AMSCO Period 4

Overview of Historical Periods Covered 1800-1860

• Chapters:

  • Chapter 7: The Age of Jefferson, 1800-1816

  • Chapter 8: Nationalism and Economic Development, 1816-1848

  • Chapter 9: Sectionalism, 1820-1860

  • Chapter 10: The Age of Jackson, 1824-1844

  • Chapter 11: Society, Culture, and Reform, 1820-1860

• Key Themes:

  • Defining a new republic amidst growth

  • Expansion of suffrage and societal reforms

  • Economic development and territorial expansion

  • Conflicts with Native Americans and issues of rights for minorities

Chapter 7: The Age of Jefferson, 1800-1816

• Transition of Power:

  • Election of 1800 showcased bitter rivalry between parties.

  • Jefferson emphasized unity in his inaugural address, promoting a peaceful transition of power.

• Accomplishments During Jefferson's Presidency:

  • Retained Federalist economic policies like the national bank while adhering to Democratic-Republican principles.

  • Reduced military size, cut federal jobs, and eliminated excise taxes.

  • Louisiana Purchase (1803):

    • Acquisition significantly expanded U.S. territory and raised constitutional questions about presidential powers.

    • The purchase positioned agriculture as a cornerstone of national identity.

• Lewis and Clark Expedition:

  • Funded exploration provided scientific knowledge, strengthened U.S. claims in Oregon, and improved relations with Native Americans.

Chapter 8: Nationalism and Economic Development, 1816-1848

• Era of Good Feelings:

  • The presidency of James Monroe marked a time of national optimism but was complicated by growing sectional tensions over issues like tariffs and slavery.

• Economic Growth:

  • The shift toward a market economy with new innovations and infrastructure development fueled economic growth and trade.

• Henry Clay's American System:

  • Proposed protective tariffs, a national bank, and internal improvements to foster economic growth across various regions.

• Panic of 1819:

  • Economic downturn raised concerns about the banking system and led to criticisms of the Federal Government, weakening nationalistic sentiments.

Chapter 9: Sectionalism, 1820-1860

• Expansion and Diversity:

  • Population growth in the West and the increasing differences between North, South, and West highlighted emerging sectional tensions.

• Missouri Compromise (1820):

  • Addressed slavery issues by maintaining a sectional balance; it admitted Maine as a free state and Missouri as a slave state.

• Role of Nativism and Immigration:

  • Resentment against immigrants led to social movements and the formation of groups like the Know-Nothing Party.

Chapter 10: The Age of Jackson, 1824-1844

• Jacksonian Democracy:

  • Andrew Jackson's presidency represented a shift towards greater voter participation and a more direct appeal to the common man.

• Key Events:

  • Indian Removal Act (1830) led to the forced relocation of Native American tribes, exemplified by the Trail of Tears.

  • Jackson's strong opposition to the national bank highlighted his populist approach and increased the role of the executive.

Chapter 11: Society, Culture, and Reform, 1820-1860

• Reform Movements:

  • A multitude of social reform movements emerged focused on issues like education, temperance, women's rights, and abolition.

• Cultural Shifts:

  • Influential figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau contributed to the growth of transcendentalism and advocacy for civil disobedience.

• Women’s Rights Movement:

  • Key figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott advocated for women’s rights culminating in the Seneca Falls Convention (1848).

Summary of Key Concepts

• 4.1: Development of a modern democracy and national culture.

• 4.2: Technological and commercial innovations propelled economic transformation.

• 4.3: Expansion of foreign trade and territorial borders significantly impacted U.S. foreign policy.