Comprehensive Notes on Early American Development and Sectional Conflicts

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes on early American development, sectional conflicts, and the impact of slavery, designed to help review major themes and events leading up to the Civil War.

What ideological clash shaped the early development of the United States?

The debates between Hamilton and Jefferson led to the rise of political parties.

What were the four fundamental issues dividing early American society?

1. Economy and Social Structure 2. Foreign Policy 3. Broad v. Strict Construction of the Constitution 4. (White) Democracy v. Elitism.

What was Hamilton's vision for the United States?

Hamilton believed the U.S. needed to become a complex, industrialized, and urbanized nation.

What was Jefferson's view on urbanization?

Jefferson feared urbanization would result in the loss of small communities and lead to uneven wealth distribution.

Who did the Jeffersonians advocate for in terms of foreign policy?

Jeffersonians supported aligning with France after its democratic revolution.

What treaty did Hamilton secure regarding British relations?

Jay's Treaty, which aligned the U.S. with Britain by ceasing French assistance.

What does the term 'broad construction' refer to?

Hamilton's belief that the Constitution implies broad powers for the federal government.

How did the Democratic-Republicans' vision differ from Hamilton's?

They envisioned an agricultural nation of independent farmers and feared the social issues stemming from industrialization.

What was Jefferson's significant political victory in 1800?

Jefferson won the presidential election, which expanded White Democracy.

What marked the significant agricultural expansion during the Market and Transportation Revolution?

By 1860, 2/3 of crops were sold for the market, compared to 1/3 for home use.

What was a primary Southern imperative for expansion?

Economic needs related to slavery as a system of soil-exhaustion.

What was the Missouri Compromise of 1820?

It admitted Maine as a free state and Missouri as a slave state, setting a geographic limit for slavery.

What did the Wilmot Proviso aim to achieve?

To preserve new territories for free white labor by barring slavery.

What was the impact of the Compromise of 1850?

California was admitted as a free state, and a stricter fugitive slave law was enacted.

What was decided in the Dred Scott Decision of 1857?

It declared that African Americans were not citizens and invalidated the Missouri Compromise.

What effect did European involvement have on the international slave trade?

European nations, primarily England, dominated the slave trade, significantly impacting African economies.

What economic role did slavery play in America?

It was a capitalist form of production that fostered significant growth in export earnings, particularly in cotton.

What demographic impact did slavery have by 1860?

The black population increased from 750,000 in 1790 to nearly 4 million by 1860.

What ideological justification did European settlers use for land acquisition from Native Americans?

The belief in 'Vacuum Domicilium' justified taking land because it was deemed undeveloped.

How did the American Revolution challenge African Americans' perceptions of freedom?

With many slaves seeking their freedom during the war, it sparked an awareness of their rights.

What was one of the consequences of the Second Middle Passage?

One million slaves were moved from border states to the Deep South.

What strategies did slave owners use to control their slaves?

They suppressed independent religious activities and limited contact with slaves on neighboring plantations.

What did the Civil Rights Act of 1866 aim to do?

It sought to overturn Black Codes and grant civil rights to freedmen.

What was the goal of Radical Reconstruction?

To prevent unrepentant Southern leaders from returning to power and ensure federal policies supported industrial interests.

What was the 15th Amendment's primary focus?

It guaranteed the right to vote for black men.

What caused the end of Reconstruction?

Violent opposition and political compromises allowed for the Southern social order to remain intact.

What was the immediate effect of Lincoln's assassination?

It greatly impacted the course of Reconstruction and the federal government's approach to its policies.