Apush Period 3 Study Guide

APUSH Period 3 Study Guide: A Deep Dive into 1754-1800

This comprehensive study guide covers AP US History Period 3 (1754-1800), focusing on the key themes, events, and individuals that shaped this pivotal era in American history. Understanding this period is crucial for success on the APUSH exam, as it lays the groundwork for many of the subsequent developments in the nation's history. We'll delve into the causes and consequences of the French and Indian War, the burgeoning tensions leading to the American Revolution, and the challenges faced by the newly formed nation under the Articles of Confederation and the early years of the Constitution. Prepare for a thorough exploration!

I. The French and Indian War and its Aftermath (1754-1763)

The French and Indian War, the North American theater of the Seven Years' War, dramatically altered the political landscape of the colonies. Understanding its causes, consequences, and key figures is essential.

A. Causes:

• Competition for Land and Resources: French and British colonial ambitions clashed over control of the Ohio River Valley, a region rich in fur trade and agricultural potential. This competition fuelled tensions between the two empires.
• Imperial Rivalry: The underlying conflict was a broader struggle between Great Britain and France for global dominance. The North American colonies served as a crucial battleground in this larger conflict.
• Native American Alliances: Both the British and French cultivated alliances with Native American tribes, leading to complex and shifting alliances throughout the war. This involvement significantly impacted the course of the conflict.

B. Key Events and Figures:

• Fort Duquesne and the Battle of Jumonville Glen: George Washington's early involvement in the conflict, marked by these events, signaled the beginning of hostilities.
• The Albany Congress (1754): Benjamin Franklin's proposed plan for colonial unity failed, highlighting the challenges of intercolonial cooperation.
• William Pitt's Leadership: The British government's shift towards more effective leadership under Pitt proved crucial in securing British victory.
• Major Battles: The battles of Quebec and the Plains of Abraham were decisive victories for the British, leading to the eventual French surrender.

C. Consequences:

• British Victory and Territorial Expansion: The British gained control over vast territories in North America, including Canada and the Ohio River Valley.
• Increased British Debt: The war significantly increased British national debt, leading to new taxes and policies aimed at recouping the costs.
• Growing Tensions Between Great Britain and the Colonies: The war's aftermath set the stage for increased tension and conflict between Great Britain and its American colonies, as the British government sought to exert greater control over the colonies to finance its debt. This led to the implementation of policies the colonists viewed as oppressive.

II. The Road to Revolution (1763-1775)

The period following the French and Indian War witnessed a growing sense of resentment and rebellion among the American colonists, eventually culminating in the outbreak of the American Revolution.

A. British Policies and Colonial Resistance:

• Proclamation of 1763: This act prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, angering colonists eager to expand westward.
• The Sugar Act (1764): This act aimed to raise revenue by imposing taxes on sugar and molasses imported into the colonies.
• The Stamp Act (1765): This act imposed taxes on printed materials, sparking widespread colonial protests and boycotts.
• The Townshend Acts (1767): These acts imposed taxes on various goods imported into the colonies, further escalating tensions.
• The Boston Massacre (1770): This event, in which British soldiers fired upon unarmed colonists, further inflamed anti-British sentiment.
• The Tea Act (1773): This act granted the East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies, leading to the Boston Tea Party.
• The Intolerable Acts (1774): These punitive measures, passed in response to the Boston Tea Party, further alienated the colonists.

B. Key Figures and Movements:

• Sons of Liberty: This radical group played a pivotal role in organizing resistance to British policies.
• Committees of Correspondence: These groups facilitated communication and coordination among the colonies.
• Patrick Henry: His fiery speeches, such as "Give me liberty, or give me death!," helped galvanize support for the revolutionary cause.
• Samuel Adams: A key figure in organizing colonial resistance and shaping public opinion.
• John Adams: A key figure in the legal defense of the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre, representing the desire for justice even within the tense climate.
• First Continental Congress (1774): The delegates from twelve colonies met to discuss common grievances and coordinate responses to British policies.

C. Growing Colonial Unity and Ideological Development:

• Enlightenment Ideals: Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke significantly influenced colonial thought, emphasizing natural rights and the social contract.
• Republicanism: The colonists embraced republican ideals, emphasizing civic virtue and citizen participation in government.
• Growing sense of American Identity: Shared experiences of resistance to British policies fostered a stronger sense of collective American identity.

III. The American Revolution (1775-1783)

The American Revolution marked a decisive break from British rule and the establishment of an independent United States.

