Unit 3: The Crucible of American Identity

What was the main purpose of Jay's Treaty?

To negotiate a surrender at the Northwest posts and establish a commercial treaty with Great Britain.

What did Pickney's Treaty grant to Americans?

The right to use New Orleans and the Mississippi River for trade.

Who wrote the first biography of George Washington?

John Rhymes in 1808.

What was the XYZ Affair?

A diplomatic incident where French ministers requested bribes from American delegates, leading to tensions and the Quasi War.

What did the Alien Act allow the president to do?

Deport any aliens considered dangerous and detain enemy aliens during wartime.

What was the Sedition Act?

A law that made it illegal to criticize the president in newspapers, selectively enforced against Democratic-Republicans.

What is the Compact Theory as proposed in the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions?

The idea that states could nullify federal laws if they were not mutually beneficial to the states.

What was significant about the Election of 1800?

It marked the first peaceful transfer of power between opposing political parties in U.S. history.

What was the Louisiana Purchase?

The acquisition of 828,000 square miles of land for $15 million in 1803.

What was the Chesapeake Leopard Affair?

An incident where the British navy seized American ships and impressed American sailors.

What did the Embargo Act of 1807 do?

Closed all American ports and prohibited trade with England and France, harming the New England economy.

What were the factors of production that influenced industrialization in the U.S.?

Cheap sources of power, high labor costs, mechanization, and immigration.

What did Henry Clay's 'American System' aim to achieve?

To promote economic growth through internal improvements and a strong national bank.

What was the outcome of Fletcher v. Peck (1810)?

The Supreme Court ruled that the sale of land was a binding contract that could not be nullified.

What did McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) establish?

Federal law supersedes state law and affirmed the constitutionality of the national bank.

What was the significance of Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)?

It affirmed Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce.

What principle was established in Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge (1837)?

The rights of the community can take precedence over the rights of private property.

What was the War of 1812 often referred to as?

The 2nd War of American Independence.

What was the Monroe Doctrine?

A policy stating that the Western Hemisphere is under American influence and preventing European colonization.

What was the ruling in Worcester v. Georgia (1832)?

The Supreme Court ruled that the state could not take Cherokee land, but the ruling was ignored by President Jackson.

What was the Indian Removal Act?

A law that facilitated the westward expansion by removing Native Americans from their lands.

What did Jefferson aim to achieve during his administration?

To reduce the size and cost of government and promote agrarianism.

What was the impact of the Louisiana Purchase on American society?

It provided land for yeoman farmers, promoting economic equality.

What was the significance of the term 'Status Quo Ante Bellum'?

It refers to the state of affairs before the war, particularly in the context of the Treaty of Ghent.

What was the role of Samuel Slater in American industrialization?

He brought textile machinery designs from Britain, contributing to the establishment of mills in New England.

What did Eli Whitney invent that contributed to mass production?

Interchangeable parts.