 1 square is reserved for a school (or any profit should go to the schooling system= emphasis on education.

electoral college

- Office Holding= higher quality qualification than voters. (electoral college) - Electoral college per state= # of senators + # of representatives. (Electoral College) ○ Not direct vote. Article 2 section, each state has certain number of votes in that state goes to electorates. ○ Winner takes all. Winning a big state with more population is more important. Adams and others nervous about safety net that prevents against stupid people. Terrified of letting poor farmers vote. Electoral college= safety vote. § Electoral college technically allowed to not vote for what the people voted. (safeguard) ○ Electoral college people elected by the state legislature (so mainly elite) ○ No one holding office can be an electorate. ○ The people in their states directly vote for two electorate representatives ○ Votes sent to senate and counted there too, president of senate counts the votes. ○ If there is a tie, the ○ The Vice President= the second most votes in a presidential election Aaron burr))

Barbary Pirates

Barbary Coast in North Africa) Doing it since 1500's, operate around Mediterranean. In nineteenth century, they attacked American ships. Taking advantage that they control the seas, economics. Throughout the 1700's European countries had been bribing, paying them a fee in advance so that the pirates wouldn't raid European ships. §Once no longer apart of GB, So US not protected because they don't have money,and they don't have a navy. § Kills trade in states, can't enjoy this economic advantage anymore. apart of critical period

John Hancock

leader of anti-federalist party from MA; signed declaration of independence in big letters ; ship burned down because British officials tried to stop his ship because they thought he was smuggling, couldn't stop it, so burned down everything. Idea that it was unfair because even if colonists were not guilty, they still would have to pay extra charges, etc.

Andrew Oliver

- 1742, Andrew Oliver elected in provincial assembly in MA Bay Colony. In 1765, Oliver= commissioned to administer unpopular Stamp Act in MA. Privately against it, but told people that he favored it leading colonists to rise against him. IN August 1765, Oliver was hanged in effigy and house ransacked from Boston's Liberty Tree in protest by a group that diverged out of the Sons of Liberty. Later in August, Oliver resigned publically and in December the s.o.l. forced him to publicaly swear that he would never be a stamp distributor again.

Anti federalist Papers

- unlike in the Federalist who planned and wrote as collaborators, the Antifederalists wrote in an uncoordinated and sporadic fashion. Large collection of writtng did not appear till later of the Art. of Conf.

Thomas Hutchinson

After Whately's death, correspondence directed to him from *Thomas Hutchinson, governor of Massachusetts,* Lieutenant-Governor Oliver and other British colonial agents was leaked to Benjamin Franklin. They were later published in Boston, causing great scandal, and eventually involving his brother William Whately in a duel. - Governor of MA from 1758-1774, was alarmed to see how much the colonists "denied the validity of Parliamentary legislation" (63). - *In 1773, he read the House of Representatives a lecture about how he saw no distinction between the authority of Parliament and the independence of the colonies. loyalist politician*

Daniel Dulany

He wrote the Considerations on the Propriety of Imposing Taxes in the British Colonies, in response to the Stamp Act. -he is a lawyer from maryland, comes b. Member of proprietary colonists. - Called out Grenville's or Thomas Whatley's idea of the colonists having virtual representation: Colonists are all still different because all British still live in England. So virtual representation does not really applied to them because you are passing a law that applies to the colonies, so it does not affect the people making it - GB passes laws, you are extracting money from us (external vs. internal).. You can pass laws about trade, but if you are passing laws just to collect money, that is a difference that is not ok. (taxation vs. legislation)

Townshend Duties/ Acts

May 1767 Imposed by newly appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer Charles Townsend took over influence in Parliament because Pitt is dying. What?: - In anticipation of his plan, they cut off all other taxes except tea, paper, glass, paint, and lead (5). - also suspended New York's Assembly for that colony's resistance to follow the Quartering Act. Purpose?: - again, not to pay off debts but *used to pay for crown officials, which made them independent of the colonial assemblies that had previously paid their salaries. Became corrupt*. How to enforce?: - To enforce trade regulations, the British put there customs officials in the Baltimore. - He makes it harder to smuggle because the British officials are in the colonies, and the acts also declared that officials could search private homes for smuggled goods. -They could seize a ship of they expected,and even if they were not guilty, it would still cost the person a lot money. Officials got more money and they ended up being corrupt people. How did the colonists respond?: - At first, most colonists accepted taxes because they were indirect paid by merchants

Great (CT) Compromise

Solution to Virginia and New Jersey Plan 9/13 states would be needed for ratification. - The Connecticut Compromise, also called Great Compromise of 1787 was an agreement proposed by Roger Sherman of Connecticut that large and small states reached during the Constitutional Convection that addressed the legislative branch and how much representation each state would have under the new Constitution. 1. Proposed two-house Congress (bicameral legislature) 2. lower house. (H.O.R.)>> according to size and population. 3. Senate-- but required upper house to be weighted equally btw. states. Senate would have two reps per state.>> equal representation.

separation of powers

- generally three separate branches: 1. legislative powers to an elected two-house legislature. In art. of confederation, congress given power to wage war, make treaties, send diplomatic representatives, and borrow money; but, not allowed to regulate commerce or collect taxes. 2. executive powers= elected governor<<little rights, skeptical of tyranny. But Congress had no executive power to enforce the laws. 3. judicial powers= system of courts. those seeking any kind of office were held to higher property qualification than voters. *class notes*

Virginia (Edmund Randolph) Plan, also Madison's proposal

--favored by large states, it is disproportionall, so they get more state representation. - 3 Branches--executive, judiciary, legislative - Bicameral legislature • Lower house voted by the people of each state. (lower house voted on directly) Upper house elected by state legislatures of each state and then elected by members of the lower house. (upper house voted indirectly) • Both proportionate. - Veto power to judiciary and executive branch - Power of veto for national legislature in relation to state legislature.

