Unit 3: Expansion & the Antebellum Period (1800-1848)

Revolution of 1800

The election that marked the peaceful transfer of power from the Federalists to the Democratic-Republicans, representing a shift toward limited government.

Thomas Jefferson

The 3rd president (1801–1809) who promoted Republican values and reduced the size of the federal government.

Midnight Judges

Federalist judges appointed by John Adams in the final hours of his presidency to maintain Federalist influence.

Marbury v. Madison

The 1803 case that established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

Louisiana Purchase

The 1803 acquisition of the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of the U.S. for $15 million.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

The expedition (1804–1806) commissioned by Jefferson to explore the Louisiana Territory and establish relations with Native tribes.

Embargo Act (1807)

A law enacted by Jefferson banning U.S. exports to pressure Britain and France, which ultimately harmed American merchants.

War Hawks

Young Democratic-Republicans in Congress who pushed for war with Britain around 1811, motivated by impressment and trade interference.

James Madison

The 4th president (1809–1817) known as the 'Father of the Constitution' and leader during the War of 1812.

War of 1812

Conflict between the U.S. and Britain (1812–1815) caused by impressment, ending with inconclusive military results but boosted American nationalism.

Battle of New Orleans

An American victory led by Andrew Jackson in 1815 that occurred after the treaty ending the War of 1812 was signed.

Hartford Convention

A meeting of Federalists opposing the War of 1812 that ultimately damaged the party's reputation.

Era of Good Feelings

A period during Monroe's presidency (1817–1825) characterized by national unity and the decline of the Federalist Party.

American System

Henry Clay's proposal to promote national economic growth through a national bank, protective tariffs, and internal improvements.

Missouri Compromise

The agreement that allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining balance in the Senate.

Monroe Doctrine

The 1823 policy that the Western Hemisphere was closed to further European colonization.

Second Party System

The political rivalry between Democrats and Whigs in the early to mid-19th century.

Nullification Crisis

The conflict between South Carolina and the federal government over the right to nullify federal laws in 1832.

Indian Removal Act

The law passed in 1830 facilitating the forced relocation of Native American tribes from eastern U.S. to western lands.

Jacksonian Democracy

A political movement that expanded voting rights to all white men and emphasized the power of the 'common man'.

Panic of 1837

An economic depression triggered by the Specie Circular and bank failures.

Trail of Tears

The forced relocation of Cherokee and other tribes from their lands to Oklahoma, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Manifest Destiny

The belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the American continents was justified and inevitable.

Mexican War

Conflict (1846–1848) between the U.S. and Mexico over territorial disputes following the annexation of Texas.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The 1848 treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, ceding large territories to the U.S. for $15 million.

Oregon Trail

A major route for westward expansion from Missouri to Oregon during the 1840s and 50s.

American Temperance Society

An organization founded in 1826 advocating for the moderation or prohibition of alcohol consumption.

Second Great Awakening

A religious revival that emphasized individual salvation and led to various social reform movements.

Seneca Falls Convention

The first major women's rights convention held in 1848, producing the Declaration of Sentiments.

Susan B. Anthony

A leading suffragist and abolitionist known for her efforts in women's voting rights.

Utopian Communities

Experimental communities established in the early 19th century based on idealistic societies.

Annexation of Texas

The 1845 process through which Texas became a U.S. state, contributing to tensions with Mexico.

James K. Polk

The 11th president known for his role in Manifest Destiny and the Mexican War.

Fifty-four forty or fight!

A slogan used during the 1844 election calling for U.S. control over the disputed Oregon Territory.

Peggy Eaton Affair

A political scandal involving Peggy Eaton that caused a rift within Jackson's cabinet.

Maysville Road Veto

Andrew Jackson's veto of a bill to fund a road in Kentucky, emphasizing his opposition to federal funding for local projects.