APUSH Unit 2 Textbook Outline
Chapter 5
Ø Structure of Colonial Society--heightened economic and political expectation after Fr & Ind War
victory; young population that was politically active; high level of economic prosperity of colonial
families (afford decent food, clothing, housing, and $ for consumer goods; Unequal distribution of
wealth with Southern colonies being richest (depended on slave labor); Middle colonies did well; only
NE lagged behind due to lack of ability to produce exports.
Ø Breakdown of Political Trust--preservation of Empire fell to King George III (king at 22 in 1760-grandson of G2), unimpressive king wanted large role in gov't; appt Earl of Bute as chief minister
(Parliament disliked him and blamed him for everything); G3 appted many ineffective ministers;
Parliament drafted many of the laws that led to Amer Rev; communication difficulties due to lag time to
send info back/to across Atlantic; debate centered on Parliamentary sovereignty--England didn't
question its power, colonists believed in the power of its local assemblies.
Ø No Taxation without Representation: the American Perspective--strong belief in the power of their
provincial assemblies (House of Burgesses for Virginia = Parliament for England); debate over meaning
of representation (virtual v/s direct representation).
Ø Ideas about power and virtue--Great Awakening ideas about conducting public/private affairs according
to Scripture; John Locke's ideas in Two Treatises of Gov't (natural rights to life, liberty, and property-also idea of social contract--gov't protects rights and people obey laws, if not, people should rebel); John
Trenchard and Thomas Gordon's ideas that power was dangerous and bad laws reflected sin and
corruption; insistence on public virtue (self-sacrifice for public good) becomes large theme; colonists
firmly believed that they were more virtuous than the English; pamphlet writers focused on emotional
arguments for breaking ties to Britain lest colonists lose virtue as well; colonial newspapers spread these
ideas to dispersed population (NE had highest literacy), making these ideas widespread
Ø Eroding the Bonds of Empire--Eng has large national debt due to Fr & Ind War, G3 insisted on keeping
large army in colonies to protect Indians and keep order in Florida and Quebec (costly); not enough
troops to protect colonists during Pontiac's Rebellion in May of 1763 (several thousand colonists killed);
loss of French disaster for Inds and Pontiac's Rebellion led to retaliation all over Ohio River Valley
(Paxton Boys and others); colonists determined to settle west of App mtns--Proclamation of 1763
disappoints colonists.
Ø Paying off National Debt--job of Grenville (Chancellor of Exchequer) and he said colonists must
contribute; Sugar Act of 1764 (to raise $ to defend, protect and secure colonies)--to discourage
smuggling by lowering tax on Molasses from 6 to 3 cent per gallon--reduce smuggling, therefore raise
money; colonists believed it was unconstitutional (not passed by colonial assemblies); protested only by
members of colonial assemblies and well-to-do Americans with interests in commerce
Ø Popular Protest--Stamp Act of 1765 led to mass political movement, special stamped paper for legal
documents sold by stamp distributors; colonists were outraged (Patrick Henry of VA--Parliament can't
tax colonists); newspapers around colonies spread news of Virginia Resolves (Patrick Henry); Stamp
Act Congress attended by reps from 9 of colonies (Oct 1765) led to "No taxation w/o representation.";
taxing deeds, marriage licenses, and playing cards affected ordinary colonists, too; mass protests ensued;
Sons of Liberty led protests and Stamp Act united all different colonial groups (rich/poor, N/S,
Cath/Prot), caused Andrew Olivery to resign his post, acts of violence against Stamp Distributors; Sons
of Liberty convinced colonial merchants to boycott British goods (wouldn't until threatened with
tar/feathers); avoiding British goods showed virtue; colonial women were important with protests
(reform consumption, root out luxury, and promote frutality)--made homespun cloth and shunned all
taxed items.
Ø Failed attempts to save empire--Grenville replaced by Lord Rockingham--convinced Brit merchants to
petition Parliament to repeal Stamp Act so they wouldn't go bankrupt and spark urban riots; Stamp Act
repealed, but Declaratory Act passed (Parliament supreme in all cases whatsoever); Stamp Act caused
Brit officials in colonies to be viewed as loyal to Eng, not people they had authority over.
Ø Fueling the crisis--Charles Townshend new Chancellor of Exchequer--repealed English land tax and
replaced with Townshend Revenue Acts of 1767 which taxed American imports like paper, glass, paint,
lead, and tea to pay for salaries of Brit officials in colonies; colonial protests ensued, Sons of Liberty
organized boycotts, oaths taken to join boycotts; Mass House sent ideas to other colonies of how to best
avoid Brit goods; Mass royal gov dissolved House of Reps as punishment--only united colonists further.
Ø Fatal Show of Force--Army was the big issue, troops sent from Canada and Ireland to Boston-Bostonians very angry and argued with troops, competition b/t redcoats and dockworkers for jobs;
March 5, 1770 is Boston Massacre--rocks and snowballs thrown at soldiers at Customs House--redcoats
panicked and fired, killing 5 colonists; victims become martyrs (Paul Revere's engraving), Brit troops
moved to island in Boston Harbor; North was new first minister--Townshend Acts hurt Eng by angering
colonists and helping them make their own goods.
