Period 4- The Early Republic (1800-1848)

AMSCO Chapters 7-12

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Jefferson had Monroe bargain with Napoleon for the Louisiana territory. Napoleon agreed because he needed money for his war with Europe. Controversial because the Constitution did not specifically give the President the power to purchase land, but Jefferson took a loose Construction (unlike usual), and said that the President’s power to make treaties gave him this ability. Ultimately benefited America.

Reasons for Napoleon selling the Louisiana territory

Napoleon needed to consolidate his resources to fight England and a rebellion led by Toussaint l’Ouverture against French rule on Santo Domingo resulted in heaving French losses.

Lewis and Clark Expedition/Corps of Discovery (1804-1806)

Jefferson sent two explorers to explore the Louisiana territory. Received help from Native Americans to successfully travel from St. Louis to the Pacific coast and back.

Sacagawea

Native American woman who helped Lewis and Clark in their expedition.

Embargo Act (1807)

In retaliation to harassment of US sailors by the British and the French, Jefferson got this passed, which forbade all US exports to other countries. Killed the US economy, unemployment increased, increased smuggling, did not impact the French or British because they kept trading.

War of 1812

In response to British impressment, the threat of the British on the western frontier, and British-supported Native American attacks on Americans, James Madison sent the US to war with the British in Canada.

Opposition to the War of 1812

Quids/Old Democratic-Republicans did not like the War of 1812 because they believed it went against the Democratic-Republican commitment to limited federal power and maintenance of people. Protestants also disliked the war because the British were protestant- they disliked the French who were Catholic.

Burning of the White House

In response to the US invasion of Canada, the British burned down the white house in the Chesapeake Campaign.

Treaty of Ghent (1814)

Reaffirmed American independence, destroyed Indian resistance, ended the Federalists Party, and proved the US needed centralized military. Nothing really changed in US/British relations because of this, simply ended the War of 1812.

Battle of Horseshoe Bend (1814)/Battle of New Orleans (1815)

Battles fought by future president Andrew Jackson, though the second happened after the war had already ended. Gave Jackson a reputation that helped him become president.

British Impressment

British ships took American and British sailors from their ships and forced them into the British military.

Tallmadge Amendment

potential amendment to the bill for Missouri’s admission, which would prohibit further introduction of slaves into Missouri and require children of Missouri slaves to be emancipated at the age of 25. Defeated in the Senate by Southerners.

Missouri Compromise/Compromise of 1820

Proposed by Clay. Maine would enter as a free state and Missouri would be admitted as a slave state. No slavery above 36’30 parallel. Kept balance of slave and free states to prevent imbalance of power in Congress, only perpetuating sectionalism.

Rush-Bagot Agreement (1817)

Strictly limited naval armament on the Great Lakes. Extended to put limits on border fortifications. Border between the US and Canada became the longest unfortified border in the world. Shows tension between the US and Britain declining.

Treaty of 1818

Treaty that improved relations with Britain by shared fishing rights off the coast of Newfoundland, joint occupation of the Oregon Territory for ten years, and the setting of the northern limits of the Louisiana Territory at the 49th parallel.

Florida Purchase Treaty/Adams-Onís Treaty (1819)

Spain gave all of Florida and its claims in the Oregon Territory to the US in exchange for the US assuming $5 million in claims against Spain and giving up any US territorial claims to the Spanish province of Texas.

Seneca Falls Convention (1848)

Feminists had a convention where they wrote a document speaking out against the hypocrisy of sexism in US society and calling for reform.

Jefferson’s Administration

Jefferson tried to appease both parties, Federalists and Democratic-Republicans, while he was president- a practice that would be continued by many other presidents who believed the president represents all the people, not simply their political party.

Non-intercourse Act (1809)

Replaced the Embargo Act that had harmed the US economy. Americans could trade with any country except for Britain and France.

Macon’s Bill No. 2 (1810)

US restored their trading with Britain and France to help the US economy recover, but also said that if either country formally agreed to recognize US neutrality at sea, then the US would not trade with the other. Napoleon agreed to do so, so Madison embargoed trade with Britain, but the French did not stop seizing US ships, making this a failure.

