Ch 5&6 APUSH
What were the sources of the Confederation's postwar economic problems, and how did the government attempt to solve them? What were the results?
war debt treaty of ft. stanwix, 1784- treaty w/ six iriquois tribes to relenquish ohio lands to sell to settlers to make money to pay off war debt NW ordinance of 1787- congress est. new states in the west- didn't go over well, caused tensions b/n natives ans settlers.
How did Jay's Treaty affect American relations with Spain?
Jays treaty created fear within spain that America and Britain would join forces and challenge spain. They quickly agreed to almost all terms of the Americans in the Pinckney Treaty
What was the initial plan for the British campaign of 1777? How was this altered, and what effect did this alteration have on the outcome?
A two pronged advance,from Canada and New York, to link up and cut off New England (regarded as the center of the rebellion) from the rest of the American colonies. The southern prong just never got going and soon retreated, leaving the northern prong, under Burgoyne, advancing by itself. Burgoyne was opposed by increasingly large numbers of colonist troops and,against the advice of his subordinates,decided on an attack at Saratoga that led to the defeat and surrender of his army. The effect was to convince to French king Louis XVI to enter into a full alliance with the American rebels and supply them with considerable military and financial aid.
Who were the advocates of centralization, and why did they want to alter or abolish the Articles of Confederation?
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and a few others were the advocates. They wanted to alter/abolish the articles of confederation because it created a government that was too weak and pissed off the people. The problem was mostly that the government it created was too weak. It was difficult because a certain number of delegates had to agree on the changes and that was difficult to make happen.
What circumstances led to an administration with a Federalist president and a Republican vice president?
Although virtually all of Adams's votes came from northern electors (while virtually all of Jefferson's were from southern electors), Adams won largely because of the votes of two southern electors. A Virginia elector, from a county with a strong tradition of opposition to planter aristocrats, voted for Adams, as did an elector from a commercial district in coastal North Carolina. Jefferson received the second largest number of votes, making him the vice president. Thus, the nation would have a President from one party and a vice president from the other party. Seven states permitted popular voting in this election. In the remaining nine states, the state legislatures elected the members of the electoral college. Thus, popular opinion is difficult to fathom in this vote, although Adams appears to have received some support in recognition of his long and sacrificial service during the American Revolution. The northern states also thought their time had come to have a President, as a Virginian had held the office during the new nation's first eight years. In addition, the vocal support for Jefferson by the French minister to the United States probably swung some electoral ballots to Adams.
How did the Treaty of Paris of 1783 fail to resolve, or in some cases help to create, strain among the United States, England, and Spain?
America established itself as a nation and it directly bordered England's colony of Canada and the Spanish colony of Florida. In addition, although the French aided the American in fighting the British, the French were not included in the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Because American trade was no longer under the British Empire, the newly independent America became a new competitor in Atlantic trade, outside of the British Empire. Outside of world trade, the growing land mass of America had natural resources that could be exported for Atlantic Trade
Who were the Loyalists? What elements in America remained loyal to the king, and for what reasons?
American Colonist who were loyal to British Empire and the British monarchy during the American Revolutionary War - "King's Men" They were opposed to the Patriots who supported the revolution Most Loyalists fled or were forced to Canada after the Revolution
What was the political philosophy of Jefferson and Madison? How did it differ from that of Hamilton?
But the new leaders soon divided into rival political parties, a development that shocked them all, for they had designed the Constitution to discourage organized partisanship. Washington, Adams, and Hamilton claimed the name of Federalists, while Jefferson and Madison organized an opposition known as the Democratic-Republicans, or Republicans (which should not be confused with the Republican Party of today). The two parties polarized over four big issues: political economy, foreign policy, how to interpret the Constitution, and the proper nature of a republic. First, the Republicans sought to preserve the nation's agricultural economy out of a conviction that it alone could sustain a relatively simple and equal class structure for white men. The Federalists, however, hoped to accelerate industrial development, which might enrich the nation as a whole but produce greater extremes of wealth and poverty, power, and powerlessness
What was to be the role of various branches of government under the new Constitution?