Ø Last days of old order, 1770-1773--violence and anger lessened, loyalists appeared, merchants returned
to trade with end of boycotts; Townshend's old administrators began over-enforcing Navigation Acts to
line their own pockets angering colonists further; harassed wealthy colonists, too--colonists burned the
Gaspee (customs vessel); Samuel Adams continued to keep anger going--reminded people that tea act
was in effect, anniversaries of Boston Massacre/Stamp Act Repeal, etc--truly a revolutionary figure-wanted "Christian Sparta"--vigilant citizens to guard against corruption; continued problems with Eng
caused S Adams to suggest Committees of Correspondence to communicate grievances to everyone
throughout Mass--other colonies copied them.
Ø The Final Provocation: The Boston Tea Party--May 1773, Parl passes Tea Act, which LOWERED price
of favorite drink and help save East India Company from bankruptcy, colonists had been smuggling
cheaper tea from Holland. Tea Act allowed East Ind Co to directly sell to colonists to reduce
smuggling; colonists objected b/c of 1. No tax w/o rep, 2. undercut powerful colonial merchants who
made $ selling Dutch tea. Colonists refused to unload tea; Gov Hutchinson left ships in harbor which
clogged harbor--BTP--men disguised as Mohawks dumped 340 chests of tea worth 10,000 pounds in
water; Eng stunned and passed Coercive Acts (also Intolerable Acts) which 1. closed Boston harbor until
tea paid for 2. restructured Mass gov't and limited town meetings to one per year 3. Brit officials
arrested sent to Eng for trial 4. new quartering act; Colonists everywhere were ANGRY; Quebec Act
passed and put parts of frontier under Brit rule from Canada; big question still was did Parliament or
colonial assemblies rule colonies.
Ø Steps towards independence--First Continental Congress (Sept 5, 1774)--colonial leaders met to discuss
issues and differences emerged; Association created to enforce non-importation of Brit goods until Int
Acts repealed--violators exposed and shamed.
Ø Shots hear around the world--Battle of Lexington April 19, 1775 by Brit Gen Gage to seize rebel
supplies near Boston, Paul Revere warned colonists, shots fired and 8 Americans killed; word spread
and militias were formed called "minutemen"; Bunker Hill June 17, 1775 near Boston--hard won British
victory that had 40% casualties.
Ø Beginning "The World Over Again"--Second Continental Congress in Philly May 1775 to take control
of war effort, Washington hired to lead Continental Army due to his experience and his look as
commander-in-chief, purchased military supplies and issued paper money, did NOT declare
independence; they debated independence fiercely; Prohibitory Act turned colonial moderates into
rebels--its declared war on American commerce until colonists begged for pardon they could not trade
with rest of the world--Brit navy blockaded ports and seized Amer ships and hired Ger mercenaries to
put down rebellion and got slaves to take up arms against masters; Thomas Paine's Common Sense-instant best seller of more than 120,000 copies--attacked all kings of historical and theological
justification and persuaded many ordinary colonists to support independence; Congress voted for
Independence on July 2, 1776; TJ wrote final draft and it was approved 2 days later--had list of
grievances against KG3 and Parliament and "all men created equal."
Ø Fighting for Independence--Brit much stronger, 4x larger population, manufacturing base, large army
with Hessians added, Navy, experience; Britain very confident in victory; 3 colonial advantages were 1.
huge supply lines for Brit which caused unreliable communication b/t colonies and GB 2. colonies were
huge land-wise and had to be conquered (not enough redcoats to do it) 3. American soldiers determined
to win indep v/s redcoats only being paid to fight
Ø Building a Professional Army--Washington insisted on well-trained large regular army (not guerilla
fighting) as a symbol of hopes for future republic and to try and get foreign aid--endless drilling,
planning, and discipline; GW did underestimate importance of militia to victory--scattered units using
guerilla tactics were effective at fighting and convincing neutral Americans to support war effort; 5,000
slaves supported colonists while 10,000 supported British (most in GA and SC)
Ø Testing the American Will--British sent 50,000 more redcoats to colonies; colonial losses in NY hurt.
Ø Times that try men's souls--rebels retaliated against those rebels who took Brit General Howe's oath of
allegiance to KG3; GW leads colonists to victory on Christmas 1776 at Trenton and captured 900
mercenaries from Hess; helps lead to colonial victory at Princeton on Jan 1777.
Ø Victory in a year of defeats--Brit Gen Burgoyne lost important battle in NY and surrendered 58,000 men
to Amer Gen Horatio Gates (Battle of Saratoga); Brit Gen Howe occupied Philly; GW lost battle of
Germantown just before winter at Valley Forge where disease killed 2,500 troops--lowest point of war.