Declaratory Act

1766, Grenville was replaced with another prime minister; Parliament voted to repeal the Stamp Act, colonists were happy. After the repeal, Parliament passed the Declaratory Act in 1766 which just confirmed and asserted that Parliament had the right to tax and make laws for the colonies "in all cases whatsoever". Lead to more colonial conflicts w/ GB. - A way for Parliment to say that they are still in control of the colonists. -doesn't distinguish between taxation and legislation. - - Vaguely hint at their right to impose taxes, but there two groups in Parliament could not agree. They are trying to save face and want to look strong.

Board of Customs Commisioners

1767,in the *Townshend duties*, GB tightened their supervision on colonial trade. The American Board of Customs Commissioners raised number of customs officials, constructed colonial coast gaurd, and paid informers. - Gb appointing taxes. harder for americans to get around it. Parliament's idea that if they appointed American tax colectors and had the facilities there, smuggling goods would decrease. Colonists obviously not ok with it.

Lord North

1770 -*Lord Frederick North becomes new prime minister after Grenville.* - urges Parliament to repeal the Townshend Acts because London merchants suffering as a result to the colonial boycott of British goods from the Townshend Acts. The repeal ended the colonial boycott except for the Boston "massacre", and there was a 3 year period where colonial troubles decreased, and the colonies went through a period of economic prosperity. But, Parliament continued to keep a small tax on tea as a symbol of its right to tax the colonies.

Critical period

- Referred to during when the Articles of Confederation was in effect from 1781 to 1789. - Dark and doubtful time, - But, the Articles of Confederation did achieve a lot: as a result, war had been won, peace with favorable terms, postwar depression had been weathered successfully, and population and national income were increasing, also success with dealing with land and incoming population out west. - Characterized: 1. First by a deep economic depression because England forbade the states to trade with the West Indies. - Foreign Affairs ○ GB--Adams is promptly ignored by British government (ambassador) § US, as apart to Pay back all debts, and reemberce the loyalists (the US has done neither of them). § So, Brtiish left their troops there along the Great Lakes on American soil. They send more troops through Canada (which GB owns). US doesn't have an army, NY suffering, but southern states, don't care (but since you need 9/13 to get anything one, they can't tax or raise an army). § Vermont---4 states claimed Vermont. By 1785, the people of Vermont want to become a state (large enough), but all states can't vote to see who will control it, other states or themselves. § Vermont is threatned to cecede from the United States, and go back to being property of GB. ○ Spain--colonists get Florida from Spain, but they get the important port of New Orleans (important because for port to Mississippi< only way to ship things out of Mississippi). More and ore people moving out --farmers--, but Spain said that (over the mountains, Spain says that the US are not allowed access (1784) to New orleans, and in 1785, the Missississippi is closed to Americans. Spain can enforce this because they have an army. Why? 1. Scared of competition 2. Westward expansion and ignore border that was drawn for hem (common theme) ○ Articles of Confederation can't do anything about it because no army, no money, and Spanish will not take you seriously. ○ Barbary Pirates. ○ French--ignoring US. Adams sent o Britian, Jefferson sent to France to try and get to act as a mediator to act as a mediator between States and Spain, but French don't take them seriously. - Diplomacy Society ○ No unity after Revolutionary War ○ Farmers: Shay's Rebellion. § Did same thing to British years before, but they are doing it to their government. ○ Boats along Potomic River: (runs along border between Virginia and Maryland) § Great Falls, Virginia. Foundign Fathers believed that ig could be a great east/ west waterway for trade, trasporting, so you don't have to cross the mountains. Tryng to make it navigable. It doesn't go well because cargo ships carring agricultural products and trade products crash on the rocks. Virginia tries to fix it by saying that the government could build dams, but the state overnment can't build it (neither side is willing to pay). There is nothing in the Aicles of Confederaiton to make them work together., and central government ot pay for it (they can't tax). The states won't work together either. Again, no unity - Domestic Economics ○ Potamac river= so it crushes many businesses ○ Inflation (1 dolars work of gold, need 1,000 bills of continental money) ○ Great Britain doesn't want to trade with them very much (US lost their main trading partner)

First Continental Congress

- *Purpose*: come up with some unified way to resist British authority (but specific aims not unified at all) - *Differences*: Debate, distrust, acted in independent entities= themes o Penn, NY= wanted resolution with England; some didn't want independence, and wanted same relationship they had with King pre-seven years' war. But relations can't be restored, Parliament has been too disrespected. o Want American Branch of Parliament. o Radical= wanted separation - *Who*: loyalists= not represented, all colonies but Georgia. Usually elected by the people, the colonial legislatures, or committees of correspondence. Head= VI rep, Peyton Randolph - *Where*= met in Phili, September 1774 - *Goals: change British policy. - Considered: o Similar to Albany Plan of Union with re-ordered relations with Parliament, and formed union of colonies within the British empire. DID NOT PASS. elected Grand Council (represented colonies as a whole). Against this was the President General appointed by the crown to represent the authority of the king of America. - What they actually did: 1. signed Suffolk Resolves (not obey coercive acts) 2. Passed Declaration of Rights and Grievances: supported by moderate delegates, urged king to restore colonial rights, but it recognized Parliament's authority to regulate commerce. (Taxation vs. legislation) 3. Continental Association--network of committees to enforce economic sanctions in Suffolk Resolves 4. if colonial rights not recognized, delegates would meet again in May 1775. - *B Reaction*: because of this petition, King declared MA to be in rebellion hand sent more troops.