Each branch was given certain powers over the others to ensure that no one branch usurped a dangerous amount of power. This system, known as checks and balances, was the cornerstone of the new framework of government. The system of checks and balances represented the solution to the problem of how to empower the central government, yet protect against corruption and despotism. The President was granted the power to veto acts of Congress deemed unnecessary or unjust, and would be responsible for appointing federal and Supreme Court judges. The Senate had to ratify treaties proposed by the President, and had to approve the President's cabinet appointments. Congress as a joint body was given the power to impeach, try, and remove the President from office, as well as Supreme Court justices, should it become necessary. The judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court, had the responsibility and power to interpret the laws passed by Congress.
Why did the supporters of the new Constitution call themselves "Federalists"? Were they actually Federalists, or did their philosophy of government reveal them to be something else? If so, what?
Federalism is the theory or advocacy of federal principles for dividing powers between member units and common institutions. This was the assumed belief of opponents of centralization had, thus began calling themselves, "Federalists". However, the Anti-federalists [a name given by the Federalists] believed they were the true defenders of the principles of the Revolution. And that the Constitution would abolish individual liberty if it continued without a bill of rights.
What impact did the Revolution have on slavery in New England, in the middle states, and in the South?
In 1774, the Continental Congress called for abolition of the slave trade. Beginning in 1780, the northern states all abolished slavery or provided the tools for the slow emancipation of slaves. No southern states completely abolished slavery. Many of the southern states changed the restrictions on the owners' rights to free their slaves. Because of these laws, between 1782 and 1790 Virginian slave owners freed as many as 10,000 slaves. Even though most of the Founding Fathers wanted to abolish slavery, having and keeping political unity was more important at the time.
What were the philosophical roots of the Declaration of Independence and what effect did the Declaration have on the struggle?
Influenced by John Locke. Written by Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin. It borrowed from similarly written documents.
What changes did the Revolution produce in the structure of the American economy?
It disrupted american economy, but in the long run strengthened it because British restraints forced them to open trading portals in other areas and increase trade within the states. It also lead to increased trade in China and the production of more domestic goods.
What were the provisions of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, and how did the treaty affect relations among the United States, France, and Spain?
It ended the American Revolution and guaranteed freedom in America. It let there be no hard feelings between the different nations involved in the war and "established that there was no at fault party"
What were the circumstances that sent John Jay to England, and what were the results of his mission?
John Jay was sent to Britain to demand the immediate withdrawal of British troops from the frontier, and demand compensation for the recent assault on American shipping vessels, and to negotiate a new commercial treaty. Most of these goals were not met, however there was a commercial relationship between the US and Britain
What was the process by which the Constitution was finally ratified? Which states supported it, by what margins, and which states did not? What objections were raised by the states?
Many state conventions ratified the Constitution, but also called for amendments specifically protecting individual rights. Key states like Virginia and New York had not yet ratified the constitution again because they were worried about their own, personal rights. The decision was finally made when a bill of rights was added to the ratification
What were the divisions within the 2nd Continental Congress? What were the aims of each?
One group consisting mostly of New England representatives led by Samuel and John Adams advocated complete independence from Britain. Another group led by Quaker and PA delegate John Dickinson hoped that imperial reforms would help fix relationship with Britain.
How was paper money seen as a solution to the economic problems of one element in American society? Who opposed this and why?
Paper money was seen as a solution to economic problems for the poorer, but self sufficient, farmers whose debts were paid off and could use the money to buy more goods. Merchants, people who were owed money, and the rich opposed this to because it depreciated the value of money and created something that was not worth anything in reality - because the government couldn't back the paper up with any national resources (such as gold), it was worth nothing if the government fell apart, so for merchants and the rich, and especially the people who were owed money, it was worthless (or at least worth less than what they had loaned out) compared to coins which had value because of their composition.
What was Hamilton's plan for paying the nation's debts and restoring credit on a sound basis? To which social, economic, and political groups would this have appealed?
Policies of Alexander Hamilton as secretary of the treasury. Put U.S. credit on a sound basis by dealing with the nation's debt. Established the First Bank of united States. Imposed excise tax on whiskey to raise revenue. Created a tariff to protect American manufacturing. Gave government support for building roads and canals.
How did the actions of Daniel Shays and his followers relate to the economic problem of the Confederation period? What was the significance of the movement he led?
Shays' Rebellion was an armed uprising in central and western Massachusetts (mainly Springfield) from 1786 to 1787. The financial situation leading to the rebellion included the problem that European war investors (among others) demanded payment. Massachusetts is influenced to ratify the US constitution.
