Key Events and Figures in Early American History

Shays' Rebellion

Soldiers revolted due to unpaid war debts.

Articles of Confederation

Weak government unable to prevent foreclosures.

3/5 Compromise

Slaves counted as 3 out of 5 for representation.

Significance of 3/5

Dehumanized slaves while increasing political power.

First President

George Washington elected unanimously due to popularity.

Political Party Founders

Jefferson focused on states' rights; Hamilton on central government.

Whiskey Rebellion

Farmers protested federal tax on whiskey.

Outcome of Whiskey Rebellion

Federal troops suppressed rebellion, demonstrating government strength.

Jay's Treaty

Settled issues with Britain; unpopular among some.

XYZ Affair

French demanded bribes before negotiating with U.S.

Quasi-War

Undeclared naval conflict with France post-XYZ Affair.

Hamilton's Financial Plan

Included national bank, loans, and tariffs for growth.

Alien & Sedition Acts

Restricted immigration and limited free speech against government.

Marbury v. Madison

Established judicial review; Supreme Court's power to declare laws unconstitutional.

Louisiana Purchase

Doubled U.S. territory, securing Mississippi River control.

Hamilton-Burr Feud

Burr killed Hamilton in a duel over political rivalry.

Hartford Convention

Federalists opposed War of 1812; sought constitutional changes.

Causes of War of 1812

Impressment, trade restrictions, and British support for Native resistance.

Creek War

Red Sticks resisted U.S. influence over their lands.

Tecumseh

Native leader aimed to unite tribes against U.S. expansion.

Tecumseh's Goal

Formed alliances to protect Native lands from settlers.

Prophet

Tecumseh's brother encouraged rejection of European customs.

Battle of Fort McHenry

Inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem.

U.S. Invasion of Canada

Attempted to gain territory and weaken British influence.

Cotton Gin

Increased cotton processing speed, boosting slavery demand.

Interchangeable Parts

Standardized manufacturing, enhancing production efficiency.

Steamboat

Facilitated upstream transport of goods and people.

Erie Canal

Connected Great Lakes to Atlantic, boosting trade.

Embargo Act of 1807

Prohibited trade to pressure Britain and France, harming U.S. economy.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

States claimed right to nullify unconstitutional federal laws.

Battle of Tippecanoe

Defeat for Tecumseh; weakened Native resistance in the Northwest.

Gabriel's Rebellion

Slave revolt leading to stricter laws on enslaved individuals.

Denmark Vesey

Planned largest slave revolt in the South, resulting in severe repercussions.

Federalist Papers

Essays promoting ratification of the Constitution.

Constitutional Convention

1787 meeting to draft the U.S. Constitution.

Battle of New Orleans

Increased Andrew Jackson's popularity post-War of 1812.

Haitian Revolution

Successful slave revolt inspiring abolitionist sentiments in the U.S.