Exam+2


 * Exam #2**

Study for the following four possible questions.

On the exam itself, I will pick three of these questions--you will have to answer two of the three. The exam will be essay; that means complete sentences, not just bullet points.

Possible Exam Questions:

1. Road to Revolution 2. Revolutionary War 3. Constitutional Convention 4. George Washington to Gold Rush


 * BEGIN HERE FOR QUESTION #1**
 * ROAD TO REVOLUTION**

Major themes along the Road to Revolution:
 * Development and spread of the colonial resistance movement
 * British actions
 * Colonists' responses


 * King George III** (1760–1820)

New young king; various prime ministers.


 * Pontiac's uprising** (1763)

Indian chief led Indian uprisings in the Ohio region to kick out colonists. British troops unable to defend the frontier against him.

Good map


 * Proclamation Line of 1763**

Good map []

British tried to keep colonists out of land west of Appalachian Mountains British wanted to protect Indians British wanted to slow down land speculation . But many colonists had already settled west of the Proclamation Line They refused to respect the line.


 * Sugar Act** (1764)

Sugar Act (Massachusetts Historical Society) []

New British Prime Minister George Grenville He felt that colonists should pay a greater share of costs of empire. Particularly pay back costs of French and Indian War.

American protests limited largely to New England merchants Navigation Acts OK Collection of revenue not OK


 * Currency Act** (1764)

British merchants complained that Americans were paying their debts in inflated local currencies.

Currency Act outlawed colonial issues of paper money.

The Sugar and Currency Acts hit an economy already in the midst of depression.

Lacking any precedent for a united campaign against Parliament, Americans in 1764 took only hesitant and uncoordinated steps of protest.


 * Stamp Act** (1765)

Stamp Act (Massachusetts Historical Society) []

Modeled on a law in effect in Britain for over a century.

Three aspects to remember:

Stamp Act required tax stamps on most printed material Tax stamps had to be paid for in cash (scarce) Violators would be tried in vice admiralty courts (no juries).

A Tax stamp []


 * Protests against the Stamp Act**

Colonists feeling their way on exactly how to protest British decisions that affected them.

a) James Otis:

How to combat certain acts of Parliament without questioning Parliament's authority over the colonies. He concluded that colonists had to obey British laws. Many Americans, therefore, reluctantly prepared to obey the Stamp Act.

b) Patrick Henry

Not all the colonists were resigned to paying the Stamp tax. Patrick Henry did not agree with James Otis He proposed the "Virginia Stamp Act Resolves" These resolves protested Parliament's right to tax Americans without their consent.

Stamp Act riots and tar and feathering []

c) Despite the uproar, most Americans wanted to remain loyal British subjects and were not yet arguing for independence.


 * Sons of Liberty**

Colonial elites wanted to control the protests against unpopular laws. They created an inter-colonial association, the Sons of Liberty, to protest the Stamp Act. In subsequent U.S. history, groups who want to protest government action often will call themselves Sons of Liberty.

Sons of Liberty (Massachusetts Historical Society) [| http://www.masshist.org/revolution/sons_of_liberty.php]


 * Non-importation association**

The first attempts to use an economic boycott to pressure British exporters to demand repeal of the Stamp Act.

Non-Importation (Massachusetts Historical Society) [| http://www.masshist.org/revolution/non_importation.php]


 * Stamp Act Repeal** (March 1766)

New British Prime Minister, Lord Rockingham He repealed the Stamp Act **not because** he believed Parliament lacked the power to tax the colonies, **but because** he thought the law unwise and divisive.


 * Declaratory Act** (March 1766)

Linked to the repeal of the Stamp Act. Dangerous implications for the colonists.

Key issue: Asserted Parliament's ability to tax & legislate for the colonies "in all cases whatsoever."


