The Unfinished Nation - Chapter 5 Lecture + Notes (O'Connell)

Summary

The American Revolution, starting in 1775, was a dual conflict involving military struggle against Britain and internal political strife. Initially seeking redress of grievances, the war escalated to a fight for total independence, catalyzed by British tactics and Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense'. The Continental Congress declared independence on July 4, 1776, leading to state constitutions and the Articles of Confederation. The war's three phases saw shifting strategies and alliances, culminating in British surrender in 1781. Post-war, the new nation faced challenges with loyalists, Native Americans, and the institution of slavery, while also laying the groundwork for democratic governance and the eventual U.S. Constitution.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The American Revolution began in 1775 with military conflict against Great Britain and internal political conflict within the colonies.
• 🌎 The colonists initially sought reconciliation with Britain but shifted to fighting for total independence after British tactics escalated the conflict.
• 📜 Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' pamphlet was influential in advocating for complete separation from British rule.
• 🗽 July 4th, 1776, marked the approval of the Declaration of Independence, symbolizing the colonies' intent to form their own states separate from Britain.
• 📜 The Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781, creating a loose union of states with limited federal powers and no tax collection authority.
• 💂‍♂️ General George Washington led the Continental Army, which had the advantage of fighting on home soil and had the support of those wishing to see the British Empire weakened.
• 🔄 The war had three phases: the New England phase, the mid-Atlantic phase where the British attempted to divide and conquer, and the Southern phase which ended with the British surrender at Yorktown.
• 🤝 France's support was crucial for the American victory, providing both diplomatic and military assistance.
• 🏛️ The post-war period saw the creation of new state governments, with many states adopting constitutions and moving towards a more democratic form of governance.
• 🔍 The new nation faced significant challenges, including Shay's Rebellion, which highlighted the need for a stronger national government to address economic and social issues.
• 🌐 The United States emerged as a model for other nations seeking to establish democratic self-government and escape the control of empires.

Q & A

What were the two conflicts that consumed the American colonies in the 18th century?

The two conflicts were the military conflict with Great Britain, which began in April 1775, and the political conflict happening inside the colonies themselves.

What was the main purpose of the war according to the colonists during the first year?

During the first year of the war, most Americans believed they were simply fighting for a redress of grievances and hoped for reconciliation with Great Britain.

How did the British recruitment of various groups impact the colonists' view of the war?

The British recruitment of Indians, African slaves, and German mercenaries, along with the blockade of colonial ports, led the colonists to see total colonial independence as the only option.

What was the significance of Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' pamphlet in the context of the American Revolution?

Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' pamphlet advocated for a complete break from the British political system, influencing the colonists' shift towards seeking total independence.

What was the role of the Continental Army and General George Washington in the American Revolution?

The Continental Army, led by General George Washington, was created by Congress to fight the British. Despite being less equipped and trained, they had the advantage of fighting on their home ground and received support from those who wanted to see the British Empire fall.

How did the war's different phases impact the colonists' fight for independence?

The war had three distinct phases: the New England phase where radical revolutionaries fought the British and loyalists; the mid-Atlantic phase where the British tried to divide and conquer; and the southern phase where the British attempted to rally loyalist support, which ultimately failed.

What was the political fallout in England after the American Revolution?

The political fallout in England included the resignation of the Prime Minister and the signing of a preliminary peace treaty by American diplomats Ben Franklin and John Adams with the British in France.

How did the American Revolution affect the loyalists and their relationship with the new United States?

Loyalists, who supported the British cause, faced harassment after the war. Many fled to Canada or returned to England, contributing to the creation of English-speaking Quebec and a British diaspora.

What were the key issues that the new American states had to address in their constitutions?

The new American states had to address issues such as slavery, the rights of native peoples, the role of women, and the limits of religious tolerance in their constitutions.

How did the Articles of Confederation limit the powers of the new United States government?

The Articles of Confederation gave the new nation very limited powers, did not authorize the collection of taxes, and failed to provide the authority to regulate trade, draft troops, or levy taxes directly.

What was the impact of Shay's Rebellion on the movement for a new National Constitution?

Shay's Rebellion, led by a former Revolutionary Army captain, highlighted the need for a stronger central government. It added urgency to the movement to produce a new National Constitution capable of handling internal ideological and military challenges.