Ø French Alliance--Fr King Louis 16 wanted to help embarrass England by aiding colonists, BFranklin
sent to get France's help; Saratoga helped convince Fr to help and recognize American independence
(Feb 6, 1778); Fr help hurt Brit by diverting valuable resources to Eng to protect against invasion by Fr-Fr navy at Yorktown.
Ø The Final Campaign--New Brit Gen Henry Clinton wanted to focus on southern colonies b/c of large #
of loyalists; turned war into guerilla conflict which hurt Brit; Brit took Charlestown; Brit win at
Camden; Brit Tory raids in south caused rebel banditti to hurt Brit efforts in south; Amer General
Nathaniel Greene hurt Cornwallis in SC; Cornwallis moves to Yorktown (peninsula); GW left NJ to
move south and with FR Gen Rochambeau and FR admiral Comte de Grasse surrounded Cornwallis;
Cornwallis captured and surrendered his entire army of 6,000 men. Military victory still needed
diplomatic victory.
Ø The Loyalist Dilemma--Many loyalists were banished or lost property; agreed with many patriot ideas
but thought independence would promote disorder and believed patrios were self-serving; treated poorly
in Eng after war; some returned later, some didn't.
Ø Winning the Peace--BF, JA, and John Jay sent for Treaty negotiations; Spain complicated negotiations-Amer diplomats got Eng to agree to 1. American independence 2. US gets all Brit territory east of Miss
(Sp Florida excluded) 3. fishing rights in Atlantic 4. Congress would pay Brit merchant debts and for
loyalist property.
Chapter 6
Ø Defining Republican Culture--truly revolutionary idea of gov't, many from past had failed shortly;
optimism for the future thanks to God, rising population, houses being built, new lands clearing, new
settlements forming, new manufactures; political future was in doubt--weak confederation was possible
as well as separate states or regions; Social equality stressed despite economic differences
(women/black/indians excluded); Wealthy feared popularly elected representatives who lacked "real
civic virtue," which was an ability to work for the common good--wealthy men (property) wanted to
ensure rights of property (democratic excesses threatened order and their property); new country's
intellectual leaders (Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Adams, others) focused on how republicanism ought
to govern new nation.
Ø Social and Political Reform--Clinging to the aristocratic pretense was views harshly in new country-GW and the Society of Cincinnati was disbanded over fear it would undermine Constitution--titles such
as esquire dropped--judges chided for wearing white wigs to court; economic inequality increased after
the Amer Rev--new wealthy were suspicious to ordinary Americans; Laws of primogeniture and entail
were abolished (first born son; property NOT to be divided, sold, or given away) to remove traces of
former feudal order from law books; Property rights for voting lowered in all states except MA (PA and
GA allowed all white males to vote); westward migration caused their reps to be less cultured and
eastern, coastal reps--state capitals moved inland in GA, SC, NC, VA, NY, and NH; Separation of
church and state was strengthened as way of breaking away from aristocratic society; many states
disestablished the Anglican church (not MA and NH--former Puritan strongholds), Americans were
tolerant of other beliefs while still strongly Christian.
Ø African Americans in the New Republic--biggest contradiction to republican principles was institution
of slavery; abolitionism spread during Revolutionary period--white males decried enslavement to
Parliament while many of them owned other humans themselves; Afr-Amers kept issue of slavery in
public eye through writing and petitioning--reminding white lawmakers that blacks had same natural
rights as whites; accomplishments of Benjamin Banneker (MD's astronomer and mathematician) and
Phillis Wheatley (Boston poet) made idea that blacks were worthy of freedom seem specious; anti-
slavery societies sprang up in the north b/c there was no economic justification for slavery (many recent
white immigrant laborers didn't want to compete with blacks for jobs, though)--they arose from VA to
MA to put slaveholders on defensive; States north of VA abolished slavery in different ways (VT in
constitution, PA gradually emancipated, MA through Supr Ct ruling). By 1800, slavery was on way to
extinction up north; Even northern states did not allow true equality--blacks still discriminated against
(no voting, juries, military duty) and not given full citizenship, little access to education, living in
segregated areas, unequal standing even in church--black churches formed as a results; some southerners
spoke out against slavery due to large black population and many white masters just freed their slaves,
GW manumitted (freed) his slaves--most southerners did NOT free slaves b/c of economic well-being
relied on it; southern states did not abolish slavery, cotton gin made southern states MORE reliant on
slave labor (1793 by Eli Whitney) and so did expansion into Alabama and Miss frontier, even TJ
condoned it on his own plantation.
