3.13 Continuity and Change in Period 3

Political continuity and change

The Revolution created a new republic, but the transition from British rule to independence involved both radical change and continuity. The shift from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution strengthened central government, yet debates over federal power versus states' rights (seen in Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists) echoed earlier colonial tensions over authority and representation.

Social and economic patterns persist

Despite revolutionary ideals of liberty and equality, slavery persisted and even expanded in the South, and women's political and legal status changed little, though Republican Motherhood offered new domestic influence. Economic structures remained largely agrarian, with regional differences between North and South continuing to shape society and politics into the new nation.

New national identity emerges

Amid continuities, a new American national identity took shape, fueled by shared revolutionary experience, republican ideals, and print culture. Foreign policy challenges (like the French Revolution and Washington's Neutrality Proclamation) and domestic conflicts (Whiskey Rebellion) tested whether the new government could maintain unity while adapting Enlightenment principles to governance.

Key terms

Continuity in Period 3

Slavery, agrarian economy, and regional differences persisted despite revolutionary ideals of liberty and equality.

Change in Period 3

Shift from monarchy/colonial rule to a republican government; creation of the Constitution with stronger federal power.

Republican Motherhood

Ideology giving women a civic duty to raise virtuous citizens, expanding symbolic role without formal political rights.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

Farmer uprising against a federal excise tax, suppressed by federal troops; showed continuity of resistance to taxation and tested new government's authority.

New national identity

A shared American identity emerged from revolutionary experience and republican ideals, even as regional and state loyalties remained strong.

Try an AP-style question

Which best shows continuity from colonial times to 1800?

1. Slavery stayed central to the Southern economy
2. A monarchy continued to rule America
3. France kept control of the Ohio Valley
4. Britain kept taxing Americans after 1783