Final Study Guide
1. Explain the emergence of the U.S as a new nation; explain key events that led up to the revolutionary war, and the establishment of the new government under the constitution. Give three (3) examples of how this period was important to U.S. history in the 20th century.
The leaders of the American Revolution did three things to create our new nation; one, they sought independence from Britain, formed union of 13 states, and committed their states to a republic instead of a monarchy. There are many events that lead to the rise of war. One of those Key events was the French and Indian War which was a colonial war between Great Britain and France in the late 1700’s and 1800’s. This war is also called the seven year war the English ultimately dominated but at a cost so staggering that the resulting debt nearly destroyed the English government. The war debt was one main factor that caused the escalation of tension leading to the revolutionary War. Desperate to pay off their dues the government passed laws that allowed them to place a three cent tax on foreign sugar. This act was called the Sugar act of 1794, which was not favored by the individuals of the nation. Many Americans were upset due to the fact that a tax law was passed without their consent, which lead colonists for the first time to speak out and be heard. The sugar act was not a trade regulation but, was a way to raise revenue to pay off their debt from the war. To amass a higher amount of revenue the government also placed taxes on stamps. The Stamp act stated that legal documents, diplomas, almanacs, broadsides, newspapers, and playing cards are required the use of stamps. This was to ensure that colonists were doing there duties of paying taxes that would help pay off the British soldiers, of they were to skip out on paying the stamp tax they would be taken to court were the details of not paying the tax would not be overlooked by the critics. To further the taxation of supplies the government passed the Town Shed act of 1767 which taxed the supplies that was to be imported to different destinations. All these taxations lead to a rebellion that many would remember. The rebellion was called the Boston Tea party of 1773. The sons of liberty a group of shoekeepers and artisans outraged by the tax on tea plotted a way to show there disdain towards the taxation. As a result the sons of liberty disguised themselves as Mohawk Native Americans were they boarded three British ships, the Dartmouth, Eleanor, and Beaver. The Dartmouth was boarded and the angry Americans dumped 352 crates of British tea into the Boston Harbor. The establishment of the new government began with the articles of confederation which was basically a rough draft that stated the right and the limit of control among civilians towards the constitution. The U.S. then created a strong central government. The separation of powers and checks and balances put together the branches of government. Then the bill of rights guaranteed the basic freedom and liberties of American citizens. The improvement of the nation was enormous
2. What is the Manifest Destiny? Explain its impact on American History. How did the idea affect the expansion of the United States. Give several examples include people, places, and events.
The Manifest Destiny was a widely held belief by Americans in the 19th century that the U.S was destined to expand from the Atlantic to the pacific. Term coined by John L. Sullivan. The impact on U.S. History and Expansion was the encouragement that Americans needed to move westward. Thomas Jefferson was one key person that helped expansionism with the Louisiana purchase, where he sent Robert Livingston to france because Napoleon had said no, he then sent James Monroe and Napoleon replied yes! The exploration cost 15 million dollars.
3. Analyze the Civil War. What were events that led up to it? What were some major battles and important people? Explain