PERIOD 3
Periodization:
This time period has been best characterized by the conflicts within it. The first conflict seen in this period was the First Great Awakening. There became two distinct groups of religion: the Old Lights and the New Lights. The conflict wasn't exactly the First Great Awakening itself, but the conflict within individuals caused by it. People began to wonder about their morals in relation to their spirituality, which in turn would help fuel more conflict in future, especially regarding the beginning of conflict against servitude and against England's control of the colonies. Within this time period, this conflict has been reflected through Bacon's Rebellion and, most notoriously, the American Revolution. Even though the America wasn't its own country yet, Bacon’s Rebellion was the first distinct time of many instances in which Americans would fight against inhumane treatment of other Americans. Additionally, the American Revolution was another first. It was the first time a colony the size of America successfully separated from a country with the size, power, and resources that England had. This sparked other revolutions around the world, and also gave America an impressive reputation from its start. After the American Revolution, conflicts didn’t stop. The government had to be formed. The Articles of Confederation was the initial setup of government, but didn't work out because it created practically no centralized government. Then the Constitution was created and is still what the American government is based on today. While the government was set up, there were still even more conflicts. Despite George Washington’s urging for no political parties, two major political figures during the time period - Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton - disagreed with each so much that they created the first political parties: the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, respectively. This set a precedent for the rest of American history of political division and conflict.
Documents and political cartoons:
|
|
|
|
|
Turning points:
Gaspee IncidentA)Colonists were angry that they could only trade with England, so smugglers allowed colonists to illegally trade with countries/people other than England. The Gaspee ship caught these smugglers, so colonists hated the ship and its captain.
B) Frustrated by their inability to trade with whoever they pleased, colonists ran the ship aground (pulled it out of the water) in Massachusetts and lit it on fire, destroying it. C)England began to pay judges' salaries, especially in Massachusetts, in order to have better control of the colonies. Overall led to England being more controlling, which only upset colonists more. |
Boston Tea PartyA)The Tea Act, which essentially monopolized the tea industry by giving the British East India company full control. This upset colonists because England once again became more controlling, which the colonists didn't want.
B)Colonists who were a part of the Sons of Liberty in Massachusetts destroyed a whole shipment of tea in protest of the Tea Act. C) Resulted in the Intolerable Acts, which included the revoking of the revoking of Massachusetts's charter, leading to England having even more control of the colonies, upsetting the patriots even more, as none of the colonies had actual representation (opposed to virtual representation). |
Common senseA)Intolerable Acts, a lack of actual representation, as well as the Stamp and Tea Acts. (essentially anything involving the extension of England's power over the colonies)
B)Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet that called for American independence from Britain - "from Britain we can expect nothing but ruin" C)Patriots gained more support, Declaration of Independence was written, and the American Revolution began. |
Shay's RebellionA)Farmer's didn't want to pay taxes, and felt as though it was too much federal power if the government could force them to.
B)A Massachusetts farmer and Revolutionary war veteran got a huge group of farmers who were in debt to rebel against the government. C)Made people realize the Articles of Confederation weren't strong enough to ensure the safety of Americans. Led to the formation of the US Constitution. |
US ConstitutionA)Shay's Rebellion, Americans realized there needed to be a stronger federal government to protect them.
B)There was a big, secretive convention to basically overhaul the current US government (which was treason). Included the creation of the Great Compromise, the 3/5 Compromise, and the three branches of government (along with checks and balances). Also created the Bill of Rights and the ability to create amendments as needed. C)Resulting in a stronger central government that still protected the rights of the people and gave states power. Led to government stability. |
Parallels/Synthesis:
The Olive Branhc Petition
|
Alexander Hamilton's Financial Plan
|
First great awakening
|