APUSH: The beginning through War of 1812
What did US conflicts with France, Britain, and Spain result in? (pre-Jefferson)
7 Years' War/Treaty of Ghent, Revolutionary War/Treaty of Paris, Jay's Treaty, Treaty of San Lorenzo
NY (1664)
Started as New Amsterdam (Dutch). James II granted this to the Duke of York, who arrives with a military force and takes over this area. Still, the British allowed the Dutch settlers to stay. The colony was intended to make a profit, so it was a center of commerce and trade.
Articles of Confederation
"A rope of sand"—a state-centered government instead of federal; pendulum shift from too much governmental authority ON PURPOSE (max amount of freedom at local level). The rope of sand implies that the Articles were very fragile--try to actually use it, and it disintegrates. It winds up being ineffective. Structure of Government :No executive branch, no power of taxation (voluntary contributions), a "club" of 13 states (loose legislature), no army Achievements: Land Ordinance of 1785 Northwest Ordinance, 1787 that establish methods to sell land west of old Proclamation of 1763 line (former) and creation of 3-5 states in the northwest territory (latter). Their importance was that they set up a method of how the US would further bring in states to the Union. It also brought in revenue, but the pre-existing states actually wanted the land for themselves! Limitations: First, there was the national Debt and the challenges of revenue. It was a struggle to pay the Continental army off. the US also could not pay for the Revolutionary War. More than economic problems, there were diplomatic problems. U.S. is a weak, new republic in a world of strong imperialist monarchies are the norm. We get pushed around a lot. Spain and Britain don't take the U.S. seriously, and The Articles can't do anything about that. Foreign nations await the impending internal collapse that they are certain will happen to the U.S.A. Britain drags feet on evacuating the Northwest and Spain haggles over granting U.S. commerce rights in New Orleans and the Articles legally cannot force them to.
Democratic-Republicans (Jeffersonian Man)
"The government that governs best, governs least" ECONOMY: Pro agricultural America, rural, small town yeomen (dynastic wealth was enemy of democracy) They favored taxing the rich—distrust wealth and power They wanted banking at state level. National debt frowned upon POLITICS: Focused upon liberty and individual rights, where power should be concentrated at the state level. Wanted government by and for the people and western lands settled into states FOR the yeoman farmer. The slave trade ended in 1808 (except in DC). But this was NOT the end of slavery; there was just no more import of slaves; natural increase only. DIPLOMATIC: Sympathized with the French struggle for democracy SOCIAL: Had faith in the common man: education could improve citizenry, so national school system was necessary * in power during the VA Dynasty presidents, gained power after the war of 1812, and lost power after the MO Compromise. After Jackson's Presidency, they [Dem-Repub] split into the Democrats and National Republicans.
TJ As President
"We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists" quote to "smooth ruffled feathers," to assure the nation they will not go into the tyranny of the mob. The principles of the nation states are ABOVE party politics. Deprogram government of federalist plans. He's anti-bank and pro-farm. He lets Alien Act and Sedition Act expire and cancels the Whiskey Tax, BUT he keeps U.S. Bank because it worked! Louisiana Purchase, 1803
Louisiana Purchase
- Spain gave New Orleans to the French in 1802, which meant that the French was likely to restrict American access to the Mississippi - Jefferson sent Monroe to negotiate a deal with Napoleon. Napoleon offered to sell the entire Louisiana territory to the U.S., especially because there were a number of slave revolts springing up which discouraged Napoleon from pursuing interests in the New World - The purchase was important because it doubled the size of the U.S. and established a new frontier for exploration, farming, settlement, and for the time being, a major power off our back where we get unlimited access to the Mississippi. However, this land purchase would further interfere with Indians (who the major powers treated as invisible). It's also significant because TJ accepted the purchase without consulting Congress, on the basis that the Constitution granted him the right to negotiate treaties (but this was a loose interpretation of the Constitution, "necessary and proper" - The consequences of this deal were opposition from the Federalists, because they believed Western states would be more Democratic as they would settle with Yeoman farmers, leading to the creation (but not execution) of the Essex Junto. He was also accused of violating Republican principles, but this was a flip of ideology! This showed that people will shift their ideology to benefit themselves.
Hartford Convention
- a meeting of Federalists in CT that brought up many grievances sparked by the war: they wanted to limit Congress's power to make embargo (able to nullify), limit power to make new states, limit ability to make war, and that no president can serve more than one term, rejected 3/5 compromise, and two presidents in a row cannot serve from the same state. -If those failed, they considered secession. But the whole reason they dd this is because they were mad that the war had disrupted their trade and they wanted to gain more power for themselves. They wanted nullification of Dem-Repubs, which was usually not a Federalist thing. -many people saw this as traitorous, especially because the support for war was widespread especially after New Orleans. They never seceded. Thus, the Federalist party dissolved.
Slave life?
-Southern country -lives most difficult in the South -some developed carpentry and cooking skills, and subsequently fared better than those who worked in fields, but servitude still demeaning nonetheless -kinship ties/communal ties to endure separation of families -Northern blacks felt alienated
Battle of Yorktown (1781)
-Symbolic (but not actual) end to the Revolution -Cornwallis, the major British general, was surrounded by the French navy on the York River and GW's troops by land, and surrender after being besieged -Began period of negotiation between American colonies and GB, which led to the end of the war
Olive Branch Petition
-The last conciliatory appeal to the king of the second continental congress to prevent armed conflict following the battle of Bunker Hill -rejected by king, who declares the colonials in a state of rebellion and Prohibitory act is enacted instead -still a year before Declaration of Independence is enacted (7/5/1775)
Marbury v. Madison
-William Marbury was one of Adams' "midnight appointments." But his commission was not given to him before Adams left office. Madison then refused to deliver him the commission as the new secretary of state. -Marbury then turned to the Supreme Court, hoping they would force Madison to give him the commission in 1803. -The Federalist court surprisingly did not force Madison to do this because they thought doing so would be unconstitutional. The act that gave the court the power to order an official to deliver a commission was the Judiciary Act of 1789. But the Court said that the legislation had exceeded their power by passing this act and had no right to give the court more power than the constitution granted. -As a result, they nullified an act of congress - it seemed like they were nullifying their power but they were actually expanding it by doing this and established the principal of judicial review, which gave the court the right to determine what was and was not constitutional. The ruling implied that only SCOTUS had the right to nullify and act of congress, reducing states' rights
Stamp Act of 1765
-act that taxed most printed documents -cause: the British wanted to reinforce mercantilism, wanted to more money to pay for 7 years war, and wanted to tighten policies on colonies to make them less autonomous. -IMPORTANCE: tax specifically aimed at raising revenue (so they thought Britain was unjustly taking away their right to tax themselves); broad-based tax (it affected almost everyone, especially the literate and argumentative); tax on goods produced WITHIN the colonies, not from Britain -effects: collective resistance: new interest in public affairs (Virginia Resolves; Stamp Act Congress, Sons of Liberty). Eventually, the act had to be repealed as no customs official wanted to deal with the opposition. But in its place, the Declaratory Act was passed.
Common Sense by Thomas Paine
-advocated for for colonial independence and merits of republicanism over monarchy 1.the king should not be ruling a faraway continent because he was corrupt (divine right is outdated) 2. English was just using the colonies 3. he felt that the rights of colonists were being taken away. -even though most people in the colonies could not read, it still sold 100,000 copies in its first three months -so popular because it delivered the argument in plain-spoken language as opposed to flowery language of the founding fathers, garnering much more support of the public than before. It really articulated the main issues people were feeling.
Bill of Rights
-amendments 1-10, offered basic rights to people and to states -gave anti-federalists what they wanted and inspired more states (eventually all) to ratify the constitution. the absence of the bill of rights prevented the initial ratification of the constitution as it was an absolute must for some states.