 * Townshend Acts** (1767)

Townshend Acts (Massachusetts Historical Society) [| http://www.masshist.org/revolution/townshend.php]

1. British officials searched for new ways to generate revenue to help pay war debts from French and Indian War.

2. The passage of the Townshend Acts drew a swift response from the colonists, who were now less hesitant and better organized.

3. Townshend Acts provided as follows:
 * Duties on goods (paper, glass, tea) imported from Britain to the colonies
 * Proceeds would pay salaries for some royal officials in the colonies
 * American Board of Customs Commissioners (based in Boston)
 * Added vice–admiralty courts in Boston, Philadelphia, and Charleston


 * Boston "Massacre"** (5 March 1770)

British troops assigned to Boston to protect Customs Commissioners. Tensions in a military garrison town: soldiers took local jobs Was this a "massacre"?

Massachusetts Historical Society [| http://www.masshist.org/revolution/massacre.php]


 * Townshend Duties Repealed (12 April 1770)**

Townshend Duties Repealed/Non-Importation (Massachusetts Historical Society) [| http://www.masshist.org/revolution/non_importation.php]

Parliament revoked all the duties except that on tea. (This will be a cause of the Boston Tea Party)

The other Townshend provisions remained in force.

Called Intolerable Acts by the colonists
 * Coercive Acts (1774)**

Americans convinced British planned to take away their liberty.

Port of Boston closed to shipping until tea was paid for: "Lord North is closing the port of Boston."

a. Massachusetts Government Act

Altered the Massachusetts charter Substituted an appointed council for an elected one Increased the powers of the Governor Halted most town meetings.

b. Justice Act

British officials would be sent to England for trial.

c. Quartering Act

British military commanders could house their troops in private dwellings.


 * Quebec Act (1774)**

Intended to ease strains of British conquest of the former French colony.

Catholics granted greater religious freedom. Representative assembly abolished. Canada boundary extended to Ohio River. Many American colonists coveted this land.


 * Results thus far** in the arguments between the British government and the colonies:

Colonists worried over precedents of Coercive Acts and Quebec Act. Both Acts made colonists fear that Britain had a deliberate plan to oppress the American colonies.

BUT: few people wanted to take hasty action. Most patriots remained loyal to Britain and hoped for reconciliation Colonists agreed to send delegates to Philadelphia to attend a Continental Congress to consider an appropriate response.


 * END HERE QUESTION #1**
 * ROAD TO REVOLUTION**


 * BEGIN HERE FOR QUESTION #2:**
 * REVOLUTIONARY WAR**


 * The American Revolution required patriot leaders to do three things** :
 * Establish a coalition in favor of independence
 * Gain foreign recognition.
 * Triumph over the British army


 * First Continental Congress** (Philadelphia, Sept 1774)

1. Declaration of Rights and Grievances Colonists would obey normal laws of British Parliament Colonists would not obey taxes in disguise (like Townshend Duties)

2. Continental Association Boycott of English goods

3. . Committees of Observation & Inspection Committee members (7000) assigned to monitor boycott, Became, in effect, the local leaders of the American resistance.

Independence was being won at the local level, without formal acknowledgement and without much bloodshed.
 * Provincial conventions** :

Popularly elected congresses took over government in each colony

These conventions
 * a. elected delegates to the Second Continental Congress
 * b. organized militia units
 * c. gathered arms and ammunition
 * d. collected taxes


 * Choosing sides**

1. **Patriots** (40% of population)

Americans who were against the British


 * To win, Patriots had to neutralize or defeat potential internal enemies.**

2. **Neutrals** (40% of population)

Those who tried to remain in the middle


 * Sincere pacifists (Quakers)
 * Those who supported whoever controlled their area
 * Those who simply wanted to be left alone

3. **Loyalists** (20% of population)

Loyalists were Americans who remained loyal to the British:


 * British–appointed government officials
 * Merchants whose trade depended on British connections
 * Anglican (Church of England) ministers

100,000 loyalists left America, many to Canada

4. **African–Americans**

Slaves sought freedom by supporting the British. British eventually took away 55,000 slaves Colonies with highest slave %—less support for revolution.

