Apush Unit 2 Study Guide

APUSH Unit 2 Study Guide: From Colonies to Revolution

This comprehensive APUSH Unit 2 study guide covers the period from the late 17th century to the outbreak of the American Revolution. We’ll delve into the major themes, key figures, and pivotal events that shaped colonial America and ultimately led to the fight for independence. This guide is designed to help you master the material, understand the context, and achieve a high score on your AP exam. Understanding this period is crucial as it lays the foundation for the nation's birth and its ongoing struggle with its identity.

I. The Seeds of Revolution: Colonial Society and the Growing Tensions with Great Britain

This section explores the social, political, and economic factors that fueled the growing tension between the American colonies and Great Britain.

A. Colonial Society:

• Diversity and Regional Differences: The colonies weren't a monolith. New England, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies each possessed unique economies, social structures, and demographics. New England thrived on trade and shipbuilding, with a relatively homogenous population. The Middle Colonies boasted a diverse population and a mixed economy of agriculture and commerce. The Southern Colonies heavily relied on enslaved labor for their cash crops, such as tobacco, rice, and indigo, creating a vastly different social hierarchy. Understanding these differences is key to grasping the complexities of the revolutionary movement. The mercantilism system, which emphasized colonial resource extraction for the benefit of the mother country, also contributed significantly to these differences.

• Social Structures: Colonial society was stratified, with wealthy landowners at the top, followed by merchants, artisans, farmers, indentured servants, and finally, enslaved Africans at the bottom. The role of religion, especially in New England, significantly influenced social structures and daily life. The Great Awakening, a religious revival in the mid-18th century, fostered a sense of personal piety and challenged traditional authority, impacting social and political dynamics.

• Enlightenment Ideas: The Enlightenment, a philosophical movement emphasizing reason and individual rights, significantly impacted colonial thought. Thinkers like John Locke, whose ideas of natural rights and the social contract profoundly influenced the colonists' understanding of their relationship with the British government.

B. Growing Tensions with Great Britain:

• Mercantilism and its impact: As mentioned earlier, the British mercantilist system, designed to benefit the mother country, generated resentment among colonists who felt stifled economically. Acts like the Navigation Acts, restricting colonial trade, and the Stamp Act, imposing a tax on printed materials, directly challenged colonial autonomy and ignited protests.

• The French and Indian War (Seven Years' War): While initially seen as a British victory that expanded colonial territory, the war also brought about significant changes in the relationship between Britain and the colonies. The war's expense led to new taxes imposed on the colonists by the British government, further fueling resentment and the cry of "no taxation without representation." The Proclamation of 1763, prohibiting westward expansion, further angered colonists eager to acquire land.

• Resistance to British Policies: The colonists responded to British policies with various forms of resistance, ranging from boycotts and protests (like the Boston Tea Party) to the formation of committees of correspondence to coordinate actions across the colonies. The Sons of Liberty, a prominent group of patriots, played a vital role in mobilizing colonial resistance.

II. The Road to Revolution: Political and Ideological Developments

This section focuses on the escalating conflict between the colonies and Britain, leading to the outbreak of the American Revolution.

A. The Intolerable Acts:

Following the Boston Tea Party, the British government implemented the Intolerable Acts (also known as the Coercive Acts), designed to punish Massachusetts for its defiance. These acts further intensified colonial resentment and solidified the unity of the colonies against British rule. The acts included the Boston Port Act, the Massachusetts Government Act, and the Quartering Act, among others. These measures are considered a key turning point, driving the colonies closer to armed rebellion.

B. The First Continental Congress:

In response to the Intolerable Acts, delegates from twelve colonies (Georgia was absent) convened the First Continental Congress in 1774. This gathering represented a significant step towards colonial unity and coordinated resistance. The Congress issued a Declaration of Rights and Grievances, outlining the colonists' complaints and asserting their rights as Englishmen. They also called for a boycott of British goods.

C. The Battles of Lexington and Concord:

The clashes at Lexington and Concord in April 1775 marked the beginning of armed conflict between the British army and the colonial militias. These battles, while relatively small-scale, signaled the breakdown of peaceful negotiations and the irreversible slide towards open war. The "shot heard 'round the world" became a symbol of the American Revolution.

D. The Second Continental Congress:

Following Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress convened, taking on the responsibility of governing the colonies and managing the war effort. The Congress established an army, appointed George Washington as commander-in-chief, and issued the Olive Branch Petition, one last attempt at reconciliation with Great Britain.