Jay's Treaty of 1794
-cause: Battle of Fallen Timbers (British had sided with Indians), desire for British to evacuate Northwest territory and stop violating American free trade with impressment -what: negotiated exactly what it was intended to, but believed to offer too many concessions towards the British (paying war debts) -effect: prevented war with Great Britain, but angered the people b/c they thought it was too generous; executive privilege (Washington refused to submit documents related to the negotiation to Congress); "low point" of Washington's presidency
Currency Act
-cause: British merchants wanted to be protected from being paid in currency of little value. -what it was: forbade colonies to issue paper money -effect: small farmers worry about going into debt; reaction worsened since it was passed during a postwar economic depression
Pontiac's Rebellion
-cause: English raising price of goods and not paying rent after war; response to white encroachment in Ohio River Valley -what it was: Ottawa war chief Pontiac and other tribes attacked colonial outposts -effect: Paxton Boys murdering several in the Susquehanook tribe, Proclamation of 1763; incentive for British to tax colonists further (preventing this fighting cost resources [germ warfare])
Battles of Lexington and Concord
-cause: General Gage decided to get gunpowder in Concord that belonged to minutemen. This, along with the increased tensions between the colonists and the British, put the colonists on the defensive. -course: minutemen were waiting for British at Lexington, somebody fired, and 8 minutemen were dead while 10 were wounded.. In Concord, a much larger contingent of minutemen fired on the redcoats who were then forced to retreat -the outcome of Lexington angered and united colonists. The success of Concord inspired colonists. It caused the King to declare the colonists in a state of rebellion, justifying him to send more troops.
Lewis and Clark
-cause: Louisiana Purchase -what: investigating western territories, Sacajawea as guide; found favorable reports and presence of British and French forts. Purpose was to see if their was a straight way across the country to the Pacific, and there is none! (west passage dream then dies). -effect: favorable reports, so people were encouraged to travel westward. Scientific, diplomatic (interacting with French/British), and military mission (laying claim to land).
Treaty of San Lorenzo/Pinckney
-cause: US wanted to obtain rights to use the Mississippi River, have duty-free access to the port of New Orleans, and to remove any remaining Spanish forts -what: accomplished the above plus it extracted a promise from Spain to protect Western settlers from Native Americans. Established Spanish and US borders -effect: established friendly relations between US and Spain; high point of Washington's presidency
The Tea Act
-cause: need to protect British East India company from going bankrupt -what it was: it granted the BEIC a monopoly on the tea trade (by lowering their price of tea) and imposed new duties on tea sales -effect: colonists yet again took this as an attempt to undermine their autonomy and instigated the Boston Tea Party, because the British was seen as overstepping their power by MAKING them pay the tax (it wasn't about cheaper goods for the British)
Republican motherhood
-cause: new republic and new ideals; newfound importance of education -what: private virtue; mothers were tasked with inspiring and teaching men to be good citizens through romance and motherhood -effect: kind of sparked an argument of education for women, but traditional gender roles were still largely unchanged; role of motherhood more important/needed than before
The Pueblo Revolt (because of who, what happened, and the consequences)
-cause: oppressive domination of Juan de Onate in Spanish-controlled Southwest; force of conversion of Catholicism (1680s) -course: Pueblos killed hundreds of soldiers and priests and drove remaining settlers out -effect: Spanish gained control again in 1692 but they were more accommodating to the Pueblo
Witch trials/hunts
-cause: regional anxieties such as the Dominion of New England, extension of the vote to all Protestants (as opposed to just Puritans), King William's War, and growing secularism/commercialism. This led to mass hysteria -course: surge of people (nearly all women) being tried as witches; executions as well -effect: ended when accusers pit colony's prominent citizens against town leaders by accusing them of consorting with the devil. Also just had to run its course.
VA and Kentucky Resolutions
-cause: response to Alien & Sedition acts -what: argued that the states had the right to judge the constitutionality of federal laws because the states came BEFORE the federal government (compact theory)- nullified the acts -effect: weren't actually influential, but started the discussion for states' rights in Jefferson's 1800 campaign
Stono Rebellion
-cause: slavery -course: 1739: 20 slaves met near Stono River, stole weaponry, killed storekeepers and planters, and liberated some slaves. They then fled to Florida, but the colonial militia caught them, killing some and capturing others (who were later executed) -effect: more restrictive laws passed to govern behavior of slaves; fear of slave rebellions; "witch hunt" period based on liberation conspiracies (not to be confused with the witch trials, just an analogy)
Quasi War (cause and what it was)
-cause: the XYZ affair, generally bad relations with France (capturing American ships, refusing to recognize Charles Pinckney as ambassador) -what: a rise in tension between America and France in which all trade was cut off with France, American vessels were allowed to capture French armed ships (and did capture many), and the Americans and Britons nearly became allies. However, France surrendered, negotiated a treaty, and arranged new commercial policies in 1800. Not a full on war because Adams realized how small the American military was
Sugar Act of 1764 - cause and what it was
-cause: want to stop molasses smuggling -what it was: lowered duty on molasses; duties were actually collected; violators tried in vice-admiralty courts (single judge, no jury)
Embargo Act of 1807
-cause:American ships were essentially trapped with France's and Britain's blockades - if American ships went as American ships to Europe, they would be captured by the British as violating their rules. But if they sailed by a British port at Europe, the French would seize them. -cause: Impressment, also (British) -what: boycott; Prohibited American ships from leaving the United States for any foreign port anywhere in the world -effect: collapse of NE economy, smuggling, opposition from NE and Federalists, loss of D-R Congressional seats IMPORTANCE: The reversal (again) of Federalist and Democratic-Republican positions
Second Continental congress
-decided that after the Olive Branch petition, there was really nothing else the colonists could do to gain the rights they desired. -established the Continental Army led by Washington, printed money, created government offices to supervise policy -officially agreed to support war, but disagreed about purpose: wanted to either break off completely or establish better relations and modest reforms with Britain
Quebec Act
-granted greater liberties to Catholics and extended the boundaries of Quebec Territory, and allowed Catholicism, and unified territory under a single colonial leader with NO legislatures. -Overall, American colonials see these moves as a threat. They angered the colonists because most of them were protestants who distrusted Catholics, and the expansion of Quebec Territory impeded their westward expansion. They saw this as a systematic undercurrent of the removal of colonial rights, turning them into slaves.
Franco-American Alliance during the Revolutionary War
-negotiated by Ben Franklin, ambassador to France, in 1778 -Battle of Saratoga convinced them to join, as did the lingering resentment after the Seven Years' War -boosted American morale and received troops, supplies, finances, and advice from France -- war of attrition, tired British out
Sugar Act of 1764 - effects
-new regulation more strictly enforced - angered colonists -more difficult to smuggle or even commit minor violations without being arrested/fined -vice-admiralty courts were less sympathetic to colonists so the colonists saw the act as an overstep of power and a violation of rights
"No taxation without representation" (who coined it and in what book?)
-phrase coined by James Otis in his pamphlet called The Rights of the British Colonies Asserted and Proved -main argument was that because the colonists did not elect members to Parliament, they should not have to pay taxes -- but he did not think secession was the answer to this problem, just either greater representation or more autonomy -Colonists rallied behind this argument not because they wanted more representation (they knew it would be too small to be effective anyway) but because they wanted to determine their own taxes -the British retorted with the concept of virtual representation, which meant that all members of Parliament represented all subjects of the British empire
Coercive acts
-response to Boston Tea Party; colonists needed to understand the power of force and intimidation. -acts passed by the British in 1774 that closed the port of Boston, reduced colonial self-government, allowed royal officers to be tried in colonies or in England, and allowed quartering of troops in barns and empty houses -colonists believed semi-autonomy was officially over and that their rights were being stripped away systematically. What happened in Boston could happen to any territory; threat to one = threat to all.
