APUSH New Republic

Peace of Paris - 1783

Great Britain finally recognized the United States and accepted the Great Lakes as the northern boundary of Florida, which was transferred back to the Spanish from England. They also agreed to remove their armies from American soil "with all convenient speed."

Articles of Confederation

The weak and decentralized written form of government in the early U.S. The states were afraid to form a too centralized government that had too much authority. "Advise and recommend, but not command."

Confederation Economy

Money during the confederation was worthless because of British enforcement of discriminatory trade practices such as high freight rates, Navigation Acts, and import tariffs. The colonies were required to ship all goods going to England on British ships. The U.S. couldn't do anything about it because their government didn't have the authority to do anything. The individual states did, but it didn't help.

Adam Smith

Wrote the Wealth of Nations in which he denounced mercantilism, arguing that if one nation continues to exploit another then ultimately it will hurt itself.

Lord Shelburne

A man in parliament who argued, like Smith, that if England does not back away from its treatment of the U.S. then ultimately it will hurt its own economy.

John Baker Holroyd

The Earl of Sheffield. Wrote "Observations on the Commerce of the American States." He argues that the British government does not have to do any favors for the Americans because it was they who had fought a war to leave England. He further argues that the Americans can do nothing about it because their government was too weak and decentralized and lacked authority.

Shay's Rebellion

In September 1786 a mob marched on Springfield, Massachusetts to prevent the supreme court from meeting. They were led by Daniel Shays. They moved against the Springfield arsenal to get more weapons, but were stopped by militia units. The rebellion collapsed.

Daniel Shays

A veteran of the war for independence. He fought at Bunker Hill, Lexington and Concord, and Saratoga. He was poor and was troubled by the states' efforts to pay its debt by taxing poor farmers.

Annapolis

A city in Maryland where delegates met for the Constitutional Convention in September 1786

Alexander Hamilton

A young lawyer who had served with George Washington and suggested that the Constitutional Convention group call another meeting whereby the Articles of Confederation could be revised and made stronger. He was forced to leave the Convention early when the delegates from New York walked out over the idea of equal representation in the Senate

Constitutional Convention

In September 1786 delegates from 5 states met in Annapolis to discuss the economic problems (Shays Rebellion+economic fails). In May 1787, delegates from 12 states, all but Rhode Island, met at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia to discuss the possible revision of the Articles of Confederation. He was also secretary of the treasury.

George Washington

Served as chairman and presiding officer in the Constitutional Convention. He did not participate in debates.

Benjamin Franklin

Served as a behind the scene advisor to the younger delegates in the Constitutional Convention.

James Wilson

A Philadelphia lawyer, he was the best-known attorney in the country. Played an important role in trying to get others to join Madison during the Constitutional Convention

Roger Sherman

A self taught lawyer who was very skilled in the art of compromise. He played an important role in compromise. He also worked out the Connecticut Plan.

John Adams

Absent from the Constitutional Convention because he was serving in London as ambassador to England

Thomas Jefferson

Asecretary of Statebsent from the Constitutional Convention because he was serving in Paris as ambassador to France. Also the

James Madison

The father of the U.S. Constitution. "everyone acknowledged his greatness" was said about him. He studied in Princeton and had tried studying law but found it dry and boring, so instead turned to politics and philosophy. He was a close friend and protege of Thomas Jefferson. He was shy and hated speaking in public, which made his effort at the Constitutional Convention more remarkable

Virginia Plan

Madison's plan for a new constitution that appealed to the interests of large and small states. He argued that the Articles of Confederation should be thrown out and a new document drafted. Madison called for a bi-cameral (two house) congress, with an upper house (Senate) based upon equal representation (appealed to small states), and a lower house (House of Representatives) based on population (appealed to large states). He also called for an executive branch (President) with veto power. He also called for creation of a federal court system with a supreme court. Checks and Balances (Montesquieu)

New Jersey Plan

A response to the Virginia Plan, it called for the keeping a single, unicameral Congress in place, a dual executive with shared veto powers, and the ability of the government to tax imported goods and to regulate intra-state commerce or business. Presented by William Paterson

William Paterson

Presented the New Jersey Plan. He was also the 2nd governor of New Jersey

Connecticut Compromise

The compromise of both Madison and Paterson's plans. Worked out by Roger Sherman. It took the idea of checks and balances in the bicameral legislature, executive and judicial branches of government from the Virginia Plan. It took the ability of the federal government to tax imports and to regulate intrastate commerce from the Jew Jersey Plan.