What gave rise to the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, and what attitude toward the nature of the federal government did these resolutions reveal?
The Alien and Sedition Acts Doubled the years you have to live in US before becoming a citizen Illegal to print material against the government The president can expel aliens during war time Attack on freedom of press is a stain on Adams' administration Madison and Jefferson start the Va and Kentucky Resolution
How did the Revolution affect the way American women thought about their status, and what changes resulted from this new awareness?
The American Revolution gave women more freedom than they had before. One reason was that divorce was made possible for women after the revolution, and many women were in some very unhappy marriages. Child-custody rights also changed how women viewed themselves by placing children among the care of their mothers. This made women aware of the role that they played in the society which was to stay in the home to care for the house and children. This began the gradual separation between the public and private sphere.
What were the American diplomatic goals at the start of the war? What problems did they face, and what efforts were made to overcome them?
The American diplomatic goals at the start of the war were to make the United States internationally recognized as an independent country, and to make allies (both militarily and for economic reasons) for the war.
What method did the Federalists employ to get their views across to the people? What were their arguments, and how did the "Antifederalists" respond?
The American people were astonished, so well had the secrets of the convention been concealed; the public had expected the Articles of Confederation to be patched up but now the precious jewel of state sovereignty was swallowed up; the anti-federalists who opposed the stronger federal government were arrayed against the federalists A crew gathered in the anti-federalist camp behind prominent revolutionaries like Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, and Richard Henry Lee; their followers included the poorest classes and were joined by paper-moneyites and debtors (forced to pay debts) Silver-buckled federalists had power and influence on their side; they enjoyed the support of such commanding figures as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin Most of them lived in the settled areas along the seaboard and overall, they were wealthier than the anti-federalists, more educated, and better organized (press control) Antifederalists voiced vehement objections to the "gilded trap" known as the Constitution They cried that it had been drawn up by aristocratic elements and was antidemocratic; they likewise charged that the sovereignty of the states was being submerged and that the freedoms of the individual were jeopardized by the absence of a bill of rights They decried the dropping of annual elections for congressional representatives, the erecting of a federal stronghold, the creation of a standing army, the omission of any reference to God, and the questionable procedure of ratifying with only nine states
What was it about the concept of a republican government that so appealed to Americans?
The Americans wanted their rights and freedoms and by having a Republican government, they had more of an opportunity for their voices to be heard.
What type of government did the Articles of Confederation create? What were its major features?
The Articles of Confederation were put into effect in March of 1781, just a few months before the victory at Yorktown. The Articles linked the 13 states together to deal with common problems, but in practice they did little more than provide a legal basis for the limited authority that the Continental Congress was already exercising. The Congress still had no courts, no power to levy taxes, no power to regulate commerce, and no power to enforce its resolutions upon the states or individuals. Each state had a single vote regardless of population. A vote from nine states was required to approve bills dealing with war, treaties, coinage, finances, or the military, while amendments to the Articles themselves required unanimous ratification. In whatever areas Congress held authority, it had no way of enforcing the powers it did have. Despite their weaknesses, the Articles were the most practical form of government for the new nation. The establishment of a more formal and powerful central government would have caused dissention and prolonged debates between the colonies at a time when the focus needed to be on the Revolution that had yet to be won. The Articles also provided a clear stepping-stone to America's present Constitution by promoting the formation of a union and clearly outlining the powers the central government could exercise.
Why did the British decide to launch a campaign against the southern colonies in 1778? What advantages and disadvantages did each side have in this region?
The British decided to launch a campaign against the southern colonies because they felt the strongest base of loyalty to the crown was there, and they could enlist Loyalists in the fight.
How was the campaign in the South conducted, and why was the victory at Yorktown so significant for the Americans?
The British launched a second campaign in the South. a) Georgia fell to the British with the capture of Savannah. b) Charleston fell to the British in May 1780; Cornwallis was left in command to capture the rest of South Carolina. 2. Civil war between loyalists and patriots raged. a) Patriot guerrillas under the command of Francis Marion also attacked the regular British army commanded by Cornwallis. 3. The regular American army fought Cornwallis. a) The Americans won at Cowpens. b) Although the Americans lost at Guilford Courthouse, Cornwallis decided to evacuate to Virginia. Washington and the French planned a joint campaign. a) Washington's army, joined by French forces, marched south to Virginia; the French navy moved to Chesapeake Bay. b) Cornwallis moved to Yorktown, where the French navy and American-French army laid siege to his forces. c) Cornwallis surrendered, ending British hopes of military victory against the Americans.
