Flashcards U.S. History: Early Republic, Expansion & Reform

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. government; it was too weak because Congress could not tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments that protect individual freedoms and rights.

Washington's Precedents

Established the Cabinet, two presidential terms, peaceful transfer of power, and neutrality.

Hamilton's Financial Plan

Pay national debt, assume state debts, and create a national bank.

Judicial Review

The Supreme Court's power to declare laws unconstitutional; established in Marbury v. Madison.

Louisiana Purchase

The 1803 purchase from France that nearly doubled U.S. territory and gave America control of the Mississippi River.

Jefferson's Constitutional Concerns

Jefferson believed the Constitution did not specifically give him the power to purchase territory.

War of 1812

Caused by British impressment of sailors, trade restrictions, and British support for Native resistance.

Importance of the War of 1812

Increased American nationalism, encouraged manufacturing, and weakened Native resistance in the Northwest.

Industrial Revolution Transportation

Steamboats, canals, and railroads made travel and trade faster.

Samuel Morse

Invented the telegraph, allowing people to communicate over long distances.

Telegraph

Sent messages using electrical signals and Morse Code.

Cotton Gin

Invented by Eli Whitney; separated cotton seeds faster and increased the demand for enslaved labor.

Manifest Destiny

The belief that Americans were destined to expand west across North America.

Second Great Awakening

A religious revival that encouraged personal faith and social reform.

Second Great Awakening Reform Movements

Inspired abolition, temperance, women's rights, education, and prison reform.

Cult of Domesticity

The belief that women should focus on home, family, and traditional roles.

Four Values of the Cult of Domesticity

Piety, purity, submissiveness, and domesticity.

American System

Created by Henry Clay; included protective tariffs, a national bank, and internal improvements.

Missouri Compromise of 1820

Admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state; banned slavery north of 36°30′ in the remaining Louisiana Territory.

Monroe Doctrine

Warned European countries not to create new colonies or interfere in the Western Hemisphere.

Nullification Crisis

A conflict over whether states could reject federal laws they believed were unconstitutional.

John C. Calhoun's Role in Nullification

Argued that states had the right to nullify federal laws.

Andrew Jackson's Role in Nullification

Opposed nullification and defended federal authority.

Indian Removal Act of 1830

Allowed the government to force Native Americans to move west of the Mississippi River.

Trail of Tears

The forced removal of the Cherokee people to present-day Oklahoma; thousands died.

Daniel Shays

Led Shays' Rebellion, which exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

John Marshall

Chief Justice who helped establish judicial review through Marbury v. Madison.

Sacagawea

A Native American woman who helped guide and interpret for Lewis and Clark.

Samuel Slater

Known as the Father of the American Industrial Revolution; brought textile machinery knowledge to America.

Joseph Smith

Founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormonism.

Henry David Thoreau

Writer who supported individual conscience and simple living; wrote Walden and Civil Disobedience.

Henry Clay

Created the American System and was known as the Great Compromiser.

John C. Calhoun

Supported states' rights and nullification and opposed protective tariffs.

Federalists

Supported a strong national government, a national bank, and a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

Democratic-Republicans

Supported limited federal power, stronger state governments, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

What Did Both Political Parties Want?

Both wanted an independent, stable, and successful republic.

Primary Source

An original document or object from the time period, such as a letter, speech, photograph, or political cartoon.

Analyzing a Political Cartoon

Look for symbols, labels, exaggeration, historical context, and the message the artist is communicating.

Washington's Presidency

Established traditions and helped create a stable national government.

Jackson's Presidency

Expanded presidential power, used the veto frequently, and presented himself as a champion of ordinary white men.

Voting Rights from Washington to Jackson

More white men gained voting rights as states removed property requirements.

Big Government

A government with strong federal power and more control over national issues.

Small Government

A government with limited federal power and more authority given to individual states.

How Did America Change from Washington to Jackson?

Presidential power increased, more white men could vote, and conflicts over federal power and states' rights continued.