Early Republic, Westward Expansion, and Jacksonian Democracy Flashcards

Foundations of the Early Republic and Origins of Party Politics

• In the era of the EARLY REPUBLIC, political landscape was defined by Party politics, specifically the rivalry between Jefferson’s Democrats and Hamilton’s Federalists.
• $1789$: George Washington is inaugurated as President. He immediately pushes for neutrality regarding the ongoing British/French Wars.
• $1789$: The French Revolution begins. The transcript notes that "all hell breaks out" during this period and the U.S. is torn over helping their former ally.
• $1790$: Hamilton’s Assumption Plan is successfully passed. This was achieved through a "dinner" deal which ultimately creates D.C. capital (Washington, District of Columbia).
• $1793$: The Reign of Terror begins in France. King Louis XVI has his head cut off (execution by decapitation). In response to the escalating violence, the U.S. backs off from its French alignment.
• $1795$: The Whiskey Revolt occurs. Washington personally puts down this event, which served as the first challenge to government authority.
• $1796$: Washington issues his famous "Farewell Address." In this document, he advises the nation to maintain no alliances and avoid involvement in European Wars.
• $1797$: The "Pseudo War" with France occurs, triggered by the XYZ Affair. This incident almost pushed U.S. to war.
• $1798$: President Adams signs the "Sedition Acts." This legislation makes it illegal to question government actions.
• $1799$: Napoleon takes over France. The U.S. is consequently put into very difficult position regarding its stance as a neutral nation.

The Jeffersonian Revolution, Westward Expansion, and Slavery

• $1800$: The "Revolution" of $1800$ occurs. This election brings in first peaceful transfer of power as Jefferson wins the presidency.
• $1803$: Eli Whitney’s invention of the "Cotton Gin" significantly alters the economy. It gives a rebirth to the value of SLAVERY throughout the South.
• $1803$: The Louisiana Purchase is finalized. This massive land acquisition doubles U.S. territory and is the official catalyst where westward movement starts.
• $1808$: The Atlantic "Middle Passage" of slaves is officially outlawed; however, legal guidelines dictate that only internal selling is ok within the country.

Conflict, Nationalism, and the Era of Good Feelings

• $1811$: The famous Indian Leader Tecumseh is defeated at "Tippecanoe" by William Harrison.
• $1812$: The War of $1812$ starts with England. The transcript notes that the war "doesn’t go well for U.S….at all."
• $1814$: British forces burn Washington DC. In response to the war's progress, New England states plan secession at the Hartford convention.
• $1814$: Andrew Jackson wins the "Battle of New Orleans." Following this victory, he becomes recognized as a national hero.
• $1816$: The first ever "protective tariff" is passed by Congress. This occurred during the recession following the war.
• $1818$: Jackson "invades" Florida while chasing Seminole Indians. This military action leads to the outcome where we get Florida.
• $1819$: The Missouri Crisis takes place. This tension ends with Compromise, which utilized pairs of states and established the $36^\circ 30'$ line as a boundary for slavery.
• $1820$: The "Era of Good Feelings" begins. During this time, the Federalist Party dissolves, leaving only one party in power.
• $1823$: The Monroe Doctrine is issued. It explicitly tells Europe that Latin America is our backyard and warns them to "stay out."

Jacksonian Democracy and the Rise of the Common Man

• $1824$: The "Corrupt Bargain" election occurs. John Quincy Adams managed to beat Jackson, and Henry Clay was appointed as Secretary of State.
• $1825$: The Democratic Party is officially created by Jackson. The party is designed to engage in representing common man interests.
• $1825$: The Erie Canal is completed and opens up. This infrastructure connects New York with the Ohio "West."
• $1828$: Jackson is officially elected president. Upon taking office, he replaces politicians with his "Spoils System."
• $1820s$ and $1830s$: The "Second Great Awakening" religious revival sweeps through U.S., including areas described as "burned over."
• $1830$: Congress passes the "Indian Removal Act." In response, the Cherokee challenge in court to protect their lands.
• $1831$: William Lloyd Garrison introduces his publication "The Liberator," marking a major turning point for Abolitionists.
• $1831$: Nat Turner’s Rebellion breaks out in Virginia. This event significantly freaks out Southerners, leading to strict new laws such as "no reading!" for enslaved populations.

The Imperial Presidency, Social Reform, and Economic Crisis

• $1832$: The Supreme Court rule that the "Civilized Tribes" can stay on their land; however, Jackson ignores them and proceeds with removal.
• $1832$: Henry Clay creates the WHIG Party. This is a pro-business party intended to challenge Jackson. Around this time, Old "Warhawks" Clay and Calhoun separate from their previous political alignments.
• $1832$: The Nullification Crisis and the Bank War take place. These events are cited as prove of Jackson’s tough "imperialism" and lead to his label as the "Imperial President."
• $1836$: The Trail of Tears begins as the U.S. removes Creek and Cherokee to Oklahoma. The transcript notes that a "thousand die along the way" during this forced migration.
• $1837$: Jackson’s bank war results in moving $ to "Pet Banks." This action causes the economy to collapse.
• $1848$: The Seneca Falls convention takes place. This event crystalizes the Women’s Suffrage (and equality) movement in America.