Test Review for Washington - Lewis and Clark
Themes to Know and Understand
Significance of George Washington's Presidency
- Established the tone for the presidency and the newly formed United States.
Significance of the Whiskey Rebellion
- Marked the first time the Constitution was challenged in a significant manner.
Moving the Capital from New York to Washington DC
- Important for symbolizing a new federal identity.
Significance of the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
- Addressed states' rights and the principle of nullification against federal laws.
Importance of Peaceful Transfer of Power
- Honors the democratic vote and reinforces stability within the government.
Surprise of Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase
- Contradicted his own values and principles regarding federal power and land acquisition.
Key Questions and Concepts to Know
Who was the first president of the United States?
- George Washington
How many cabinet members did he have?
- Only four members, compared to 15 today.
Who was the first Secretary of State of the US?
- Thomas Jefferson
Name 3 points of Hamilton's financial plan for the US.
- Federal assumption of state debts.
- Creation of a Bank of the United States.
- Support for tariffs to protect emerging American industries.
Which group supported Hamilton's plan and why?
- The Federalist Party supported it, believing that a strong central government was essential for national stability and economic growth.
Which group rejected Hamilton's plan and why?
- The Democratic-Republicans rejected it, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, favoring an agrarian economy with limited federal power.
Why did the US not politically support the French Revolution?
- To protect its own fragile stability and avoid involvement in a costly European war.
What did French Diplomat Genêt do that angered President Washington?
- Edmond-Charles Genêt acted disrespectfully towards the US, treating it like a French colony and engaging with the public rather than the government.
What was Jay's Treaty and why was it significant?
- A 1794 agreement designed to settle unresolved Revolutionary War issues and prevent conflict; it helped stabilize relations with Great Britain.
What was Pinckney's Treaty and why was it significant?
- A 1795 agreement with Spain giving the U.S. navigation rights on the Mississippi River and access to the port of New Orleans without charges, benefiting Western farmers.
Why do you think Washington only served two terms?
- Due to personal exhaustion and a desire to avoid a monarchy-like reign, following the precedent set in the new republic.
What does precedent mean?
- An earlier event or action serving as an example for future actions.
What 4 things did Washington warn about in his farewell address?
- Avoid sectionalism (division by geography).
- Do not engage in European affairs.
- Avoid political factions (partisanship).
- Do not form permanent foreign alliances or excessive public debt.
What was a major difference between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans?
- Federalists (led by Hamilton) favored a strong central government with a manufacturing economy.
- Democratic-Republicans (led by Jefferson) advocated for states' rights and an agrarian economy.
Who is the second president of the United States?
- John Adams (1797-1801).
What was the Naturalization Act?
- Increased the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 14 years.
What was the Alien Act?
- Authorized deportation of any non-citizen considered dangerous to national security.
What was the Sedition Act?
- Made it a crime to publish false and malicious writings against the government.
What was the XYZ Affair and why do we not know the French diplomats' names?
- A diplomatic incident where French agents demanded bribes; names are unknown as they were referred to as "X, Y, and Z" to maintain anonymity.
What did the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions claim?
- States had the right to nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional, particularly the Alien and Sedition Acts.
What was the controversy of the election of 1800?
- Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied in the Electoral College, sending the election to the House of Representatives which was deadlocked for 35 ballots.
Who was the unlikely person that played a role in choosing the next president?
- Alexander Hamilton, who lobbied Federalists to vote for Jefferson over Burr despite his rivalry with Jefferson.
Who is the third President of the United States?
- Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809).
How much did the US pay for the Louisiana Purchase?
- The U.S. paid $15 million to France for the territory in 1803.
Who did Jefferson send to explore this new territory?
- Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led the "Corps of Discovery."
What were the results of this exploration?
- Successfully mapped the region, established relationships with Native American tribes, and reached the Pacific Ocean.
What was the Wilderness Road, where did it start and where did it go?
- A principal route for settlers moving west, blazed by Daniel Boone, starting in Fort Chiswell, Virginia, passing through the Cumberland Gap, and ending at Louisville, Kentucky. It was heavily used from 1775 to 1810 by pioneers seeking the American frontier beyond the Appalachian Mountains.