War Hawks

Supported war with Britain and/or France because of their harassment of US sailors, even though the US navy was too small to stand a chance and they didn’t have enough money.

Tecumseh

Native Shawnee leader who revolted against American encroachment with some help from the British, killing Americans. Tried to unite Native Americans, but was stopped by William Henry Harrison in the Battle of Tippecanoe. Part of why the Americans went to war with the British in the War of 1812.

Henry Clay/American System

War hawk from Kentucky who advocated for going to war with Britain. Proposed a plan for advancing US economic growth, being through protective tariffs, a national bank, and internal improvements.

John C. Calhoun

War hawk from South Carolina who advocated going to war with Britain. Supported the Nullification theory, slavery, and annexation. Vice President under Jackson but resigned because of the Peggy Eaton Affair.

Hartford Convention

Convention to decide if the New England states should secede from the Union because of the War of 1812. Proposed making a ⅔ house vote required before declaring future wars. Made the Federalists look unpatriotic when news of the successful end to the war came, resulting in the death of the Federalist Party. These talks of succession would set the precedent for the Southern succession that would trigger the Civil War.

Fletcher v. Peck (1810)

Stat could not pass legislation invalidating a contract. First state law declared unconstitutional.

Martin v. Hunter’s Lease (1816)

Supreme Court established that it had jurisdiction over state courts in cases involving constitutional rights.

Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819)

Declared state law to make Dartmouth College a public institution unconstitutional as a contract for a private corporation could not be altered by the state.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

State could not tax federal institutions because “the power to tax is the power to destroy”. And federal laws are supreme over state laws. Also ruled that the government has the implied power to create the national bank.

Cohens v. Virginia (1821)

Upheld conviction on brothers for illegally selling lottery tickets, establishing the principle that the Supreme Court would review a state court’s decision involving any of the powers of the federal government.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1821)

Established the federal government’s broad control of interstate commerce.

Commonwealth v. Hunt

Peaceful unions had the right to negotiate labor contracts with employers. Victory for organized labor.

Era of Good Feelings

Term used to describe Monroe’s presidency since the Federalists had faded, leaving only one party in control of the government, so it seemed like the country was more unified. This term is inaccurate though, because sectionalist tensions increased during this period and debates led to the division of the Democratic-Republican party, showing a lack of unity in American politics.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

Proposed by the British Foreign Secretary because Britain feared other European nations having large influence in the Americas, this statement by the US said: no more European colonization of Western Hemisphere or European intervention in independent nations in the Americas. Continuation of American isolationism from Washington.

Tariff of 1816

Congress raised tariffs following the War of 1812 in hopes of protecting American manufacturers as British imports began flowing back into the US. First “protective tariff”.

Panic of 1819

The Second Bank of the US tightened credit to try to control inflation, sending the economy into a recession. This recession greatly affected those who speculated on western land. The Bank of the US foreclosed on large amounts of western farmland because of this. Shook peoples’ belief in the National Bank.

Mono-Party Rule

One Political Party exists, controlling all branches of government, so nobody really opposes their proposed legislation. This happened after the Federalist Party died at the Hartford Convention, leaving the next president, Monroe, without a real challenging opposition.

Sectionalism

Division of regions in the United States based on beliefs and geography. The primary division was between the North and South, with the argument being over slavery. Increases in these tensions would lead to the Civil War.

Telegraph/Railroads

Connected US cities and allowed for faster communication in the states. Expanded the US economy.

Steam power

Robert Fulton created the steam engine, which would be applied to boats to create the steam boat. This would allow for greater travel in the US via the waterways.

Corrupt Bargain

Jackson accused Clay of tampering with the vote in the Election of 1824 in order for John Quincy Adams to beat Jackson. In reality, Clay had simply used his influence in the House to persuade the electoral college to vote for Quincy Adams. Start of intense tension between political parties.