Boston Massacre

- 1768-1773, things are mostly calm with the exception of the Townshend Duties are repealed and the Boston Massacre. - Boston Massacre, 1770: ○ 3 were shot. ○ Nobody is really sure, but there are many British troops that are guarding the customs house (GB keeping a lot of money). Colonists rallied near there, and the colonists argue that the captain agreed to fire on the unarmed colonists. § Captains and army said that one of the colonists said to fire and tried to shoot, so the British respect ○ Wildly exaggerated in the newspapers - the soldiers who fired were defended by John Adams.

Saratoga

- After the colonists won this battle, it seemed likely that with a French Alliance, the colonists could win independence. - a turning point for the patriots in the Revolutionary War. - General John Burgoyne, leader of British troops, had marched from Canada in an attempt to link up with other forces marching west and south. Their goal was to cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. But Burgoyne's troops were attacked in Saratoga, upstate *NY in October 1777*, and the British army was forced to surrender. - The diplomatic outcome of this battle= very important making it a turning point for colonial troops in the war because: • Demonstrated that the Americans could force the surrender of a powerful British army. • The colonists' victory prompted France to ally with the colonists. (they would not have joined the war if it looked like the colonists would lose the war, just a waste of resources; but, if it looked likely that they would win, then they could use the war to make sure England had less world power). • British plan to cut off Massachusetts ○ Three branches § One branch heads north § One heads south from Montreal § Third comes down St. Lawrence river ○ Badly coordinated § Branch from the south leaves late □ Doesn't want to abandon Washington □ Thinks he can defeat him § Branch from North ambushed by Continental army □ Under Benedict Arnold □ Completely unexpected attack ends in victory § Branch from north also defeated by Benedict Arnold - v. important ○ Major victory ○ Ensures French alliance § Why they want to ally □ Revenge on Britain □ Gain land and wealth in new world § This battle convinced them the colonies are serious □ Able to defeat British ○ France commits w/ treaty in 1778 § Spanish in by 1779

Annapolis Convention

- Also called the Meeting of Commissioners to Remedy Defects of the Federal Government. - In September 1786 in Annapolis Maryland, 12 delegates from five states--New Jersey, NY, Penn, Delaware, and VI was a convention for the national government gathered to talk about the protectionism trade barriers that each state made. • Again theme= large economic problems because Articles of Confederation had no authority to regulate trade btw states. • Although all states were invited? Few of them showed up: theme of how states don't care because it doesn't affect them. Again, Articles of Confederation does not bring them together, no unity. - Protectionism= (tariffs, etc) to make fair economic competition btw. Imports and goods and services produced - Report asked for a broader constitutional convention to be held in May in Philadelphia. So, more states would be represented, and more broad topics would be discussed besides commercial trade. • Shows that more - Does it have anything to do with Shay's Rebellion in 1786? - Direct result of Annapolis Convention= Philadelphia Convention of 1787 that drafted the US constitution. - Maryland vs. Virginia boats and interstate commerce. Convention at all states of Annapolis, unless the Articles of Confederation was revised. So if anything was going to be changed, they need much more extensive change to the Articles of Confederation Government.

Articles of Confederation (loose alliance btw. states)

- Art. Of confederation replaced by constitution (more anti-monarchy than anti-parliament). More anti-parliament= declaration of independence (evolution of ideals overtime). - In 1776 in Philadelphia,* John Dickenson* was drafting articles of confederation for the US. It was modified and adopted by Congress in 1777 to protect the powers of the individuals states, and then it was submitted for state ratification. - First attempt to create a national government. - This is harder than saying what you oppose a strong centralized government, so they have to figure out what they do like. - States also need to work together. Bu - How do we get a gov. that avoids monarch? How do we get gov. that get states to work together, how do we get gov that everyone will buy into. - How to characterize them: • A lot of power in the states. Gives the states the power to tax have/ have all the power as the purse. • Legislative branch strongest of the three. According to the a.o.c., the legislative branch is bicameral. Every state gets one vote (equal representation). • In order to pass a law, you need 9/13 (3/4) of laws to pass it • To amend or change the a.o.c. Itself, all state votes need to be unanimous. • There is not an executive branch. (so George Washington is not president until • They can borrow money from other countries, but not tax. • Can print money, but can't tax (so it can't raise that money). • 1781-1789) - What do they say central government can do? Not a lot, so anything else is reserved for the states. • Make decisions on war and peace • Foreign policy with Indian affairs • Create a postal service. - Weaknesses?: 1. They can't tax, so how they do have an army? a. If get military from Continental Congress from states, you are indebted to them. b. States have own armies but not coordinated. c. So, they just start printing money. Which leads to horrible inflation. They print continental dollars. 2. States start competing with each other because each state is basically independent (put their own taxes, have own governments, have own army), nothing unifying them in any way. 3. Not easy to pass laws. They will start disagreeing. Virginia think that they should have more representatives because they are bigger than Road Island. They are not unified, and the states are so different. Problems: Western Land Claims, once dealt with, they can create a start at the national government. - If Virginia claims territory claim Virginia, they get territory and money by - If a state like Virginia claims land, they overall get more money because if people go out to buy land, they have to pay the state government • They get more money because if people want to buy land, they have to pay th state government. So, it can tax less because it is making more money. - But if you are Maryland in particular, you can't sell land to make money, so the onlyway to make money , so yuou have to tax more. - So maryland refuses to agree to the art.of.c.,. So Virginia cede the western land to the national government, so that people who buy land pay it to the national government, so once Virgnina does it, the other states tdo it to, and the art. Of confderation are ratified. So the first national governent starts in 1781 under the art. Of. Confderation. What they did well: ○ The Articles of Confederation Deal with Western Land well because: § Cherokee will say off land below Ohio River, and the States say that they wouill stay of land West of that (treaty of Hopewell 1785). ○ Passes 2 laws: basic land ordinance, and NW ordinance.