Ø The Challenge of Women's Rights--Very patriarchal society in early 1700s, begins changing after
independence is won (especially in the home); image of dominating husband/father becomes negative
after Amer Rev; women began demanding certain rights (Abigail Adams and General Henry Knox's
wife wanted legal and in-home equality); political arguments for women to be equals (they were the
ones who best instructed the virtue on which the republic relied, therefore, they should be equals); belief
that education for women would help country--female academies were founded so that women would be
educated to traditional gender role as wife/mother; women started to pursue divorce if abused and
female-initiated divorce soon equaled male-initiated; women looked for new opportunities (created large
volunteer organizations and raised $300k for GW's army, ran family farms and businesses during AR)-NJ allowed propertied women to vote; despite gains, women still viewed as mother, wife, homemaker in
republican society--NJ rescinded women's vote when their vote decided a close election--even TJ didn't
want women working in gov't positions.
Ø The States: Experiments in Republicanism--states had written constitutions after 2nd Cont Cong
requested it--differences illustrated how different regions defined republican principles--some states rewrote them after US Constitution's ratification--also showed Founding Fathers strengths and weaknesses
of gov't by the people.
Ø Blueprints for State Government--shared ideas of state constitutions--1. all were written constitutions-very different from Britain's very long tradition of its unwritten constitution--Americans demanded a
defined set of rights of the people and the power of the rulers.
Ø Natural Rights and the State Constitutions--authors of state constitutions believed in natural rights (those
which can't be taken away)--natural rights spelled out in state constitutions--people of MA rejected their
state constitution b/c it didn't have those included; general principles of most state constitutions--1.
freedoms of religion, speech, press 2. no unlawful searches and seizures 3. reduced power of governor
(PA and GA eliminated that position)--no veto, for example 4. large increase in power of state
legislatures; legislatures dominated early state gov'ts--suspicion of 2 house legislature due to resentment
of England's--2 house legislatures survived b/c of familiarity and to protect minority rights.
Ø Power to the People--MA rejected two state constitutions and had to elect delegates specifically to "form
a new constitution"; John Adams led this MA convention and his framework included a house, senate,
and gov elected by people with veto power--voters and reps had to own property--opening words were
"We, the people of MA...agree upon, ordain, and establish."--wording used in Preamble; question of
survival of state experiments--reps became less educated, less well-dressed, less highly-born--many
believed this was good b/c they represented everyone; many Americans less optimistic--future depended
on virtue of all citizens and if they elected rabble, nation would fail b/c reps would view personal liberty
over rights of property (rights of property favored by wealthy--personal liberty favored by commoners).
Ø Stumbling toward a New National Gov't--2nd Cont Cong met in 1775 waging a war for a country that
didn't exist--had to create a central authority that could conduct war, borrow money, regulate trade, and
negotiate treaties.
Ø Articles of Confederation--John Dickinson (lawyer from Philly and author of Letters from a Farmer in
PA) headed committee--he foresaw a strong central gov't which shocked committee who wanted a loose
confederation of states--Dickinson wanted western lands under congressional control and equal state rep
in Congress; debate b/t large and small states over equal repres in Congress--also debates of taxation
based on total state pop (white and black) which angered southern states; Articles of Confederation
approved in Nov 1777 (not much like Dickinson's original plan) guarded power of the states b/c of belief
that power far removed from people was dangerous--preserve liberty by restraining federal authority;
Nat'l gov't was mostly powerless--single legislative body with reps selected yearly by state legislatures-each state one vote (angering large states)--states could send 2-7 delegates (if evenly divided on issue,
they lost vote), no executive, no power of taxation (could only ask states for $)--amendments had to be
approved by all states--weak nat'l gov't had to handle foreign relations, military matters, Indian affairs,
and interstate disputes--Congress did not own land west of Appalachian mtns; states weren't too
concerned with nat'l matters unless threatened by Brit Army--most feared encroachment on state
sovereignty by centralized gov't which would become corrupt.
Ø Western Land: Key to the first Constitution—major problem was what to do with western lands soon
given up by British—many states claimed it—Indians were going to lose it b/c of alliance w/GB; states
claimed land all the way to Pacific in hopes of selling it to speculators for state $; MD, DE, NJ all
refused to ratify AoC b/c their boundaries were clearly defined—wanted all states to profit from this
land, not just VA; VA objected to surrender their claims just so some speculators could profit; VA gave
up its claim b/c state would be too big to govern—MD approved AoC when Brit army arrived—in
summation, western territory would belong to US, not individual states; ratifying AoC was less
important than independence—AoC created Depts of War, Foreign Affairs, and Finance—Robert
Morris was first Sec of Finance and was a bit corrupt and mistrusted.