What impact did the American Revolution have on Native Americans?
The Native Americans were the losers of the American Revolution. Although the British were the ones that fought and lost lives the Natives lost their land in the scheme of the American Revolution. After the revolution the American people felt that they were entitled to the land because they had fought and died for it and also the British gave them the right to the land in the Treaty of Paris. The Natives got negatively impacted by the revolution because the Native treaty was broken after the revolution and brought resentment against the people of the New American Nation.
What problems did the Treaty of Paris of 1783 fail to solve? What problems did it create?
The Treaty of Paris of 1783 failed to resolve, or in some cases helped to create strain among the US, England, and Spain by creating disputes over boundaries of land between England and the US, creating tension over the FL bounday and the rights to the MS river betwenn Spain and the US
What caused the "quasi war" with France during the Adams administration? What as the result of this struggle?
The XYZ affair started the "quasi" war with France. Angered by France's attempt to bribe America, John Adams insisted America cut off trade with France and seize any French ships on the seas. The French ended the confrontation by agreeing to the means of John Adams
What were the issues in the election of 1800, and what were the reactions of the losers and the victors?
The campaign waged by he partisan press of both camps was bitter and personal. Federalists were able to blunt the Republican campaign by prosecuting opposition editors under the Sedition Act. Operating under no such restraint, Federalist camapaigners urged voters to choose 'God - and a religious president' over 'Jefferson...and no God." They warned that if Jefferson was elected, "Murder, robbery, rape, adultery and incest will be openly taught and practiced." Foreign affairs played a lesser role than it did four years before, because the US and France had backed away from war by this time, and the rise of napolean dampened Jefferson's enthusiasm for France. Rather, the campaign turned on domestic issues, specifically federal authority versus states' rights. Jefferson and James Madison had written the controversial Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, 1798-1799, which declared the Alien and Sedition Acts unconstitutional. The principle of state nullification of federal laws did not prevail ultimately, but the resolutions became a rallying point for anti-Federalism and republicans. Adams' defeat was virtually assured in the Spring of 1800 when Republicans ousted the Federalists in the NY State legislature. New York went to Adams in 1796, because the Federalist-controlled legislature selected the presidential electors. Now, with Republicans in charge, Jeffersonian electors were sure to be chosen. The shift of New York's 12 electoral votes from Adams to Jefferson was enough to tip the election to the Republicans. The final results had Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied with 73 Electoral Votes each, with John Adams receiving 65 Electoral Votes, and Charles C. Pinckney with 64 votes. The election was thrown into the House of Representatives, where on the 36th ballot, Jefferson was elected President, and Aaron Burr was elected as Vice-President
What were the two major points of view that divided the convention? What plans did each side propose to carry its view?
The constitutional convention was frequently divided. They met on may of 1787 as a result of the farmers uprising in Massachusetts. The federalists (majority) advocated for the bill of rights, and so did the republicans. Both sides agreed... except rhode island they just abdicated
What problems did the Americans face in providing the necessary supplies and equipment for the war and in paying for them?
The continental congress in fact had little real power. It asked the states to provide troops, money, and supplies, but without taxation power it could not force them to do so.
What were the initial setbacks in the war during 1776, and what was the significance of the Battles of Trenton and Princeton in this regard?
The initial set backs during the American Revolution were lack of troops, food, clothing, supplies and training. Diseases often rendered large number of troops unfit for battle. There were mutinies. State militias were not reliable; they were untrained, and left of their own accord. Trained soldiers of the Continental army had only one year commitment; therefore, just about time they were trained, it was time for them to go home. Congress was mostly indifferent to Washington's pleas for help, and then judged him to be an unfit commander because he wasn't winning battles. Princeton was where he defeated British Cornwallis, commander of all British troops in the colonies. While it wasn't a big tactical victory, it had a big effect. Cornwallis decided to abandon his position in New Jersey, and, boosted by the victory, 8.000 men joined the Continental army.