Second Party System/Whigs vs. Democrats

These two parties competed for power in government, essentially preventing one from controlling the whole government and passing legislation without thorough consideration. These parties made up the first cemented party system. The first was led by Henry Clay and reflected the Federalists of Hamilton, while the second was led by Andrew Jackson and reflected the Republicans of Jefferson.

Andrew Jackson/King Andrew

Seventh president of the US. Referred to as a “king” because he vetoed many bills, which made Americans feel like he was controlling the government, harking back to the King the Americans had freed themselves from.

Nicholas Biddle

President of the US National Bank. Did his job well, but people started to distrust the national bank because he was arrogant, leading to Jackson’s decision to veto the rechartering of it.

Veto of the National Bank

Jackson vetoed the charter for the Second National Bank after the first one expired because the bank focused on national power and people speculated that it meant to benefit only the wealthy, while he was for state’s rights and the common man. Most supported by westerners. Helped led to the Panic of 1837.

Tariff of Abominations/Nullification

Tariff in 1828 under John Quincy Adamsthat helped northern Manufacturers but alienated southern planters. South Carolina tried to declare it unconstitutional, confirming the nullification theory.

“Pet Banks”

In order to swiftly destroy the National Bank, Jackson began transferring the funds to state banks, nicknamed these.

Species Circular

Required that all future purchases of federal lands be made in silver and gold, rather than paper banknotes. Jackson hoped it would check inflation, but it instead led to the Panic of 1837.

Election of 1836

The Whigs tried to split up the vote by nominating three candidates in hopes that the vote would go to the House of Representatives, giving the party a better chance of winning the presidency. Despite the clever strategy, Martin Van Buren of the Democratic party still won.

Election of 1840/Log Cabin and Hard Cider Campaign

Whigs paraded log cabins on wheels to campaign for William Henry Harrison’s election. Harrison won as a result, showing the development of the campaign strategy, but he died less then a month into office because he refused to wear a coat to his inauguration and caught pneumonia.

Nullification theory

If a state does not want to obey a federal law, it has the right to declare it null and void.

Election/Revolution of 1828

First Election where the candidates started defaming the opposing party. Jackson accused Adams’ wife of being born out of wedlock and Adams accused Jackson’s wife of adultery. Absolutely hating on the wives.

Spoils System

Government jobs taken and given depending on loyalty to the party system in office. “To the victor goes the spoils”.

Rotation in Office

Jackson limited people to one term in office positions so that he could reward more democrats with offices. One man was as good as another.

Indian Removal Act (1830)

Presidents could decide to forcibly remove natives, with federal support, if in the way of American advancement (economically, physically, etc.)

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831)

Cherokees were not a foreign nation with the right to sue in a federal court. Took power away from Native Americans that would have allowed them to prevent the US federal government from walking all over them.

Worcester v. Georgia (1832)

Laws of Georgia had no force within Cherokee territory. While the Native Americans were not safe from the Federal government, the state government could not touch them. Despite the ruling, Jackson supported the state’s law, so the decision was not enforced, allowing for Indian Removal.

Trail of Tears (1838)

Forced migration of Cherokee natives to reservations in Oklahoma. Many Native Americans died along the way. Happened after Jackson’s presidency, but was allowed to happen because he did not endorse the Worcester v. Georgia decision and passed the Indian Removal Act.

Panic of 1837/Martin van Ruin

Jackson left his vice president, who became president in 1836, in an economic depression because of the Species Circular. The new president’s inability to fix the economy gave the Whigs fuel for their campaign in 1840 and made them attack laissez-faire economics.

“Gag Rule” in the House

The House of Representatives passed this annually starting in 1836, which prevented discussion of anything related to slavery in the House. This would prevent abolitionists from trying to end slavery.

Manifest Destiny

Term coined by John O’Sullivan. Idea that it was the US’s G-d-Given right to expand across the entire north American continent for the purpose of developing the experiment of liberty. Justification for westward expansion and the Mexican AMerican War.

54’40 or Fight

Democratic slogan supporting the possession of the Oregon territory. The numbers refer to the latitude that marked the northern border between the Oregon Territory and Russian Alaska.

