Period 3: 1754–1800

Lasting from 1754-1800, Period 3 covers United States History from the Seven Years’ War to Jefferson’s revolutionary presidential transition of power. Focusing on the effects on the Seven Years’ War that shifted colonial perspective on Britain, the period moves into the philosophy behind the American Revolution and then the fighting itself. Following independence, this unit discusses the Articles of Confederation and their downfalls, the writing and ratification of the Constitution, a developing American identity, and the new country under the presidencies of George Washington and John Adams. This period’s historical focus is continuity and change, in which students should be able to understand how colonial life changed through the Revolution and beginnings of a new republic, but also remained the same. These changes are especially noted in respect to Britain’s control over the colonies, new ideals that shaped the revolution, and migratory patterns that led to tension and expanded the republic.