What were the characteristics of the men who met at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia? Whose presence was essential to the meeting's success? Why?
The men who met at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia were young, well young by congressman standards, with an average age of 42. Benjamin Franklin was an outlier because he was 81 when he attended this meeting. He served as the delegates "patriach" and was central to their success because of his experience and wisdom. Most of the delegates had served in the Continental Congress before, so they brought experience. Each of the delegates came to Philadelphia with personal perspectives that were influential on their actions. They all in some one or another had some personal experience that distinguished them to be a part of the congress, whether they were veterans in the Revolutionary War, or previously serving in the congress.
How did Americans propose to avoid what they considered to be the problems of the British system they were repudiating?
The newly formed republican government set up a system of checks and balances so that no one person had to much power and they set a constitution that clearly laid out the rights of the people and the rights of the government.
How did the victory at Saratoga affect American diplomatic efforts? How did England and France respond to this news? What was the result?
The victory at Saratoga affected American diplomatic efforts because at this point, other nations believed that America had a chance at winning the war. In France, this is one of the major factors that lead to a French-American alliance. At this point, England realized that the battle for America would not be a crushing of a small rebellion, and hedged their commitment, deciding to enlist the support of the loyalists instead of deploying a full scale army.
What were the characteristics of the state constitutions written during the early years of the struggle? How did they reflect the general spirit of the Enlightenment—the belief that freedom was the natural state of humanity?
They viewed government in terms of a social contract and created an elected government rather than a hereditary monarchy.The newly penned state constitutions had many features in common with one another Their similarity made easier the drafting of a workable federal charter later in time In British tradition, a "constitution" was not a written document but rather an accumulation of laws, customs, and precedents; Americans invented something else The documents they drafted were contracts that defined the powers of government, as did the old colonial charters, but they drew their authority from the people As written documents the state constitutions were intended to represent a fundamental law, superior to the transient whims of ordinary legislation (bills of rights) All of them deliberately created weak executive and judicial branches; there was a deep distrust of despotic governors and arbitrary judges (His Majesty's officials)
What commercial arrangements did American shippers and traders want above all others after the war had ended? Why did they feel this was needed, and how successful were they in accomplishing their aims?
They wanted full access to the British markets. They wanted this because Britain had huge trading ports, but they were unsuccessful because Britain still did not recognize America as a nation even after the war ended
What were the American advantages in the struggle and why was George Washington selected as the best person to make the most of these advantages?
They were fighting on familiar land -> better communication, vast territory, and they had a strong leader with soldiers that had a strong personal commitment to win.
How did the pamphlet Common Sense address the problem of the aim of the war and what was its impact on American opinion?
Thomas Paine exposed the folly of trying to make amends with Britain and argued for a declaration of independence.
What did those who favored centralization see as the most serious problem of the Articles, and how would they have changed them? What had prevented these changes?
Those who favored centralization saw a weak central government as the most serious problem of the Articles, and more specifically, the Articles weakest point: its inability to levy taxes (even its defenders admitted this was a problem). They would have given the Articles the ability to tax, but these changes were prevented because it required a unanimous vote to pass in the Articles, and a tax law would not have passed unanimously.
How did Washington's reaction to the Whiskey Rebellion underscore the difference between the Constitution and the Articles of Confederation?
Washington's reaction of mustering a 15,000 army (bigger than the army he commanded for most of the revolution) of three colonial militias showed the power of the new, centralized government, and displayed how the new government could control uprisings and military affairs. This compares directly to Shays' rebellion, except while Shays' rebellion wasn't stopped until much later, the Constitution allowed Washington do gather an army and defeat the rebellion through intimidation
How were the differences between the "large state" and the "small state" plans resolved? What other issues divided the convention, and how were they resolved?
• Bicameral legislature but only one house would be based on population • The lower house is called the house of representatives • The number of representatives was based on population • The people would elect representatives every 2 years • In the Senate, all states would be equally represented by 2 senators • Would appoint 2 senators every 6 years • Satisfied those that thought the power of ordinary people should be limited • Senators were expected to come from the upper class • The new legislature retained all the power it had under the Articles of Confederation, and could now tax • The delegates at the Convention wrote a new Constitution • Prevent tyranny over the states by separation of power between the 3 branches