First Continental Congress
-response to all of Britain's "acts", convened in 1774 -intended to discuss grievances, develop strategies for addressing the grievances, and formulate an opinion on the correct relationship between Britain and the colonies. -the Congress came up with the laws they wanted to be repealed, agreed to boycott if their wants were not met (Suffolk Resolves), agreed to form the Continental Association (enforced the boycott throughout towns), formulated list where Parliamentary interference was justified - major break from British tradition. They decided to reconvene in a year.
The Quartering Act of 1765
-stationed large numbers of troops in America and required the colonists to house them -because there were large numbers of them, tensions were increased within the colonies, especially Boston -IMPORTANT: there was a 1:4 ration of soldiers to citizens in Boston . and because they sought off-hour employment they competed with Bostonians for jobs -effect: Boston Massacre of 1770.
Loyalists
-those loyal to the Crown during the Revolution -government officials, devout Anglicans, merchants reliant on England, religious and ethnic minorities, and slaves (they were offered freedom for joining the British army) -slave insurrections caused some Southerners to be less enthusiastic for Revolution
B. Franklin?
-typified Enlightenment ideals of England by inventing numerous objects -Poor Richard's Almanack -founded first fire department, post office, and public library in the colonies -ambassador to Europe - instrumental in gaining French alliance in American Revolution
Northwest Ordinances
. 1787 - governed the sale of land to settlers and political integration in what is now the Midwest 2. Population must be at least 60,000 to be considered a state - beginnings of state requirements/process 3. religious freedom and right to trial by jury, no excessive punishment 4. no slavery in northwest territory 5. forerunner to Bill of Rights and other progressive government policies 6. bad: claimed Native Americans' land without their consent
Anti-Federalists
1. "Government power is evil tyranny" 2. Middle class and farmers should rule - supported by mostly Southerners and Westerners (no one has special privilege; farmers [Yeoman] are independent and backbone of the nation and the only truly free members) 3. Preferred A. of C. (not perfect, but better safe / free than sorry and enslaved) 4. Pro-states' rights (locally-focused) 5. Into individual rights—specifically guaranteed! 6. Want strict adherence to the letter of the law: no glomming onto power by feds (strict constructionist) 7. Supported France (our old ally) 8. Want little government intervention in the economy or people's lives: they distrust wealth and power and it will pick "winners and losers" 9. They were essentially held the same view of the Democratic Republicans
Whiskey Rebellion
1. In 1794, farmers in western PA refused to pay whiskey tax (accused govt of taxing disproportionately, and whiskey was a form of currency for the farmers) and attacked tax collectors. It was a continuation of the long-standing theme of local resentment of distant/tyrannical authority 2. Washington sent in militia of 15,000 to occupy PA and the rebellion stopped. 3. Federal government wins allegiance of whiskey rebels and others by intimidation, authority of national government strengthened (as opposed to Shay's, where the weakness of government was displayed) 4. It led to coastal elite vs. backcountry farmer conflict
The three theories of the impetus of the American revolution
1. It was a radical break with the past. It included representative government and the expansion of voting rights, a centralized government as opposed to disunited colonies (Federalism, the constitution, Bill of Rights) and the influence of the Enlightenment. The Revolution also brought the abolition of aristocratic titles, the separation of church and state, and new economic independence. So basically, the political RESULTS of the Revolution, not the revolution itself, was the change. 2. The revolution was a conservative attempt to maintain the status quo. Colonists' motives for independence were economic self interests (escapism from taxes and gain of control of trade), they wanted to maintain British social structure (patronage and patriarchy) and the status of women and blacks remained unchanged (3/5 clause, slavery, Abigail Adams). Unchanged distribution of wealth as well. Basically, because of the SOCIAL aspects after the Revolution, this could be seen as conservative.
Marshall Court expansion of power
1. Judiciary Act of 1801: Midnight Judges (federalist expansion of power) 2. Marbury v. Madison and Judicial Review 3. Expanded federal power over states with McCulloch vs. MD; pro-business 4. The impeachment campaign: TJ tried to impeach other justices, but he failed, but it might have caused many justices to be anti-partisan because they were scared.
3 factors of First American Population Explosion (1680-1770)
1. Natural increase (less mortality rate, established population). 2. Scots-Irish, German, English immigration 3. African Slavery (made up almost 1/2 population)
The Revolutionary war's three phases:
1. New York, Philadelphia: British's idea was to slice off the Hudson River. Washington first fights traditionally and loses, but he preserves his force and leave the area very effectively. Washington gradually learns to win by running away to preserve the army. 2.Saratoga and The French alliance of 1778: Failure to follow through three-pronged attack, and Burgoyne had to surrender. because he is isolated and surrounded (first significant victory). This was when French intervened to help the US. LINKAGE: Just as Vietnam had the help of the Red Chinese and the Soviets, the US had the help of France and Spain and dutch. This was the practice of "Realpolitik"—the enemy of my enemy is my friend! 3.War in the South: A dual conflict; between British and colonials and patriots and Tories. The British placed Tories in positions of authority, but they abused their power, raping and pillaging civilians. The violence of the Tories was further proof that Britain was corrupt.
"Revolution" of 1800
1. Thomas Jefferson is elected president after unplanned tie between him and Burr 2. Republicans/Thomas Jefferson believes the government is governing as it should - "bloodless revolution," first peaceful transition of power from federalists to Dem-Repubs.
XYZ Affair
1. When France was upset at America because of the Jay Treaty, French ships began seizing American ships. Adams sent diplomats to France to make negotiations for peace. 2. In order to make negotiations, 3 French operatives under the pseudonyms M. X, M. Y, and M. Z demanded a bribe 3. Federalists were angered by this and published the report, spreading anti-French (and therefore anti-Republican) sentiment throughout America 4. Caused the "Quasi-war" with France
Four main cultural incompatibilities with English and Natives
1. different religions (angry God vs. The Force) 2. In the white European worldview, nature was to be subdued and controlled, while the Natives believed people should live in harmony with nature--not above or hierarchical. 3. In Europe, hierarchy was the NORM, always an ordered class society, however Natives were more egalitarian. 4. Europeans valued private property (contracts, passed down), Natives did not understand this idea and believed Europeans did not own land! These clashes led to violence as Europeans would not yield.
Washington's farewell address (1796) (content and effects)
1. steer clear of permanent foreign alliances (can be friendly relations, but nothing else - realpolitik in practice) 2. no sectional divisions and no political parties because the nation needs to stay united EFFECT: basically none of these policies were followed except for the foreign alliances (until NATO)
Burr Conspiracy
1800 Election results showed the need for the 12th Amendment, because whoever got the most/second most would become President/VP, but the electors never had to say who they were voting for for President/VP. There was a tie! Hamilton supported Jefferson because he saw Burr as dangerous, so Federalists supported TJ. Burr got involved with the Essex Junto, who wanted to secede with Aaron Burr as leader of NY, but it falls apart and is exposed. Duel with Hamilton because wanted to destroy Burr's reputation further, but Hamilton died. 1806 treason trial: Burr wanted to unite Mexico with the lower Louisiana territory and secede. He was acquitted but from that point on he was politically impotent.
Non-Intercourse Act
1809, reopened trade with most nations, but officially banned trade with BR and FR (Madison's solution). The problem was, this still hurt New England's economy.