3/5 Compromise

Southern states attempted to use slaves as part of their population count when determining how many votes they would have in the House of Representatives. The Northern States argued that property couldn't be counted. A compromise was reached where 3 slaves would be counted for every 5, or 3/5 of one whole.

Fugitive Slave Law

Southerners who were tired of being prevented from reclaiming runaway slaves, demanded that they be given constitutional protection when trying to reclaim a runaway slave. A law was enacted.

Atlantic Slave Trade

Pennsylvania Quakers wanted to end the Atlantic Slave Trade. Benjamin Franklin approached Charles Pinckney of South Carolina about the possibilities. Pinckney informed Franklin that the Constitution would not be ratified by his state if such a provision were in it, but if allowed to end the trade on their own, they would. A provision was put in that would end the trade in 1808.

Ratification

The Constitution had to be taken to all states to be ratified. The states each called for a ratification convention to consider the Constitution. Some states ratified quickly, but others had concerns.

Federalists vs. Anti-federalists

Federalists favored ratification and Anti-federalists opposed

The Federalist

a series of essays published in the New York newspapers and written anonymously by Hamilton, Madison, and John Jay, that addressed ratification concerns.

John Jay

1st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, negotiated with British for Washington. Wrote part of the Federalist and was the 2nd governor of New York.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution

George Washington establishing Precedents

Washington worked without a blueprint. He appreciated the power of the presidency and wanted to exercise its powers to the fullest, but respected the separation of powers. He established precedents with regard to the way he dressed (plain republican broadcloth), addressed Congress the way he wished to be addressed (Mr. President), and by serving 2 terms. He provided direction and stability (indispensable man)

Henry Knox

Secretary of War

Report on Public Credit (Funding)

Some individuals, primarily southerners, had sold what bonds that may have held for 25% or less of the face value thinking that something was better than nothing. Madison, representing Virginia in Congress, argued that the debt should be funded, but only those original lenders should be paid, not speculators. Hamilton countered by arguing that the note holder will receive payment whomever that is.

Funding

the promise to fund the federal debt at face value

Assumption

The federal government's assumption of all individual state debt

Report on Public Credit (Assumption)

Hamilton proposed that the federal government consolidate all debt by assuming the debt of the individual states. The problem was that most southern states had worked diligently to pay off a portion of their debt since 1783, while most northern states had not. Madison proposed that the debt be assumed as it stood in 1783. Hamilton disagreed, arguing that the federal government would assume only the present debt. A compromise was reached whereby each state's present debt would be assumed and a grant would be awarded to each state in the amount that they had paid toward their debt.

Report on Bank of the United States

Hamilton wanted the federal government to establish a National Bank to serve as a fiscal agent for the nation and issue currency (paper money). The National Bank was passed into law, it was given a 20-year charter, was organized and the stocks were sold, much of it to Hamilton's friends who had earlier made money from speculating on bonds, and overseas investors.

Report on Manufacturers

Hamilton's final report that did not pass Congress. Hamilton proposed that the U.S. should become a manufacturing nation, so it didn't have to rely on other overseas manufacturing countries. He proposed providing free land grants and protective tariffs as incentives to get businesses to invest in building factories. This plan was ahead of its time. (later adopted by Henry Clay after the War of 1812)

Neutrality Proclamation

Issued by George Washington to warn the U.S. citizens not to aid either side in the European war. He said the government would try to be friendly and impartial to both sides. What Washington meant was that the government would try to make money from both sides. The pursuit of profit by doing business with both sides brought American shipping into the middle of the war and soon British and French privateers began to stop American merchant ships, taking cargo and sometimes men.

The Genet Affair

After the arrival of Citizen Genet, he persuaded several Americans to arm their merchant vessels and to sail under the French flag as corsairs or privateers. Washington ordered that Genet stop doing this, but Genet ignored him. Upon arriving in Washington, Genet demanded that the U.S. government honor its alliance of 1778 and allow French corsairs to use any/all U.S. ports. This of course would have brought the U.S. into the middle of the war and would not have been very neutral. Washington was outraged by Genet's actions and demanded that the French replace him. This affair hurt Thomas Jefferson politically because he was known to be friendly with the French and Genet. Shortly after Genet's removal, French corsairs stepped up their attacks on American merchant ships in the Caribbean.

Citizen Genet

His real name is Edmond Charles Genet. He was a French diplomat sent to the United States to gather support for France in its European war

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

Claimed that the federal government did not have the power to limit freedom and speech and freedom of the press. This argued that each state had the power to declare federal laws unconstitutional. Followed the Alien and Sedition acts and was written by James Madison.

