Presidents of the Early Republics and Events

Judiciary Act of 1789

Set up the federal court system — Supreme Court + lower courts.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

Farmers in western PA rebelled against a whiskey tax.

Outcome of Whiskey Rebellion

Washington sent troops — showed the new federal gov't could enforce laws.

U.S. Reaction to the French Revolution (1790s)

France had a violent revolution; U.S. stayed neutral.

Why U.S. stayed neutral

Washington didn't want to get dragged into European wars (Neutrality Proclamation).

Battle of Fallen Timbers (1794)

U.S. troops defeated Native tribes in the Northwest Territory.

Outcome of Battle of Fallen Timbers

Led to Treaty of Greenville → U.S. gained Ohio land.

Jay's Treaty (1795)

Treaty with Britain — they agreed to leave U.S. forts in the West.

Why Jay's Treaty angered Americans

Angered many Americans who thought it was too pro-British.

XYZ Affair (1797-1798)

French agents (X, Y, Z) demanded bribes to talk to U.S. diplomats.

Result of XYZ Affair

"Quasi-War" with France — hurt U.S.-French relations.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

Laws that made it harder for immigrants to become citizens and punished critics of the gov't.

Why Alien and Sedition Acts were enacted

Federalists tried to silence Democratic-Republicans.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions (1798-1799)

Said states could nullify (ignore) federal laws they thought unconstitutional.

Big idea of Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

States' rights vs. federal power.

Election of 1800

Jefferson vs. Adams.

Result of Election of 1800

Jefferson won (first peaceful transfer of power between parties).

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Supreme Court case → established judicial review (Court can declare laws unconstitutional).

Judge in Marbury v. Madison

John Marshall.

Burr and Hamilton Duel (1804)

Aaron Burr (VP) killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel.

Why Burr and Hamilton Duel occurred

Political and personal rivalry — hurt Burr's career.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

U.S. bought Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million.

Result of Louisiana Purchase

Doubled U.S. size, gave control of Mississippi River.

Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806)

Explored Louisiana Territory → mapped land, met Native tribes, reached Pacific.

Why Lewis and Clark Expedition was conducted

To learn about new land and find trade routes.

Tecumseh Confederacy (early 1810s)

Shawnee leader Tecumseh united tribes to resist U.S. expansion.

Defeated at Battle of Tippecanoe

Tecumseh Confederacy (1811).

Judiciary Act of 1801

Added new judges ("Midnight Judges").

Why Judiciary Act of 1801 was enacted

Federalists wanted to keep control of courts.

War of 1812 (1812-1815)

Causes: British impressment of sailors, interference with trade, helping Native resistance.

Result of War of 1812

Ended in draw, but boosted U.S. nationalism.

War Hawks

Young congressmen (Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun) pushing for war with Britain.

Goal of War Hawks

Defend U.S. honor, expand into Canada.

Treaty of Ghent (1814)

Ended War of 1812 — restored prewar boundaries, no real winner.

American System (1815+)

Plan for national growth — Strong bank, Protective tariffs, Internal improvements (roads/canals).

National Road / Erie Canal

Big transportation projects connecting East to West.

Why National Road / Erie Canal were built

Boosted trade and settlement.

Tariff of 1816

First protective tariff to support U.S. manufacturing after War of 1812.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Maryland tried to tax the national bank; Supreme Court said no.

Result of McCulloch v. Maryland

Strengthened federal power over states.

Adams-Onís Treaty (1819)

U.S. got Florida from Spain.

Also in Adams-Onís Treaty

Set border between U.S. and Spanish territory.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

Warned Europe not to colonize in the Americas anymore.

Why Monroe Doctrine was issued

Showed U.S. wanted dominance in the Western Hemisphere.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

Missouri = slave state, Maine = free state; kept balance in Congress.

Line established by Missouri Compromise

No slavery above 36°30' in future territories.