U.S. Political and Territorial Developments 1800–1824

Election of 1800

Thomas Jefferson — first peaceful transfer of power between parties (Federalists → Democratic-Republicans).

Role of Government (Jefferson's view)

He wanted limited federal power, small military, and government close to the people.

Jefferson's main domestic goals

Reduce national debt, cut spending, eliminate internal taxes, and focus on agriculture.

Conflict with beliefs (Jefferson)

He used loose interpretation for the Louisiana Purchase and kept Hamilton's bank.

Judiciary Act of 1801

Created new judgeships ("midnight judges") for Federalists before Jefferson took office.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established judicial review — the Court's power to declare laws unconstitutional.

Significance of Marbury v. Madison

Strengthened the Supreme Court and balanced powers among branches.

Barbary States issue

Pirates demanded tribute; Jefferson sent the Navy (Tripolitan War 1801-1805).

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Doubled U.S. size, gained the Mississippi River and New Orleans.

Negotiators of the Louisiana Purchase

Robert Livingston and James Monroe.

Constitutionality of the Purchase (Jefferson's view)

He believed in strict construction and the Constitution didn't mention buying land.

Goals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

Explore new land, find Pacific route, record resources, befriend Native tribes.

Sacagawea

Shoshone guide/interpreter for Lewis and Clark.

Results of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

More geographic knowledge, stronger U.S. claims to Oregon, inspired expansion.

Threats to U.S. neutrality

Britain and France seized ships and impressed American sailors.

Embargo Act (1807)

Banned all U.S. exports to pressure Britain/France to respect neutrality.

Failure of the Embargo Act

It hurt U.S. economy more than Europe's; caused depression.

Non-Intercourse Act (1809)

Trade reopened except with Britain and France.

Successor of Jefferson

James Madison (1808 election).

Main causes of the War of 1812

Impressment, British aid to Natives, trade interference, national pride.

War Hawks

Young congressmen (Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun) wanting war and expansion.

Tecumseh

Shawnee leader who united tribes against U.S. expansion.

Battle of Tippecanoe (1811)

William Henry Harrison defeated Tecumseh's forces → Native alliance collapsed.

U.S. invasion of Canada

War Hawks hoped to drive out British and gain land — mostly failed.

USS Constitution

Navy ship famed for defeating British vessels, boosted morale.

British strategy in the War of 1812

Blockade coast, seize key cities, and cut trade.

British invasion of D.C.

They burned the Capitol and White House (1814).

Inspiration for 'The Star-Spangled Banner'

Fort McHenry battle — flag survived British bombardment.

Treaty of Ghent (1814)

Ended war; restored prewar boundaries, resolved none of the causes.

Battle of New Orleans (1815)

Andrew Jackson's victory after the treaty — huge morale boost.

Hartford Convention (1814-15)

Federalists opposed war, discussed secession → party collapsed.

Effects of the War of 1812

Rise of nationalism, fall of Federalists, Native losses, manufacturing growth, U.S. respect abroad.

Era of Good Feelings

Monroe's presidency — national unity, one-party politics.

American System

Henry Clay's plan: protective tariffs, national bank, internal improvements.

Panic of 1819 causes

Land speculation and easy credit → foreclosures, unemployment, distrust of banks.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

Missouri = slave state, Maine = free, banned slavery north of 36°30′.

Importance of Missouri Compromise

Maintained free/slave balance and delayed conflict.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Upheld national bank; federal power over states confirmed.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Only Congress can regulate interstate commerce.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

Europe can't colonize Americas; U.S. stays out of European affairs.

Impact of the Monroe Doctrine

Asserted U.S. influence in Western Hemisphere; symbol of nationalism.

Adams-Onís Treaty (1819)

Spain gave Florida to U.S.; U.S. gave up Texas claims.

Overall themes of 1800-1824

Nationalism, federal power, westward expansion, rising sectionalism over slavery.