Jay's Treaty

An effort to get the British to quit attacking American shipping and to honor its claim of neutrality, Washington sent John Jay, the chief Justice of the Supreme Court, to London to work out an agreement. The agreement was:

the U.S. accepts the British definition of neutrality (no items identified as contraband by the British, such as naval stores, can be sent to France). The British would pay damages for the cargo seized. The British would allow the U.S. to trade with its colonies in Asia, but not the West Indies, which is what the U.S. wanted.

Pinckney's Treaty

One Benefit of Jay's Treaty was that the Spanish, who were at war with France. Now thought that they could deal with the U.S. The U.S. had tried to obtain navigation rights on the lower Mississippi River, which the Spanish controlled, but could not. They also sought the right of deposit for New Orleans, which would allow western farmers to ship their goods south. Now Spain was willing to provide these rights and increased trade with the U.S. The agreement was worked out by Thomas Pinckney, the U.S. minister to Britain.

Democratic Republicans

Their best-known leader was Thomas Jefferson. This group believed that government should be small and simple, otherwise it might be corrupted by crowded cities and industrial towns. Jefferson favored a nation of small farmers. Their chief organizer and manager was James Madison.

Election of 1796

Federalists were John Adams of Massachusetts and Charles Pinckney of South Carolina. The Democrats were Thomas Jefferson of Virginia and Aaron Burr of New York. Hamilton disliked Adams, the former Vice President, and so convinced supporters of Pinckney to withhold their support of Adams. Adams's supporters found out and withheld their support for Pinckney. Adams was elected president and Thomas Jefferson got 2nd place, therefore becoming Vice President

XYZ Affair

The French were angered by Jay's Treaty and began using corsairs to attack American merchant shipping. At first George Washington tried sending Pinckney to Paris to work something out but this didn't work. John Adams sent 3 diplomats when he came into office. He sent Pinckney, John Marshal, and Elbridge Gerry to Paris to negotiate an agreement. For 3 months the French refused to see them and eventually 3 French agents labeled X,Y, and Z (what Adams labeled them) approached the Americans with a deal. The French demanded that before any negotiations could take place, a bribe of $2,500 would have to be paid by the U. S. to each member of the French Directorate, and a $12 million loan would have to be made. Pinckney was angered over the demand for tribute and said "No, No, not a sixpence." President John Adams tried to avoid war with France during the late 1970s. The U.S. built a navy and fought an unofficial "Quasi-War" with France in the Caribbean, but Adams resisted declaring full war despite pressure. George Washington agreed to command an army if created, but he insisted on choosing Alexander Hamilton as 2nd-in-command, which worried Adams because Hamilton might use the army for his own political goals. Hamilton wanted war, believing it would hurt Jefferson, Madison, and the pro-French Democrats. Ultimately, France backed down, and war was avoided. However, Adams's determination to keep peace cost him politically and contributed to his loss in the election of 1800.

Elbridge Gerry

The father of the political practice gerrymandering. He was one of the 3 diplomats that President John Adams sent to Paris to work out an agreement with France

Quasi-War

An unofficial war

Alien and Sedition Acts

An attempt to frighten critics of the Federalist government into silence. These acts limited the 1st amendment rights which granted freedom of speech. Only about 10 people were ever convicted of these. These were believed to be unconstitutional by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

Convention of 1800

At this convention American and French diplomats worked out an agreement, avoiding a war; these federalists turned their anger towards Adams, which cost him his loss in the next election.

Election of 1800

Jefferson and Aaron Burr, the Democrat-Republicans, ran against Adams and Pinckney, the Federalists. Hamilton didn't think Adam's was fit to be president and convinced Pinckney's supporters to withhold support of Adams in the hope that Pinckney would win. His trick backfired and the Democrats won the election. Jefferson and Burr tied which meant the House of Representatives would have to choose between them. Democrats controlled 8 states while Federalists controlled 6 and 2 states were divided. Federalists voted for Burr to make trouble. They voted 36 times and on the 36th vote, someone changed their vote and Jefferson won the election. Then, they added the 12th Amendment to the Constitution so electors voted separately for President and Vice President. Jefferson had a grudge against Burr following this.