State Constitutions

- By 1777, 10 of the former colonies wrote these state constitutions and adopted them when they became states, and other states proposed a constitution that was to be submitted to the people for approval. - Each constitution went through a long process of debate as the conservatives favored law and order while the liberals focused on protecting individual rights and preventing tyranny. - Although each constitution varied on specific laws, each constitution had similar features: • List of Rights--- gov. couldn't intervene on these rights • Separation of Powers • Voting= all white males who owned property. - Office Holding= higher quality qualification than voters. (electoral college) State gov. *during* the war • People very important during the fighting • They demand a role in gov. ○ This showed at the state level ○ Individual constitutions • Characteristics of state gov. ○ Same people initially in power ○ Local gov. became more secure § More stable than a centralized gov. § They are the most powerful ○ Very weak executive branch § Scared of powerful single leader ○ Written constitutions § Get the people involved in writing § Bill of rights ○ Checks and Balances § Bicameral legislatures § Founders thought general people aren't able to run gov. □ Lower house § Upper house □ The elitist and educated people

Federalism

- Federalism vs. nationalism - Federal government means divided between national and state powers. Federalism: 1. national 2. state

John Jay

- Federalist, wrote f. papers - President of the continental congress - Helped to negotiate the Treaty of Paris (1783) - Minister ambassador to Spain Jay and Washington send letters to each other confirming the Critical Period(1781-1789)--, unity and country are in critical condition - People are selfish (the elite just want to gain money) > people are naturally evil, and the government or laws are there to stop it? - Unity won't stay (so revolution over, unity is falling apart) - Harder to make changes later, then it is now. - People are more selfish than greater good - Laughing in face of national government - Entire republican experiment---to them, is it better to go back to a monarchy. A lot wanted to make Washington King, because they think country will crash and burn.

French Alliance

- France's money (with its alliance) made it possible to finance the war because America no developed or an industrial enough country to thrive on its own. - Louis XVI, an absolute monarch, had no interest in supporting a revolutionary movement (because ya know French Revolution), but he saw a chance to undermine GB and its colonial empire (competition). - Before, France had secretly extended aid of money and supplies to the Patriots in 1775, but in 1778, France openly and officially allied themselves with the colonists. - The French alliance was a decisive factor in the Revolutionary War because it "widened the war" and forced the British to divert military resources away from America. - prompted by colonial victory at the battle of Saratoga in in 1777. France would not have joined the war if it looked like the colonists would lose the war, just a waste of resources; but, if it looked likely that they would win, then they could use the war to make sure England had less world power.

George III

- He fully supported Parliament, and wanted to desperately keep his American colonies. - Colonists wanted Parliament to have less authority. - Sent the Olive Branch Petition 1775. - He desperately wanted to hang onto his colonies, but at the same time, he also wanted to remain loyal to Parliament. - Reaction to Olive Branch Petition: He doesn't have the power to say no, more of a moderate King and didn't like the absolute monarch power. liberal monarch. He just can't because the colonists have shot at British soldiers (message sending the rest to the empire saying that if you don't obey taxes, we will not discipline you.

Samuel Adams

- In *first* continental congress, Samuel and John Adams lead the radical faction that wanted to suceed from GB from MA. In 1768, Samuel Adams and James Otis wrote the MA Circular Letter and sent copies to every colonial legislature. - it urged colonies to petition Parliament to repeal the Townshend Acts. In response, B officials ordered to withdraw letter, threatened to dissolve the legislature, and increased # of troops in Boston. Colonists continued to boycott B goods, merchants increased smuggling to avoid Townshend duties. - more radical, apart of s.o.l. denounced the shooting incident as a "massacre" and used it to inflame anti-British feelings. - starts Committee of Correspondence to keep anti-British feelings alive during time of peace

Yorktown

- In 1781, the last major battle in the Revolutionary War was fought near Yorktown, Virginia on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. With the significant help of the colonists' French allies, Washington's army forced the surrender of a large British army commanded by General George Cornwallis. - Britain changes strategy • War shifts to the South ○ Scene of colonial revenue § Will lower moral by destroying cash crops § Less money for ammunition ○ British promise freedom to the slaves if they fight for them ○ Most loyalists are there • Can't hold conquered territory ○ Still chasing colonial army around Yorktown • Cornwallis camped out w/ British army • Washington sets up blockade ○ Prevents British from leaving ○ French navy aides them with Lafayette ○ British navy starves and surrenders • Importance * ○ Majority of the British army defeated* This ended the war

Western Land Problem

- In 1784, April Ordinance said that states were forbidden to interfere with any arrangements made by Congress for the sale of public lands.