Ø Northwest Ordinance: The Confederation's Major Achievement—Important achievement to bring in
NW territory under federal control—previously, anyone too far inland was in danger of Indian attacks
(Bacon’s Rebellion) and ignored by colonial gov’ts (SC, NC, VT); TJ proposed a plan to carve 10 states
out of NW territory, which could create republican gov’t and allow free whites to participate in local
gov’t; Congress was eager to sell land for the $ and passed the Land Ordinance of 1785—laying out
new townships and selling public lands—townships running east to west, 6 square miles, subdivided into
36 sections of 640 acres (1 square mile)—land at least $1 per acre (no paper money accepted)—16th
section used to pay for education; Problems included slow surveying and having to have hard currency;
solution was to Ohio and Scioto companies would use Rev War bonds to buy but it failed to profit—
settlers just moved onto whatever land they chose; many viewed those who settled in the west as almost
as savage as Indians and how could they govern that land effectively?; leads to Northwest Ordinance
of 1787—(last law passed under AoC) provided a new structure for gov of NW territory—called for 3-5
territories, ruled by gov, a sec, and 3 judges appt by Congress—when pop reached 5,000, property
owners could elect as assembly, but it’s laws could be vetoed--when pop reached 60,000, could write
state constitution and petition for statehood—NW Ordinance significant b/c it included a bill of rights
for trial by jury, rel freedom, due process and it outlawed slavery in future states of Ohio, Indiana,
Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin; Less attention came to those who settled in Kentucky (Daniel
Boone)—land bought from Indians and resold—state of Transylvania sort of existed temporarily—
messy situation land-wise west of App Mtns and south of Ohio River.
Ø The Nationalist Critique—financial difficulties resulting from a lack of hard currency in US—
Americans had bough too much on credit and couldn’t repay; weak nat’l gov’t under AoC couldn’t help
b/c it couldn’t regulate trade—northerners wanted to restrict Brit imports—southerners objected;
financial instability going back to Amer Rev--$200 million in paper money in circulation that had little
value—states issued their own worthless paper money which made situation worse; Nationalists like
Hamilton, Madison, and Robert Morris wanted to reform AoC to tax imports at 5%--Hamilton argued
that whoever paid the debt would be trusted by the people—wanted one national debt—12 states agreed
except Rhode Island (all 13 had to approve new amendments); Localists (anti-nationalists) like Richard
Henry Lee & Samuel Adams didn’t want national bank b/c $ will be stolen by Morris (like when he was
Sec of Finance); Nationalists insisted Localists were naïve and wanted to strengthen the AoC; Newburg
Conspiracy of 1783 planned by army to protect pension and to get support for strengthened AoC; GW
wanted stronger gov’t but would not tolerate insubordination—GW got troops to break rebellion;
attempts to strengthen AoC failed.
Ø Diplomatic Humiliation—Americans could not repay war debts and Brit refused to leave NW territory
as result; Spain claimed some b/t GA and Miss River and shut down our access to lower Miss Riv in
1784; this terribly hurt western farmers who needed access to Ohio River Valley; John Jay sent to
negotiate with Spain over rights to Miss River—his plan to shut off access for only 25 years and allow
NE merchants to sell to Spain angered Southerners and his plan was rejected; A few successes by
Congress under AoC were Land Ordinance & NW Ordinance which outlived AoC—problems included
lack of respect, moving capital city around, states not sending reps regularly.
Ø The Genius of James Madison—fears of ordinary Americans of unscrupulous rulers caused them to
weaken state govs and weaken the Confederation; wealthy Americans feared the poor lacked virtue to
sustain a republic and feared excessive democracy; state leaders couldn’t deal with national fiscal health
(RI outlawed rejecting their worthless paper currency); Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws)
said large republic couldn’t survive b/c people would lose control over their reps and rulers become
corrupt; Madison (most brilliant political thinker of era) changed Americans’ minds; citing David Hume,
Madison said people should not fear expanded republic; competing factions would neutralize each other
leaving gov’t to be run by the will of the people (virtuous people)—see The Federalist No. 10.
Ø Constitutional Reform—Nationalists hatch a scheme to create stronger, adequate system of gov’t—met
at Annapolis, MD in Sept of 1786 to discuss “commerce” and got Congress to authorize grander
meeting in May 1787; Shays’s Rebellion helped the nationalists—few thousand poor farmers in western
MA who were being foreclosed on—Daniel Shays and his men threatened to seize the federal arsenal at
Springfield and closed the county courthouse—Congress had no funds b/c of AoC could not tax—
wealthy Bostonians had to raise army to put down rebellion—many in MA agreed with Shays; people
outside of MA did NOT—thought it was a breakdown of law and order—Shays’s Rebellion convinced
many to support drafting new constitution.
Ø The Philadelphia Convention—Spring 1787 included 55 men from 12 states (no RI)—practical men
(lawyers, merchants, planters) most who served in Amer Rev and in Congress—included GW, Madison,
Franklin, Hamilton, etc—Adams and TJ were in France; proceeds conducted in secret and no info got
out to the press; they decided to vote by state and a simple majority (rather than 9 from AoC) needed to
pass proposals.
Ø Inventing a Federal Republic—Madison’s Virginia Plan was written before the Philly Convention—
Madison wanted to restrain state assemblies by giving federal veto power over state laws; Virginia
Plan—2 houses (one elected by people, other elected by first house from state assembly nominations)—
rep in both house determined by population—executive elected by Congress—judicial branch, too—
much different plan from simply revising AoC; William Paterson put forth his NJ Plan—retain
unicameral legislature with one vote per state—gives Congress taxing power and regulate trade—NJ
Plan rejected; small states still wanted equal power to large states in Congress; large states objected
(why should RI w/68,000 people have equal power to VA w/747,000 people).