Louisiana Purchase

The most important accomplishment of Jefferson as president. In 1800 Spain sold Louisiana to France and cancelled the right of deposit. Napoleon Bonaparte planned on financing the territory with money earned in Santo Domingo. But during the French Revolution, the colony was lost following the Haitian Revolution. James Monroe (from America) was sent to Paris to work with Robert Livingston (American ambassador to France) in an attempt to purchase New Orleans for $10 million. Napoleon needed money and planned to go back to war with England. He ordered that all of Louisiana be sold to Americans for $15 million. America had almost doubled its size for 0.3 cents an acre and their prestige grew tremendously.

Haitian Revolution

Led by Toussaint L'Overture and Henri Cristophe. Santo Domingo broke away from France. They succeeded and France lost the colony. The French had 2/3rds of all its investments in the New World and lost it. This caused France to not be able to afford the Louisiana territory.

Hamilton - Burr Duel

After leaving vice presidency in 1804, Aaron Burr returned to New York and worked hard for the Democratic Party. His chief federalist rival in New York was Alexander Hamilton. When Burr chose to run for governor of New York in 1806, he was opposed by George Clinton, who was supported by both Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, who had lost all trust in Burr. The campaign was a dirty, mud-slinging affair, in which Hamilton made certain disparaging remarks about Burr that Burr didn't feel Hamilton could take back. Burr demanded a duel and Hamilton accepted. They met on Jersey Shore near Weehawken in the early hours of July 11, 1804. At the signal to fire Hamilton discharged his pistol into the air, giving Burr the opportunity to take the high ground and dismiss the duel. Burr, however, took careful aim and shot Hamilton. The bullet passed through Hamilton's liver, coming to rest against his spine. Hamilton dies the next day. This marked the end of the Federalist party because they had lost their leader.

Lewis and Clark

Congress supplied Jefferson with $2500 to explore the Louisiana territory. Jefferson appointed Merriweather Lewis to head it, and Lewis convinced William Clark to be his co-leader. Jefferson gave them detailed instructions that reflected his interests: mapping the country, keeping records of the climate, locating all rivers, taking note of soil conditions, looking for valuable materials. Also, collect plant and animal specimens and bring back the bones of any "extinct or rare" animals they could find. They employed a half-French, half-Indian interpreter skilled in sign language, a carpenter, an expert in repairing guns, and 21 other military men to join their Corps of Discovery. They only chose strong men who were used to living in the woods. NOTDONE

Merriweather Lewis

Jefferson's private secretary who was appointed to head the Louisiana territory expedition

William Clark

He was convinced by Lewis to become the co-leader of the Louisiana Territory expedition

Sacagawea

Joined Lewis and Clarke's expedition with her husband and newborn son as an interpreter. When the expedition met with the Shoshone people, it was discovered that Shoshone chief was her brother, and he supplied the Discovery Corps with 29 horses.

Jefferson's Embargo

Passed by Congress in 1807, this act prohibited all exports from the United States. Jefferson reasoned that if merchant ships could not carry goods overseas, no American sailor could be forced into a foreign navy. Stopping exports caused unemployment and badly hurt sections of the economy. Shipbuilding was stopped, people were unemployed, and American exports ceased to exist outside of smuggling. Jefferson allowed Congress to repeal the act shortly before he left office.

Non-Intercourse Act

Madison put this act in place because he believed the British needed to be dealt with. This act opened trade between the U.S. and everyone except for France and England. Madison thought it would improve the economy and that England and France would back off hostilities. It didn't work and Madison had to find another solution.

Macon's Bill #2

This law removed all restrictions on trade with England and France but promised to institute a non-intercourse act against the rival of whichever nation first causes hostilities. For example, if France ceases hostilities first, then the U.S. will institute a non-intercourse act against England. This is exactly what happened and it angered federalists who believed that the U.S. was stabbing England in the back during the British hour of need.

War Hawks

Young Congressmen in the 1810 mid-term elections who swept into Washington demanding that the United States fight England rather than to continue to suffer the shame and humiliation of impressment. They demanded that the United States take Canada from the British and Florida from Spain.

Henry Clay

A man from Kentucky who was too young to fight in the American Revolution and didn't understand the hardships of war

John C. Calhoun

A man from South Carolina who was too young to fight in the American Revolution and didn't understand the hardships of war

War of 1812

In June of 1812 Congress declared war on the British, making it more difficult for the British to win their war in Europe. The most powerful of the American ships were the seven frigates (3 masted square rigged ships): the Chesapeake, Constitution, President, Esses, and United States among them. In August 1812, the Constitution later defeated the Java in another famous battle. Old Ironsides as it is now called the most famous ship ever to have flown an American flag. In another early naval victory, Stephen Decatur, Captain of the United States, captures the Macedonian, hauling it back to New York for sale. Americans captured nearly two ships per day.