5. **Indians**

Both British and patriots tried to keep Indians neutral Indians bitter at aggressive expansionism of colonists Most taking sides supported British—less threat than Patriots


 * British military planners made three erroneous assumptions** :

1. Americans would not stand up to professional troops

2. English could fight a conventional war as they would in Europe

3. Military victory would be sufficient to win the struggle


 * Battles of Lexington and Concord** (April 1775).

Paul Revere's Ride (Finding Dulcinea, On This Day) [| http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/March-April-08/Paul-Revere-Begins-Midnight-Ride.html]

Results: Colonial victory (note casualties and losses


 * Battle of Bunker Hill** (June 1775)

Results: British victory


 * Second Continental Congress**

Convened in May 1775 at Philadelphia

a. Became the intercolonial government during American Revolution b. Authorized the printing of money c. Established a committee to supervise relations with foreign countries d. Created Continental Army e. Washington, from the South, appointed commanding general


 * Thomas Paine: //Common Sense//** (Jan 1776)

His essay helped Americans accept the idea of separation from Britain.


 * ALL OF THE ABOVE TOOK PLACE BEFORE ANY DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE**


 * Declaration of Independence** (July 4, 1776)

a. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to draft the Declaration

b. Colonists would no longer accept legitimacy of Parliament

c. Declaration of Independence concentrated on King George III as the villain

The King had attempted to destroy representative government The King oppressed Americans by excessive force

d. All men are created equal: principle to live up to

e. Signers of the Declaration at great risk: treason. John Hancock's big signature: "King won't need his spectacles"


 * Lineup of opponents during the war itself** :

a. War took place on several levels

Regular troops: British against Patriots Irregular troops: Partisan warfare (Patriots versus Loyalists)

b. Fighting moved chronologically from North to South:
 * New England
 * Middle colonies
 * Southern colonies


 * Continental army**

a. Never numbered more than 18,500 men b. Included black (5,000) troops c. Short–term militiamen helped in their own area d. Women traveled with the army


 * Patriot winter camp** : **Valley Forge**

Tremendous suffering Time for needed training (Baron von Steuben)


 * Washington "crossed the Delaware" River**

Attacked Trenton and Princeton These victories cheered American spirits


 * Battle of Saratoga**

a. British invaded New York to cut off New England from rest of colonies b. British General Burgoyne surrendered 6,000 troops c. American victory led to French recognition of American independence


 * Franco–American Treaty of Alliance** (1778)

Treaty of alliance brought France into war on American side:

a. Americans had mixed feelings b. France had been major enemy in past c. French were Catholic d. But French were anxious to avenge their defeat in the French and Indian War

French help was critically important to the overall Patriot victory against the British.


 * British Surrender at Yorktown** (1781)

a. British General Cornwallis trapped on Tidewater peninsula b. American and French armies surrounded him on land. c. French navy defeated British rescue effort off Chesapeake Bay d. Great American victory.


 * Peace Treaty of Paris** (1783)

American diplomats: Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay Won a tremendous settlement for America

a. England recognized American independence b. Britain kept Canada—but reduced to its original boundaries before Quebec Act c. U.S. got all territory east of the Mississippi d. Britain ignored territorial rights of its Indian allies e. French GOT NOTHING out of the peace treaty


 * END HERE FOR QUESTION #2**
 * REVOLUTIONARY WAR**


 * START HERE FOR QUESTION #3**
 * CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION**


 * Articles of Confederation**:

The first American constitution Codified the way the Second Continental Congress operated Government was unwieldy and inefficient

Like a League of Friendship Compare it to the Confederacy during Civil War. Compare it to U.S. participation in the United Nations.


