APUSH Unit 4 Timeline Overview Guide

Adams Administration (1797-1801)

The presidency of John Adams, focused on foreign tensions (like the XYZ Affair and Quasi-War) and the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts, which limited freedom of speech and targeted immigrants.

1798—Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed to restrict immigration and curtail free speech in order to protect Federalist power, leading to backlash from Republicans who saw them as unconstitutional.

1797—XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident between the U.S. and France where French diplomats demanded bribes from American officials, leading to increased tensions with France.

1798-1800—Quasi-War

An undeclared naval conflict between the U.S. and France caused by tensions over the Jay Treaty, showing Federalist preference for military strength.

1800—Jefferson Elected

Thomas Jefferson won the presidency after a bitter election against John Adams, promising unity with the phrase: 'We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.'

1801—Jefferson’s Inaugural Address

Jefferson’s speech aimed to unify the country after a divisive election, reassuring both Federalists and Republicans.

1803—Louisiana Purchase

Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of the U.S., expanding federal power contrary to Jefferson’s beliefs.

1803—Lewis and Clark Expedition

An expedition to explore the Louisiana Territory and map a route to the Pacific Ocean, providing valuable information about western lands.

1804—Haitian Revolution Ends

A successful slave revolt in French-controlled Saint Domingue leading to Haitian independence, causing anxiety in the U.S. about slave uprisings.

1804—Barbary Pirate Wars

Naval conflicts with North African pirates demanding tribute from American ships, leading to the First Barbary War and securing a treaty reducing attacks.

1807—Embargo Act

A law preventing American ships from trading with foreign nations to avoid war, which ultimately harmed the U.S. economy.

1805—Congress Votes to End Slave Trade

Congress passed a law banning the importation of enslaved Africans into the U.S., marking a step towards the abolition of slavery.

1812—War of 1812

A war between the U.S. and Britain over trade restrictions and impressment of American sailors, ending inconclusively but boosting American morale.

1815—American System

A plan proposed by Henry Clay aimed at strengthening the U.S. economy through protective tariffs, a national bank, and internal improvements.

1816—Tariff of 1816

A protective tariff to help American industries by taxing imports, benefiting the North but opposed by the South.

1819—Panic of 1819

A financial crisis caused by over-speculation leading to a depression, high unemployment, and marking the end of the 'Era of Good Feelings.'

1820—Missouri Compromise

An agreement allowing Missouri to enter as a slave state while Maine became free, prohibiting slavery north of the 36°30' latitude line.

1823—Monroe Doctrine

President Monroe's declaration that the Western Hemisphere was closed to further European colonization.

1824—Corrupt Bargain

The controversial election where John Quincy Adams won through a deal with Henry Clay, angering Jackson's supporters.

1825-1835—The Second Great Awakening

A religious revival movement promoting evangelical Christianity and social reforms like abolition and women's rights.

1825—New Harmony Utopian Community Founded

A failed utopian experiment in Indiana aimed at creating shared property and no religion.

Transcendentalism (1820s)

A philosophical movement emphasizing self-reliance, individualism, and a connection to nature.

1828—Tariff of 1828 (Tariff of Abominations)

A protective tariff raising taxes on imports, benefiting Northern industries but angering the South.

1829—Andrew Jackson Becomes President

Jackson's presidency marked a shift to greater democratic participation, especially supported in the South and West.

Spoils System (1829)

Jackson’s practice of rewarding political supporters with government positions, criticized for corruption.

1830—Indian Removal Act

A law signed by Jackson forcing Native American tribes to relocate west of the Mississippi, leading to the 'Trail of Tears.'

1832—The Bank War

A political battle over the rechartering of the Second Bank of the U.S., with Jackson opposing it as unconstitutional.

1834—The Whig Party is Formed

A political party formed by those opposing Jackson’s policies, including business interests, farmers, and anti-slavery activists.

1837—Panic of 1837

A financial crisis caused by bank failures and inflation, leading to widespread unemployment.

1838-1839—Trail of Tears

The forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation resulting in many deaths due to harsh conditions.

1840—Tippecanoe and Tyler Too

The campaign slogan of William Henry Harrison and John Tyler in the 1840 presidential election.