Social Conflict during the war
2/5 are patriots, 1/5 are loyalists, and the rest are natives/people who wanted to be left alone (pacifists). The main take away is that only 2/5 of people were for the revolution, and a large portion were not! This creates two separate conflicts: The British and colonial conflict, and a slight civil war (especially in south) The Natives try to side with who can benefit them best (the British)-the were granting them the most land) those who wanted Revoultion
Advantages and Disadvantages of Britain in American Revolution
ADVANTAGES: industrial, professional military, resources, world's largest navy. DISADVANTAGES: easy identifiable, offense, moves slowly, bad/slow communication (hard to coordinate war on multi-front strategy), much larger area to fight in, difficult to fight strategically with guerilla warfare LINKAGE: Vietnam and Iraq: difficult to tell friend from foe
Alien and Sedition Acts
ALIEN: 1. acts that made it take longer for foreigners to become US citizens, and allowed the president to deport "dangerous aliens" 2. foreigners to stay out of US and those already there to leave; 3. Federalists were threatened because immigrants tended to support Democratic-Republicans SEDITION: 1. acts that were intended to stop traitorous speech, but technically could censor any opposition to the government by allowing imprisonment of critical press 2. 10 men to be arrested for opposing government in newspaper, major opposition by republicans, causing a greater rift between the two parties. 3. Federalists wanted to silence their opposition (Republicans) INTENT VS. RESULT: destroy opponents of the Federalists vs. a backlash against the Federalists
Philosophical Foundations of Revolutionary Republicanism (i.e., colonial philosophy)
Although there was not a unified body politic, these were the general elements: First, there was the Plot Against Liberty, which was part of a colonial narrative which believed that the only thing that kept a free people free was eternal vigilance on their part against creeping tyranny. This was American Exceptionalism, the old world is corrupt! Next, there was the ideology Classical republicanism, which was a nation of virtuous, civic minded citizens who keep the collective good of the nation foremost in their thoughts and deeds. (Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine) Finally, there were the Enlightenment thinkers John Locke (Natural Laws/natural rights) and Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract - government rules by the power of the people; the only role of the government was to serve the needs of the people, and if it was not, people had the rights to overthrow the government).
The Dominion of New England (1686-1688)
An attempt to unify the English colonial command structure. It revoked all charters--all New England colonies are unified into one, answerable to Edmund Andros (very unpopular as he ignoring charters, violated contracts, suspending colonial courts, restriction of trade, taking away local governments). This led to a general resistance and beginning of the pattern of going against traditional order. Is abolished with the "Glorious Revolution," but with that begins the gradual erosion of salutary neglect, where the colonies will begin to become bitter about being politically constrained.
Mercantilism
An economic philosophy/policy which states that the world's total wealth is limited, so nations should try to maximize their share of this wealth by colonizing other places on the globe. The ONLY reason a colony exists is to bring money to the home country.
Arguments in Ratification of the Constitution
Arguments for ratification: The Federalist Papers (strong nation is better guarantor of liberty) Arguments against ratification: no Bill of Rights, so tyranny. Once the Bill of rights came, the Constitution could be ratified Who liked it: merchants/artisans Who didn't: Everyone else The reason it eventually became ratified: The Articles' shortcomings were simply too pronounced and too evident
Treaty of Paris (1783)
BF and John Jay were negotiators (France not involved) 1. Ended the Revolutionary War in 1783 2. recognized United States as Independent, US gets southern boundary of Canada to northern boundary of Florida, from the Atlantic to the Mississippi. 3. still no equality for blacks or women, even though they both played roles in the war 4.British promises to evacuate Great Lakes Region 5. Honor and pay pre-war debts 6.Restore Loyalist property (never really happens until later on) 7. U.S. fishing rights off of Canada
Halfway Covenant
Because of the material wealth that was available in the colonies, Puritans began to realize that people were beginning to focus more on the secular than on the religious. As a result, they released the Halfway Covenant in the 1660s, which allowed people with limited religious commitment to participate in the Puritan church. Puritans were trying to pull back that emotional connection to religion, but it comes to a failure.
Stamp Act Congress
Colonials come together to meet and discuss what to do about the act. Their answer was to protest it or not purchase England goods.
Consequences of the War of 1812
DIPLOMATIC: Once the British and French stopped fighting in Europe, major conflict ended. The Treaty of Ghent ended the war—"status quo ante bellum," meaning any gains either side had made during the war, they had to give back. No true diplomatic solution However, the US shifted its focus to worrying about Europe to expanding westward free of British/French encroachment; serious Western expansion begins. As a result, 100 years of isolation from European politics until 1917! Additionally, there was minor, but growing, international respect because they took on the world's largest empire twice in less than 100 years. SOCIAL: For white people, there was increased patriotism and pride. For Native Americans, they can no longer resist American encroachment as they had no allies; Americans had become less reliant on British trade. POLITICS: Because of their position on the War of 1812, pro-British views, and most of their ideas being adopted and implemented by Democratic-Republicans, the Federalist Party is dead, leading to a single-party system ECONOMY: Because of the lack of foreign trade, we began to develop of a true manufacturing and small industrial self-sufficiency.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Colonies in the revolutionary war
DISADVANTAGES: no colonial base, broke, undersupplied, untrained. ADVANTAGES: The war is being fought at home (home field advantage), can move quickly, can blend in, guerrilla warfare (important), excellent leadership, foreign aid
British strategies during the Revolution
Divide and conquer with big army/resources, control cities and the coast, and crush Continental Army. In essence, they wanted to slice off the "problem areas" like MA and fight from the outside in.
Spanish interactions with natives
During this time, a racial caste system developed. At the top were Europeans, then Mestizos, then Zambos, and finally African slaves There was also active intermarriage and conversions (mostly Meso-America, somewhat American Southwest). There were networks of integrated missions and schools, even colleges. However, disease wiped out these populations or weakened them, and there was the Pueblo Revolt.
Middle Colonies (NY, PA, NJ)
ECONOMIC: All had fertile soil and broad expanse of land; economically diverse. These were the colonial breadbaskets because of their grain farming and exports. They also had the Susquehanna River that tapped the fur trade of the interior, which was extractive and thus more lucrative because you aren't setting up communities. Landholdings were generally intermediate in size, but a considerable amount of economic and social democracy prevailed (free market capitalism) SOCIAL: The middle colonies were more ethnically mixed than other colonies due to open immigration policies.
The Plantation South
ECONOMIC: Slavery was found everywhere here; primary crops were tobacco and rice (NOT COTTON YET). But mostly small subsistence farmers with no slaves. SOCIAL: The First Families of Virginia (FFV's) came to dominate social and political life, they dominate how laws get made and they are at top at social period. Also, Establishment of schools and churches was difficult because it was not a region of large towns and communities. It became a class-based system (richer = better education). All the plantation colonies permitted some religious toleration. POLITICAL: Confrontations with Native Americans were frequent due to further white encroachment
Colony of Virginia (general)
ECONOMIC: Tobacco and indentured servitude; first colony was Jamestown POLITICAL: House of Burgesses in Jamestown, which discussed protection of Indians, land disputes, etc. (decisions that needed to be made in the colonies immediately as opposed to in England). Eventually, the colony became under the control of England as opposed to the Virginia Company in 1624 SOCIAL: Conveyor belt of immigration; because as many were dying as were coming in, the strategy was to throw as many people on the continuous "conveyor belt," and at some point, enough will survive to create a lasting settlement. To keep settlers coming in, they used incentives for indentured servants to come over and they also used the head right system for landowners.
New England Colonies (general)
ECONOMY: The climate of New England encouraged diversified agriculture and industry. Due to the generally poor (sandy and rocky) soil, New Englanders became great traders in order to survive. As a result, black slavery was attempted but didn't work because there just was not the need for it. Aside from farming, fishing became a very popular industry. Rivers were short and rapid so no interior movement of fur trade of middle colonies. SOCIAL: New England was less ethnically mixed than its neighbors. Plus, the Europeans in New England chastised the Indians for "wasting" the land, and felt a need to clear as much land for use as possible.
Colonial culture
Education - regional variationl In New England, people were more literate and focused on education. because they needed to know how to read Scripture. The first schools were all founded to establish divinty schools to teach ministers. In the South was more class-based. The national character - life was humble but comfortable. Best poor man's country in the world. Local government and voting - New England town meeting, people carried over their own voices from government and contributing. Common experience was that people would be part of the government at the local level. The virtuous citizen was expected to have a voice.
