Major_Moments

Modern day America is the result of history’s making. From the discovery of the New World to the establishment of firm governments in the new colonies, every man, place, and event helped shape history. However, the most significant major moments from the colonial era to the antebellum period are the events that truly set the course for America’s development: The French and Indian war, The American Revolution, and the Revolution of 1800. These events shaped America’s current modern day government, geography, and independence. Had they not occurred, America would not exist or would be altered beyond recognition. The French and Indian war, The American Revolution and the Revolution of 1800 had a lasting impact on American history. During the first half of the war, the French completely dominated battlefields, easily defeating the British in battles at Fort Oswego and Ticonderoga. Natives allied themselves with French troops during this time; this alliance not only added extra infantry, but also proved to be vital keys to winning battles. Because they feared this successful alliance, the British hosted the Albany Conference, which discussed both how to improve relations with the Native Americans and how to implement common defensive measures against the French. The most notable plan presented was Benjamin Franklin’s Albany Plan of Union, an early attempt to unite the colonies under British crown. The plan of union failed; however, Indian alliance was acted upon immediately. In 1758, under direction of William Pitt, the British allied with Natives, just as the Franco-Indian alliance began to disintegrate. Exhausted by years of battles, outnumbered and outgunned by the British troops, the French collapsed during 1758 to 1759, with the final result at the loss of Quebec in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759. The signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763 was the final result and significant mark of the end of the Seven Years’ War. Peace treaties and territorial recognitions were firmly established, drawing the boundary of what’s official British territory. The British gained the entire east coast of North America to the Mississippi River. Spain, moreover, exchanged Florida for British holdings in the Caribbean and Pacific, and received French claims west of the Mississippi River. The war ended France’s position as a colonial power in North America, and strengthened the British position. This treaty was immensely important to the future geography of the United States of America. The signing of the Treaty of Paris set official boundaries and laid out the eastern half of what would become the United States of America, including the addition of Florida, which consolidated British control of the entire east coast of North America. The treaty also eased the movement of British settlers into formerly contested areas in the west; this was the continuation of the westward expansion that would eventually end at the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, the idea of America as a unified whole, rather than a series of unrelated colonies, saw its first concerted support with the Albany Conference. This plan had high hopes of uniting a stronger centralized government and creating a national state rather than divided lands. This would not only strengthen states relations but would also create a stronger government. . Under the influence of Benjamin Franklin, the Albany Conference attempted to unite the colonies into “one general government” placed under the authority of a leading president. This super-powered government consisting of a Grand Council and a legislative body would be empowered to make laws and raise money for the defense of the nation. Even though the plan was abandoned by the colonial assemblies due to the fear of losing autonomy, the plan of union played a vital role in establishing both the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution of America. The Declaration of Independence is an example of Republican Ideology. This is the belief that stresses liberty and rights as central values and views citizens to be independent in their civic duties. This ideology has been practiced by the Founding Fathers in the 18th century and has formed the basis of the American Revolution and the constitution. Several followers of the Republican Ideology include Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. Their enlightened ideas of an anti-aristocratic government became the fighting motivation and reason for seceding from Great Britain. These ideas are the same reason we began the American Revolution. George Washington became elected as the first president of the United States and the creator of the cabinet. Prominent among his cabinet selections were Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. These two men had strong disagreements about the relationship between the federal government and the state governments. Hamilton as strong supporter of a Loose construction (government can “bend the rules” of the constitution) opposed Jefferson who supported a Strict construction (government must abide by all the rules of the constitution). These two opposing views began America’s first political party system: the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. The Federalists were based on an idea of benefiting only the nation rather than the individual states. In contrast the Anti- Federalists supported an idea of helping the individual men and states. Supporters of the Anti-Federalists were men such as Jefferson or Madison and supporters of Federalists were Hamilton, Washington, and Adams. Until the 1800’s a non Federalist was never elected thus the power of democracy seemed to have no influence. However Jefferson changed that and in doing so began a new era of a Democratic Republican nation. Even after the Revolution American failed to provide a government where all people were treated equally. Voters were required to obtain a certain amount of land which restricted the voting members to the rich only. Political positions and power of influence continued to constantly remain among the rich aristocrats. Middle class or low class remained unimportant and was not given an opportunity to play a role in government decisions. An example of walling out the common man is the establishment of the New Constitution. Fifty-five delegates who were invited to the convention consisted of wealthy white land owners or lawyers. Hence America continued to be hypocrites in the very principal value they fought for. However Jefferson’s election became known as the revolutionary turn because Jefferson was the first non federalist president. His belief and values were for the people and not against them. Thus Jefferson represented the very fight colonists fought for which was the fight for independence and democracy. The past system after the Revolution failed to keep the promise every man hoped to obtain. However because of Jefferson, the past spirit of independence became resuscitated. The Jeffersonian Republic era lasted for twenty three years and yet even after its end, the ideas of a Democratic Republican nation continued to influence the government. Jackson is the perfect example for he became known as the “common man”. He represented the people and also became the first non southern aristocrat to become president. In conclusion the election of 1800 became a large influence in stimulating a democratic government.