Unit 4 Key Events and Reforms in Early 19th Century America

Revolution of 1800

The peaceful transfer of power from Federalists to Democratic-Republicans (Jefferson). Marked a major shift in political ideology without violence.

Louisiana Purchase

Doubled the size of the U.S. and gave control of the Mississippi River. Jefferson used loose interpretation, despite his strict views.

Barbary Pirates conflict

Jefferson refused to pay bribes to North African pirates, leading to naval conflict. Showed increased U.S. assertiveness abroad.

Embargo Act of 1807

Banned U.S. trade with all foreign nations to avoid war. Hurt American economy, especially New England merchants.

War of 1812 causes

British impressment of sailors, support for Native resistance, War Hawks pushing for war. U.S. aimed to defend national honor.

Hartford Convention (1814)

Federalists discussed secession over the War of 1812. Seen as unpatriotic; led to the party's collapse.

Treaty of Ghent (1814)

Ended the War of 1812 with no land change. Boosted American nationalism and confirmed U.S. independence.

Battle of New Orleans

Major U.S. victory led by Andrew Jackson after the war ended. Boosted national pride and Jackson's popularity.

Era of Good Feelings

Period of one-party (Democratic-Republican) rule and nationalism after War of 1812. Masked growing sectional tensions.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

Declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to European colonization. Asserted U.S. dominance in the Americas.

Sectionalism causes

Conflicts over slavery, tariffs, and internal improvements. Led to regional division despite national unity rhetoric.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

Missouri = slave state, Maine = free state; 36°30′ line for future states. Temporarily eased sectional tensions.

Henry Clay's American System

Plan to strengthen the economy through a national bank, protective tariffs, and internal improvements. Reflected nationalism.

Corrupt Bargain of 1824

John Quincy Adams won presidency with Henry Clay's support in the House; Clay became Secretary of State. Jacksonians felt cheated.

Jacksonian Democracy

Expanded suffrage for white men, favored the 'common man.' Led to rise in voter participation and populist policies.

Nullification Crisis

South Carolina opposed the Tariff of Abominations (1828). Jackson opposed nullification and threatened force.

Bank War under Jackson

Jackson vetoed the recharter of the Second Bank of the U.S. Saw it as corrupt; moved funds to state 'pet banks.'

Indian Removal Act (1830)

Law to relocate Southeastern tribes to west of the Mississippi. Led to the Trail of Tears and mass Native displacement.

Worcester v. Georgia (1832)

Supreme Court said Georgia couldn't interfere with Cherokee land. Jackson ignored the decision, showing limits of judiciary.

Whig Party formation

Opposed Jackson's power and policies. Supported Congress over executive power and economic modernization.

Marshall Court decisions

Strengthened federal power and judicial review. Cases like Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch v. Maryland, and Gibbons v. Ogden expanded national authority.

Market Revolution

A transformation in the U.S. economy with industrialization, transportation (railroads, steamboats), and communication (telegraph). Shifted labor and gender roles.

Impact of the cotton gin (1793)

Increased cotton production and slavery in the South. Made cotton a dominant export.

Immigration changes

Rise in Irish (fleeing famine) and German immigrants. Faced nativism and discrimination, leading to the Know-Nothing Party.

Second Great Awakening

A religious revival emphasizing free will and social reform. Inspired abolition, temperance, and women's rights movements.

Antebellum Reform movements

Abolition (Garrison, Douglass), women's rights (Seneca Falls), temperance, education (Horace Mann), and transcendentalism (Thoreau, Emerson).

Key reformers

Elizabeth Cady Stanton (women's rights), Frederick Douglass (abolition), Horace Mann (education), Dorothea Dix (mental health).