Mr. Lahasky - APUSH Period 3 - Lecture #11 - The War and the Articles

Summary

The video discusses the American Revolutionary War and the challenges of forming a new nation. It covers the strategic advantages the colonists had, the leadership of George Washington, and the crucial alliances with European powers. Despite the odds, the Americans achieved independence, but the real challenge was building a government. The Articles of Confederation, the first attempt, reflected the founders' fears of centralized power but ultimately proved weak. The war was revolutionary in global terms, inspiring democratic movements, though it led to minimal immediate change in American society.

Takeaways

• 🗽 The American Revolutionary War was fought to overthrow British rule and establish a new nation, reflecting a desire for independence and self-governance.
• 🏰 The war was not just a rebellion against taxes but also a reaction against perceived tyrannical rule, aiming to prevent the rise of a similar despot in America.
• 🔍 The American colonists had significant advantages, such as fighting on familiar terrain and having the support of local communities, which helped balance the scales against the British.
• 👨‍✈️ George Washington's leadership was pivotal, particularly during the harsh winter at Valley Forge, where he managed to keep his troops together despite severe hardships.
• 🤝 The support from European allies, especially France, Spain, and the Dutch, was crucial for the American victory, providing much-needed military and financial assistance.
• 🔄 The victory at the Battle of Saratoga was a turning point, convincing European powers of the possibility of an American win and securing their support.
• 📜 The Treaty of Paris in 1783 officially recognized American independence and granted the new nation significant territorial concessions.
• 🏛️ The Articles of Confederation established a weak federal government to prevent tyranny, reflecting the founders' fear of centralized power.
• 🌐 The new American government was designed to limit federal power, with most governance occurring at the state level, reflecting a continuation of local control.
• 🌟 The American Revolution had global implications, inspiring democratic movements in other parts of the world and marking a shift towards self-governance.

Q & A

What was the main challenge faced by the American colonists in 1776?

The main challenge faced by the American colonists in 1776 was coordinating their efforts across the colonies to sustain a rebellion against the British, and in the event of winning the war, they needed a viable system of government to hold the new nation together.

How did the definition of 'revolution' apply to the American Revolutionary War?

By the social science definition, a revolution is a fundamental change from which there is no going back. The American Revolutionary War fits this standard as it resulted in the overthrow of British rule and the establishment of a new political system, American democracy.

What were the three main reasons for the American victory in the Revolutionary War?

The Americans were victorious in the Revolutionary War for three main reasons: they enjoyed important advantages at the war's outset, they benefited from the military leadership of George Washington, and they courted necessary assistance from European allies.

What was the significance of the Battles of Lexington and Concord?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775 marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War, signifying the start of armed conflict between the American colonists and the British forces.

Why was the war effort decentralized for the American colonists?

The war effort was decentralized because the colonies covered a large land area and had no true capital city, which forced the British to campaign all over the continent, thus leveling the playing field.

How did George Washington's leadership contribute to the American victory?

George Washington's leadership was crucial, especially during the harsh winter at Valley Forge, where he managed to keep his troops together despite severe shortages of food, supplies, and the threat of disease.

What was the impact of the Battle of Saratoga on securing foreign support for the American cause?

The victory at Saratoga convinced the French, Spanish, and Dutch that the United States had a fighting chance and would make a worthy ally, leading to crucial alliances and support from these European powers.

What role did Baron von Steuben play in transforming the Continental Army?

Baron von Steuben, a former Prussian army officer, was instrumental in training and disciplining the Continental Army, turning it into a more formidable fighting force capable of taking on the British in close combat.

Why was the Treaty of Paris in 1783 significant?

The Treaty of Paris in 1783 officially ended the war and recognized the independence of the United States. It also granted the new nation all lands east of the Mississippi River and south of the Great Lakes.

What were the key features of the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation established a unicameral legislature with one vote per state, no executive branch, no power to tax, and no ability to draft a standing army. It was designed to limit governmental power and prevent the emergence of tyranny.

How did the American Revolution influence the spread of democracy globally?

The success of the American Revolution inspired democratic movements in France and Latin America, suggesting that the colonists were on the leading edge of a global shift towards democratic institutions.