 * Features of the Articles of Confederation:**

1. No strong central government 2. Sovereignty and independence retained by states 3. One house in Continental Congress—each state had an equal vote 4. State control of Congressional delegation
 * Delegates selected by state legislatures
 * Delegates paid by states
 * Delegates had one-year terms, up to a maximum of 3 terms

5. Nine of thirteen states' votes required for normal legislation 6. All 13 states' votes needed to amend the articles itself 7. No separate executive branch to administer the government 8. No national-level court system 9. No power to levy taxes 10. No authority to regulate commerce 11. No strong, centralized military


 * Northwest Ordinance of 1787**

Confederation Congress successful in one thing: legislation for Northwest Territory Today's states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio

Abolished slavery in Northwest territory Guaranteed freedom of religion within the territory Defined how formal governments would be organized: When 6,000 settlers: territorial status When 60,000 settlers: apply for statehood New states would join Union on equal footing with original thirteen


 * Why did we have what became known as the Constitutional Convention?**

Many American leaders felt that the laws of the Confederation government were not adequate to run the country.


 * Convention itself**

Where: Philadelphia When: May–Sept 1787

Delegates to the Federal (Grand) Convention are considered to be: Founding Fathers Framers of the Constitution


 * Procedural rules crucial to the outcome**:

a. Absolute secrecy b. OK to reopen questions c. Only a majority vote of states required to approve provisions


 * James Madison—his vital role**:

Well prepared: Studied comparative governments historically Analyzed our existing government in his essay entitled "Vices of the Political System of the United States"

Took notes during entire Convention

Often called the "Father of the Constitution" Later role as Fourth President of the United States


 * Virginia plan**

Goal: Replace the Articles of Confederation

Large states liked this plan Two–house legislature:

Lower house elected directly by the people Upper house selected by the lower

Proportional representation in both houses

"National" executive with "supreme" powers "National" executive to be chosen by legislature; (electoral college)

National judiciary—became basis of Supreme Court

Congressional veto over state laws.


 * New Jersey plan**

Goal: Just amend the Articles of Confederation

Small states liked this plan One–house legislature Each state would have an equal vote Only a modestly stronger national government


 * Great [Connecticut] Compromise**

Convention had almost collapsed because of the large state/small state split over representation.

The Great Compromise reconciled the Virginia and New Jersey plans:

1. Lower House

Proportional representation Members elected directly by the people

2. Upper house

Each state had two members Equal votes per state (so they thought) Elected by state legislatures (1916: direct election)


 * Three–Fifths clause**

Issue of proportional representation now became a stumbling block to the delegates.

How to allocate lower house representation among the states? This question divided states between slave/free rather than state size Slaves to count as "three–fifths" of a person for representation South gained power: House of Representatives & electoral college


 * Other constitutional protections for slavery**

Congress prohibited from outlawing slave trade for twenty years Fugitive slave clause: states must return runaways to masters. National troops can help put down states' "domestic violence"


 * Separation of powers**

Power balancing power. Gridlock intentionally built in.

Checks and balances both horizontal and vertical: Horizontal: President, Congress, and Supreme Court. Vertical: Federalism—balance between national and state levels


 * Ratification (approval) Conventions**:

Ratification of the Constitution required approval of nine states Most state legislatures were only willing to revise the Articles

The question became: How to bypass the state legislatures The solution: State constitutional conventions—people selected convention delegates Rationale: Since a constitution more important than normal legislation, it should not be passed by regular legislative process.


 * Two general groupings arose out of the ratification convention**s:

//**Federalists**//:

Called themselves Federalists, not nationalists.
 * Wanted a strong national government
 * Supported the Constitution as drafted
 * Promised a Bill of Rights after ratification

//**Antifederalists**//:


 * Wanted strong state governments as chief protectors of individual rights
 * Opposed the Constitution as drafted
 * Demanded a Bill of Rights to protect individuals from national government


 * Ratification (approval) vote**:

The proposed Constitution not overwhelmingly popular Debate in the state constitutional ratifying conventions was spirited.

