Apush Unit 2 Study Guide

APUSH Unit 2 Study Guide: From Revolution to Republic (1754-1800)

This comprehensive study guide covers AP US History Unit 2, focusing on the period from 1754 to 1800. This era witnessed the American Revolution, the creation of a new nation, and the early struggles to establish a functioning republic. Mastering this unit requires understanding the political, social, economic, and intellectual transformations that shaped the nascent United States. We'll delve into key events, figures, and concepts, providing you with the tools you need to succeed on the AP exam.

I. The Road to Revolution (1754-1775): Seeds of Discontent

This section explores the underlying causes of the American Revolution. It's crucial to understand that the revolution wasn't a spontaneous event but rather the culmination of growing tensions between Great Britain and its thirteen American colonies.

A. The French and Indian War (Seven Years' War): This conflict, while initially a victory for the British, sowed the seeds of future discord.

• Increased British debt: The war's immense cost led to new taxes imposed on the colonies, sparking resentment and cries of "no taxation without representation."
• Proclamation of 1763: This act prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, frustrating colonists eager to expand westward and angering land speculators. This fueled a sense of British oppression.
• Shift in British policy: The war marked a shift in British colonial policy from salutary neglect (a period of relatively lax enforcement of British mercantilist policies) to stricter control and enforcement.

B. Colonial Resistance and British Response: Colonial resistance to British policies escalated throughout the 1760s and 1770s.

• The Stamp Act (1765): This tax on printed materials ignited widespread protests, including boycotts and the formation of the Sons of Liberty.
• Townshend Acts (1767): These acts imposed taxes on imported goods, leading to further resistance and the Boston Massacre (1770).
• The Tea Act (1773): This act granted the East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies, resulting in the Boston Tea Party, a symbolic act of defiance.
• Intolerable Acts (1774): These punitive measures, enacted in response to the Boston Tea Party, further alienated the colonies and solidified their resolve for independence.

C. The First Continental Congress (1774): Colonial leaders met to coordinate their response to British policies, demonstrating a growing sense of unity and shared purpose. They drafted petitions and boycotts, signaling a move towards organized resistance.

D. The Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775): These battles marked the beginning of armed conflict between Great Britain and its American colonies, signifying the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.

II. The American Revolution (1775-1783): A Fight for Independence

This section delves into the military and political aspects of the American Revolution, focusing on key battles, strategies, and alliances.

A. The Continental Army and its Challenges: The Continental Army faced numerous challenges, including inadequate supplies, funding, and training. George Washington's leadership was crucial in maintaining morale and ultimately securing victory.

• Early defeats and strategic retreats: Washington's early strategic retreats, though seemingly negative, preserved the Continental Army and allowed for future successes.
• Foreign alliances: The alliance with France, secured through the efforts of Benjamin Franklin, provided crucial financial and military support.
• Key battles: Study the significance of battles such as Saratoga (turning point, secured French alliance), Yorktown (final major battle), and others. Understand the strategic implications of each battle and its impact on the war's outcome.

B. The Declaration of Independence (1776): This pivotal document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, declared the colonies' independence from Great Britain and articulated the philosophical principles underpinning the revolution. Focus on its key arguments, including natural rights, the social contract, and the right to revolution.

C. The Role of Women and Enslaved People: While often overlooked, the contributions of women and enslaved people were significant to the revolutionary cause. Women played vital roles in supporting the war effort, and enslaved people sought freedom through service in the army.

D. The Treaty of Paris (1783): This treaty officially ended the Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence and granting the newly formed United States significant territorial gains.

III. Creating a Nation: The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution (1781-1789)

This section examines the challenges of establishing a new nation, the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation, and the eventual adoption of the Constitution.

A. The Articles of Confederation (1781-1789): The first governing document of the United States, the Articles of Confederation, created a weak central government with limited powers. Understand its weaknesses:

• Lack of a strong central government: The inability to effectively tax, regulate commerce, or enforce laws led to significant problems.
• Economic instability: The nation struggled with debt and inflation due to the weak central government's inability to address economic issues.
• Shay's Rebellion (1786-1787): This uprising highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger national government. It demonstrated the fragility of the new nation and the potential for social unrest.