Constitutional Convention

- In September 1887, after 17 weeks of debate, the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention submitted a draft of the constitution to be submitted to the states for ratification. 9/13 states would have to approve, and each state would hold popularly elected conventions to debate and vote on the drafted constitution. - 12/13 states (except for Rhode Island). - There: • James Madison--representing Jefferson's ideas, Virginia. • Alexander Hamilton, immigrant from the Caribbean, not actually born in US. • Governor Morris (actual name, not a real governor), MA, represents Adams' ideas. • George Washington, VI, in charge of thing • Benjamin Franklin, • Randolf • Patterson - They keep the proceeding secret. Colonists would be upset because they are fearful of a strong central government. They would be too weak in the eyes of the government (very unstable, weak, uncertainty, anxiety if colonists find out). Historians don't know much, and colonists don't barely know that these meetings are going on. - Agree on: urgency, union might fall apart, need stronger central government, but still protects rights. - Not there: Thomas Jefferson (in France, had nothing to do with the constitution writing), Sam and John Adams. But represented by others

John Dickinon

- In first cont. congress, he represented the moderates. Someone who responded to the Townshend Duties of 1767. Wrote in his Letters From a Farmer in Pennsylvania said that Parliament could regulate commerce, but he argued that these duties were a form of taxation, and could not be levied without consent from the colonial representative assemblies. (no taxation without representation)

Stamp Act Congress

- In response to the Stamp Act of 1765, in MA, James Otis initiated cooperative action in the colonies to protest the Stamp Act. 9 colonies sent representatives to NY in 1675 to form the Stamp Act Congress. *They concluded that only their own elected representatives had the legal authority to approve taxes*. - During time of quartering act (1765) Franklin uses deception by saying that they had loyalty to the Parliament, but ddint' like what the Stamp act sent letter to in England. Benjamin Franklin told the Parliament so the parliament thinks they are ok. , just no internal taxes. Why does Franklin and the Stamp Act Congress saying this? The colonists were divided within themselves (compromise), they still think of themselves a apart of the British empire. They probably mean it, but then GB piles on much more. - wrote a letter to the King to reaffirm their loyalty to the Parliament, but they say you can legislate but not tax, impose external taxes but not internal taxes. (taxation vs. legislation)

Thomas Whately

- Parliment member, friend of George Grenville. Writes Stamp Act. - Acknowledged english liberty forbade taxation without consent. He went further to say that any laws should not be imposed without British subjects' consent. - But he insisted that this did not include the Sugar act or the other Parliament acts and it did not affect the colonists because although they could not participate in government, most British subjects at home couldn't either. virtual representation (75% of of adult males could not vote because they din't own enough property, lived in towns not legalized to send members to colonies. But, he said that they were not really unrepresented because they had virtual representation because every member of Parliament was supposed to represent the whole empire. --this was also a justification for the Stamp Act too. - His theories were rejected by colonists, and that taxation should not come from English authorities, but from their local assemblies and their self-represented governments. *What Thomas Whately uses to back up:* 1.Not even the British people 9/10 of them can't vote, and they can't vote and have little representation. So, colonists you are in the same boat. 2. Even if not literally represented, you colonists are virtually represented. 3. English citizens been paying the Stamp Tax for a long time, so you colonists should be paying it too. 4. - If we are going to defend you colonists, we need to have money to pay these soldiers (future).*

Peace of Paris (1783)

- Reasons for: • After Lord Cornwallis' defeat in Yorktown, it was a heavy blow to the Tory/ Loyalist party in Parliament that was conducting the war • War became unpopular in GB because it hurt the economy and the government's finances. • Lord North and other Tory ministers resigned and were placed by Whig leaders who wanted to end the war. - So the Peace of Paris in 1793, was signed in Paris. - They agreed to: • GB would recognize the existence of the United States as an independent nation. • The Mississippi River would be the western boundary to the US. • US would have fishing rights off the coast of Canada 4.* Americans would pay debts owed to B. merchants and honor Loyalists for property confiscated during war.* Peace of Paris (1783) • Determines borders ○ South at Georgia ○ Western at Mississippi ○ Northern boundary unclear § Along the Great Lakes § Problematic later on * • GB Gives Florida to Spain* ○ In exchange for trading rights in Europe and Africa • American agreements ○ Compensate loyalists § Allowed to stay or leave w/ out punishment ○ Payback pre-war debts owed to England Generally owed to merchants

Olive Branch Petition

- Second Continental Congress, sent to King George III in June 1775. Colonies pledged loyalty to King, but asked him to intercede with Parliament to secure peace and protection of colonial rights. - George said no, we've too far colonists, and G. passes Parliament's Prohibitory Act declaring the colonies in rebellion, and later Parliament forbade all trade *and shipping btw. GB and colonies., >declares Boston too in state of rebellion?* >>>big deal, cuts off biggest trading partner. - Adopted during the Second Continental Congress in July of 1775. It was an attempt where the colonies tried to avoid an a full-on war that was threatening between the colonies and the King. They affirmed their loyalty to the King; however, they gave him a warning saying to prevent further conflict. begging George II to *separate himself from Parliament*, and take over the government, not just be a sect of Parliament. -Turning Point for colonists that prompted Deceleration of Independence.