California/Bear Flag Republic

John C. Frémont overthrew the Mexican rule in northern california and proclaimed California to be an independent republic.

Stephen Austin/empresarios

People who brought settlers into the Mexican providence of Texas to populate and farm the land. Caused the population of Americans in Texas to outnumber the population of Mexicans there.

General Antonio López de Santa Anna

Overthrew the Mexican government and became a dictator, then tried to force Mexican laws on Americans in Texas. Americans (as usual) did not like their rights and autonomy being taken away, so started the Texas Revolution.

Texas Independence

Texans revolted against Santa Anna’s government, eventually capturing Santa Anna and forcing him to sign a treaty for Texas independence under the threat of death, though Mexico’s legislature refused to recognize the treaty.

Texas Annexation

Sam Houston, leader of the Lone Star Republic, asked for the US to annex Texas after they gained their independence from Mexico, but Jackson and Van Buren refused to do so because Northerners did not want Southerners to continue to expand slavery into the west and it would threaten war with Mexico. Tyler tried to get Texas annexed, but the Senate rejected the treaty. It wasn’t until Polk was elected for president that Tyler, in his last months of his presidency, convinced the houses to annex Texas through a joint resolution.

Division of Oregon

Polk compromised with Britain on the Oregon Territory, splitting it at the 49th parallel. This satisfied expansionists, though upset Northerners who believed it would upset the balance of slave/free states, and prevented war between Britain and the US at the same time as the Mexican-American War.

“Remember the Alamo”

The Mexican army defeated these Americans during the Texas revolt. This phrase would be used by Texans later to commemorate their sacrifice as they charged into battle.

Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842

Settled the boundary dispute between Maine and British Canada, as well as the boundary of the Minnesota territory, resolving conflict between US and Eastern British Canada.

Oregon Trail

After reports of successful farmers in the fertile valley south off the Columbia River, Americans began travelling across the continent to settle the land in the Oregon territory. Americans hoped to win undisputed possession of the Oregon territory, and even annex California and Texas from Mexico.

Election of 1844

Democrat James K. Polk (for Texas Annexation) beat out Van Buren (against Texas Annexation) and Calhoun (for Slavery and Texas Annexation) for the democratic nomination, then beat Whig Henry Clay for president.

Mexican-American War

After Polk’s envoy John Slidell failed in his negotiation with Mexico for the sale of the California and New Mexico territory and settle the Texas border, Polk sent General Zachary Taylor’s army toward the Rio Grande (onto land disputed between Mexico and Texas), where the Mexican army attacked and captured the patrol. Despite Whig protests, Polk used the incident as justification for going to war with Mexico (because Mexicans killed Americans on “American soil”) and got congress to approve his declaration of war.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)

Mexico must recognize the Rio Grande as the southern border of Texas and the US took possession of California and the New Mexico territory (Mexican Cession) for the price of $15 million and assumed responsibility for any claims of American citizens against Mexico. Ended the Mexican-American War.

Wilmot Proviso (1846)

At the start of the Mexican-American War, David Wilmot proposed that an appropriations bill be amended to forbid slavery in new territories acquired by Mexico. Defeated by the Senate.

Spot Resolutions

After Polk declared war, Abraham Lincoln introduced these to the House of Representatives, questioning whether or not Mexico had actually provoked the war and if it was justified for the US to go to war with Mexico, challenging Polk’s authority.

Second Great Awakening (1790s-1840s)

Preachers encouraged sinners to repent and salvation is available to ALL through personal relationship. Brings about another religious revival following the American Revolution. Calvinists (Puritans) were reacting to the liberal and rational ideas of the Enlightenment and American Revolution.

“Burned over District in New York”

Preachers in the Second Great Awakening frightened people into reviving their religious faith through their descriptions of hell and damnation, often referencing fire and brimstone, giving Western New York this nickname.

Charles Grandison Finney

Presbyterian minister in the Second Great Awakening who frightened people into reviving their religious faith. Reverted from rationalistic sermons to appeal to peoples’ emotions.