Imperial Changes in Colonial Policy
End of salutary neglect, colonies would be integrated into a full member of the empire, leading to subordination (giving over rights and liberties to something bigger) There were diplomatic acts like the Proclamation of 1763, but more importantly, there were economic acts: Sugar, Currency, Quartering and Stamp Acts. Their purpose was to regenerate revenue and pay what England considers to be their fair share. Ultimately, there was "The Big Question"—who has authority over the colonial economy? Colonists believed they should have their independence, while England saw them as a part of the empire whose only use was to make money for the mother country. These differences
General layout of the First Party system (4 main debates)
Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans: 1. Constitutional constructionalism: weak vs. muscular central government 2. Business vs. yeomen: different interests, different priorities 3. Foreign sympathies: British vs. French 4. Political regionalism: North and East vs. West and South
Reason's for the end of the Revolutionary War
First, Britain became frustrated because they were engaged in a never-ending chase, never being able to track down colonials (think of a fork going through Jello--wherever the British went they were dominant, but when they left Patriots filled the gaps). Their victories didn't get them anywhere. After yorktown, they lost their second great army. They have been exhausted and sought a diplomatic solution, like in the Vietnam War.
Why did colonists turn to Africans for slave labor as opposed to Native Americans?
First, Native Americans knew the land and could easily escape/hide Next, cultivation was considered women's work in native culture, so men were less experienced in agriculture (and Europeans wanted men to work). Finally, and most importantly, European disease wiped out Natives, and they had to turn towards another labor source.
What are the three main reasons England could rise as a colonization power?
First, and most importantly, the English defeated the Spanish in the spanish Armada of 1588. With that, England became the dominant naval power until 1943. Next, enclosure threw peasants off the land, while primogeniture left all who were not first-born without any land to work or own. This developed motivation for seeking economic opportunities elsewhere. Finally, with joint-stock companies, companies (VA) were chartered, allowing them to be a for-profit venture. In Virginia they specifically look for GOLD to turn a profit and satisfy investors.
The Puritan Dissenters
First, there was Roger Williams. He preached freedom of conscience (let people make their own religious choices; separation of church and state). He also felt that Natives should be fully compensated for their lands. He was evicted in 1635, and founded RI in 1644 which allowed freedom of conscience. Next, there was Anne Hutchinson. She disagreed with Protestant theology and theocracy (salvation through faith and inner life), and she was a women, which was worse. She was seen as a social and theocratic threat. She was also banished and fled to Rhode Island. Finally, there was Thomas Hooker, who founded CT. He was also dissatisfied with the Puritans, so he left MA. Importantly, he established the fundamental orders of CT in 1639, which allowed a representative gov't to Thing to take away: Unanimity and utopia is basically impossible once the US expands, because differences of opinion are inevitable.
Models of Spanish control
First, they used the encomienda system, where large tracts of land were granted to Spanish nobles along with the persons who already lived there (force). The people would be directly enslaved. When this failed, they turned to the Asiento system, which used African slavery instead.
Why did African slaves gradually replace indentured servants?
First, they were black, and easy to "color code" and dehumanize because they looked so different than whites. Second, if they did escape, it was much harder for them to blend into the culture of white landless men, making them easier to find. Third, African people were more "immune" to European diseases or were able to live longer. Fourth, they were packed into ships and thus "cost" less than indentured servants. Fifth, they worked an entire lifetime, while indentured servants only worked for several years. Finally, as you keep adding more indentured servants, you begin to run out of that excess English population who wants to actually work the land. Africans filled this gap
Battle of Fallen Timbers
GW dispatched Anthony Wayne to crush resistance. At Battle of Fallen Timbers, Wayne could destroy a major force of Indians and force Treaty of Greenville 1794-95, which removed Indians from territory east of Indiana/Michigan so whites could settle in the Northwest. Broke up strongest remaining resistance.
Early Dutch exploration
Henry Hudson, an Englishman working for the Dutch East India Company claimed what is now Hudson River, Hudson Bay, and Canada/Northeast. He was mainly seeking the Northwest passage, a straight passage from Europe to the East (1609). They competed with the British in the Northeast and Canada.
Increased Regulation of colonies, post 1696
Idea was to tighten the colonies to assert control and make them more efficient. England was trying to making this an air-tight system where they could control the revenue stream First, there was the Board of Trade, which was a stronger customs service that stopped anyone from trading beyond the mercantilist model Next, there were Vice-Admiralty Courts which allowed for a stronger enforcement of Navigation acts. Finally, there were the Woolens, Hat, Molasses, and Iron Acts that forbid the colonists from producing those islands to make them buy them from England In England's eyes, the colonies were just one part of the vast empire. But to the colonists, they saw themselves as largely self-sufficient and independent, so when these new controls were released, it was the beginning of a period of long-term resistance. In the meantime, the colonists reacted with resentment and smuggling.
republicanism (small "r")
Ideology: Selflessness ,Sacrifice, Equality, Plain living, Honesty, Morality, Sobriety Good of the nation over private interests. Merit over inheritance, wealth, and status
Georgia (1732)
It is set up to act as a buffer (demilitarized) between the Spanish Florida and further possible Spanish encroachment up through the East coast. It was also set up as a penal colony; people who were in prison (for debt) in England could be "set loose" in the New World under colonial rules to try to be productive citizens.
Significance of the Declaratory Act
It still gave Parliament the right to tax in all cases. The colonials, however, took this as a message that by misbehaving, they would get want they wanted. But they forgot the actual terms of the Declaratory Act. Overtime, the schism between the colonies and England would grow, and these were the first unintentional steps towards independence.
Early English exploration
John Cabot tried to secure claims to the Canadian coast. Walter Raleigh tried to establish Roanoke colony (fail, 1587). They competed with the Dutch in the Northeast and Canada.
midnight appointments
Judiciary act of 1801 - to make up for loss of Federalists power, supreme court justiceships were reduced by one but number of positions of federal judgeships increased. Adams quickly appointed federalists to these new positions in his last days in office. effect: Jefferson tries to replace as many Feds as possible; Marbury v. Madison
Family Structure
LIFESPAN: In New England, there was clean water and cool temperatures, so disease was not as predominant as in the South (as germs were killed). In fact, the first New England Puritans had an average life expectancy of 70 years. CHILDREN: Women tended to marry earlier, and gave birth every two years until menopause, so there were large families in New England. A typical woman could expect to have ten babies and raise about eight of them! Death in labor for women was not rare, so that wasn't exactly something to look forward to as an event. All of this was in contrast to the Chesapeake, which mainly consisted of young single men WOMEN: In the South, women usually had more power, since the Southern men typically died young and women could inherit the money, but in New England, the opposite was true. In New England men didn't have absolute power over their wives (as evidenced by the legality of divorce) but they did have much power over women.
Jamestown (1607, chartered by the VA company)
Like Roanoke, it was basically a failure--out of the first 400 people who traveled there, only 60 lived through the winter. The central problem with Jamestown is that their number one goal was to "strike it rich," not to actually settle, which caused disorganization. It's all about single white males with no community/society/agriculture. John Smith, through a "bootcamp"/dictatorial strategy, FORCED the colony to organize in order to survive. The colony then began to replenish. What really allowed the colony to prosper was the advent of tobacco with John Rolfe.
Characteristics of New State governments
Limit governmental power because they were trying to get rid of tyranny Rejection of monarchy, small republic, doing what's right for a community but having liberty Emphasize civic and public virtue Political equality and egalitarianism, no social classes. Anti deference: against respect to higher class by a lower class; a social leveling. Evidenced by Articles of Confederation From the founders' point of view, an unintended sort of momentum generated by both the words and deeds of the Revolution.
New England Confederation (1643)
Made out of Plymouth, MA Bay, CT, and New Haven. They were an intercolonial defense force to "deal" with the Native Americans and white encroachment.