Second Continental Congress

- Started meeting in the summer of 1775 in Philadelphia. (#4, if colonial rights not recognized) - It began after warfare had begun in the American Revolution (pre Bunker Hill) - During this time, a rough-draft of the Declaration of Independence was being drafted. - The questions it faced: 1. Declaration of Causes and Necesities for Taking Arms: Continental army would be created in order to meet the military threat of the British; American navy created, forces in Quebec. a. George Washington= supreme commander of Continental Army. 2. Authorized printing of money to pay for military supplies. 3. Made committee to deal with relations with foreign governments. - Is this the first point when real unification started. - still divided: - New England, independence - middle colonies, reforms. 4. waged war, but sought peaceful settlement> sent Olive Branch Petition

Federalists

- Supporters of the constitution - most common on Atlantic Coast, and in large cities *Leaders:* Washington, Franklin, Madison, Hamilton. *Arguments:* strong central gov to keep order and keep new country alive. *Strategy:* emphasize weakness and non-efficiency of art. of confederation; portrayed the anti-federalists as negative opponents with no solutions. *Advantages:* strong leaders; well-organized. *Disadvantages:* constitution was new and untried; when originally written, it had no bill of rights.

Gen John Burgoyne

- The commander of British troops that were forced to surrender when the colonial troops attacked them at Saratoga in upstate NY in October 1777.

Lord Cornwallis

- The commander of a large army force that lost in Yorktown (last major battle in Revolutionary War) to Washington's forces along with the help of their French allies. - After his troops' defeat, it helped to prompt the end of the Revolutionary War and the Peace of Paris (1783).

Lexington and Concord

- They were the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War in April 1775. - It was a turning point in the American Revolution. General Thomas Gage (B commander) sent large troop to seize supplies in town of Concord. Paul Revere and William Dawes of Lexington assembled to face the British here. Colonists forced to retreat, 8 colonists killed. No body knows who fired first shot. - B continued to Concord and destroyed some military supplies. When marching back to Boston colonial surprise attack and many B. were killed. - April 1775-- calm, and then first shots of war - Lexington and Concord-- a lot of ammunition and weapons. ○ Large supply of ammunition in Concord MA. To the British this is suspicious in Boston. ○ The British march from Boston to Concord to take over ammunition and guns ○ He warns the American militia men there called minute men. First shots fired at Lexington by the British, and the British sort of win (small) and continuet owards Concord. ○ The people in Concord have had more time to prepare, the minute men in better formation. There is a formation of minute men, and they fire on British. The Brtiish are taken by surprise that. ○ Colonists first - Paul Revere: not really true, in poem, more famous because he draws a print after the Boston Massacre called the "Bloody Massacre". Colonists unarmed, unprotected, rises Patriotism. ○ Puppy to go with innocence ○ British commanding shots (we know didn't happen). ○ Faces of brtiish are smiling ○ Look like its daylight, when we know it was dark and confusing. - They disagree on what happen, but the colonists doesn't, but this drawing is accepted as what happened during the Boston Tea Party. April 1775.

Gen Willian Howe

- Was the British troop leader in the battle of Bunker Hill - Bunker Hill= 1st true battle of Rev. War. June 1775, in Boston. Colonial militia of MA farmers fortified Breed's Hill (nxt to Bunker Hill). British attacked colonists and maintained the hill. America claimed victory of sort having suceeding in inflicting heavy losses when attacking British army. British really won, but could not crush "rebellion" >>>Shows: Took more than military might to win independence. Howe's army chases them across Delaware in Battle of Trenton/ Princeton. Importance: interrupted B plants, increased moral because they had been losing for a year, soldiers deserting and dying.

Navigation of the Mississippi

- When giving Florida to Spain, they also gave away the important trading port, center, city New Orleans, which gives Spain the control for the Mississippi River. This is not good because many farmers are moving to near and through the Mississippi River - Mississippi River therefore becomes more and more important. In 1784, Spain closes the river to US ships.

Stamp Act

- When mobbing was an effective tool to scare parliament and English officials out of the colonies. an internal tax (paper never leaves country). *1. What was it?* - Taxed all legal documents and paper goods (newspapers, playing cards). - GB doesn't think this is a big deal because colonists are taxed one fifth of what the regular English citizens would pay. British had been paying that exact tax for 70 years. - THIS ONE AFFECTS EVERYONE, bigger deal because it was first direct tax/ internal tax (paper never leaves country). 2. What was its purpose? - NOT ABOUT PAYING OFF DEBTS--GB says that we will cover this one. But now, we need to keep troops stationed there. The empire costs money. So to pay the soldiers for future needs, so the taxes are for future money (for protection of soldiers in the future). << British completely reasonable. Worried about Indians attacks. *3. How was it to be enforced?* - All legal government papers had to have this stamp on it. They would be taken to court without a jury + prison. - GB appoints regular colonists as stamp collectors because there is already animosity towards the English officials who could have actually enforced it. *4. Colonists response and why?* 1. *Sons of Liberty* 2. *Stamp Act Congress* passed a resolution which succeeded. 3. *boycotts* against British imports= most effective: boycotted any article of British origin(also just ignored the law and didn't put stamps on thing). A single stamp is never purchased. - boycotting= colonial unity. - Result= London merchants had a sharp drop in trade, so they put pressure on Parliment to repeal the controversial Stamp Act. - Pamphlets circulate through England and the Americas. Effective for rallying support to get people into the boycott. Why are the colonists so upset about the Stamp Act, other than it impacts everyone else? - Colonists don't want to have representation because they would still be outnumbered in the parliament. They don't want representation, they just don't want taxes. - They feel like now they are even more separated from GB and the colonies. - Troops are there just to enforce laws, and not to actually protect them. - GB trying to keep their property, which for Americans, property= freedom, and by taking it away, they are taking their freedom too.

