Unit 4: Period 4: 1800–1848

Revolution of 1800

The election marked the first peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another (Federalists to Democratic-Republicans) in U.S. history.

Thomas Jefferson

Third President of the United States and leader of the Democratic-Republicans, who won the election of 1800.

Aaron Burr

Jefferson's running mate in the election of 1800 who later killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution, which formally elects the President.

Judicial Review

The principle established by Marbury v. Madison that the Supreme Court has the authority to strike down laws it finds unconstitutional.

Louisiana Purchase

The 1803 acquisition of territory by the United States from France, which doubled the size of the nation.

Embargo Act of 1807

A law that prohibited American ships from trading in all foreign ports, resulting in significant economic downturn.

War of 1812

A conflict between the United States and Britain, partly caused by trade restrictions and impressment of American sailors.

Hartford Convention

A series of meetings in 1814-1815 where Federalists discussed grievances against the War of 1812, leading to the party's decline.

Monroe Doctrine

A foreign policy statement by President Monroe asserting that the Western Hemisphere was off-limits to further European colonization.

Cotton Gin

A machine invented by Eli Whitney in 1793 that revolutionized the production of cotton by speeding up the process of removing seeds.

Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Trail of Tears

The forced removal of the Cherokee and other tribes from their ancestral lands, leading to the deaths of thousands while relocating.

Second Great Awakening

A Protestant religious revival during the early 19th century that encouraged social reform efforts, including temperance and abolition.

Abolitionism

The movement to end slavery, which gained momentum in the 19th century, particularly in the Northern states.

Temperance Movement

A social movement against the consumption of alcoholic beverages, which gained significant traction in the 19th century.

Nullification

The idea that states could invalidate federal laws they deemed unconstitutional, notably championed by John C. Calhoun.

The South

Region of the United States primarily focused on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cotton and tobacco, supported by slave labor.

The West

Region characterized by westward migration, the pursuit of new opportunities, and often conflict with Native Americans.

Whig Party

Political party formed in the 1830s in opposition to the Democratic Party, advocating for government activism.

Market Economy

An economic system where supply and demand dictate production and prices, as opposed to subsistence farming.

Specie Circular

An executive order issued by Jackson requiring payment for government land to be in gold or silver, leading to economic crisis in 1837.