Stephen Decatur

The United States naval captain who captured the Macedonian and hauled it back to New York for sale.

Tecumseh

A Shawnee chief who, along with his brother, Tenskwatawa, a religious leader known as The Prophet, worked to unite the Northwestern Indian tribes. The league of tribes was defeated by an American army led by William Henry Harrison at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. He was killed fighting for the British during the War of 1812 at the Battle of the Thames in 1813.

William Henry Harrison

(1841), was an American military leader, politician, the ninth President of the United States, and the first President to die in office. His death created a brief Constitutional crisis, but ultimately resolved many questions about presidential succession left unanswered by the Constitution until passage of the 25th Amendment. Led US forces in the Battle of Tippecanoe.

Oliver Hazard Perry

He came from a Navy family, built a fleet of ships right on the shore and moved out into the lake. He defeated a British Squadron in the Battle of Put-in-Bay

Battle of Put-in-Bay

In 1813, William Henry Harrison made plans to move into Canada, but determined that Lake Erie would first have to be cleaned of the British. The officer who performed the task was Oliver Hazard Perry. In September 1813, this battle occurred and Oliver Hazard Perry defeated the British squadron. "We have met the enemy and they are ours," he informed Harrison.

Battle of the Thames

A battle at the Thames River in which Tecumseh was killed. The Canadian troops and their Indian allies were defeated by Harrison

Washington Burns

By the spring of 1814 Napoleon had been defeated in Europe, allowing the British to commit 14000 new soldiers to fight in America. After advancing up the Potomac River, the British captured Washington, forcing James Madison and Congress to flee across the river into Maryland. The British then burned much of Washington, including the capital. Their next objective was Baltimore, at the head of Chesapeake Bay. British ships advanced toward Fort McHenry, which guarded the entrance to Baltimore Harbor, but could not get within 3 miles of the Fort. After a day and night of firing, the frustrated British withdrew, leaving Baltimore safe. The defense of Baltimore gave the Americans newfound determination.

Fort McHenry

Fort in Baltimore Harbor unsuccessfully bombarded by the British in September 1814; Francis Scott Key, a witness to the battle, was moved to write the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner".

Creek War

Creek Indians in the south, led by Red Eagle and the urging of the British, Spanish, and Tecumseh, attacked Fort Mims in western Alabama, killing between 400 and 500 persons, many of them women and children. General Andrew was dispatched to put down the Creeks. He defeated them and forced them to give up 20 million acres.

Battle of Horseshoe Bend

fought during the War of 1812 in central Alabama. On March 27, 1814, United States forces and Indian allies under General Andrew Jackson defeated the Red Sticks, a part of the Creek Indian tribe inspired by the Shawnee leader Tecumseh, effectively ending the Creek War.

Treaty of Ghent

On December 24, 1814, after the Battle of New Orleans had begun, American and British diplomats in Ghent, Belgium signed the Peace of Ghent. The terms of the treaty were simple, no land or money exchanged hands, and no promises were made. The relationship had simply returned to the status quo, or how things were before the war. The British likely wouldn't impress Americans anymore because the war with France was over.

Andrew Jackson

Dispatched from Tennessee to put down the Creeks. In a series of battles culminating with the battle of Horseshoe Bend, on the Tallapoosa River in Alabama, Jackson defeated the Creeks, forcing them to give up 20 million acres in the process.

Battle of New Orleans

The British gathered 11,00 veterans of the war against Napoleon and moved toward the Louisiana coast. Andrew Jackson reacted at once, quickly ordering every available unit forward. Among the militiamen was a company of free black citizens from New Orleans. Even a group of pirates led by Jean Lafitte came forward patriotically to defend the city in exchange for Jackson's promise to not arrest them. The initial battle lasted 2 hours and ended in a draw. Jackson then retreated and began to build an earth-wall defense line behind a canal 5 miles from New Orleans. Jackson's initial attack caused the British to delay and it hurt them. By the time they moved forward Jackson had brought out cannons and his men to defend the wall, which was at a much higher elevation than were the British. As Jackson's Tennessee Long Rifles rained bullets on the British, they fell in large numbers. When it was over the British suffered 2000 casualties in just over an hour. Only 71 Americans were killed or wounded. The battle was fought over a peace treaty that had already been signed.