Suffolk Resolves

- called for an immediate repeal of the Intolerable Acts + for colonies to resists them by making military preparations and boycotting British goods. - Discussed in the First Continental Congress. - Made in September 1774 made by the leaders of Suffolk County, MA in Boston. - It rejected the Massachusetts Government Act (gave the royally appointed governor many powers over the local government) - NOT PASSED, like Plan of Union

Federalist Papers

- countered arguments of anti-federalists - Alexander Hamilton fear of the ratifying convention in New York voting against the Constitution in New York, because the governor of New York, Governor George Clinton/ leader of Anti federalists wrote persuasive newspaper articles against the Federalism. So, Hamilton answered Clinton's federalist assaults by starting The Federalist. Key element in the Federalist campaign for the Constitution was a series of highly persuasive essays (later in book form called Federalist Papers) (85)written for a NY newspaper written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. Talked about why and what huge necessary changes were need to be made to the art. of confederation with a new constitution so the new country will not collapse.

Committee of Correspondence

- during 1770-1772 (more quiet years of Revolutionary War), Samuel Adams among others kept alive the animosity feelings towards GB. one of the ways he did this was through starting the Committees of Correspondence. - In Boston and other MA towns, Adams organized committees that exchanged letters about suspicious or potentially threatening British activities. Responses: - VI House of Burgesses did similar things by organizing inter colonial assemblies in 1773.

Loyalists

- loyalists not represented in the 1st. cont. congress. - they were usually upper class (but not always) - didn't challenge the King's gov. at all. - Showed that the American Revolution was also a civil war where anti- British Patriots fought pro-British Loyalists. - The pro-British Loyalists who maintained allegiance to the King were also called Tories. - About 60,000 of them fought along with British soldiers, but they were the minority. The total # of Tories= 520,000- 780,000 people which was about 20-30% of colonial population. States that had the most of them were New York, New Jersey, and Georgia. Post and towards end of war, 80,000 Loyalists emigrated from the states to British Canada rather than face the persecution from the victorious patriots. - who= most government officials and Anglican clergy in America remained loyal to the British Crown.

Antifederalists

- opponents to the Constitution - small farmers + settlers on western frontier. *Leaders:* George Mason and Patrick Henry (Virginia); James Winthrop and John Hancock (MA); George Clinton (NY) *Arguments:* stronger central gov. would destroy work of the Revolution, limit democracy, and restrict states' and individual rights, (could inevitably lead to monarchy). Wanted a Bill of Rights. *Strategy:* the proposed constitution had no protection of individual rights, *that it gave central gov more power than the British gov ever had*. *Advantages:* appealed to popular distrust of government based on colonial experience with GB. *Disadvantages:* poorly organized; slow to respond to Federalist challenge. -many different sects of anti-federalists>> some would approve const. with a bill of rights, some just completely against it. These are NOT political parties, first divisions in founding fathers to tell what to do about the government.

Three-Fifths Compromise

- plan brought up in Phili Constitutional Convention. Prompted by anti-federalists, people in North two questions: Should enslaved people be counted in state populations, and should slave trade be allowed? - agreed to 3/5ths compromise which counted each slave as 3/5ths of a person for the purposes of determining a state's level of taxation and representation. - also agreed that the slaves could be imported for at least 20 years longer until 1808, and then Congress could vote to abolish the slave trade or slavery? if they still wished.

Hamilton Plan

-- a federalist plan, called British Plan - Wanted a constitutional monarchy like system - 137: thought highly of the constitutional monarchy. But not a part of his plan. - Actually called the British Plan too. - Bicameral legislature: upper house= life terms. - Really strong central government (constitutional monarchy) they all serve for live. • There would be a head of state + Parliament (basically what GB had had). • State governors given power to veto choices made in legislature • National legislature had veto power of the state legislateure (like Virginia Plan) - Many leaders would serve for life - Three parts: 1. Protect and promote American industry. - Get rid of state sovereignty, consolidating the states. - *Not a monarchy because it is not hereditary.* - Executive (not called monarch but a head of state), also life term.. Executive slected by the leislature. *- Conflicts of plan: 1. Branches of government in terms of power (who gets to make decissions) 2. Representation---large vs. small states. 3. States vs. national governments still. 4. North vs. South a. Slavery b. How to cout slaves---3/5ths compromise 5. East vs. West (colonies thought that they should have "seniority" over the western states.*

Sugar Act

1764, also called Revenue Act of 1764 - *tax on imported goods, trade tax* - similar(both sugar and stamp acts not really a big deal) - justification= virtual representation, and Thomas Whately - tax on foreign sugar and other luxuries, started enforcing Navigation Acts more (overall in 3 laws that King George III passed with George Grenville (sugar act, quartering act, stamp act) - Sugar tax actually lowering the tax (less than the molasses act), but they start to actually enforce it. Purpose: taxes= for future money because GB wants to keep troops to protect the colonists. Enforcement: -admiralty court (an admiral= Captain in the British navvy). -no jury with a real judge (judge=naval officer). -Increased new pressure, complicated paper work, needed to ship/ import goods those accused of avoiding the tax are tried. -In reality, the sugar Act does not impact the majority of the colonists because it only impacts wealthy merchants who are shipping large quantities of sugar. - So they only write pamphlets to the crown and in newspapers.

