Age of Jefferson - AP U.S. History

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes about the Age of Jefferson, focusing on key concepts, figures, and events from this period in U.S. History.

Age of Jefferson

Period in U.S. history where Thomas Jefferson's presidency influenced American politics and economics.

Revolution of 1800

The election of 1800 where Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams, marking the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in the U.S.

Democratic-Republicans

Political party founded by Thomas Jefferson that favored agrarian interests and states' rights.

Federalists

Political party that advocated for a strong central government and was led by figures like Alexander Hamilton.

First Political Party System

The period in U.S. politics from 1789 to 1824 characterized by the competition between the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

Thomas Jefferson

Third President of the United States (1801-1809), founder of the Democratic-Republican Party, author of the Declaration of Independence.

Judiciary Act of 1801

Law that reduced the number of Supreme Court justices and reorganized circuit courts, leading to the appointment of 'Midnight Judges'.

Marbury v. Madison

1803 Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review.

Louisiana Purchase

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

Barbary Pirates

Pirates from the North African states who demanded bribes from American ships, leading to conflict during Jefferson's presidency.

Embargo Act of 1807

Law prohibiting American ships from trading with foreign ports to avoid entanglements in European conflicts.

Civic Virtue

The notion that citizens should actively participate in government and public affairs, contributing to the common good.

Agrarian Society

A society based primarily on agriculture, which Jefferson idealized, with farmers seen as the backbone of the nation.

Jeffersonian Democracy

Political ideology advocating for the protection of individual liberties and democracy, influenced by Jefferson's beliefs.

Midnight Judges

Judges appointed by John Adams at the last minute before leaving office to maintain Federalist influence in the judiciary.

Impressment

The British practice of forcing American sailors into the British navy, a major grievance leading to the War of 1812.

War of 1812

Conflict between the United States and Britain, largely over issues of trade and impressment.

Macon's Bill No. 2

A bill that aimed to motivate Britain and France to respect American shipping rights and avoid conflict.

Era of Good Feelings

Period following the War of 1812 marked by a sense of national unity and the decline of Federalist Party influence.

Nationalism

A sense of pride and identity in one's nation, which grew significantly after the War of 1812.

Tariff of 1816

First protective tariff in U.S. history aiming to support American industry after the War of 1812.

Political Intolerance

Opposition to differing political opinions, a theme Jefferson sought to address in his inaugural address.

Americanization

The process of assimilating immigrants or other populations into American culture, particularly relating to Native Americans in Jefferson's vision.

Gunboat Diplomacy

A foreign policy that relies on displaying military power to achieve diplomatic goals.

Embargo

A government order that restricts commerce or trade with one or more nations.

Expansionism

The policy of territorial or economic expansion, significant in the context of Jefferson's presidency.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional, established through Marbury v. Madison.

Federal Judiciary

The judicial system of the federal government, which Jefferson had significant conflict with during his presidency.

Republican Motherhood

The belief that women played an important role in educating future citizens and instilling republican values.

Agricultural Independence

The principle that individual farmers should have the right to work and sustain themselves using available resources.

Tyranny

Cruel and oppressive government rule, which Jefferson sought to prevent through his policies.

Mississippi River

A vital waterway for trade that Jefferson aimed to secure through the Louisiana Purchase.

Washington and Adams

The first two Presidents of the United States, whose foreign policies Jefferson reacted against.

Louisiana Territory

The vast region purchased from France, which Jefferson initially questioned the constitutionality of acquiring.

Federalists' Opposition

The resistance faced by Jefferson from the Federalist Party, especially regarding his policies and the Louisiana Purchase.

Napoleonic Wars

Series of conflicts involving Napoleonic France, greatly impacting U.S. trade and leading to increased tensions.

Chesapeake Affair

An incident in 1807 where a British warship attacked an American ship, escalating tensions leading to the War of 1812.

Non-Intercourse Act of 1809

Law that replaced the Embargo Act, allowing trade with foreign nations except France and Britain.

Religious Intolerance

Unfair treatment based on religious beliefs, which Jefferson sought to eliminate.

Constitutional Beliefs

The principles regarding the interpretation and enforcement of the Constitution, particularly by Jefferson and his party.

American Political Ideals

Core principles such as democracy, liberty, and rights as espoused by Jefferson in his writings and speeches.

Tradition of Monarchy

The historical form of governance that Democracy-Republicans like Jefferson opposed.

Peaceful Transfer of Power

The transition of power from one political party to another through elections, exemplified in the election of 1800.

Independence and Liberty

Key American values reflecting the desire for freedom from foreign control, emphasized by Jefferson.

Habeas Corpus

Legal principle preventing unlawful detention, which Jefferson defended as part of citizens' rights.

Political Parties

Organizations that represent different ideologies and interests within the government structure.

National Debt Reduction

Jefferson's goal to decrease the federal government's debt through various economic policies.

Cultural Corruption

The decline of moral and civic virtues due to urbanization and industrialization, as criticized by Jefferson.