AP US History Chapter 6 Flashcards
Which groups tended to be loyalists, or British sympathizers, during the American Revolution; why?
Loyalists were those who were continued their allegiance to the crown of England. The proportion of loyalists were greater in New York and New Jersey area since they were royal colonies established by English conquests under the rule of Charles II. Recent British immigrants and French Canadians were also loyalists due to the fact that British immigrants had to support their mother country for allowing them to leave to the Americas. The French Canadians were forced to give up their land due to their defeat of the British, one of their many rivals. Many southern slaves escaped to become a part of the royal army during the war because of Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation of 1775 claiming slaves that enlist in the British army to restore authority would be given freedom.
Why is the Battle of Saratoga considered a turning point in the American Revolution?
During the Battle of Saratoga, General Horatio Gates was able to capture and force General John Burgoyne’s army of 5,800 British troops. This was a major turning point because the French, impressed by the American military, joined them by declaring war against Britain. Shortly after, the Spanish and the Dutch also joined the American military and the French military against British soldiers.
In the Peace of Paris ending the Revolutionary War, what were the terms affecting America?
The Treaty of Paris, written by John Adams, John Jay, and Benjamin Franklin, was signed in 1783. The terms of the treaty implemented was that the British would have to withdraw their troops on American soil recognizing independence. The Mississippi River became the western boundary of the nation. The land of New Orleans, the outlet of the river to the Gulf of Mexico, and East and West Florida would all go to Spain. Native Americans were absent from the treaty making them refuse American sovereignty over their territories.
What was the relationship between Shay’s Rebellion and the calling of the Constitutional convention?
During Shay’s Rebellion, many colonists feared that the government was unable to protect them domestically. Not only that, but many were impatient about exporting and importing goods (which was the only way merchants and shippers made any money). Not only that, but colonists settling in the west were afraid of Native American attacks and wished to be protected by the government. This movement led to the meeting of the Constitutional convention in Annapolis, Maryland, where all the states would get together to discuss important matters and edit the Articles to fit with a more effective government.
Explain the differences between the Virginia plan and the New Jersey plan for the Constitution. In what ways was the Connecticut proposal a compromise between them?
The Virginia plan proposed a national government with broad powers to tax, legislate, and use military force against states. The New Jersey plan proposed a unicameral congress which meant each state, regardless of population, would be able to have an equal say. The Connecticut compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, had a plan to have a bicameral legislature, including a lower and upper house, and the constitution.
What was the three-fifths controversy at the Constitutional convention? In what ways did the Constitution recognize and deal with slavery?
The three-fifths controversy at the Constitutional convention was when the constitution laid out a method for counting slaves among the populations of Southern States, even though those slaves would not be citizens. It dealt with the slavery because each slave counted as three-fifths of a person. Also, it established the three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.
Briefly describe the checks and balances and separation of powers in the U.S. Constitution. Give examples to illustrate.
The constitution carefully balanced state and federal power. Through checks and balances the three branches of government can limit each others powers. Each branch “checks” the power of the other branches to ensure the power is balanced amongst them. This is made so not one branch becomes too powerful. Ex. making laws- legislative introduces and votes on a bill, then executive branch decides if its good for the country, if so then it becomes a law.. if not then it is sent to the legislative branch who can agree its good and then it becomes a law
Who were the Antifederalists, and what were their objections to the U.S. Constitution?
The Antifederalists were a group of people who were afraid that the Constitution focused too much on centralized power. They thought that centralized power would overshadow individual rights. They suggested adding the Bill of Rights. When the Bill of Rights were added to the Constitution, the Antifederalists were happy and no longer existed because they received what they asked for from the Federalists.
Besides being a war for independence from Britain, the American Revolution was also a civil war of American against American and a war of Native Americans to defend their homelands. Discuss and illustrate this statement with as many facts as possible.
The Revolutionary War helped to distinguish America from Britain. Many people in America agreed with breaking off into their own country but some did not. This caused the “American against American” conflict. With the Peace of Paris, the Native Americans were given nothing. All of their land was taken from them that was east of the river. The Native Americans had to fight to defend their homelands during and after the Revolutionary War.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages the British and the Americans each had in fighting the Revolutionary War. What do you think accounts for the Americans’ ultimate victory?
America had a strong army that were trained and ready. They also had France on their side for support. Many other British colonies in the world were against the. Britain realized that they were highly outnumbered, even though they looked strong in the beginning, and backed down.
Discuss the social, economic, and political changes within the thirteen states produced by the American Revolution. Be sure to consider things such as slavery, status of women, property distribution, voting rights, and religion.
The numbers in slavery were decreasing after the American Revolution; more and more blacks were being set free. Women still did not have many rights but they did end up taking over jobs that were left by soldiers in the war. Some women also participated in the war in disguise for men. The standards for property distribution have not changed. The people in the middle class of the state were allowed to own property. Men who owned property were allowed to vote; no blacks, women, or Native Americans.
Discuss the domestic and foreign difficulties the United States experienced under the Articles of Confederation. What were the accomplishments of the government under the Articles?
There were many disputes about the west land and representation in Congress, which is why it took four years to ratify the Articles of Confederation. A unicameral congress was created that allowed each state one vote on issues that were being debated. The Articles decentralized power, allowing the states to have more say and independence.
Discuss the backgrounds and political beliefs of the men who wrote the U.S. Constitution. What did they hope to accomplish by establishing this Constitution?
The men who wrote the Constitution had nationalists’ prospective rather than local perspectives. This made it easier to get an honest and unbiased opinion on the Constitution and the government. The men wanted to accomplish set rules for the government that were fair for everyone in the country.
