UNIT 4 — Period 4: 1800–1848 - Topic 4.1 - 4.2

How Did the US expand Economically, politically and culturally in the 1st half of 18th Century ?

Economically this meant taking advantage of new lands, new forms of transportation, and new industries. Politically it meant allowing more people to participate directly in their democracy. Culturally it meant developing distinctively American expressions of literature and art.

What are the National highlights of the 1800 to 1848 ?

In 1800, the country extended from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River. By 1848, it controlled territory all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Explain a historical context for the development of a reform movement during this period.

The reform movement increased political participation by ending property requirements for voting, enabling nearly all white males to vote. Nominating conventions allowed broader participation in selecting candidates, and public school laws were enacted for education. Reforms improved prisons and asylums, while a religious revival spread nationwide. Despite these advancements, American Indians, African Americans, and women remained excluded. A distinct national culture emerged, influenced by independent art, literature, and philosophy, but regional differences persisted, with the South defined by slavery, the Northeast emphasizing commerce, and the Midwest focusing on agriculture.

Which forces brought about the market revolution that affected all of the people of the young nation?

The market revolution was driven by various forces that shifted the economy from a subsistence-based agriculture to a market-oriented economy. People became less dependent on what they raised or made for themselves and more engaged in the buying and selling of goods. Key factors included the acquisition of fertile land through westward expansion, which opened new opportunities for agriculture. Advances in industry, such as the introduction of machinery and the factory system, increased productivity. Improvements in transportation infrastructure, including the construction of roads, canals, and harbors by local, state, and federal governments, facilitated trade and movement. Technological innovations, such as the cotton gin and steam engine, further enhanced both farming and manufacturing efficiency. This transition resulted in a greater reliance on markets, leading more men to work in paid employment away from home and allowing women to take on more control over household management and economic decisions.

Who are the Federalist in 1800’s and why did they hand over power peacefully?

The Federalists were one of the first political parties in the United States, advocating for a strong central government and a loose interpretation of the Constitution. They handed over power peacefully in 1800 following the election of Thomas Jefferson, marking a significant moment in American democracy as it demonstrated the ability of the nation to transition power without violence.

What landmark event in 1803 allowed the US to double in size?

The Louisiana Purchase, which involved the acquisition of territory from France, significantly expanded the United States' land area.

What year did Congress prohibits the importation of enslaved people?

In 1808, Congress prohibited the importation of enslaved people into the United States, marking a significant step in the ongoing debate over slavery and its expansion.

What was the war of 1812?

The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain, primarily over maritime rights and trade restrictions, which resulted in a surge of American nationalism and the eventual end of the Federalist Party.

What law did Congress implement in Louisiana Territory in 1820?

The Missouri Compromise, which allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while prohibiting slavery north of the 36°30′ parallel.

In 1803, Marbury v. Madison, the Supreme Court first rules a federal law unconstitutional?

In Marbury v. Madison, the Supreme Court established the principle of judicial review, asserting its authority to declare legislation unconstitutional, thus strengthening the role of the judiciary in American government. By ruling a law of Congress to be unconstitutional, Marshall established the doctrine of judicial review. From this point on, the Supreme Court would exercise the power to decide whether an act of Congress or of the president was allowed by the Constitution. The Supreme Court could now overrule actions of the other two branches of the federal government.

What was the first case that the Supreme Court declared a state law to be unconstitutional and invalid?

Fletcher v. Peck (1810) In a case involving land fraud in Georgia, Marshall concluded that a state could not pass legislation invalidating a contract.

What law did Martin v. Hunter’s Lease (1816) establish?

The Supreme Court established that it had jurisdiction over state courts in cases involving constitutional rights.

What is Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819) case?

The Marshall Court ruled that New Hampshire's attempt to transform Dartmouth College from a private to a public institution was unconstitutional, asserting that state law cannot alter contracts of private corporations.

What is McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

In McCulloch v. Maryland, the Supreme Court ruled that Maryland could not tax the Second Bank of the United States, affirming federal supremacy over state laws. Chief Justice John Marshall declared, 'the power to tax is the power to destroy,' and upheld the federal government's implied powers, establishing that a national bank was necessary and proper for executing federal responsibilities.

Who was John Marshall and how did he cause Jefferson grief?