Some state votes were close:
 * Massachusetts (187–168)
 * New Hampshire (57–46)
 * New York (30–27)
 * Virginia (89–79)

But the Constitution was ultimately approved!


 * END HERE FOR QUESTION #3**
 * CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION**


 * START HERE FOR QUESTION #4**
 * GEORGE WASHINGTON TO GOLD RUSH**


 * The Presidency of George Washington**

Washington elected unanimously Vice President John Adams Washington acted cautiously Aware of precedents for the future Only used his veto power when he felt a bill was unconstitutional


 * First Congress** (April 1789):

Members were Federalists—generally


 * Congress succeeded at its four immediate tasks**:

a. Revenue Act of 1789.

Congress adopted a 5 percent tariff on certain imports. Raised sufficient revenue to support the new government.

b. Bill of Rights

Responding to state ratification conventions' call for a bill of rights. James Madison took the lead. First ten amendments to the Constitution passed.

c. Beginnings of a "Cabinet"

Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton Secretary of War Henry Knox Attorney General Edmund Randolph

d. Judiciary Act of 1789.

Organized the federal judiciary. Supreme Court (6 members) District courts (13) Circuit courts of appeal (3)


 * First political party system**:

Both groupings gradually divided into two opposing camps, each accusing the other of having sold out the principles of the Revolution.

a. **Federalists**

Supporters of Alexander Hamilton began calling themselves Federalists to link themselves with the federal Constitution.

Washington and Adams were both Federalists.

Supporters: Those in favor of the Constitution during ratification Concentrated in New England

Strong national government Central economic planning For a National Bank Internal improvements (roads, harbors) Commercially-oriented America: For manufacturing Protective tariffs (a tax on imported goods—to protect American industry) Who should hold power: social elite—best interests of the people More order, less liberty: protection of property rights Constitution: broad construction==loose interpretation Foreign policy: closer ties with Great Britain

b. **Democrat-Republicans**

Supporters of Jefferson began calling themselves Republicans, contending that they were the true heirs of the Revolution and that Hamilton was plotting to subvert republican principles.

Key person: Thomas Jefferson.

Supporters: Anti-federalists during ratification process

Their policies were generally the opposite of the Federalists on almost every domestic and foreign policy issue.


 * Presidency of Thomas Jefferson**

From 1801–1824, all three American presidents were Republicans and Virginians: Thomas Jefferson (8 yrs.); James Madison (8 yrs.); James Monroe (8 yrs).


 * Empire of liberty**

Jefferson shared with other Americans the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand its "empire of liberty." Most past empires had been run by dictators.


 * Four obstacles to America's empire of liberty** would have to be confronted:

a. French in New Orleans and the Louisiana Territory b. Spanish in Florida and Mexico c. British in Canada d. Native Americans throughout the continent.


 * Presidential Election of 1800**

Republicans Jefferson and Burr tied for the election Jefferson selected by Federalist–controlled House of Representatives Peaceful transition of power between political parties New Congress controlled by Democrat-Republicans

Jefferson won election of 1800 (Today in History, Library of Congress) http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/feb17.html


 * Louisiana Purchase** (1803)

The obstacle to the "empire of liberty" posed by the French was the first to be overcome.

Louisiana Purchase (Today in History, Library of Congress) http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/oct20.html

U.S. paid $15 million to France. Doubled the size of America.

Jefferson compromised his strict constructionist views


 * Lewis and Clark Expedition** (May 1804-Sept 1806)

4,000 Miles. Explored extent of Louisiana Purchase: rivers that drain into Mississippi. Began in St. Louis; up the Missouri River to its source Across the Rocky Mountains (Continental Divide) Rivers running east go to Mississippi, those to West to Pacific Ocean Winter camp in Astoria, Oregon


 * War with Barbary pirates** (1801-1815)

Barbary States: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Tripoli (today's Libya). []

Pirates attacked U.S. ships in the Mediterranean U.S. got tired of paying protection money U.S. built up its naval and marine capacity Pirates defeated by 1815; no more protection money

Marine Corps Hymn: "To the shores of Tripoli":


 * WAR OF 1812**

Remember: Britain and France locked in a world war

Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812.


