Detailed Notes on Early American History

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12.1 Introduction

  • The birth of a new nation after the Revolution came with struggles regarding governance.
  • Questions posed:
    • Can the Constitution succeed where the Articles of Confederation failed?
    • Can 13 independent states share power with a central government?
    • Who benefits from the Bill of Rights?

12.2 A Revolution Lost

  • The Revolutionary War victory did not benefit Native American tribes caught in the conflict.
  • Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence criticized Native Americans, framing them as adversaries.
  • Many Native tribes, like the Stockbridge Indians, participated in the war on both sides but faced loss of lands post-war.
  • Cherokees, frustrated by land loss, attempted to defend their homeland during the Revolution.
  • The war resulted in the tribes being forced to choose sides, affecting their autonomy and lands.
  • The aftermath led to increasing land cessions by tribes, enforced by American military retaliation.

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  • Mohawk Chief Joseph Brant supported the British while Oneida allies sided with the Americans.
  • The Revolutionary War caused disintegration of Iroquois unity, with lasting impacts on their territories.
  • The 1783 Treaty of Paris ignored the interests of Native tribes, leading to resentment as tribes believed they were betrayed.
  • U.S. economic needs fueled land acquisition from Native Americans, contradicting professed honorable intentions.

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12.3 America Begins

  • In 1794, the Treaty of Greenville ceded significant Native lands to the U.S. after the Battle of Fallen Timbers.
  • U.S. founders dealt with state power vs. a strong government, resulting in the Articles of Confederation, which failed.
  • Shays' Rebellion highlighted the need for a stronger national framework leading to the Constitution's drafting.
  • The Constitution faced opposition due to lack of a Bill of Rights, which was later promised to secure ratification.

12.4 The Washington Presidency

  • George Washington became the first president, reluctantly taking on the role.
  • The first congressional session showcased tensions between Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
  • Debate over the title for the president highlighted conflicting views of governance.

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  • The executive branch was established, leading to the creation of essential departments (State, War, Treasury).
  • Washington’s trusted advisors included Thomas Jefferson (State), Henry Knox (War), and Alexander Hamilton (Treasury).
  • The Whiskey Rebellion displayed governmental authority, but sparked division over the use of military force by the federal government.

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  • Taxation measures raised issues of fairness, especially in the face of the excise tax on whiskey.
  • The violent response to taxation provoked fears of governmental overreach and reflections on liberty.
  • The early years of the French Revolution ignited debate over foreign policy; initial American support waned as violence ensued.

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  • The shift in American sentiment towards France reflected a divide between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.
  • Washington’s neutrality policy became a core aspect of American foreign relations.

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A Second Term and Farewell Address

  • Washington chose not to seek a third term, warning against entangling foreign alliances and divisive party politics in his farewell address.

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The Politics of Party

  • Alexander Hamilton emerged as a leading Federalist, advocating for a strong national government.
  • Hamilton’s vision emphasized business and manufacturing while fearing ‘the mob’ from higher influence.
  • The Federalist belief in governance by the elite positioned them against the more egalitarian Republican viewpoint.

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  • Thomas Jefferson, as a contrasting figure, believed in minimal government, favoring states' rights and a predominantly agrarian economy.
  • The political rivalry between Hamilton and Jefferson highlighted differing economic philosophies: industrialism vs. agrarianism.

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  • The election of 1796 revealed growing political discord, with Adams (Federalist) defeating Jefferson (Republican) for the presidency.

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The Presidency of John Adams

  • Adams faced challenges from the Alien and Sedition Acts, seen as measures targeting dissent primarily from Republicans.
  • The Alien Acts targeted immigrant voters, while the Sedition Act suppressed political criticism.

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  • The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions presented arguments against the federal government's overreach, advocating for states' rights.

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The New National Capital

  • The capital moved to Washington, D.C.

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Adams' Diplomatic Challenges
  • Adams contended with rising tensions with both Britain and France due to unresolved conflict post-Revolution.
  • The XYZ Affair heightened calls for war but Adams pursued peace instead.

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The Presidency of Thomas Jefferson

The Bitter Election of 1800
  • The election involved sharp political conflict between Federalists and Republicans.
  • The outcome solidified the shift in power towards Republicans without violence, a historic change.

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A Peaceful Revolution?
  • Jefferson’s administration capitalized on aspirations for a peaceful government despite political rivalry.

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The Greatest Land Deal Ever!
  • The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled U.S. territory at a low cost but faced constitutional debates over the acquisition.

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War and International Conflict
  • Conflicts continued at sea and with Barbary pirates led to shifting policies under Jefferson.

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  • Jefferson’s Economic Embargo Act aimed to protect American interests but suffered from severe domestic backlash.

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President Madison: A Second War for Independence?

  • Madison inherited unresolved tensions leading to the War of 1812 against Britain.

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  • A growing desire for war among advocates led to conflicts with Native Americans as British alliances were exposed.

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  • The War of 1812 brought significant military engagements, including the burning of Washington D.C. and events leading to the creation of "The Star Spangled Banner."

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  • The Battle of New Orleans became a defining victory, occurring after a peace treaty was signed, thus underscoring the futility of the war.

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  • The war’s results showcased national pride but left previous tensions unresolved leading to a decline for the Federalists.

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President Monroe

  • Monroe’s presidency witnessed the spread of Latin American independence movements and the crafting of the Monroe Doctrine to prevent European intervention.