Key Events and Figures in Early American History

Washington Irving

Author contributing to American cultural identity.

Thomas Jefferson

Democratic-Republican candidate in 1800 election.

Andrew Jackson

Led Democratic Party, expanded suffrage.

William Lloyd Garrison

Advocated for immediate end of slavery.

Eli Whitney

Invented Cotton Gin, revolutionized cotton production.

Lewis and Clark

Led expedition to explore western territories.

Sacagawea

Vital guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark.

John Marshall

Federalist Chief Justice reshaping Supreme Court power.

Henry Clay

Promoted American system integrating national economy.

Francis Cabot Lowell

Mill owner in the textile industry.

Catherine Beecher

Promoted women's role in maintaining moral integrity.

James Monroe

Declared Western Hemisphere off-limits to European colonization.

John Quincy Adams

Winner of 1824 election, promised Clay a Cabinet spot.

Martin Van Buren

Replaced Jackson after the Panic of 1837.

Revolution of 1800

First peaceful transfer of power between parties.

Election of 1828

Shifted focus to mass political participation.

Second Great Awakening

Religious revival inspiring social reform movements.

Construction of Erie Canal

Connected Great Lakes to Atlantic, lowering transport costs.

Market Revolution

Shifted U.S. to a national market economy.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

Mapped territory and studied resources (1804-1806).

Annexation of Texas

Incorporation of Texas into the United States.

Mexican-American War

Conflict resulting in significant territorial gains.

First Barbary War

Conflict with North African pirates.

Panic of 1819

First major financial crisis in the U.S.

Trail of Tears

Forced relocation of Native Americans.

Election of 1824/Corrupt Bargain

Controversial election leading to political tensions.

Nullification Crisis

Conflict over state vs. federal authority.

Second Seminole War

Conflict between U.S. forces and Seminole tribe.

Panic of 1837

Economic downturn following Jackson's presidency.

Sacagawea

Vital guide for Lewis and Clark expedition.

Republic of Texas

Joined the US after territorial disputes.

Southwest Cession

US acquired California, Arizona, New Mexico.

Jeffersonian Policy Shift

US asserts power abroad post-ship attacks.

Federalist Response to War of 1812

Called for repeal of ⅗ compromise, war votes.

End of Federalists

Marked shift to industrial economic strength.

Transportation Improvements

Eased movement of goods and farm products.

Market Economy

Regions specialized in profitable goods production.

49th Parallel

Established US-Britain border, reduced conflicts.

Jackson's Spanish Campaign

Led army to attack Spanish territories.

Bank Failures

Caused by falling land prices and closures.

Western Exploration

Provided geography and resources data post-LA Purchase.

Cherokee Removal

4,000 Cherokee died on 18-mile journey.

Erie Canal

Linked Great Lakes to Atlantic, reduced costs.

Corrupt Bargain

Alleged deal in 1824 election between Adams and Clay.

Voter Turnout Increase

Jackson's campaign appealed to the common man.

Jackson's Presidency

Reflected expanded suffrage and ordinary citizen concerns.

Second Seminole War

US faced resistance, lost 1500 soldiers.

Financial Crisis

Depression due to unbacked banknotes and trade issues.

Louisiana Purchase

1803 acquisition that expanded US territory.

Adams-Onis Treaty

1819 treaty securing Florida from Spain.

Embargo Act of 1807

Banned foreign trade, aimed to pressure Britain.

Tariff Act of 1828

Also known as 'Tariff of Abominations'.

Protective Tariff

Tax on imports to protect domestic industries.

Missouri Compromise

Balanced slave and free states in 1820.

Trail of Tears

Forced relocation of Native Americans westward.

Manifest Destiny

Belief in U.S. expansion across North America.

Transcendentalism

Philosophy encouraging personal improvement and reform.

Monroe Doctrine

U.S. opposition to European colonialism in Americas.

Compromise of 1850

Set of laws addressing slavery and territorial disputes.

American System

Economic plan promoting national transportation and manufacturing.

Nationalism

Patriotic feeling emphasizing national interests.

Cult of Domesticity

Idealization of women's roles in the home.

Strict Constructionism

Interpretation of the Constitution as written.

Agrarianism

Philosophy valuing rural society over urban.

Jeffersonian Democracy

Political ideology emphasizing limited government and liberty.

Spoils System

Political practice of rewarding loyal supporters.

High Protective Tariff

Tax aimed at reducing foreign competition.

National Transportation System

Infrastructure development for efficient movement of goods.

Semi-skilled Laborers

Workers with specific skills for machine operation.

Yeoman Farmers

Independent farmers symbolizing self-sufficiency and independence.

Federalist Party

Dominant political party before 1800, declined post-election.

Democratic-Republican Party

Party led by Jefferson, dominated during 'Era of Good Feelings'.

Irish and German Immigrants

Contributed cultural diversity, creating enclaves in America.

Lowell Girls

First American women in industrial workforce, worked in mills.

War Hawks

Political leaders advocating for war, especially in 1812.

Entrepreneurs

Individuals transforming economy through market revolution initiatives.

Democratic Party

Represented farmers, small landholders, advocating states' rights.

Whig Party

Political party promoting protective tariffs and federal improvements.

Cherokee

Native group that established schools and a constitution.

Midnight Judges

Judges appointed by Adams before leaving office, influencing judiciary.

Judicial Review

Supreme Court's power to declare laws unconstitutional.

Marbury v. Madison

Established judicial review in 1803 Supreme Court case.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Reinforced federal supremacy, states cannot tax federal government.

Worcester v. Georgia

Cherokee's court victory ignored by Jackson, highlighting federal issues.

Plantation Agriculture

Economic system rooted in the South, reliant on slave labor.

Northern Industrialists

Supported protective tariffs and stronger federal government.