APUSH: Period 3, 1754-1800 - The Revolutionary War

Why This Matters

The Revolutionary War (1775-1783) was a pivotal event in American and world history, marking the transition from colonial rule to independence and shaping the modern nation-state. This conflict is significant for understanding the larger period of the Enlightenment and the rise of democratic ideals, as it exemplifies the tension between individual rights and collective power. The Revolutionary War's impact on American identity, politics, and power structures continues to influence contemporary debates on governance, liberty, and national sovereignty.

Key Events & People

• The Boston Massacre (1770): Tensions between British soldiers and American colonists in Boston culminated in a deadly clash, further polarizing the two sides.
• The Boston Tea Party (1773): Colonists disguised as Native Americans boarded British ships and dumped tea into the harbor to protest taxation without representation.
• George Washington (1732-1799): Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, Washington played a crucial role in the war's outcome and later became the first U.S. President.
• King George III (1738-1820): The British monarch who faced opposition from the American colonies, leading to the outbreak of war.
• The Declaration of Independence (1776): Written by Thomas Jefferson, this document formally announced the 13 colonies' separation from Great Britain and established the principles of equality and individual rights.
• The Battle of Saratoga (1777): A decisive American victory that convinced France to ally with the colonies against Great Britain.
• The Treaty of Paris (1783): Ended the Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence and establishing the boundaries of the new nation.
• Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790): A leading figure in the Enlightenment, Franklin played a key role in securing French support for the American cause.
• The Articles of Confederation (1781): The first attempt at a national government, which proved ineffective and led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The Proclamation of 1763, which restricted westward settlement and sparked resentment among colonists.
• Effect: The Intolerable Acts, a series of laws passed by the British Parliament in response to colonial protests, further antagonizing the colonies.

• Long-term consequence: The escalation of tensions ultimately led to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.

• Cause: The influence of Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who emphasized individual rights and limited government.

• Effect: The development of a colonial identity and the emergence of a distinct American culture.

• Long-term consequence: The shaping of American politics and society, with a strong emphasis on individual liberty and democratic governance.

• Cause: The British government's attempts to exert control over the colonies through taxation and regulation.

• Effect: The growth of colonial resistance and the eventual formation of the Continental Army.
• Long-term consequence: The establishment of the United States as an independent nation, with a system of government based on representative democracy.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Enlightenment*: A 17th- and 18th-century intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and the scientific method.
  • Example: The writings of John Locke, particularly his Second Treatise of Government, influenced the American Revolution's emphasis on individual rights.
• *Treaty of Paris*: The 1783 agreement ending the Revolutionary War and recognizing American independence.
  • Example: The Treaty of Paris established the boundaries of the United States, including the Mississippi River as the western border.
• *Proclamation of 1763*: A British law restricting westward settlement and sparking colonial resentment.
  • Example: The Proclamation of 1763 led to the development of the American frontier and the westward expansion of the United States.
• *Intolerable Acts*: A series of laws passed by the British Parliament in response to colonial protests.
  • Example: The Intolerable Acts, including the Boston Port Act, further antagonized the colonies and contributed to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.
• *Continental Army*: The military force established by the Second Continental Congress to fight against the British.
  • Example: The Continental Army, led by George Washington, played a crucial role in the war's outcome and the eventual defeat of the British.
• *Declaration of Independence*: A document formally announcing the 13 colonies' separation from Great Britain.
  • Example: The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, established the principles of equality and individual rights.
• *Articles of Confederation*: The first attempt at a national government, which proved ineffective and led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Example: The Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1781, established a weak central government and contributed to the need for a new constitution.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Proclamation of 1763 was a law passed by the Continental Congress to restrict westward settlement.
  • Correction: The Proclamation of 1763 was actually a British law passed in 1763, restricting westward settlement and sparking colonial resentment.
• What students often get wrong: The Intolerable Acts were a series of laws passed by the Continental Congress to punish the British.
  • Correction: The Intolerable Acts were actually a series of laws passed by the British Parliament in response to colonial protests, further antagonizing the colonies.
• What students often get wrong: The Continental Army was established by the First Continental Congress.
  • Correction: The Continental Army was actually established by the Second Continental Congress in 1775, with George Washington as its commander-in-chief.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of the Enlightenment in shaping the American Revolution. Be sure to include specific examples from the writings of John Locke and other thinkers.
  • Evidence: Cite the Second Treatise of Government, the Declaration of Independence, and the writings of Thomas Paine.
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the impact of the Proclamation of 1763 on the American colonies. How did this law contribute to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War?
  • Evidence: Discuss the Proclamation of 1763, the Intolerable Acts, and the Declaration of Independence.
• Possible essay prompt: Compare and contrast the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. How did these two documents shape the development of the United States?
  • Evidence: Analyze the Articles of Confederation, the U.S. Constitution, and the Federalist Papers.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the main cause of the American Revolution?
   • Answer: The Proclamation of 1763 and the influence of Enlightenment thinkers.
   • Explanation: The Proclamation of 1763 restricted westward settlement and sparked colonial resentment, while Enlightenment thinkers emphasized individual rights and limited government.
2. Who was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army?
   • Answer: George Washington.
   • Explanation: Washington played a crucial role in the war's outcome and later became the first U.S. President.
3. What was the significance of the Treaty of Paris?
   • Answer: The Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.
   • Explanation: The Treaty of Paris established the boundaries of the United States and marked a significant turning point in American history.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The Proclamation of 1763 was a British law passed in 1763.
• The Continental Army was established by the Second Continental Congress in 1775.
• The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776.
• The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783.
• The Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781.
• The "Gilded Age" was named by Mark Twain – it means glittering on the outside, corrupt inside.
• The Intolerable Acts were a series of laws passed by the British Parliament in response to colonial protests.
• The Second Treatise of Government was written by John Locke in 1689.
• The Federalist Papers were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay in 1787-1788.
• The U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1788.