Ø Compromise Saves the Convention—heat and disagreements threatened their work—GW kept
convention together and moving forward; Grand Committee (one person from each state) elected to
resolve big state/small state issues; Connecticut Compromise (aka Great Compromise)—equal rep in
upper house, pop determines rep in lower house (one member per 30,000 state citizens—southerners
wanted slaves included). 3/5 Rule was used to pacify southern states and give them more power in
lower house.
Ø Compromising with Slavery—northern states objected to 3/5 rule and slave trade; agreement that
Congress could not interfere w/slave trade until 1808 and a fugitive slave act; northerners disappointed
but got a stronger national gov’t.
Ø The Last Details—decided an electoral body would elect president (# of reps= # in house + senate), 2nd
place becomes VP—if no majority, House would elect pres & VP; Bill of Rights was mentioned but left
out of Constitution.
Ø We, the People—Constitution had to be ratified NOT by existing state legislatures, but by special
conventions elected by each of 13 states—also, had to be ratified by 9/13 states; Gov Morris of PA
decided on wording “We the People of the United States”;Sept 17, 1787, 39 men signed Constitution—
some refused—Madison had been driving force behind document.
Ø Federalists and Antifederalists—Federalists favored ratification—Antifederalists (less educated, poorer,
less urban) opposed; The Federalist, series of essays by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay were printed in
many newspapers (newspapers ignored Antifed writings)—Antifed delegates in some states dragged in
or threatened to reach legal quorum for NY & PA to ratify—Antifeds wanted to protect individual
liberty—worried that elected leaders were too far removed from people—idea from Montesquieu’s The
Spirit of the Laws; Antifeds demanded direct, personal contact with reps—believed wealthy had
advantage to get elected b/c of reputation; Feds disagreed with logic—wanted elected leaders to be
aristocrats who had greater insights, skills, and training than ordinary citizens; Antifeds wanted to retain
equality of opportunity in the marketplace (Andrew Jackson); Feds were more urban; Antifeds more
rural; all 13 states ratified Constitution (some votes very close—NY, MA, & VA).
Ø Adding the Bill of Rights—first 10 amendments are legacy of Antifeds—to secure the minority against
tyranny of the majority—Antifeds wanted jury trial, religious freedom, no cruel/unusual punishment—
some support for speech and press freedoms; Feds felt Constitution already protected these rights but
went along; Madison presented HoR set of amendments in June 1789 to protect individual rights from
gov’t—Madison’s ideas sent to committee which revised into 10 amendments called the Bill of Rights,
which were added to the end; Go through Bill of Rights 1-10
Chapter 7
Ø Principle and Pragmatism: Establishing a new Gov't—GW elected unanimously by Electoral College,
John Adams VP; GW was a great symbol of the new gov’t—was dignified and reserved—his popularity
discouraged partisan politics; GW believed in strong federal gov’t—discussed issues with Cabinet, but
GW made decisions; Pres could fire cabinet members w/o Senate approval—congress created Depts of
State, War, Treasury, and post of Attorney General (TJ, Henry Knox, AH, & Edmund Randolph); small
size of federal gov’t at time—task of census for TJ was VERY important (cost $44k in 1790, $15
billion in 2010)—pop of 3,900,000 in 1790 (700,000 were slaves); new federal court system—Judiciary
Act of 1789—created Supreme Court with a chief justice and 5 associate justices—13 district courts—
John Jay is first Chief Justice; tariff of 1789 on imports brought in large revenue, but south objected b/c
it favored northern merchants at their expense.
Ø Conflicting Visions: Jefferson and Hamilton—AH—brilliant lawyer, schemer, served under GW in
Amer Rev, believed in strong central gov’t and wanted a loose interpretation of Constitution, wanted
close commercial and diplomatic ties w/GB b/c of similar tastes, language, and manners; TJ was more
reserved, but equally brilliant—experiences in Fr during opening of Fr Rev shaped his pro-French views
later (Republic over monarchy); AH wanted citizens to focus on commercial development of farms and
factories with complex financial system to reduce reliance on trade—use GB’s banking model for US—
feared anarchy more than monarchy—wealthiest would look to gov’t to protect it and would strengthen
gov’t to bring prosperity to common people; TJ totally different—strength of US was with agricultural
production due to huge land mass—wanted farmers to participate in international markets to trade raw
materials for manufactured goods not yet made in US; TJ had faith in ordinary people to shape good
policy—trusted people, feared gov’t would destroy liberties—wanted strict interpretation of
Constitution—favored liberty over property and civil order—despised speculators—hated national debt.
Ø Hamilton's Plan for Prosperity and Security—Congress asked AH (Sec of Treasury) to report on how to
resolve nation’s finances; AH issued 3 reports (Public credit, Banking, Manufacturing)—vast amounts
of info—Report on Public credit (national debt was $54 million, plus loan certificates to Amer Rev
soldiers, plus $25 million in state debts).
