APUSH P4

Unit 4 highlights a change in politics because American parties emerge, democratic ideals expand, and there are peaceful transitions of power to each president. Sectionalism between the Northern and Southern states increases as the debate over whether slavery should be outlawed and how much power the federal government has over the states is contemplated. Despite political disputes, the War of 1812 and conflicts with Native Americans was important because it showed how warfare continued on the basis of nationalism, land, and wealth motives.

Key Terms:

• The Embargo Act of 1807: Thomas Jefferson chose to forbid foreign trade with France and Britain during the Napoleonic Wars in efforts to preserve the American economy. The British broke the Neutrality Policy of America by attacking American merchants and cargo ships so this was a diplomatic retaliation.

• American System: Henry Clay proposed protective tariffs for American industries, a strong federal bank to serve as a national depository, and stood for internal developments.

• Battle of New Orleans: General Andrew Jackson became known as a war hero and gained public support because he won the battle after the War of 1812 had already ended two weeks ago but this hadn't been reiterated yet.

1. The Rise of Democracy & Political Change

• Revolution of 1800 — Peaceful transfer of power from Federalists (Adams) to Democratic-Republicans (Jefferson).

• Marbury v. Madison (1803) — Supreme Court case establishing judicial review (power to declare laws unconstitutional).

• Democratic-Republican Party — Jefferson’s party favoring agrarianism, states' rights, and strict Constitution interpretation.

• Second Party System — Political system featuring Democrats (Jackson) vs. Whigs (Clay), 1828–1850s.

2. Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Eras

• Louisiana Purchase (1803) — U.S. bought Louisiana Territory from France, doubling land and expanding west.

• Embargo Act (1807) — Jefferson's ban on foreign trade to avoid war; hurt U.S. economy badly.

• Hartford Convention (1814) — Meeting of New England Federalists who opposed War of 1812; viewed as disloyal → Federalist Party collapses.

• Era of Good Feelings (1817–1825) — Period of political unity after War of 1812 (Monroe presidency, one-party dominance).

• Missouri Compromise (1820) — Missouri = slave state; Maine = free state; banned slavery north of 36°30′ line in Louisiana Territory.

• Corrupt Bargain (1824) — Alleged deal between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay to defeat Andrew Jackson in presidential election.

• Indian Removal Act (1830) — Law forcing relocation of Native tribes to lands west of Mississippi River.

• Trail of Tears (1838) — Forced march of Cherokee from their lands to Indian Territory; thousands died.

• Nullification Crisis (1832–1833) — South Carolina tried to nullify federal tariffs; Jackson used force to enforce laws.

• Bank War — Jackson’s campaign to destroy Second Bank of the U.S., which he viewed as corrupt and elitist.

3. Market Revolution & Industrial Growth

• Market Revolution — Economic shift from subsistence farming to national markets and industrialization.

• Erie Canal (1825) — Linked Great Lakes to Hudson River; boosted trade and settlement of Midwest.

• Lowell System — Factory model hiring young women for textile work in Massachusetts.

• American System (Henry Clay) — Plan for economic growth: protective tariffs, national bank, internal improvements.

• Cotton Gin (1793) — Invented by Eli Whitney; sped up cotton production → expanded slavery in South.

• Interchangeable Parts — Eli Whitney’s innovation allowing mass production and easier repair of goods.

4. Reform Movements & Social Change

• Second Great Awakening — Religious revival encouraging reform and moral improvement.

• Temperance Movement — Campaign to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption.

• Abolitionism — Movement to end slavery.

  • William Lloyd Garrison — Radical abolitionist; published The Liberator.

  • Frederick Douglass — Former slave and leading abolitionist speaker/writer.

• Seneca Falls Convention (1848) — First women’s rights convention; issued Declaration of Sentiments demanding gender equality.

• Transcendentalism — Philosophy emphasizing individualism, nature, and self-reliance.

  • Ralph Waldo Emerson & Henry David Thoreau — Key figures.

• Utopian Communities — Small experimental societies (ex: Brook Farm, Oneida) aimed at social perfection.

5. Foreign Policy & Territorial Expansion

• Louisiana Purchase (1803) — (Again: doubled U.S. land from France).

• Monroe Doctrine (1823) — U.S. warned Europe not to interfere in Western Hemisphere affairs (Latin America).

• Texas Independence (1836) — Texas broke away from Mexico and later sought U.S. annexation.