1. U1C2 Forming a New Nation 1763-1815
U.S. History

2. Main Idea
After the war broke out between Great Britain and the American colonies, the Patriots relied on their passion, strong leaders, and foreign allies to achieve victory. The work of defining the government of the new nation, however, was more difficult and would eventually lead to the emergence of political parties.

3. Essential Question
What are the causes and effects of the conflict that the new nation faced when defining the federal government?

4. 2.1 The Revolutionary Era
Main Idea: America declared independence from Great Britain in 1776 and won the Revolutionary War in 1783.
The Road to Revolution: clash over “taxation without representation,” Battle of Lexington is “The shot heard ‘round the world.”
Declaring Independence: Second Continental Congress meets, violence continues in Boston, Declaration of Independence drafted and signed.
The Revolution Continues: Major battles in north, turning point for colonists is Battle of Saratoga, Washington’s troops regroup during winter at Valley Forge.
An American Victory: Colonists win victories in West and South, France/Spain become allies, Battle of Yorktown ensures American victory.

5. 2.2 Creating a New Government
Main Idea: After the Revolution, American leaders struggled to form a national government and eventually wrote the Constitution.
First government, Articles of Confederation was extremely weak and failed as a result of Shays’s Rebellion.
Great Compromise was result of Virginia Plan (large state plan) & New Jersey Plan (small state plan), included bicameral legislature, representatives in lower house determined by population, upper house all states equal
Federalists (supported Constitution) v. Antifederalists (felt fed. Gov’t would lead to tyranny)
Federalist Papers supported the Constitution
Constitution: Checks and balances: Judicial, Legislative, and Executive

6. 2.3 Forging a New Republic
Main Idea: Under presidents Washington, Adams, and Jefferson, the United States continued to shape its new government while facing both foreign and domestic challenges.
Washington’s presidency: created first cabined of advisors, French Revolution, Whiskey Rebellion
Adam’s presidency: 2nd president, XYZ Affair led to Alien and Sedition Acts which were unconstitutional
Jefferson’s presidency: Marbury v. Madison: Supreme Court can declare that a law violates the Constitution, known as judicial review; The Louisiana Purchase

7. The War of 1812 Causes: British impressment of American sailors
International conflicts over commerce
British military aid to Native Americans on the Northwest Territory frontier
Effects:
Foreign respect for the United States
National pride
Increase in American manufacturing
Less Native American resistance