Ø Funding the Assumption—Republic on Public Credit had 2 recommendations 1. US fund all its foreign
and domestic debts at full face value 2. Fed gov’t should be responsible for state debts; AH wanted this
to reduce power of states to shape national economic policy and to show world that US was a good
credit risk to get private US $ invested in US fed gov’t—complaints against his plan included citizens
and soldiers who sold their bonds to speculators at discounts b/c they needed $ and states like MA & SC
had repaid their debts already; AH’s plan passes when he agrees to move capital to the Potomac and
give VA more federal $.
Ø Interpreting the Constitution: The Bank Controversy—AH wanted privately owned institution funded in
part by fed gov’t—tie financial stability to the strength of federal gov’t—needed central bank to
organize complex financial transactions—main depository and issue currency to help paper money
maintain value; Madison and others protested about potential for corruption like GB—worries about
interpretation of Constitution and if it allowed a nat’l bank—AH cited Article I Section 8 of Constitution
(elastic clause) and implied powers to argue it was constitutional—loose interpretation won out; funding
old loan certificates at face value led to speculators taking advantage of frontier farmers who sold theirs
at discounted prices.
Ø Setback for Hamilton—Report on Manufacturing—ways the fed gov’t could stimulate manufacturing to
make US less dependent on Euro powers—needed protective tariffs and special industrial bounties to do
so; Madison and Jefferson objected to this plan b/c it would lessen the power of the states by overly
strengthening the fed gov’t; TJ objected b/c it would draw too many people to the cities (Euro cities
were poor and vice-ridden)—also, tariffs hurt farmers but help northerners; disagreements b/t AH and
TJ led to their resignations from GW’s cabinet.
Ø Charges of Treason: The Battle over Foreign Affairs—powerful differences of opinion b/t Federalists
and Republicans over GB/Fr issues—Reps believed in states’ rights, strict inter of const, pro-Fr, against
tariffs (monopolizing spirit of commerce)—Feds believed in strong national gov’t, central economic
planning (tariffs), pro-GB, maintain public order even if army needed.
Ø The Peril of Neutrality—problems w/GB—still occupied forts in NW territory due to Rev War debts
unpaid—problem w/Fr concerning the Reign of Terror (Oct 1793-July 1794) and its terrible violence;
US neutrality difficult b/c GB & Fr go to war—TJ/AH wanted to avoid war—Fr minister to US Edmond
Genet got private owned US ships to seize Brit ships for France—almost caused GB to declare war on
US—GW issued Neutrality Proclamation April 1778.
Ø Jay's Treaty Sparks Domestic Unrest—Chief Justice John Jay sent to England to 1. Remove GB forts
from NW, 2. Payment for US ships taken in West Indies by GB, 3. Improved commercial relations, 4.
GB accept US definition of neutral shipping rights; Hamilton told GB Jay would negotiate on all of
these issues—Jay only got GB to remove troops from NW & allow US trade in West Indies (wouldn’t
pay for ships seized or slaves stolen at end of Amer Rev); Senate barely ratified treaty (20-10); US
citizens very angry—anger subdued when GW suggested HoR was considering impeaching him—his
popularity ended controversy.
Ø Pushing the Native Americans Aside—Inds got help from GB before GB left NW—still lost battle of
Fallen Timbers and gave up all of Ohio in Treaty of Greenville (Aug 1794); Problems w/Spain in SW
(AL, Miss, Tenn) due to them encouraging Ind attacks and closing Miss River—Sp mis-interpreted Jay’s
treaty as possible US/GB alliance to attack Sp in Louisiana—Thomas Pinckney sent to negotiate w/Sp
and got 1. Opening of Miss riv, 2. Depositing goods in New Orleans w/no duty, 3. Secure southern
boundary along 31 North latitude, 4. No more Sp encouraging Ind attacks. Treaty of San Lorenzo
(Pinckney’s Treaty) ratified unanimously in Oct 1795—Pinckney becomes Federalist hero.
Ø Popular Political Culture—Americans disturbed by rise of political parties and viewed them as threat to
legitimate authority and we lost sense of common purpose uniting us during Amer Rev. Fed & Rep
parties wanted to politically destroy each other.
Ø Informing the Public: News and Politics—Newspapers sent info/mis-info all over US; newspapers were
very partisan in early US; political clubs also sprang up all over us to provide commoners with highly
partisan political information.
Ø Whiskey Rebellion: Charges of Republican Conspiracy—1791 Whiskey tax caused problems in
Western PA in 1794—tax threatened a major source of revenue for them; PA Rev gov refused to put
down rebellion, so GW called out 15,000 militiamen and w/AH marched out against the rebels. Rebels
simply disappeared (2 convicted of treason, but pardoned by GW); many on frontier became supporters
of Reps; GW blamed Rep political clubs for the disorder; TJ blamed AH as excuse to create an army to
intimidate Reps.