Sons of Liberty
Mob action; groups of working class individuals burning tax collectors homes or destroying stamps.
Shay's rebellion 1785
Money is not printing fast enough, yet each state can print their own money, leading to 14 different types of currency that is un-regulatable. Yet, there is heavy property taxes .Debtors appealed to state houses for stay laws (Slow down foreclosure). The state houses, controlled by elites, denied this. This led to major class tension, like the Paxton Boys and and Bacon's Rebellion. As a result, Daniel Shays led farmers to courthouses in MA and refuses to let foreclosures go through. The Articles were powerless to stop them without army. The MA militia puts it down. The main consequence: it exposed the Articles of Confederation as wholly inadequate. This led to the rise of Federalism and the realization that the democratic, small government model simply did not work.
Domestic challenges of GW
Native Americans in the Northwest Territory with white encroachment , leading to the Battle of Fallen timbers and the Greenville treaty. involving Americans: Whiskey Rebellion Sources of government revenue, prior to 1913: tariffs, Taxation of goods (excises), Land sales (not a lot)
Committees of Correspondence, 1772
Networking; initiates contacts between colonial leaders throughout the colonies to discuss grievances (for example, taxation and British customs houses paying officials). One common set of problems was all coming from London, which broke down colonial differences and barriers. Pamphlets circulated to inspire revolution and unity (Mary Otis Warren, Letters From a Farmer in PA [John Dickinson])
The Townshend Acts
New taxes on the same goods (lead, paint, etc.) but the main thing was the writ of assistance. This was a search warrant that allowed officials to search generally in people's homes to check for smuggled goods. People thought their rights were violated. In response, there was Massachusetts Circular Letter that asked colonists to protest the acts together. "Commoners" and even British merchants joined the boycotts. Colonial women were essential in replacing British imports with American goods. 2 years later, the duties on the acts (only) were repealed
Settlement of Carolinas
North and South Carolina were established in the Restoration Period (1660). They were proprietary, lent to loyal supporters of the King. They were tied to the West Indies (driven by sugar, spice, and slavery). They were mainly inspired by Barbados in their models of slavery (plantation). S.C. grew rice utilizing the plantation slavery model, while N.C. had less rice, less large landholdings, and more tobacco (closer to VA).
Different perspectives on the Peace of Paris (post-seven years war)
On the one hand, England felt that the colonials ought to pay their fair share after an expensive war. England wants more colonial subordination and sharing of expenses On the other hand, the colonials felt that they had fought in the war better than the British and made great sacrifices. -First sense of intercolonial unity from fighting together -Pitt promised some autonomy for fighting, yet never granted it, angering the colonists -English raised the price of goods sold to the Native Americans and stopped paying went in the west, hurting and angering the natives (especially Iriquois) -permanent redcoat presence -British motivation for increasing taxation/making laws more stringent, although colonists believed that by providing soldiers they had done enough.
General English interaction with natives and colonization method
Once the English learned how to grow food on their own, they had no "use" for the Native Americans. Beyond some efforts at converting natives, they either wanted to kill them off or push them west as they were viewed as savages (especially in VA). This caused lots of violent conflict, like the Pequot War, King Phillip's War, and the Decline of the Huron Confederacy. The main difference between English and colonizations of other countries was that England's were private/business ventures granted by king while others were merely extensions of the empire.
Federalists
One of the first parties headed by Hamilton. BEFORE CONSITUTION: 1. "Government power is our friend!" 2.Wealthy and well-educated should rule -Mostly Yankee New Englanders and Middle Colonists supported them (merchants/artisans) 3. Pro-constitution 4. Pro-central government 5. Into property rights 6. Loose constructionists (interpret Constitution loosely--PRO-elastic clause!) 7. Leaned towards reconciliation with England (realpolitik - dominant sea power, owned Canada) 8. Saw gov't role as to help commerce and business 9. Were in power with Washington and Adams, but dissolved after the war of 1812. AFTER CONSTITUTION: ECONOMY: Tariff for protective purposes: Revenue = Whiskey Tax—tax the farmer and .Pro-National Bank POLITICAL: Focused upon order, and property rights. No faith in the common man; saw democracy as "Mob Rule" Favored rule by elites: "The Rich, the Well-Born, and the Able." Only wanted western lands for their resources: no new states (need people to populate North to work for companies)
War of 1812
Origins: One origin was American anger at British attacking American ships/impressment/previous trade blockades. Another was the War Hawks (Clay, Calhoun) who were frustrated British supporting Native resistance to American encroachment. They pushed for war with Britain to hurt Indians and for new land (Canada and Florida). The last hope for the Indians was Tecumseh, who tried to bring unity among natives, but when he died in the Battle of Tippecanoe (1811) coalition fell apart. Course: Military forces invaded Canada, and it went disastrously for the US because of the resources of Britain and the large faction of people who did not support the war. Naval engagements went a bit better because they hurt the British economically, especially when Britian was preoccupied with France. The British even invaded Washington D.C. in 1814, which the Americans did not even know about until the day of, showing how ill-prepared they were for the war. In most cases, however battle was able to fought to a stalemate Southern Campaigns go somewhat better. There was Horseshoe Bend—breaking of organized Southeastern Native American resistance by Jackson, paving way for further white settlement His largest victory was in New Orleans—a victory/non-victory (took place after the treaty ending the war was ALREADY signed; the most successful victory had no bearing on the peace negotiations).
First Great Awakening
Overtime, the kind of material life one could live in the colonies led them away from faith and towards secular matters and "acquiring." As the church faded, the new spiritual awakening took over, largely a response to this secularism and the cold rationalism of the Enlightenment. The main idea was that if we can't bring people to religion, bring people to religion. Preachers did this by fostering major enthusiasm (i.e., "in your face religion"). God was passionately interested in a human, and religious was to be a directly personal experience with emotional manifestations, not just following doctrines. The ideas were circulated with the itinerancy of preachers, most notably Jonathan Edwards (known for using scare tactics of an angry God) and George Whitefield. Their plan was to travel from the outside frontier to the inland, from west to east. The consequences were threefold. Politically, the religious revival was a democratic movement. It took power away from the hands of institutions and put it into the hands of the people, so they saw no need to follow the civil/political orders of the theocracy as their religion became personal. Socially, the religious revival affect ALL classes, but was especially popular with the disenfranchised (poor, women). It also caused a breach in religious theory: Old Light traditionalists vs. New Light people who were for change (generational differences) denominationally, new faiths emerged (baptists, methodists, evangelical faiths).
Pennsylvania (1681)
Owned by Quaker William Penn this colony had freedom of religion, no state religion, and allowed immigration, and tried to fairly compensate Natives for lands. It was the most populous, profitable, and diverse colony because of these policies (population grew rapidly). It was also economically prosperous, which is why it was called the "breadbasket" (fertile land).
Push and pulls of COLONIAL immigration
PUSH: religious intolerance, overpopulation, lack of economic opportunities, discrimination. PULL: liberal immigration policies, indentured servitude model.
The Rise of Federalism
Pendulum swung towards larger government; argued that too much democracy could be as problematic as having too little, and people argued for the need for a stronger central government. A strong enough government was necessary to hold the Confederation together.
Declaration of Independence
Published July 1776, it was essentially a list of grievances that were written to Britain to explain why the colonists decided to break off from their mother country. It was a "sales pitch" to persuade people that the colonial cause was the cause they should be supporting (colonies were still largely divided). The Declaration also established the values of the new government they sought to create (found in the Preamble)--one with individual liberty that the government was required to protect (taken from Enlightenment).
Fundamental Orders of CT (1639)
Representative government elected by a popular vote, that elects a governor, which was sort of a model for democracy. It WAS a constitution, and it unified the government.
