Early American History: Washington to Monroe

VOCABULARY flashcards covering the key presidents, domestic policies, and foreign relations from George Washington to James Monroe as outlined in the lecture notes.

Thomas Jefferson (Washington's Cabinet)

The first Secretary of State under George Washington's administration.

Alexander Hamilton (Washington's Cabinet)

The first Secretary of the Treasury who developed the nation's early financial plan.

Hamilton's Financial Plan

A three-part plan where the federal government assumed state debts, created a National Bank, and encouraged protective tariffs.

Federalists

A political party led by Alexander Hamilton that favored a strong national government and support for business and industry.

Democratic-Republicans

A political party led by Thomas Jefferson that favored strong state governments and support for farmers.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

A 1794 protest against a whiskey tax where Washington sent troops to enforce the law, demonstrating the federal government's authority.

Washington's Farewell Address

A final address where George Washington warned the nation to avoid political parties and permanent foreign alliances.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident where French officials demanded bribes before negotiations, leading to an undeclared naval conflict with France.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

1798 laws that made it harder for immigrants to become citizens and limited criticism of the federal government.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Documents written by Jefferson and Madison arguing that states could challenge unconstitutional federal laws.

Election of 1800

The first peaceful transfer of power between political parties, often referred to as the "Revolution of 1800."

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

The 1803 purchase of land from France that doubled the size of the United States.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

An expedition tasked with exploring the Louisiana Territory and finding routes to the Pacific Ocean.

Embargo Act (1807)

An act intended to punish Britain and France for trade interference which ultimately hurt the American economy.

War of 1812

A conflict between the U.S. and Britain caused by impressment of sailors, trade interference, and British support of Native Americans.

Battle of New Orleans (1815)

A major American victory led by Andrew Jackson, fought after the peace treaty was signed, making Jackson a national hero.

Era of Good Feelings

A period of national unity and declining political conflict following the War of 1812.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

An agreement that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state while establishing the $36^\circ 30'$ line to address sectional conflict.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

A foreign policy doctrine stating that European nations should not establish new colonies in the Americas and that the U.S. would stay out of European affairs.