Apush Notes: The Making of a Revolution, 1754–1783 (PDF)

Here is a detailed list of the main points and concepts from pages 129 to 157 in *By the People: A History of the United States*: ### Chapter 5: **The Making of a Revolution, 1754–1783** #### 1. **Preludes to Revolution** - **The French and Indian War (1754–1763):** This war between France and B...

Here is a detailed list of the main points and concepts from pages 129 to 157 in *By the People: A History of the United States*: ### Chapter 5: **The Making of a Revolution, 1754–1783** #### 1. **Preludes to Revolution** - **The French and Indian War (1754–1763):** This war between France and Britain (with their respective Native American allies) set the stage for British colonial policies that eventually led to the American Revolution. - **Treaty of Paris (1763):** Ended the French and Indian War, Britain gained significant territorial gains but also massive war debts, which led to increased taxation in the colonies. - **Proclamation Line of 1763:** Created by the British to stabilize relations with Native Americans by halting colonial expansion westward. This upset many colonists who hoped to move into these lands. - **Taxes and Acts:** The Sugar Act, Stamp Act, and Townshend Acts were imposed to help pay off war debts. These acts were heavily resisted by the colonists. - **"No Taxation Without Representation":** A key slogan reflecting the colonists’ demand for political representation in the British Parliament. #### 2. **The Revolution in the Minds of the People** - **Radicalization in Cities:** Colonial protests in seaports, such as Boston, led to greater resistance against British rule, including events like the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party. - **First Continental Congress (1774):** A gathering of colonial leaders to respond to the Intolerable Acts, marking the beginning of coordinated colonial resistance. - **Ideas of Rights:** Growing belief in the "Rights of Man" that emphasized liberty, property, and self-governance. Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke influenced American revolutionary thought. #### 3. **War for Independence** - **Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775):** The first military engagements of the Revolutionary War. - **Declaration of Independence (1776):** Authored mainly by Thomas Jefferson, the document declared the colonies’ independence from Britain and outlined the philosophical justification for revolution. - **The Role of African Americans:** Both free and enslaved African Americans fought on both sides during the Revolution. The British offered freedom to slaves who joined their cause. - **George Washington’s Leadership:** Washington emerged as a unifying leader of the Continental Army despite limited resources and manpower. - **Continental Army vs. British Army:** The Continental Army was poorly trained and underfunded but gained crucial victories, such as the Battle of Saratoga, which secured French military support. #### 4. **The Global Aspect of the War**  - **International Involvement:** France, Spain, and the Netherlands provided military and financial support to the colonies, helping turn the tide of war in their favor. - **The Siege of Yorktown (1781):** The final major battle of the Revolutionary War where British General Cornwallis surrendered, effectively ending major fighting. #### 5. **The Aftermath of the Revolution** - **Treaty of Paris (1783):** Officially ended the war, with Britain recognizing the independence of the United States and ceding territory to the new nation. - **Impact on Native Americans:** Many Native American tribes who sided with the British were left vulnerable after the war, as American settlers pushed westward. - **Talk of Slavery:** The ideals of freedom sparked discussions about slavery, but the institution remained intact in the southern colonies. ### Key Concepts to Remember: - The **French and Indian War** set the stage for British policies that angered the colonies. - Various **tax acts** and **"no taxation without representation"** fueled revolutionary sentiment. - The **Continental Congresses** were key to organizing colonial resistance and declaring independence. - The **Declaration of Independence** articulated the colonies' desire for freedom and self-governance. - **George Washington's leadership** was crucial despite challenges faced by the Continental Army. - **International support**, particularly from France, was pivotal in achieving American victory. - The **Treaty of Paris (1783)** ended the war and recognized American independence. These points summarize the main events and concepts of the Revolutionary era discussed in pages 129–157.