The Presidency of Thomas Jefferson and the War of 1812

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, figures, events, and judicial decisions from Thomas Jefferson's presidency and the War of 1812.

Revolution of 1800

Thomas Jefferson's election victory over John Adams, marking the first peaceful transfer of power between rival political parties (Federalists to Democratic-Republicans) in the United States.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

The acquisition of vast western territory from France for $15 million, which doubled the size of the United States and forced Thomas Jefferson to use broad federal powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

An exploration commissioned by Thomas Jefferson and led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the newly acquired western territory, laying the groundwork for future westward expansion.

Midnight Judges

Federalist judges appointed to packed court positions by John Adams right before he left office.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Landmark Supreme Court case in which Federalist Chief Justice John Marshall established the principle of judicial review.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional, established in the case Marbury v. Madison (1803).

Embargo Act of 1807

A law signed by Thomas Jefferson that halted all foreign trade in response to British and French ship seizures; it devastated the U.S. economy and stoked New England resentment.

Impressment

The practice by the British Royal Navy of kidnapping American sailors and forcing them to serve on British war ships.

Chesapeake-Leopard Affair (1807)

A naval event involving British impressment of American sailors that heightened national outrage prior to the War of 1812.

War Hawks

Young, aggressive Democratic-Republican congressmen, led by Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, who pushed President James Madison to declare war on Great Britain.

Hartford Convention (1814)

A meeting where New England Federalists heavily opposed the War of 1812 and discussed secession, resulting in the permanent collapse of the Federalist Party after the war ended.

American System

An economic initiative proposed by Henry Clay featuring tariffs, a national bank, and internal improvements to foster domestic manufacturing.

Battle of New Orleans

A War of 1812 victory fought shortly after the peace treaty was signed, which made Andrew Jackson a national war hero and propelled his political rise.