Key Events and Figures from the War of 1812 and Early 19th Century America

These flashcards cover important terms, events, and figures relevant to the War of 1812 and early 19th-century America.

War of 1812

Conflict between the U.S. and Britain over trade restrictions, impressment of sailors, and frontier conflicts.

Battle of New Orleans

A U.S. victory under Andrew Jackson, fought after the peace treaty was signed; it boosted American morale.

Treaty of Ghent

The peace treaty that ended the War of 1812, restoring pre-war boundaries and improving U.S.–British relations.

Hartford Convention

A meeting of New England Federalists opposing the War of 1812; it contributed to the decline of the Federalist Party.

Rush-Bagot Agreement

U.S.–British agreement to limit naval forces on the Great Lakes, easing border tensions.

Tariff of 1816

The first protective tariff in U.S. history designed to shield American industries from British competition.

American System

Economic program by Henry Clay promoting a national bank, protective tariffs, and internal improvements.

Era of Good Feelings

A period of political unity during Monroe’s presidency characterized by declining party conflict.

Panic of 1819

The first major U.S. economic depression caused by over-speculation in western lands and tight credit policies.

Land Act of 1820

A law reducing the price of public land to encourage western settlement.

Tallmadge Amendment

A proposed restriction on slavery in Missouri that triggered sectional conflict.

Peculiar Institution

A term used by Southerners to describe slavery.

Missouri Compromise

The 1820 agreement admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the Senate balance.

McCulloch v. Maryland

An 1819 Supreme Court case that upheld federal authority by ruling states cannot tax the national bank.

Loose Construction

A broad interpretation of the Constitution allowing for implied federal powers.

Cohens v. Virginia

A 1821 Supreme Court decision affirming the Court’s right to review state cases involving federal law.

Gibbons v. Ogden

A 1824 Supreme Court case ruling that only Congress can regulate interstate commerce.

Fletcher v. Peck

An 1810 Supreme Court case protecting property rights by ruling that state laws cannot impair contracts.

Dartmouth College v. Woodward

An 1819 Supreme Court decision protecting corporate charters from state interference.

Anglo-American Convention

An 1818 agreement setting the U.S.–Canada border at the 49th parallel and allowing joint occupation of Oregon.

Adams-Onís Treaty

An 1819 treaty in which Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. and defined the western boundary of the Louisiana Purchase.

Monroe Doctrine

The 1823 U.S. policy opposing European colonization or interference in the Americas.

Russo-American Treaty

A 1824 treaty fixing Russia’s southern boundary in North America at 54°40′.

Oliver Hazard Perry

U.S. naval commander who defeated the British at the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.

Francis Scott Key

Author of 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' inspired by the War of 1812.

James Monroe

The fifth U.S. president (1817–1825) known for the Era of Good Feelings and the Monroe Doctrine.

John Quincy Adams

Secretary of State who negotiated key treaties, including the Adams-Onís and Anglo-American treaties, and formulated the Monroe Doctrine.