A. Key Events:

• Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775): These battles marked the beginning of armed conflict between the British and the colonists.
• Second Continental Congress (1775): The Congress assumed the role of a provisional government, organizing the Continental Army and issuing the Declaration of Independence.
• Declaration of Independence (1776): This document, primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, declared the colonies' independence from Great Britain and outlined the philosophical justifications for the revolution.
• Key Battles: Saratoga (1777), a turning point in the war, secured French military and financial support for the Americans. Yorktown (1781), the final major battle of the war, resulted in a decisive American victory and British surrender.

B. Key Figures:

• George Washington: Commander of the Continental Army, his leadership was crucial to the American victory.
• Thomas Jefferson: Principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
• Benjamin Franklin: Diplomat and statesman, he secured crucial French support during the war.
• John Adams: A key figure in securing French and other foreign alliances.
• Marquis de Lafayette: French nobleman who provided significant military and political support to the Americans.

C. Significance of the Victory:

• Establishment of an Independent Nation: The American victory marked the birth of a new nation based on the principles of self-government and popular sovereignty.
• Influence on Global Politics: The American Revolution inspired other revolutionary movements around the world.
• Long-term Impact on Domestic Policy: The war had profound implications for the nation's political, economic, and social development.

IV. The Articles of Confederation and the Challenges of Nation-Building (1781-1789)

The period under the Articles of Confederation presented significant challenges for the newly formed nation.

A. Weaknesses of the Articles:

• Weak Central Government: The central government lacked the power to effectively tax, regulate commerce, or enforce laws.
• Lack of Executive and Judicial Branches: The absence of a strong executive and judicial branch hampered effective governance.
• Unicameral Legislature: The one-house legislature lacked the checks and balances necessary for effective decision-making.
• Supermajority Required for Amendments: The high threshold required to amend the Articles made it difficult to adapt to changing circumstances.

B. Key Events and Issues:

• Land Ordinance of 1785 and Northwest Ordinance of 1787: These acts provided a framework for the orderly settlement and governance of the Northwest Territory.
• Shay's Rebellion (1786-1787): This uprising highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger central government.
• Economic Instability: The nation faced significant economic challenges, including inflation and interstate trade disputes.

V. The Constitution and the Early Republic (1787-1800)

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 addressed the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation, resulting in the creation of a new framework for government.

A. The Constitutional Convention:

• Key Debates: The convention involved significant debates over issues like representation, slavery, and the balance of power between the states and the federal government. The Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise were crucial outcomes of these debates.
• Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists: The debate over ratification of the Constitution pitted Federalists, who supported a strong central government, against Anti-Federalists, who feared the potential for tyranny.
• The Federalist Papers: These essays, written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, defended the Constitution and played a crucial role in securing its ratification.

B. The Bill of Rights:

• First Ten Amendments: These amendments guaranteed fundamental rights and liberties to citizens, addressing Anti-Federalist concerns about the potential for government overreach.

C. The Early Republic:

• Washington's Presidency: George Washington's leadership established many precedents for the presidency, setting the stage for future administrations.
• Hamilton's Financial Plan: Alexander Hamilton's plan aimed to establish the nation's financial stability through the assumption of state debts, the creation of a national bank, and the imposition of excise taxes.
• Rise of Political Parties: The emergence of the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties marked the beginning of a two-party system in American politics.
• Jay Treaty (1794): This treaty with Great Britain aimed to resolve outstanding issues between the two nations but proved controversial.
• Pinckney's Treaty (1795): This treaty with Spain secured important territorial rights and access to the Mississippi River.
• Whiskey Rebellion (1791-1794): This rebellion against the federal excise tax on whiskey demonstrated the challenges of enforcing federal laws and maintaining order.
• Adams' Presidency: John Adams' presidency was marked by the XYZ Affair and the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts, which sparked controversy over the balance between national security and individual liberties.

VI. Conclusion: Setting the Stage for the 19th Century

Period 3 in APUSH marks a transformative era in American history. The events of this period – from the French and Indian War to the early years of the Republic – laid the foundation for many of the key themes and conflicts that would shape the 19th century and beyond. Understanding this period's complexities is crucial not only for success on the APUSH exam but also for a deeper understanding of the development of the United States as a nation. Remember to focus on cause-and-effect relationships, key figures, and the evolution of American identity and political thought throughout this period. By mastering this period, you will be well-prepared to tackle the subsequent periods of AP US History.

This detailed guide provides a solid foundation for your APUSH Period 3 studies. Remember to supplement this information with further reading from your textbook and other reputable sources. Good luck with your studies!