B. The Constitutional Convention (1787): Delegates from the states met to revise the Articles of Confederation, but ultimately drafted a new constitution. Understand the major debates and compromises:

• The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise): Resolved the dispute between large and small states over representation in Congress (Senate vs. House).
• The Three-Fifths Compromise: Addressed the issue of how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxation.
• Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists: The debate over ratification highlighted disagreements about the balance of power between the federal and state governments, leading to the addition of the Bill of Rights.

C. The Ratification of the Constitution: Understand the process of ratification and the role played by the Federalist Papers, a series of essays arguing in favor of the Constitution.

D. The Bill of Rights (1791): The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms. Understand the significance of each amendment.

IV. The Early Republic: Challenges and Triumphs (1789-1800)

This section covers the early years of the United States under the new Constitution, focusing on key developments and challenges.

A. George Washington's Presidency (1789-1797): Washington's presidency set important precedents for future administrations. Understand his key policies and challenges:

• Establishing a cabinet: The creation of the cabinet established the practice of executive branch departments.
• Neutrality Proclamation (1793): Washington declared the US neutral in the conflict between Britain and France, a crucial decision in navigating international relations.
• Whiskey Rebellion (1791-1794): This rebellion demonstrated the government's ability to enforce federal laws, establishing the authority of the new government.

B. The Rise of Political Parties: The emergence of the Federalists (led by Alexander Hamilton) and the Democratic-Republicans (led by Thomas Jefferson) marked the beginning of partisan politics in the United States. Understand their differing philosophies regarding the role of government, the economy, and foreign policy.

• Hamilton's Financial Plan: 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 establishment of a national currency.
• Jeffersonian vs. Hamiltonian visions: These contrasting viewpoints shaped the early political landscape and continue to influence American politics today.

C. John Adams' Presidency (1797-1801): Adams' presidency was marked by challenges related to foreign policy and domestic politics.

• XYZ Affair: This diplomatic incident with France heightened tensions and fueled anti-French sentiment.
• Alien and Sedition Acts: These controversial acts restricted immigration and limited freedom of speech, raising concerns about civil liberties.

D. The Election of 1800: A Peaceful Revolution: This election, which saw the transfer of power from the Federalists to the Democratic-Republicans, is often referred to as a "peaceful revolution." Understand its significance as a demonstration of the stability of the new government.

V. Key Figures and Concepts

This section summarizes key figures and concepts crucial to understanding this period:

• George Washington: First President, set precedents for future presidents.
• Thomas Jefferson: Principal author of the Declaration of Independence, 3rd President, advocate for agrarian society.
• Alexander Hamilton: Architect of the nation's financial system, advocate for strong central government.
• James Madison: "Father of the Constitution," 4th President.
• Benjamin Franklin: Diplomat, statesman, played a significant role in securing French alliance.
• John Adams: 2nd President, crucial figure in the Continental Congress.
• Mercantilism: British economic policy that sought to benefit the mother country.
• Salutary Neglect: Period of relaxed British enforcement of mercantilist policies.
• Republicanism: Emphasis on civic virtue, public service, and representative government.
• Federalism: Division of power between federal and state governments.
• Separation of Powers: Division of governmental power among different branches.
• Checks and Balances: System of limiting government power through oversight by other branches.

VI. Conclusion and Exam Preparation

This unit covers a pivotal period in American history, laying the foundations for the nation's future. To succeed on the AP exam, focus on understanding the cause-and-effect relationships between events, the interplay of different ideologies, and the long-term consequences of the decisions made during this era. Practice using primary and secondary sources, develop strong essay-writing skills, and familiarize yourself with the key themes and concepts highlighted throughout this study guide.

Remember to consult your textbook, class notes, and other supplementary materials for a more complete understanding. Good luck with your studies!