American History: Early Republic to Jacksonian America

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the five major units of early American history: Washington's presidency, the Adams administration and the Election of 1800, Jefferson, Madison and the War of 1812, the Era of Good Feelings, and Jacksonian America.

Hamilton's Financial Plan

An economic program that created a national bank, established federal credit, and proposed that the federal government assume state debts.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

A protest by farmers against a federal tax on whiskey, suppressed by troops sent by George Washington to demonstrate federal authority.

Federalists

A political party led by Alexander Hamilton that supported a strong central government.

Democratic-Republicans

A political party led by Thomas Jefferson that favored stronger state governments over a strong central government.

Jay's Treaty

A controversial agreement that helped the United States avoid war with Britain.

Washington's Farewell Address

George Washington's final presidential message, which warned against political parties, sectional divisions, and permanent foreign alliances while emphasizing that national unity was essential.

XYZ Affair (1797–1798)

An incident where French representatives demanded bribes from American diplomats, creating international tensions between France and the United States.

Quasi-War

An undeclared naval conflict between France and the United States during the presidency of John Adams.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

Federal laws passed under John Adams that restricted immigration and made certain forms of criticism of the federal government illegal.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Political measures that argued states possessed the authority to challenge federal laws they considered unconstitutional.

Election of 1800

The presidential election in which Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams, establishing an important precedent for the peaceful transfer of power from Federalists to Democratic-Republicans.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Thomas Jefferson's purchase of a massive territory from France that doubled the size of the United States.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

A mission that explored the western territory and gathered information regarding geography, resources, and Indigenous peoples.

Embargo Act (1807)

A policy by Thomas Jefferson that restricted American trade with foreign countries in an effort to avoid war, ultimately damaging the American economy.

War of 1812 (1812–1815)

A conflict between the United States and Britain caused by British impressment of American sailors, interference with American trade, and British support for Indigenous resistance to American expansion.

Battle of New Orleans (1815)

An American victory against Britain during the War of 1812, led by Andrew Jackson.

Treaty of Ghent (1814)

The diplomatic agreement that officially brought an end to the War of 1812.

Era of Good Feelings

A period of apparent political unity, increased nationalism, and economic growth following the War of 1812 and the decline of the Federalist Party.

American System

An economic plan proposed by Henry Clay that involved a national bank, protective tariffs, and internal improvements.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

A legislative compromise that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance between free and slave states in the Senate.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

A foreign policy statement warning European nations against further colonization or interference in the Americas while declaring the Western Hemisphere a separate sphere of influence.

Jacksonian Democracy

A political movement that expanded voting rights for most white men by eliminating property requirements in many states, while continuing to exclude women and most people of color.

Spoils System

The practice utilized by Andrew Jackson of rewarding political supporters with government positions.

Indian Removal Act (1830)

Legislation that authorized the forced relocation of Indigenous nations from southeastern lands.

Trail of Tears

The forced removal of the Cherokee and other Indigenous peoples from southeastern lands, which caused widespread suffering and death.

Bank War

Andrew Jackson's political conflict opposing the Second Bank of the United States, culminating in his veto of its recharter.

Nullification Crisis

A conflict sparked when South Carolina claimed it had the right to reject federal tariffs, prompting Andrew Jackson to defend federal authority.

Sarah Grimké

An abolitionist and women's rights advocate who wrote "Letter on the Equality of the Sexes," arguing that women and men are intellectually and morally equal.