Early French exploration
Robert De La Salle laid claim to the Mississippi Basin in 1682; Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec in 1608. Mostly, they claimed the inland of North America.
Triangular Trade
Rum from New england to Africa for slaves --> Slaves on the Middle Passage to West Indies to work sugar plantations (or Carolinas) --> Plantation sugar converted to molasses, sent to New England to be distilled into rum A parallel trade: Raw materials to Britain, while Britain goods return to the colonies: for a higher purchase price which really works to their advantage which makes them a huge profit.
Washington Administration*
Set the precedent for future presidents Executive branch and cabinet: Vice-President Adams, State TJ, War Knox, Treasury Hamilton Hamilton's Financial Program: He envisioned a commercial, financial, prosperous, urban nation ("Hercules in a Cradle"). His first report was the Report on Manufactures, where he called for a protective tariff for revenue or protectionism. (Tariff of 1789). His second was the Report on Bank and Credit. First, Hamilton wanted to pay out those who had bought war bonds (speculators) so the wealthy would have a stake in the government. He also assumed state debts, which led to good credit = sound/stable government. At the same time, however, he also sought to create national debt on purpose get wealthiest citizens invested in government (buy buying war bonds? Look in textbook). Finally, he stablished the U.S. Bank 1791 which caused a clash between strict and loose interpretation of the constitution. Hamilton/Federalists prevailed because of their use of elastic clause ("necessary and proper"- government can stretch its powers). The financial system ends up reducing debt and getting the nation on a solid footing.
Political development that caused exploration
Spain FINALLY was able to drive out the Moors in 1492(!), allowing them to start looking beyond their borders. Isabelle and Ferdinand marry to unify Spain under the two monarchs, with a common heritage and common language in a rational/organized fashion. Also, with the Protestant Reformation, there was a large number of nation states under monarchs who wanted to break away from the church and extend their nation and religion as much as possible, including to the New World.
Foreign policy of TJ
The Barbary Pirates leading Jefferson to increase the size of the navy to defeat them; went against ideology. The US sought to trade freely with FR and BR, but neither power wanted them to trade with the other. As a result thousands of impressments occur. This resulted in the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair, 1807, where a British naval worship opened fire on an American ship and kidnapped American sailors. As a result, he released the Embargo Act of 1807. Which the reversal (again) of Federalist and Democratic-Republican positions because the government was taking complete power over the trade economy. This angered the Federalists, who saw it as an overstep, but were really just upset about their economic losses. John Randolph and "The Tertium Quids" called Jefferson a "sellout." They were basically Jefferson and old-school Democratic Republicans.
NH
The King carved out this royal colony from MA in 1679. This shows the King's realization that the territories were not just sparse tracts of land, but valuable enterprises. We see the transition from letting colonists do what they want, to the desire to have colonies be an expansion of the empire.
What were the three "pillars" of democracy that set up the foundation for the American government that was to develop 100 or so years later?
The Mayflower Compact, the House of Burgesses, and the Fundamental Orders of CT.
Constitutional Convention (Philadelphia Convention)
The delegates: founders, mostly college educated and different from the masses. Also pretty young for their time. They were leaders prior to engaging in this national experiment. The main question was, should they revise or restart? They ultimately restarted because the Articles were too broken. They needed to overthrow the government, with a new document: The Constitution There was lots of debate within the making of the Constitution due to rifts between urban and rural states and big and small states. For example, for State representation there was the Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan. (same number, or based on population) Eventually, The "Great Compromise;" a bicameral legislature (Congress), solved this issue. On voting, there was to be an Electoral College, which further proof that the founders did NOT trust democracy due to the Articles. The electoral college meant people did not vote directly for the president; electors were instead chosen (mostly by state legislatures) and they would cast their ballots. There was also state selection of Senators. In fact, the only body people could vote for was the House of Reps! On power, delegates decided on the federal system that gave power to the nation and the states, as well as the separation of powers. This showed that the founders did not trust power either. Trying to strike fine balance. On slavery, delegates decided on 3/5 Compromise; 3/5 of slaves counted for representation of population; no further discussion of prohibiting slavery They also sought to end slave trade in 1808 (20 more years). Opponents to the Constitution were anti-federalists, who wanted bill of rights. when they were promised such, more states ratified as a result. The Constitution eventually ratified by all.
Foreign challenges of GW
The first challenge was the dilemma of the French Revolution: The French called on the US to help them wage war against continental monarchs. Realpolitik was revisited--it would not serve the best American interest to help France and wage war. As a result, GW announced the Neutrality Proclamation of 1783. Some people wanted to drag the US into the war and sent Citizen Genet to stir up conflict. GW demanded him to back down, and it establishes the power of the central government on making foreign decisions on behalf of the state. The second challenge was the Jay treaty (low point) and Pinckney Treaty (high point), 1794-95.
The First Americans
The first people that came to America were primarily Asia, traveling through the ice age. They crossed the land bridge (now Bering Strait). There was major cultural diversity. There are no complex nation states north of Mexico. There were plains Indians who were nomadic (Sioux), Pueblo in the southwest (small structures), and woodland tribes in the East (mountain builders [Cahokia], Iriquois [most complex; confederacy]). Men and women had specific tasks, but no set of social values were placed on those tasks, unlike in Europe. Their tasks were EQUALLY important.
Conquistadores
The important thing to note is that the purpose of these conquistadores was to CONQUER. Meaning, they would kill and subjugate in order to obtain land. First, there was Hernando Cortes. He conquered Mexico and enslaved the Aztec nation state. Next, Francisco Pizarro conquered the Incas. Finally, De Soto conquered the Southeast while Coronado explored up to Colorado. This was all supposed to be part of "New Spain."
Seven Years' War: Cause and course
The origins were in colonial expansion conflict. At first, it was not a problem, but then the English moved into Ohio River Valley potentially jeopardizing France's fur trade and control. As a result, France responded by building fortified outposts in the region to choke off the flow of colonials. So the British sent a militia young George Washington to get him to get rid of the French. He won a small victory, suffered a large defeat later on, and eventually the war started. In this conflict, the Europeans were trying to establish their rule and they picked the Indians as their allies. The tribes used the strategy of realpolitik—siding with whomever could help them the most. at first, the Indians side mostly with the French, and the war went terribly for the English. Eventually, , Benjamin Franklin suggested the Albany Plan of Union as a defense force as he and other colonials questioned the competence of British soldiers, but this failed. Ultimately, the Indians sided with the British while the British began to come back. England, in the end, completely won the war. The consequence was that France basically lost control of the continent, because with the Peace of Paris (1763), British won of Canada and almost everything east of Mississippi Valley However, this victory plants the seeds for the destruction of the British Empire in North America. This was because after the French and Indians were no longer a major threat, the colonists did not need England anymore, and wanted independence.
MA Bay
The people who immigrated here were non-separatists Puritans who saw the separatist Puritans and were inspired to get a colony chartered under the Massachusetts Bay Company; they HAD to make a profit. Led by John Winthrop, thousands of Puritans settled in New England. It eventually absorbed Plymouth. Their main goal was to establish a "city on a hill." It is a metaphor; people must look up to see the city on the hill. It was an aspirational/model colony (God's colony). Thus, the people of this colony strove to work together as much as possible to serve God. There was a very strong sense of community. The company had little contact with England and made almost all important decisions. It set an early precedent for self-government. It also extended democratic rights to all Puritan property-owning settlers. This sense of community contrasted with VA, a place where single young males traveled who looked out only for themselves. People who settled here came in families and with pastors; there was a predetermined social order, resulting in a much more stable colony in the Northeast than in the Chesapeake. In the government, there were "freemen" who were white male members of the church who had a say in policies. If you were a part of this group, it felt very democratic.
