Key Concepts from Early American History

Judiciary Act of 1801

Law that increased the number of federal courts and judges, with President Adams making 'Midnight Appointments'.

Judicial Review

Established in Marbury v. Madison; the principle that the Supreme Court has the final say in interpreting the Constitution.

Impressment

British practice of forcibly drafting American sailors into the navy, leading to major tensions during the War of 1812.

Non-Intercourse Act

Law reopening trade with all foreign nations except France and Great Britain after the failed Embargo Act.

The 'Revolution of 1800'

Peaceful transfer of power to Thomas Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans, solidifying faith in America's political system.

Lewis & Clark Expedition

Mission to explore the Louisiana Territory, aiming to find an all-water route to the Pacific and establish relations with Native tribes.

Louisiana Purchase

Acquisition of territory from France by President Jefferson that doubled the size of the US.

War Hawks

Democratic-Republican congressmen advocating for war against Great Britain, including leaders like Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun.

Marbury v. Madison

Landmark case that established the principle of judicial review and strengthened the judicial branch.

Battle of Tippecanoe

Conflict in which William Henry Harrison defeated 'the Prophet', leading to Tecumseh's alliance with the British.

Sacajawea

Shoshone interpreter who aided Lewis & Clark in their expedition.

Haitian Revolution

Uprising that led Napoleon to sell the Louisiana Territory to the US, resulting in the first independent black republic in the Americas.

Macon's Bill No. 2

Act intended to resume trade with Britain and France, demonstrating US weakness in foreign relations.

Chesapeake Affair

Incident where a British ship attacked an American ship, leading to increased tensions and the 1807 embargo.

Corps of Discovery

Team led by Lewis and Clark sent to explore newly acquired Louisiana Territory.

The Embargo Act (1807)

Legislation that banned US exports to any foreign port, devastating the American economy.

Hartford Convention

Meeting of Federalists during the War of 1812, discussing secession and constitutional reforms.

Tripolitan War

Conflict between the American navy and North African pirates during Jefferson's presidency.

Dolly Madison

First Lady who saved important documents from the White House during the British burning.

American System

Economic plan by Henry Clay focusing on strong banking, protective tariffs, and federally funded transportation.

The Quasi War with France

Undeclared naval conflict between the US and France during John Adams' presidency.

Pinckney's Treaty

Treaty granting the US navigation rights on the Mississippi River and access to the port of New Orleans.

The Whiskey Rebellion

Revolt by farmers against alcohol taxation, demonstrating the federal government's power.

Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions

Political statements opposing the Alien & Sedition Acts, claiming states could reject unconstitutional federal laws.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws that restricted immigration and criticized the government, passed during John Adams' presidency.

XYZ Affair

Diplomatic incident involving French bribes that led to public outrage and the Quasi-War.

Federalists

Early political party favoring a strong central government, business, and manufacturing.

Treaty of Greenville

Agreement after the Battle of Fallen Timbers where Native Americans ceded land to the US.

Jay's Treaty

Controversial treaty with Britain maintaining US neutrality in the French and British war.