Unit 3: Revolution to Constitution

Period 3: 1754-1800

British attempts to assert tighter control over its North American colonies and the colonial resolve to pursue self-government led to a colonial independence movement and the Revolutionary War.
The American Revolution’s democratic and republican ideals inspired new experiments with different forms of government.
Migration within North America and competition over resources, boundaries, and trade intensified conflicts among peoples and nations.

I can explain how the competition among the British, French, and American Indians for economic and political advantage in North America caused the Seven Years’ War (the French and Indian War).
I can describe how the desire of many colonists to assert ideals of self-government in the face of renewed British imperial efforts led to a colonial independence movement and war with Britain.
I can analyze the ideals that inspired the revolutionary cause, which reflected new beliefs about politics, religion, and society had changed over the course of the 18th century.
I can interpret sources (the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution) that articulate the role of the state and federal governments.
I can analyze to what extent these sources protected individual liberties and limited both centralized power and excessive popular influence.
I can analyze how forms of national culture and political institutions in the United States changed as well as how regional variations and differences over economic, political, social, and foreign policy issues continued.
I can describe how interactions among different groups in the decades after American independence caused competition for resources, shifting alliances, and cultural blending.
I can explain how the continued presence of European powers in North America challenged the United States to find ways to safeguard its borders, maintain neutral trading rights, and promote its economic interests.