Plymouth
The people who immigrated here were separatist pilgrims, meaning they thought the Anglican church was so corrupt that it was necessary to SEPARATE and establish their own religion. Their goal was to establish a small, devout territory away from Virginia and the anglican church where they could govern in the way that best served God, the way they saw fit. These were the FIRST Puritans to settle. Their de facto government was outlined in the Mayflower Compact of 1620, which was a general set of rules to obey (majority rules). This was not a constitution, but later constitutions would follow this model. The leader of Plymouth was William Bradford.
Proclamation of 1763
The problem was fighting between natives and colonists (Pontiac's Rebellion/Paxton boys); England needed to have "boots on the ground" to keep the peace. Additionally, they wanted control of where colonists went so people could stay in coastal, trade-oriented colonies, making Britain the most money. Finally, they wanted access to the fur trade. The Proclamation of 1763 was a decree that forbid white settlement west of the rivers running through the Appalachians However, the way the colonists saw it, they had fought and earned the land through the 7 years' war the king was taking away from them. They thought they were entitled to the land. As a result, it did not actually prevent white encroachment. Mostly, it agitated the colonists. Still, this Proclamation was very important because it marked an end to salutary neglect, the first in a new series of restrictions/taxes. It also was the beginning of the demarcation of Indian Territory, establishing how the U.S. would subsequently deal with the "Indian Problem"
The origins of European exploration (general motivators)
The three broad ideas were "gold, glory, and God." Also, they wanted to trade with the East, but the Islamic peoples blocked their routes, charging them high fees as middlemen. So they tried to go WEST to get these goods from India. With the advent of the Renaissance, which caused technological innovation and borrowing (gunpowder, printing press [Internet], compass, mapmaking, shipbuilding), Europeans also had better means to pursue exploration.
Social issues after the war
The unanticipated, unintended momentum of revolution was "Home rule vs. who was going to rule at home:" Generally, the attitude of the masses was anti-aristocratic and distrust of faraway ruling. Urban People started to gain power and reform. Patriot Women argued that the husband could be a "tyrannical ruler." Actual reform came later, but the seed was planted here. There were also protesting Farmers—anti deference, anti-elite, anti-landlord. They wanted low taxes and fair court systems that did not favor the rich. They came in more slowly because they were less unified. Examples were Carolina Regulators and the Paxton Boys. Another big consequence (starting the Great Awakening) of this was disestablishment—the uncoupling of church from state. Slaves and Native Americans were the great contradictions (and to an extent, women). Rhetoric of liberty and equality is not meant to go that far yet; the social revolution had its limitations.
English Trade and Navigation Acts (1650-73)
Their goal was to direct colonial business in order to reassert mercantilism and bring in more wealth to their country as the colonies increased in value Navigation Act (sailing): All goods that left the colonies could only be shipped out of the colonies on English vessels/English crews. England was trying to control the final destination of the item. 2nd Navigation Act: American vessels had to pass through a British port in England first, before going anywhere else. 3rd: There are certain products that can only go to England (i.e. tobacco). The good effect this had on the colonies was that the shipbuilding industry skyrocketed, English forces would protect the colonies and push away Natives, and attacks on the French and Spanish. The downside was that it made the colonies subservient to England (they feel like they are being used). Since tobacco had to go to England, England set the price lower than the market value. Also, there were goods colonists could not make (they had to buy from England, England charged a lot). Essentially, England had an unfair monopoly with high prices. There was no natural growth of industry in the colonies as a result, and when colonies saw themselves as being economically limited, that was the start of some friction.
Traits of the Colonial Society
There was religious diversity; this was the point where Puritans shifted to Congregationalists, and there were many different Protestant Denominations. In terms of politics, the colonies were largely self-governed due to salutary neglect. They liked this policy, so once Britain ended salutary neglect, bitterness ensued. Finally, it was an aspirational society Immigrants, mostly lower middle class citizens, were looking to a better future in the New World
The Great Empire/Civilizations
These civilizations were mostly in central/South America. There were the Aztecs of Mexico, Mayas of central America, and Incas of South America (Peru). They had common language, specialization (division of labor), calendar/time measurement, agriculture, toolmaking and usage, and law, which made them considered to be civilizations.
Colonial strategies during the Revolution
They avoided traditional war, they use guerilla tactics (avoid major military battles: hit and run) draw the British inland (to extend lines of supply and isolate the British), control the countryside and time and place of combat (dictate the nature of how this war unfolds). These tactics were the only way a smaller force could take on the British.
French interaction with natives
They were not really seeking full occupation or religious; rather, they wanted to develop their fur trade. As a social consequence, the Indians and French were going to collaborate more out of necessity. The French actually assimilated into the Native American social order because they were outnumbered and consisted of single young men. This was a major contrast with New England.
Colony of Maryland (1634)
This land was granted by the king to Lord Calvert (Baltimore), who wanted to establish a Catholic colony of refuge. However, Protestants eventually outnumbered Catholics. As a result, the Act of Toleration was passed, which allowed religious freedom as long as you profess the divinity of Jesus (first step of religious toleration).
Albany Plan of Union
This was an intercolonial government, defense force and a system for collecting taxes and contributing resources. There was also attempt to negotiate treaty with Iriquois However, there was no support from colonists; they wanted to tax themselves and were not prepared to unite. They saw themselves as their own miniature nations that were suspicious of the others. The British were also against this because they believed military matters were reserved for the Crown.
Bacon's Rebellion
When freed indentured servants or even poor immigrants were ready to live on their own, they expected to move into the mainland of Virginia. However, the elites did not see this as a priority; they wanted to simply keep up tobacco cultivation and peaceable relations with Indians. Letting landless whites gain land would push them. As a result, there is a large, poor, landless population who had nothing to lose. Under Nathaniel Bacon, a mob tried to gain land by burning/attacking Indian tribes (Susquehannock and Pamunkeys) anyway as well as Jamestown itself to refute the royal governor. Later, Bacon died of dysentery and a new treaty (SHORT-TERM) emerged between the colonists and native Americans There were two main ramifications of this rebellion. This was the first time class strife was viewed (early populism, the haves vs. the have-nots) and the first resistance to a royal authority (precursor to American Revolution) Additionally, it resulted in the development of black codes due to fear of racial alliance;
King Philip's War
White settlers were trying to convert Wapanoags into English culture and religion, and there was land conflict as more people came into New England. As a result, Metacomet led attacks on several settlements, and he allied with two other local tribes, but he eventually ran out of supplies and ammunition. As a result, he died and the alliance fell apart. Thus, many Indians were sold into slavery; and this was the last attempt at colonial resistance in southern NE. It was the end of Native American presence in Old New England, and from now on, there was little to no chance at a harmonious white-Indian relationship.
indentured servitude in the Virginia colony
a person with land in the New World will pay for a landless peasant in Europe to travel to America, give them food and shelter, and in turn have them work the land for 4-7 years. Even though it was risky, for people in the Old World, it was a risk worth taking because if one did survive, they were free, could own land, and vote in the House of Burgesses. Colonists/settlers also benefitted because if they brought indentured servants with them, they were given 50 acres of land through the headright system. However, there were limitations to this system: death and escape
MA Bay Charter
acting as a constitution, this document provided the mechanism for self-government. it was government by the company's general court. all property holders voted for representatives and it required proprietors to seek consent of freemen before making laws
Madison's Presidency
notable acts: Macon's Bill No.2, asked Congress to declare war in 1812 2. After the war: American system - promoted national growth but cautiously: protective tariffs, improvements to interstate roads (National Road), rechartering of National Bank in 1816
Macon's Bill No. 2 in 1810
reopened trade with both France and England, but if one country renounced its interference with American trade, Madison would cut off trade with the other one -effect: Napoleon made that promise, but still harassed American ships. The British also kept attacking American ships, leading to pro-war sentiments
What shift did the common people experience in their view of government (pre-Jefferson)
they distrusted the monarchy/aristocracy and believed in egalitarianism and democracy, due to the Enlightenment mostly