Mormons

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint, founded by Joseph Smith in 1830. Made connections between the Native Americans and the lost tribes of Israel. Persecuted because they allowed polygamy, so Smith was killed and replaced by Brigham Young, who took the congregation to the Great Salt Lake in Utah.

Temperance/American Temperance Society

Reform movement against alcohol consumption. Headed mostly by women, who were upset that their husbands were spending all their money on alcohol rather than on their family and being good fathers. Resulted in states raising taxes on alcohol.

Dorothea Dix/Prisons/Asylums

Woman who advocated and successfully gained better conditions for those in mental institutions. Showed growing tolerance for the mentally impaired.

Horace Mann

Headed the common public school movement in Massachusetts. Worked for compulsory attendance for all children, a longer school year, and increased teacher preparation. Now has a private school named after him.

Utopians/Brook Farm/Oneida

Experiments in which transcendentalists created isolated communities to test their ideas of balancing intellectualism with manual labor. The experiments would fail, but were remembered for the artistic and innovative atmosphere they created.

Transcendentalism/Emerson/Thoreau

Movement of writers who believed that art, individualism, one’s inner-self, and one’s connection to nature, is more important than the pursuit of wealth. Responded to the growing materialistic American society. Supported Americans developing a separate culture from Europe and anti-slavery.

Margaret Fuller

Feminist, writer, and editor who was a part of the transcendentalist movement. May be one of the first prominent feminist in US history, sparking the early movement in the mid 1800’s, which wouldn’t come entirely into fruition until the progressive era.

Minstrel Shows

Shows that depicted African Americans as dim-witted and lesser humans. Showed racist sentiments of Southerners and led to increased tensions between North and South over morality.

Hudson River School of Art/Thomas Cole

NOT A REAL SCHOOL- Artists used the Hudson river valley as inspiration for their romanticized paintings of the American landscape, showing their fascination with the natural world. Called a “school” because it taught them about the beauty of nature in a society that was progressively becoming more materialistic.

Abolitionism

Those who supported an end to slavery in America. Most of these were in the North. Their anger with the Southern plantation owners resulted in a lot of the sectionalism of America leading up to the Civil War.

Federick Douglass/The North Star

Former enslaved person who wrote an anti-slavery journal.

Sojourner Truth

African American who helped organize efforts to assist fugitive slaves escape to free territory in the North or Canada.

William Lloyd Garrison/The Liberator

Abolitionist newspaper writer who spoke out against slavery as sectionalist tensions increased in the US.

Liberty Party

A third party inspired by William Lloyd Garrison and his newspaper, The Liberator. Their sole purpose was to end slavery.

Denmark Vesey’s Revolt/Nat Turner’s Rebellion

Enslaved African Americans rebelled against their enslavers,once in 1822 and once in 1831. Both resistances were quickly and violently put out, but showed the evils of slavery, gave African Americans hope, and tightened slave codes.

American Colonization Society (Liberia)

Some anti-slavery reformers tried sending freed enslaved peoples back to Africa to live in a colony so they could start a new life outside of slavery. This solution never proved practical, as the growth of the enslaved peoples population increased at a greater rate than that of those moving to the colony.

Separate Spheres/ “Cult of Domesticity”

Idea of women belonging as homemakers in American society. The Early Women’s Rights movements, and the ones that would follow this, challenged this idea and promoted women entering the workforce.

Declaration of Sentiments

Written at the Seneca Falls Convention, this document used the line from the Declaration of Independence, “all men are created equal” and added women, arguing that women deserve equal social status as men, then listed their grievances against laws and customs that discriminated against women.

Elizabeth Cady StantonLucretia Mott

Feminists who began campaigning for women’s rights after they had been barred from speaking at an anti slavery convention. Participated in the Seneca Falls Convention and helped write the Declaration of Sentiments.

Irish Immigration (NYC/Midwest)

Came to America because of a potato famine in the 1840s. Had limited interest in farming, few special skills, and little money. Discriminated against because of their Roman Catholicism.

German Immigration (Midwest/Wisconsin)

Came to America because of economic hardships and democratic revolutions. Skilled laborers who settled on the new frontier to make farms.