Period 4 Apush

How did the Louisiana Purchase affect the United States?

It doubled the nation’s size, secured control of the Mississippi River, and opened land for westward expansion

What was the original goal of the meeting, and why did Jefferson struggle to take the deal?

The U.S. only wanted New Orleans for trade access. Jefferson struggled because the Constitution didn’t explicitly grant power to purchase land, conflicting with his strict interpretation.

What foreign policy was passed to prevent Europe from colonizing the Western Hemisphere? Why?

The Monroe Doctrine (1823). It warned Europe against colonization, asserting U.S. protection of the Americas and promoting independence from European influence.

What were the reasons for America’s involvement in the War of 1812?

British impressment of U.S. sailors, interference with trade, and support of Native resistance against U.S. expansion.

How did Thomas Jefferson initially deal with British & French hostility?

He passed the Embargo Act of 1807, halting trade to avoid war, but it hurt the U.S. economy.

Why is the time period after the War of 1812 called the “Era of Good Feelings”?

Which president is credited? It marked national unity, one-party dominance, and economic growth. President James Monroe is credited.

What was Andrew Jackson’s view on the role of the president?

He believed the president represented the “common man” and should be a strong leader.

How did Jackson feel about the 2nd National Bank? What did he do?

He opposed it as elitist and unconstitutional, vetoed its recharter, and withdrew federal funds.

What political party formed to oppose Andrew Jackson? 

The Whig Party.

How did state governments challenge federal authority?

Through conflicts like the Nullification Crisis, where South Carolina tried to nullify federal tariffs.

How do John Marshall and judicial review play into this?

Marshall strengthened federal power through judicial review (Marbury v. Madison) and rulings like McCulloch v. Maryland.

What is the Supreme Court’s role in these cases?

To interpret the Constitution and assert federal supremacy.

Which parties favored or opposed a strong central government?

Federalists favored strong central power; Democratic-Republicans opposed it, favoring states’ rights.

What was the issue and resolution of the Nullification Crisis?

South Carolina opposed tariffs, claiming states could nullify federal laws. It was resolved by a compromise tariff and Jackson’s threat of force.

What were characteristics of U.S. industrialization and economic growth?

Rise of factories, mechanization, and transportation improvements.

How were Southern and Northern economies dependent on each other?

The South supplied cotton; the North manufactured goods.

How did technology change industrialization?

Innovations like the cotton gin, canals, and railroads boosted productivity and trade.

What were the three parts of Henry Clay’s American System?

Protective tariffs, a national bank, and internal improvements (roads/canals).

Who supported and opposed Henry Clay’s American System?

Supported by Northerners (industrialists); opposed by Southerners (feared tariffs).

How did the U.S. government deal with Natives as it moved west?

Through forced removal, broken treaties, and relocation.

Why were Natives forced from their homelands? Where to and why? 

To open land for settlers; moved west of the Mississippi (Trail of Tears).

How did Northerners feel about slavery?

Many opposed it morally and economically.

How did Southerners justify slavery?

Claimed it was essential for agriculture and a “positive good.”

How was the balance between slave and free states preserved?

Through compromises like the Missouri Compromise (1820).

Who were key leaders of the abolitionist movement and what did they contribute?

Frederick Douglass (former enslaved person, powerful speaker/writer), William Lloyd Garrison (published The Liberator), and others fought to end slavery.

What were the beliefs of the Transcendentalist movement?

Emphasized individualism, nature, and self-reliance. Leaders: Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.

Who were leaders of the women’s rights movement and what did they do?

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott organized the Seneca Falls Convention (1848), calling for equality and suffrage.

Who led reforms in mental health and what was achieved?

Dorothea Dix advocated for humane treatment of the mentally ill, leading to the creation of mental hospitals.

Who led education reform and what changes were made?

Horace Mann promoted public schooling, teacher training, and standardized curriculum to expand access to education.

What was the goal of the temperance movement?

To reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption, arguing it caused social problems like poverty and domestic abuse.

Why did the Federalists lose power?

Opposition to the War of 1812 and elitist image.

How did the Alien and Sedition Acts affect perception of the Federalist Party?

Seen as unconstitutional, targeting immigrants and critics, weakening support.

Which states challenged the Alien and Sedition Acts?

Virginia and Kentucky (Resolutions).

Why is the election of 1800 important?

Peaceful transfer of power from Federalists to Democratic-Republicans.

What did Shay’s Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion demonstrate?

Shay’s showed weakness of Articles of Confederation; Whiskey showed strength of the Constitution.

What issue did the Great Compromise address?

Representation in Congress – created bicameral legislature (House & Senate).

What rights are promised in the Bill of Rights? Why were they added?

Individual freedoms (speech, religion, press, etc.), added to secure ratification.

What was the purpose of the Northwest Ordinance?

Organized western lands, banned slavery in the Northwest, and set rules for statehood.