III. The Declaration of Independence and the Ideological Foundation of the Revolution

This section examines the philosophical underpinnings of the American Revolution and the significance of the Declaration of Independence.

A. The Declaration of Independence:

Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence, adopted in July 1776, formally declared the thirteen colonies' independence from Great Britain. The document articulated the philosophical principles underpinning the revolution, including natural rights, popular sovereignty, and the right to revolution. The declaration's influence extends far beyond the American context, inspiring revolutionary movements globally.

B. Key Ideas in the Declaration:

• Natural Rights: The declaration famously asserted the inherent rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (a slight alteration from Locke's "life, liberty, and property"). These rights were considered inalienable and could not be violated by the government.

• Social Contract Theory: The declaration implied a social contract between the government and the governed, suggesting that if the government fails to uphold its end of the bargain by infringing upon natural rights, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.

• Popular Sovereignty: The declaration emphasized the principle of popular sovereignty, where political authority ultimately resides in the people.

C. Impact of the Declaration:

The Declaration of Independence served as a powerful declaration of self-determination, rallying support for the revolution both domestically and internationally. It provided a moral and ideological justification for the war, attracting foreign allies such as France.

IV. The Early Years of the War: Military Strategies and Key Battles

This section analyzes the military strategies employed by both sides and some of the key battles of the early years of the war.

A. British Strategies:

The British initially adopted a strategy of suppressing the rebellion through superior military force, focusing on key strategic locations and attempting to isolate the rebellious colonies. However, their strategy proved to be inadequate against the determined resistance of the Continental Army and the support of the French.

B. Colonial Strategies:

The Continental Army, under the leadership of George Washington, employed a strategy of attrition, aiming to outlast the British and exploit their logistical challenges. Washington's leadership and the army's resilience proved crucial in maintaining the revolutionary spirit.

C. Key Battles:

• Battle of Bunker Hill: Although a tactical British victory, Bunker Hill demonstrated the colonists' willingness to fight and the strength of their resistance.

• Battle of Saratoga: This pivotal victory for the Continental Army proved crucial in securing foreign aid, particularly from France, which significantly altered the course of the war.

• Battle of Trenton and Princeton: Washington's surprise victories at Trenton and Princeton boosted morale and recruitment for the Continental Army during a difficult period.

V. The Role of Foreign Alliances and the End of the War

This section explores the crucial role of foreign alliances, particularly with France, and the eventual conclusion of the American Revolution.

A. France's Role:

France, a long-time rival of Great Britain, provided crucial military and financial support to the American colonists. The French alliance dramatically shifted the balance of power in the war, enabling the Americans to ultimately prevail.

B. The Treaty of Paris (1783):

The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, formally ended the American Revolutionary War. The treaty recognized the independence of the United States and established its territorial boundaries, encompassing a vast expanse of land east of the Mississippi River.

VI. Conclusion: Legacy of the Revolution

The American Revolution had a profound and lasting impact on the course of American history and global politics. It established a new nation based on the principles of liberty, self-governance, and individual rights. However, the revolution also left unresolved issues, such as slavery, which continued to shape the nation's trajectory in the years to come. The revolution's legacy continues to resonate today, impacting our understanding of democracy, freedom, and the ongoing struggle for human rights.

VII. FAQ

• Q: What were the main causes of the American Revolution?

  • A: The main causes were a combination of factors, including growing tensions over taxation without representation, restrictions on colonial trade (mercantilism), the impact of the French and Indian War, and the growing assertion of colonial identity and self-governance.

• Q: Who were the key figures in the American Revolution?

  • A: Key figures include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Samuel Adams, and Patrick Henry, among many others. Each played a critical role in leading the colonies to independence.

• Q: What was the significance of the Declaration of Independence?

  • A: The Declaration served as a powerful statement of independence, articulating the philosophical principles that justified the revolution. It also served as a powerful rallying cry, both domestically and internationally.

• Q: What was the role of France in the American Revolution?

  • A: France played a crucial role by providing military and financial support to the American colonies, ultimately turning the tide of the war and ensuring American victory.

• Q: What were the long-term consequences of the American Revolution?

  • A: The Revolution led to the establishment of an independent United States, a nation based on the principles of liberty and self-governance. However, it also left unresolved issues, most notably the question of slavery, that would continue to shape the nation's history for decades to come. It also had significant global impact, inspiring revolutionary movements around the world.

This APUSH Unit 2 study guide provides a comprehensive overview of this crucial period in American history. Remember to supplement this information with your textbook, class notes, and additional resources. Good luck with your studies!