Key Events and Policies in Early 19th Century America - Unit 4 APUSH

What was the significance of the Election of 1800?

It marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in the U.S., from the Federalists to the Democratic-Republicans.

What policies did Thomas Jefferson undo after taking office?

Jefferson undid many Federalist policies, including the Alien and Sedition Acts, while keeping the Bank of the United States in place.

What was the outcome of Marbury v. Madison (1803)?

It established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

How did Jefferson respond to the threat of piracy?

Jefferson sent the U.S. Navy to the Mediterranean to combat piracy, particularly against American ships.

Why did Napoleon offer to sell the Louisiana Territory to the U.S.?

He needed funds for his military campaigns in Europe and faced challenges in maintaining control over the territory.

What internal conflict did Jefferson face regarding the Louisiana Purchase?

Jefferson was conflicted because he believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution, which did not explicitly grant him the power to purchase land.

What ultimately led Jefferson to proceed with the Louisiana Purchase?

He recognized the strategic importance of the land for westward expansion and the opportunity to double the size of the U.S.

What was the Embargo Act of 1807?

A law that prohibited American ships from trading with foreign nations, intended to protect U.S. interests but led to economic hardship.

What was the reaction of the American people to the Embargo Act?

It was largely unpopular, leading to widespread protests and economic distress, particularly in New England.

What did the Nonintercourse Act do?

It replaced the Embargo Act, allowing trade with all nations except Britain and France.

Who were the War Hawks?

A group of young congressmen who pushed for war against Britain in the lead-up to the War of 1812.

What were Tecumseh and 'The Prophet' aiming to achieve?

They sought to unite Native American tribes to resist American expansion into their territories.

What was the significance of the Battle of Fort McHenry?

It inspired Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' which later became the national anthem.

What was the Hartford Convention?

A meeting of New England Federalists who opposed the War of 1812 and discussed constitutional amendments to limit the power of the federal government.

What was the Treaty of Ghent?

The agreement that ended the War of 1812, restoring relations between the U.S. and Britain.

How did nationalism manifest in the U.S. after the War of 1812?

Through a surge in American literature, art, and the establishment of national symbols like the national anthem.

What was Henry Clay's American System?

A plan to strengthen the U.S. economy through a national bank, protective tariffs, and internal improvements.

Why did Madison veto the Internal Improvements Bill in 1817?

He believed it was unconstitutional to fund internal improvements without a specific constitutional provision.

What was the Missouri Compromise of 1820?

An agreement that allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance between slave and free states.

What was the significance of the Monroe Doctrine?

It declared that the Americas were off-limits to further European colonization and interference.

What was the goal of the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848?

To advocate for women's rights and suffrage, culminating in the Declaration of Sentiments.

What was the impact of the Second Great Awakening on American society?

It inspired various reform movements, including abolition, temperance, and women's rights.

What was the significance of the cotton gin?

It revolutionized cotton production, increasing efficiency and the demand for slave labor in the South.

What was the role of the American Colonization Society?

To promote the resettlement of free African Americans to Africa, seen as a racist effort to remove blacks from the U.S.

What were the arguments made by slave owners in defense of slavery?

They claimed it was a positive good, necessary for the economy, and that enslaved people were better off than free laborers.

What was the Gag Resolution?

A rule passed by Congress to prevent the discussion of anti-slavery petitions, limiting free speech.