Exam notes

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

The acquisition of a vast territory from France that doubled the size of the United States, extending from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains.

Judicial Review

The concept established in Marbury v. Madison (1803) that grants the Supreme Court the power to determine the constitutionality of laws.

Embargo Act of 1807

A law that prohibited American ships from trading with foreign nations, leading to detrimental effects on the U.S. economy.

War of 1812

A conflict in which Americans endured hardships such as British blockades and the burning of Washington, D.C., but demonstrated resilience in battles like the Battle of New Orleans.

Hartford Convention

A meeting of New England Federalists during the War of 1812, which discussed opposition to the war and proposed amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Battle of New Orleans

A resounding American victory in 1815 against the British, boosting national confidence and Andrew Jackson's reputation.

Era of Good Feeling

A period during James Monroe's presidency marked by political unity and a lack of major party conflicts, masking underlying sectional tensions.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

An agreement admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while prohibiting slavery in future territories north of the 36°30' parallel.

Monroe Doctrine

A policy articulated in 1823, asserting that European powers should not interfere in the affairs of independent nations in the Americas.

Corrupt Bargain

An alleged political deal between Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams during the 1824 presidential election, securing Adams' victory in the House of Representatives.

Expansion of Democracy for White Men

Removal of property qualifications for voting, leading to more widespread suffrage in the early 19th century.

Indian Removal Act (1830)

Authorized the forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to territories west of the Mississippi River, resulting in the Trail of Tears.

Panic of 1819

The first major financial crisis in the United States, characterized by bank failures, unemployment, and economic downturn.

Market Revolution

Driven by innovations such as the cotton gin, steam power, and improved transportation, transforming the American economy and society in the early 19th century.

Economic Specialization by Region

Northeast - manufacturing and trade; South - agriculture, especially cotton; West - expansion and resource extraction.

Improved Connectivity between Northeast and West

Transportation innovations like canals and later, the railroad, facilitating trade and economic growth.

Isolated Culture in the South

Reliance on large-scale plantation agriculture, influenced by slavery and agrarian traditions, leading to a distinct Southern culture.

African-American Suffering and Resilience

Endured slavery and discrimination but demonstrated resilience through slave rebellions and the Underground Railroad.

Democratic View on Bank of the United States

Opposed the bank, arguing it favored the wealthy and was unconstitutional, seeking to decentralize banking.

Whig View on Bank of the United States

Supported the bank, viewing it as a stabilizing force in the economy and a means to fund internal improvements.

Major Tariffs

Tariff of 1828 (Tariff of Abominations) and Tariff of 1832, causing significant debate and conflict over trade and state sovereignty.

Nullification Crisis and Virginia/Kentucky Resolutions

Echoed the principles of the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, asserting states' right to nullify unconstitutional federal laws.

Force Bill

Enacted during the Nullification Crisis, granting the president the authority to use military force to enforce federal laws.

Panic of 1837

A severe economic depression marked by bank failures, unemployment, and falling property values, resulting from financial speculation and Jackson administration policies.

Irish and German Immigration Patterns

Irish immigrants fleeing famine settled primarily in Eastern cities, while German immigrants sought political and economic freedom, often moving to the Midwest.

Know-Nothing Party

A nativist political movement in the 1850s opposing immigration and Catholic influence in American society.

Transcendentalism

A philosophical and literary movement emphasizing individualism, nature, and the transcendence of intellectual and spiritual experiences.

Cult of Domesticity

A cultural ideal in the 19th century valuing women's roles within the home, emphasizing qualities like piety, purity, and submissiveness.

Mormonism

A religious movement founded by Joseph Smith, centered on additional scriptures and unique theology focused on family and community.

Henry Clay

A prominent American statesman known as the "Great Compromiser" for his role in shaping numerous compromises.

Daniel Webster

A leading American statesman and orator who supported a strong federal government and played a key role in the Compromise of 1850.

Second Great Awakening

A religious revival movement promoting religious fervor, social reform, and the establishment of new religious denominations.

Educational Reform and Horace Mann

Horace Mann advocated for public education and the professionalization of teaching during the 19th century.

Temperance Movement

A movement aimed at reducing or eliminating the consumption of alcoholic beverages, leading to eventual prohibition in the U.S.

Abolitionism and William Lloyd Garrison

A movement to end slavery, with William Lloyd Garrison as a prominent abolitionist who published "The Liberator."

Women's Rights and Elizabeth Cady Stanton

The movement seeking equal rights for women, exemplified by the Declaration of Sentiments and leadership of Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Utopian Communities

Experimental societies in the 19th century aiming to create ideal living arrangements based on various social and religious principles.

Prison Reform and Dorothea Dix

Dorothea Dix advocated for improved conditions in prisons and mental asylums, leading to significant changes in treatment.

Important Dates

1803 - Louisiana Purchase, 1820 - Missouri Compromise, 1848 - Significant year with revolutions in Europe and Seneca Falls Convention for women's rights.