 * American grievances with British**:

1. Impressment

Britain's navy suffered a severe shortage of sailors. Britain stopped American ships Forcible draft of American sailors.

2. Desire to defend American independence and honor


 * The vote for war**

Congress deeply divided over whether to go to war with Britain. Federalists in New England did not want to go to war. Many Federalist considered conflict to be "Mr. Madison's War." Raising troops in New England was difficult. People in west wanted to go to war.


 * War Hawks**

Their fathers had fought in the Revolution. They themselves wanted to prove themselves in war

Key names: John C. Calhoun of South Carolina House Speaker Henry Clay of Kentucky

[]
 * Key battles of the War of 1812**:


 * 1. Washington, D.C.**

British captured the city.

British Troops Burn White House and Capitol (Finding Dulcinea, On This Day) http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/July-August-08/On-this-Day--British-Troops-Burn-White-House-and-Capital.html


 * 2. Baltimore**

British bombarded; Americans held out.

Francis Scott Key Writes “The Star-Spangled Banner” (Finding Dulcinea, On This Day) http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/September-October-08/On-this-Day--Francis-Scott-Key-Writes--The-Star-Spangled-Banner-.html


 * 3. Horseshoe Bend** (in today's Alabama)

Andrew Jackson (future American president) defeated the Creek Indians. He forced them to sign away most of their land.


 * 4. New Orleans** (8 Jan 1815)

Andrew Jackson's troops defeated the British.

British: 300 killed, 1300 wounded, 500 captured Americans: 30 killed, 40 wounded


 * Consequences of War of 1812**

1. Affirmed the freedom won in the Revolutionary war 2. Strengthened America's resolve to avoid European politics 3. Dealt a serious blow to Indian resistance to American expansion 4. Increased nationalism—renewed feeling of confidence and assertiveness 5. Stimulated economy (capitalists began to invest in home manufactures)


 * Trail of Tears: Indian Removal**

Five Civilized tribes: Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, Cherokee, Seminole

Most whites wanted land Most whites were racist: had little respect for Indians' rights and culture Indians always seemed to be in the way of whites' land hunger Some whites: physically separate Indians and white settlers Other whites: "civilize" Indians and assimilate them into American culture

Andrew Jackson's adopted Indian son http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/history/2016/04/andrew_jackson_s_adopted_son_lyncoya_why_did_jackson_bring_home_a_creek.html


 * Cherokee Trail of Tears**

One part, a sad one, of the overall Indian removal. Some 4,000 of the 13,000 Cherokees died along the way.

Cherokees. If civilizing Indians was the American goal, no tribe met that test better than the Cherokees

Sequoyah http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoyah

Bilingual tribal newspaper Formal government complete with legislature and court system Written constitution modeled after that of the U.S. Ownership of black slaves Almost total conversion to Christianity.


 * Oregon Trail**:

Independence, Missouri to Oregon/California Trip was 2,000 miles; took 6 months Role of Methodist missionaries (1833) "Oregon fever" began after the Panic of 1837 Fremont mapped the trail (1842) 1843—major increase in migration over the Trail


 * Oregon Country**

U. S. negotiated for Oregon Country (1846). U.S. went to brink of war with Britain over Oregon boundary. Polk's campaign slogan: Fifty-Four Forty or Fight U.S. could not fight Mexico and Britain at same time


 * California Gold Rush (1849)**

1. Discovery of gold (1848) (2 months before Mexican-American war treaty)

California Gold Rush (1849) Overland trail plus passage around South America 100,000 arrived in one year

2. California statehood (1850)


 * END HERE FOR QUESTION #4**
 * GEORGE WASHINGTON TO GOLD RUSH**