Coercive (Intolerable Acts)

1774 - Lord North's, the king's, and Parliament's *reaction to the Boston Tea Party*= enactment of a series of punitive acts (the Coercive Acts) and Quebec act. Colonists outraged so called them the Intolerable Acts. Purpose: punishing Boston and MA people and bring down their followers. What: 1. Port Act closed port of Boston, prohibiting trade in and out of the harbor until the destroyed tea was payed for. ( the most important and lucrative trading center in colonies. Huge deal (map you only have one road.) 2. MA Government Act right to self government locally, and increased power of royal governor. 3. Administration of Justice Act--allowed royal officials accused of crimes to be tried in GB instead of colonies.(punishments are lessened) 4. expanded and renewed Quartering Act to allow British troops to be quartered in private homes, applied to all colonies. Also sent more of these troops *Effects:* - only affects MA and Boston, but it makes colonies want to unite. Boston becomes a martyr. ii. Colonies rally behind Boston. Unify, wagon trains carry food to Boston (watching out for them). Supply stuff for Boston. It bonds them.

Quebec Act

1774 Lord North's, the king's, and Parliament's reaction to the Boston Tea Party=Coercive Acts and Quebec act, which organized formerly owned French Canada. French Canadians generally ok with it, but colonies not although it technically does not impact them at all. *What* 1. Established Roman Catholicism as the official religion of Quebec (Extends freedom of religion in concerns of Catholicism)= Scary threat for the close neighbors of the Protestants in New England. 2. set up gov. without a representative assembly= This scares the colonists because it could happen to them too. 3. extended Quebec's boundary to the Ohio River (right next to colonists)

Northwest Ordinance

1787. Congress passes this Ordinance that set the rules for creating new states concerning the large territory between the Great Lakes and the Ohio River. - Congress is establishing a government for them, until more people come out. When they get to 5,000 white men, they get to elect their legislature and men get own certain number of acres, you can vote. At 60,000 white men, you become a state ( - It establishes a Bill of Rights (long before the national government have) ® *Abolishing Slavery not allowed in NorthWest land. Taking a precedent*--the national government is making this= HUGE DEAL. South doesn't care at this point (even though they agree to it). ® Ohio becomes state first.

Boston Tea Party

December 1773, in response to the Tea Act e. Boston tea party.-- adding to American identity (dress up as native Americans--being original Americans, identity; ignoring how poorly they have treated native Americans and saying that GB is now treated us as native Americans. - *Mixed colonial reactions*: some supported because it was a justifiable defense of liberty, others thought the destruction of private property was too radical. (not all totally united)

Thomas Jefferson

He says... in his "A Summary View of the Rights of British America", August 1774 - The ministers that King George III replaces every 2 years have been making "a deliberate and systematical plan of reducing us to slavery", "kings are the servants", committing acts of "tyranny"= EXTREME, RADICAL - But saying to King George III, we do not want to separate from England, but we just want more equal and fair rights. - But, this is your (King George III's) last chance to keep us from not rebelling or "to quiet the minds" of the colonists.

Letter for a PA Farmer

John Dickinson writes this in 1767 and 1768 1. What seems particularly dangerous about these taxes? Money and *property* is taken away from them without their consent=freedom taken away. 2. How are these different from previous British actions? They are being enforced more. More external taxes. According to him, these taxes are: - very small, and no one is noticing them - *No purpose for the money, it is solely money for GB. (taxation vs. legislation*) 3. What does Dickinson propose the colonists do? - *Join or die*: if you are not with us, you are an enemy to the country. - The fact that he calls it a country. - still--Even though we are Britain, and we are devoted to Great Britain, but you still can't tax us without legislation. - Making reference to the eyes of world are upon you (reference to the city on the hill). We must be model citizens because we are a city on a hill. - Advocating for a peaceful transition. 4. What does GB do? - So in 1768, 10,000 troops and the vast majority to Boston because economic center. - 1768-1773, things are mostly calm with the exception of the Townshend Duties are repealed and the Boston Massacre.

Declaration of Independence

Revolutionary starts a year before the Declaration of Independence (no break in between two) - Back up their separation with God, and God is protecting us (city on a hill, God watching us, this is what God wants us to do). - Prompted because the colonists believed that the several Kings, including King George III had committed acts of an absolute tyranny (including not being represented in the colonies, and many more). - Influenced by the ideas of Enlightenment thinker, John Locke. His ideas changed the idea of the purpose of government, which in his mind was to protect the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness/ property. If the government failed to protect the colonists' inaliable rights, then the governed had the right to overthrow their government. - Drafted by Thomas Jefferson during the Second Continental Congress. *look at other notes* General Revolutionary War notes: - At first, the Natives tried to stay out of the war, but when they were attacked by colonists, they then supported the British, who promised to limit colonial settlements in the West. - There were members of families who joined opposite sides.

Thomas Paine and Common Sense

colonies becoming independent states and breaking all ties w/ B. monarchy. Said it was contrary to common sense for large continent to be ruled by smart and distant island + to pledge allegiance to king whose government as corrupt and whose laws= unreasonable. Really radical ideas for his time: - The English government is really a part of the ancient tyrannies--the King and the aristocracy. - suggests fight! - God supports the separation and independence of us. - Having our own government is our natural right. - *so now switches from hatred to Parliament, to hatred for both P. and King*. - Common sense= a lot like Declaration of Independence. - Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense in 1776, and it was the very first work to openly ask for independence from Great Britain. It challenged the authority of the British government and royal monarchy. It was written in plain language so that common colonists could understand it; written like a sermon. It thus inspired colonists to declare and fight for independence during the summer of 1776, and it was distributed widely (had the largest sale and circulation of any book published in American history). The pamphlet explained the advantages and need for independence. *He connected independence with common dissenting Protestant beliefs. This created a start to an American political identity.*