Ø Washington's Farewell—Sept 1796 GW published his Farewell Address, declaring his retirement as
president—included 1. Warning against all political factions 2. US should not make any permanent
alliances with distant nations that serve no American interest (isolationism)
Ø The Adams' Presidency—Federalists ran John Adams, Reps ran TJ—AH’s meddled to try and keep
Adams from winning; AH schemed to get win Thomas Pinckney pres (hero of Pinckney’s Treaty), but
when NE found out, Adams won and TJ won VP (instead of Pinckney)—caused tension w/i Fed party;
Adams had difficult time w/GW’s old cabinet but wouldn’t dismiss them b/c of GW’s popularity and
had to deal with Rep VP TJ—JA hoped to work with TJ, but too many disagreements.
Ø The XYZ Affair and Domestic Politics—Jay’s Treaty angered France (US basically was siding with GB
against France); tension increased b/t US and Fr—1797, Fr privateers began seizing US ships—this is
Quasi-War (was w/o official declaration); AH hoped this would lead to war with FR—JA sent Pinckney,
Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry to negotiate w/Fr—decided to give Fr same commercial advantages as GB
had from Jay’s treaty—JA also used threat of war to strengthen US military; Fr foreign minister
Talleyrand would see them w/o $250,000 bribe and millions in loans for Fr—US envoy refused and
returned angry; XYZ were names of Talleyrand’s lackeys—highly inflamed tensions in US b/t Feds and
Reps.
Ø Crushing Political Dissent—AH and High Federalists used Fr threat to rearm, build new fighting ships,
additional harbor fortifications, and expanded Army—really XYZ affair used as excuse to intimidate
Reps (pro-Fr); GW convinced JA that he would lead troops only if AH was 2nd in command—JA
reluctantly agreed; AH went about recruiting only Feds to fill these army posts and really wanted a civil
war to crush Reps; JA got Congress to create Navy Dept (JA’s first love); JA refused to ask Congress
for declaration of war and threatened to resign when pressed, which would have made TJ pres.
Ø Silencing Political Opposition: The Alien and Sedition Acts—authorized fed courts and pres to silence
Reps out of fear and vindictiveness; Alien Acts—1. Extra war-time powers for pres to detail or deport
citizens from nations at war (never in effect b/c no declaration of war) 2. Pres could expel any foreigner
by exec order (some Fr left b/c of this threat) 3. Naturalization Act—14 year probationary period before
foreigners could apply for citizenship (most immigrants, esp Irish, voted Rep). Sedition Act—definied
criticism of US gov’t as criminal libel (could not criticize pres/Congress—VP not mentioned b/c it was
TJ, a Rep)—fines and imprisonment if found guilty—Reps believed this violated 1st Amendment (High
Feds dismissed those complaints)-- Feds determined to shut down the opposition press and gave gov't
too much power to do so; 17 in NY indicted for criticizing gov't (drunk guy arrested for saying John
Adams had "ample posterior"); Rep congressman Matthew Lyon sent to jail for criticizing Quasi-War,
but reelected from jail; Feds did not silence dissent but worsened it--made Reps determined to change
gov't
Ø
Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions--Madison and TJ wrote Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions-both defended the rights of individual states to interpret federal law; Kentucky believed TJ's Kentucky
resolution as far as Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional and should be repealed; Madison's
Virginia Resolution urged Americans to defends the rights of the American people--less radical than KY
resolution.
Ø
Adams's Finest Hour--Adams sent new US rep to France concerning Quasi-War; Adams dismantled
Hamilton's army b/c of American anger at cost of keeping unnecessary army; New US ambassadors
arrived in Fr after Napoleon came to power; Fr would not pay for US vessels during Quasi-War but did
null 1778 treaties (Amer Rev), also removed Fr restrictions on US commerce--improved relations with
Fr leading to Louisiana Purchase, but cost Adams reelection.
Ø
The Peaceful Revolution: The Election of 1800--Fed party divided in 1800 election (Adams popular
in NE, but AH angry at army dismissal and b/c no war w/Fr); AH tried to rig election to get Fed VP
candidate Charles Pinckney to win and save US from "fangs of TJ"--conspiracy backfired--TJ 73, Burr
73, Adams 65, Pinckney 64; Electoral College did not resolve election b/c of accident (Rep elector
should have thrown away his 2nd vote, but didn't)--lame duck HoR had to decide election; each state got
one vote--9 needed for election--35 votes w/o TJ or Burr getting 9 states; 36th vote was TJ 10, Burr 4-TJ new president, Burr new VP; 12th Amendment ratified in 1804 to cast separate ballots for pres & vp;
Adams appted large number of Federalists to judgeships in his last days (Midnight Judges), including
John Marshall (Chief Justice)--leads to Marbury v. Madison court case--Election of 1800 important b/c
of the peaceful transition of power b/t two political parties who hated each other--no riots, military
coups, secession, etc.