APUSHING 3.2 The American Revolution’s democratic and republican ideals inspired new experiments with different forms of government. In a nutshell: Out with the old; in with the new.

3.2.1 The ideals that inspired the revolutionary cause reflected new beliefs about politics, religion, and society that had been developing over the course of the 18th Century.

Enlightenment and Puritan Influence Individual talent over hereditary privilege (American) Liberty is a blessing from God Odd mixture of secular and religious ideals Secular Republicanism Locke’s “Second Treatise on Government” Jefferson’s “Declaration of Independence” Paine’s “Common Sense” Puritan Ideals Winthrop’s “City Upon a Hill” Protestant Work Ethic Biblical reasoning

How Revolutionary Was the Revolution? What social changes occurred because of the Revolution? “The major transformation from a monarchy to a republic. In a monarchy people were subjects to the king or queen; that is, dependent, deferential to a higher authority. In a republic, people are independent citizens and from that difference flows a whole lot of differences.” --Professor Gordon Wood

The Revolution’s Legacy “The American Revolution not only legally created the United States, but created almost everything we Americans believe. Our noblest ideals, our highest aspirations. Our belief in liberty, equality, Constitutionalism, and the well-being of ordinary people all came out of the American Revolution. Whatever glue we have that holds us together is a consequence of the American Revolution.” --Gordon Wood

The War, Independence, and Slavery Consider Samuel Johnson’s question: “How is it that we hear the loudest yelps for liberty among the drivers of negroes?” See APUSH 3.2 Anti-Slavery Docs. 1652: Slavery abolished in Rhode Island, but not enforced. Rhode Island’s economy thrives on triangular trade routes. Gradual emancipation enacted in 1784. 1774: First Continental Congress pledges to end the slave trade. Signers included Virginians such as George Washington and Richard Henry Lee. 1777: Pennsylvania gradual emancipation 1778: Jefferson proposes abolition in Virginia 1780s-1804: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey 1787: Northwest Ordinance forbids slavery in the Northwest Territory

Republican Motherhood Late 18th Century emphasis on women’s roles Sees women as the primary caregivers Need education and virtue to raise educated, virtuous children Essential for the preservation of a republic Offers prestige and value to mothers but keeps a woman’s place in the home

Republican Motherhood “Motherhood is the keystone of the arch of matrimonial happiness.” —Thomas Jefferson Keystone: a central stone at the summit of an arch, locking the whole together.

Republican Motherhood “If much depends as is allowed upon the early education of youth and the first principals which are instilled take the deepest root, great benefit must arise from literary accomplishments in women.” —Abigail Adams

The Revolution’s Legacy France Haiti Latin America and beyond

3.2.2 After declaring independence, American political leaders created new constitutions and declarations of rights that articulated the role of the state and federal governments while protecting individual liberties and limiting both centralized power and excessive popular influence.

About the New State Constitutions… They are called STATES because they considered themselves sovereign Most placed more power in legislative branches Most maintained property qualifications for voting and citizenship

The Articles of Confederation A weak central government by design Union of states called “A firm League of Friendship” Criticized by many for lacking powers typical to governments International and interstate commerce Financial and monetary policy Foreign diplomacy

Constitutional Convention Officially to revise the Articles of Confederation Federalists v. Anti-federalists (See Federalist Papers) Important compromises Connecticut Plan/Great Compromise 3/5 Compromise Assumption of debts and location of D.C. Promise for a Bill of Rights Creation of a new, powerful government but with separation of powers and systems of checks and balances

The New Constitution and Slavery Clearly protects slavery Allowed prohibition only of the international slave trade (after 1808) That 3/5 Compromise and its unexpected fallout…

3.2.3 New forms of national culture and political institutions developed in the United States alongside continued regional variations and differences over economic, political, social, and foreign policy issues.

The Washington and Adams Administrations Washington’s Cabinet Washington’s Precedents Problems Washington’s Farewell Address Two-Party System: Compare the parties Adams and the Alien and Sedition Acts

Expansion of Slavery in the South and West Cotton Gin Beginnings of distinctive regional attitudes

Still Struggling with National Identity Art Literature Architecture