John Marshall was the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, serving from 1801 to 1835. He played a pivotal role in shaping the American legal system and is best known for establishing the principle of judicial review in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison (1803). His decisions consistently favored federal authority over state power, often challenging the principles espoused by President Thomas Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans, who preferred a more limited federal government. This ideological clash caused significant friction, particularly over issues such as the scope of federal powers and state rights, contributing to the political and legal battles of the early 19th century.

What was Aaron Burr best known for?

A Democratic-Republican caucus (a closed meeting) in 1804 decided not to nominate Aaron Burr for a second term as vice president. Burr then embarked on a series of ventures, one of which threatened to break up the Union and another of which resulted in the death of Alexander Hamilton. Duel with Hamilton Angered by an insulting remark attributed to Hamilton, Burr challenged the Federalist leader to a duel and fatally shot him. Hamilton’s death in 1804 deprived the Federalists of their last great leader and earned Burr the enmity of many.

Why was Arron Burr tried for treason?

In 1806, Aaron Burr was tried for treason due to a conspiracy to take Mexico from Spain and potentially unite it with Louisiana. President Jefferson, concerned about Burr's plans, ordered his arrest. The trial, presided over by Chief Justice John Marshall, resulted in an acquittal since Marshall's narrow definition of treason required evidence of an 'overt act,' which was not presented.

Who was Jame’s Madison?

James Madison was the fourth President of the United States (1809-1817) and is widely regarded as one of the Founding Fathers. He was a brilliant political thinker and a key architect of the U.S. Constitution, as well as the Bill of Rights. Madison worked closely with Thomas Jefferson in the development of the Democratic-Republican Party, which opposed the Federalist Party. Despite his significant intellectual contributions, he was a weak public speaker and had a stubborn temperament, which contrasted starkly with Jefferson’s more charismatic political style. With Jefferson's support, Madison was nominated for president by a caucus of congressional Democratic-Republicans in 1808. Contending against two other candidates from his party and Federalist candidate Charles Pinckney, Madison successfully secured a majority of electoral votes, ultimately winning the presidential election. During his presidency, he faced challenges including the War of 1812, which significantly shaped American nationalism.

Explain what caused the major political disputes and the consequencesof them during the early years of the new nation.

The major political disputes in the early years of the new nation were primarily caused by differing ideologies between the Federalists, who favored a strong central government, and the Democratic-Republicans, who advocated for states' rights and limited federal power. These disputes led to the formation of political parties, increased polarization, and significant conflicts such as the Alien and Sedition Acts, which restricted immigration and free speech, ultimately shaping the political landscape of the United States.

What was the Alien and Sedition Acts?

The Alien and Sedition Acts were a series of laws passed in 1798 that aimed to restrict immigration and limit free speech, particularly targeting immigrants and those criticizing the government. These acts were controversial and led to significant backlash, contributing to the rise of the Democratic-Republican Party.

What are the Jefferson Principles?

The Jefferson Principles are a set of beliefs articulated by Thomas Jefferson that emphasize individual liberty, limited government, and the importance of agrarianism and education. They reflect Jefferson's vision for a democratic society where citizens have the right to self-governance and where the federal government has limited powers.

Briefly explain ONE major difference between Ellis’s and Meacham’s historical interpretations of how Thomas Jefferson came to approve the Louisiana Purchase

Ellis argues that Jefferson's decision was deeply rooted in his belief in westward expansion and an agrarian vision for America, which emphasized the moral and practical advantages of acquiring vast tracts of land to promote democracy, self-sustenance, and agrarianism as the foundation of American society. This perspective highlights Jefferson discipline to limit executive power, but Jefferson’s goal towards an agricultural state was more important than limiting executive power.

In contrast, Meacham contends that Jefferson's constitutional concerns regarding federal power and authority were the driving forces behind his approval of the Louisiana Purchase. He emphasizes the tension experienced by Jefferson, who advocated for limited government and states' rights but faced the reality of the need for a strong national action to secure and control territory in order to support the country's growth and development. Meacham argues that Jefferson exercised ‘wise’ power in order to secure the nation's future and promote its expansion.

Briefly explain how ONE historical event or development in the period 1787 to 1803 that is not explicitly mentioned in the excerpts could be used to support Ellis’s interpretation.

One Historical event not mentioned in Ellis excerpt is the Lousiana Purchase which argues western land expansion as a means to fulfill Jefferson's agrarian vision and promote democracy by providing land for farming and settlement.

ONE historical event or development in the period 1787 to 1803 that is not explicitly mentioned in the excerpts could be used to support Meacham’s interpretation.