APUSH: Period 3, 1754-1800 - Contextualizing Period 3

Why This Matters

Contextualizing Period 3 (1754-1800) is crucial for understanding the complexities of the American Revolution and its aftermath. This period saw the emergence of new ideas about liberty, democracy, and the role of government, which would shape the United States' development. The AP theme of American Identity is particularly relevant, as this period saw the creation of a new nation and the struggles of its people to define themselves and their place in the world.

Key Events & People

• Proclamation of 1763: Issued by King George III in 1763, this decree prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, leading to growing tensions between Britain and its colonies.
• Boston Massacre (1770): Tensions between British soldiers and American colonists in Boston culminated in the deaths of five colonists, further polarizing the relationship between Britain and its colonies.
• Thomas Paine's Common Sense (1776): This influential pamphlet argued for American independence from Britain, emphasizing the colonies' right to self-governance and the benefits of democracy.
• Declaration of Independence (1776): Adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, this document formally declared the 13 colonies' independence from Britain and established the principles of equality and individual rights.
• Valley Forge (1777-78): During the harsh winter of 1777-78, Washington's Continental Army camped at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where they endured extreme cold and hunger, but also received training and support from Prussian military officer Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben.
• Treaty of Paris (1783): This treaty officially ended the American Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence and establishing the boundaries of the new nation.
• George Washington's Farewell Address (1796): In this speech, Washington warned against the dangers of sectionalism and the importance of a strong national government, setting a precedent for future American leaders.
• John Adams' Alien and Sedition Acts (1798): These laws, passed during Adams' presidency, restricted civil liberties and targeted immigrants and critics of the government, sparking controversy and debate.
• The Whiskey Rebellion (1794): A tax on whiskey led to a violent uprising in western Pennsylvania, which was eventually put down by Washington's troops, demonstrating the authority of the federal government.
• The Jay Treaty (1795): This treaty, negotiated by John Jay, resolved outstanding issues between the United States and Britain, including British withdrawal from forts in the Northwest Territory.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The Proclamation of 1763 restricted colonial settlement and trade.
• Effect: Growing tensions between Britain and its colonies led to the American Revolution.

• Long-term consequence: The Revolution established the United States as an independent nation, with a new system of government and a commitment to democracy.

• Cause: The Boston Massacre heightened tensions between British soldiers and American colonists.

• Effect: The event contributed to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War.

• Long-term consequence: The war ultimately led to the creation of a new nation, with a distinct identity and system of government.

• Cause: The Treaty of Paris established the boundaries of the new nation.

• Effect: The treaty marked the end of the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.
• Long-term consequence: The treaty set a precedent for future American foreign policy and established the United States as a sovereign nation.

Essential Vocabulary

• Liberty: The state of being free from oppressive restrictions or control.
  • Example: The American Revolution was fought for the liberty of the colonies from British rule.
• Democracy: A system of government in which power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
  • Example: The United States is a democratic nation, with citizens electing representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
• Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states.
  • Example: The United States has a federal system of government, with power divided between the federal government and the states.
• Nationalism: An ideology that emphasizes the importance of national identity and interests.
  • Example: The American Revolution was a nationalist movement, with Americans seeking to create a new nation and assert their independence.
• Sectionalism: A phenomenon in which different regions or sections of a country have distinct interests and identities.
  • Example: The United States has a history of sectionalism, with different regions having distinct economic, cultural, and political interests.
• Treaty: A formal agreement between two or more nations, often involving the settlement of disputes or the establishment of trade relationships.
  • Example: The Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.
• Alien: A person who is not a citizen of a country, often used to describe immigrants or foreign nationals.
  • Example: The Alien and Sedition Acts targeted immigrants and critics of the government.
• Sedition: The act of inciting or promoting rebellion or insurrection against a government.
  • Example: The Alien and Sedition Acts restricted civil liberties and targeted critics of the government.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III in 1773.
  • Correction: The Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III in 1763, restricting colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.
• What students often get wrong: The Boston Massacre occurred in 1775.
  • Correction: The Boston Massacre occurred in 1770, further polarizing the relationship between Britain and its colonies.
• What students often get wrong: The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1781.
  • Correction: The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, officially ending the American Revolutionary War and recognizing American independence.
• What students often get wrong: The Whiskey Rebellion was a tax on tea.
  • Correction: The Whiskey Rebellion was a tax on whiskey, which led to a violent uprising in western Pennsylvania.
• What students often get wrong: The Jay Treaty was signed in 1792.
  • Correction: The Jay Treaty was signed in 1795, resolving outstanding issues between the United States and Britain.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of the Proclamation of 1763 in the lead-up to the American Revolution. Be sure to include specific evidence from the period, such as the reactions of colonial leaders and the impact on colonial settlement.
  • Specific evidence: The reactions of colonial leaders, such as Benjamin Franklin's criticism of the Proclamation, and the impact on colonial settlement, such as the growth of the frontier.
• Possible essay prompt: Discuss the significance of the Treaty of Paris in the development of the United States. Be sure to include specific evidence from the period, such as the reactions of American leaders and the impact on American foreign policy.
  • Specific evidence: The reactions of American leaders, such as George Washington's praise for the treaty, and the impact on American foreign policy, such as the establishment of the United States as a sovereign nation.
• Possible essay prompt: Examine the role of nationalism in the American Revolution. Be sure to include specific evidence from the period, such as the rhetoric of American leaders and the impact on colonial identity.
  • Specific evidence: The rhetoric of American leaders, such as Thomas Paine's Common Sense, and the impact on colonial identity, such as the growth of a distinct American identity.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the main cause of the American Revolution?
   • Answer: The Proclamation of 1763 and the growing tensions between Britain and its colonies.
   • Explanation: The Proclamation of 1763 restricted colonial settlement and trade, leading to growing tensions between Britain and its colonies.
2. Who was the author of the influential pamphlet Common Sense?
   • Answer: Thomas Paine.
   • Explanation: Thomas Paine's Common Sense argued for American independence from Britain and emphasized the benefits of democracy.
3. What was the significance of the Treaty of Paris?
   • Answer: The Treaty of Paris officially ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.
   • Explanation: The treaty marked the end of the American Revolutionary War and established the United States as a sovereign nation.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III in 1763.
• The Boston Massacre occurred in 1770.
• The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783.
• The Whiskey Rebellion was a tax on whiskey.
• The Jay Treaty was signed in 1795.
• The Alien and Sedition Acts targeted immigrants and critics of the government.
• The American Revolution was a nationalist movement.
• The Proclamation of 1763 restricted colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.
• The Treaty of Paris established the boundaries of the new nation.
• The Whiskey Rebellion was put down by Washington's troops in 1794.