American History: Early 19th Century

Nationalism as a central theme:
- Idea that America is superior, focus on American identity.
- Jefferson's perspective: Fighting ignorance through education.

Aim to establish free public schooling for men; however, often unmet due to lack of infrastructure.
Private institutions prevalent, often exclusive to the wealthy aristocracy.
- Wealth disparity evident in access to education.
Republican motherhood:
- The role of women defined as raising children to be responsible citizens.
Education of Native Americans:
- Jefferson's concept of "noble savages" and assimilation through teaching.
Education exclusion:
- African Americans were largely denied education opportunities.
- Even higher education institutions were private and exclusive.
Statistics on education:
- Approximately 1 in 1,000 males attended college, no women or minorities.
Medical education methods:
- Doctors required apprenticeship but relied on outdated techniques leading to harmful practices.

Push for cultural independence to rival European achievements in literature and art.
Innovations in spelling and educational materials:
- Noah Webster's role in creating American Spelling Book and Dictionary aimed at fostering patriotism.
Increased literacy rates attributed to newspapers and political pamphlets.

Key literary figures:
- Charles Brockden Brown - notable novelist before James Fenimore Cooper.
- Washington Irving - writer of satirical tales such as "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."
- Mercy Otis Warren - historian, author of "The History of the Revolution" (1805).
- Mason Weems - known for "The Life of Washington" (1806).

Post-Revolution detachment from organized religion.
Growth of deism: Concept that God created the world but is not involved in its governance.
Critique of Christianity by figures like Thomas Paine in "The Age of Reason."
Emergence of Universalism and Unitarianism after rejecting predestination.
- Salvation viewed as accessible to all and Jesus regarded merely as a moral teacher.
By 1801, the Second Great Awakening begins, promoting revivalism through Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches.

Preachers seeking to combat skepticism, focusing on personal faith and good works.
Growth in female participation as it provided a platform for women's voices.
Popularity among industrial workers, African Americans, and Native Americans, promoting ideas of equality and freedom.

Industrial revolution elements introduced, inspired by British technology and immigrant influence.
Samuel Slater - started the first American textile mill in Rhode Island (1790).
Innovations:
- Oliver Evans - automated flour mill.
- Eli Whitney - cotton gin (1793), leading to increased cotton production and the proliferation of slavery.
- Interchangeable parts affecting various industries.

Developments spurring engagement in interstate trade:
- Steam engine innovations leading to advancements in steam boats (Robert Fulton).
- Construction of turnpikes as toll roads.
Shift towards urbanization with a small percentage living in towns, mainly agrarian lifestyles.

Second president to inhabit the White House, designed by Pierre L'Enfant.
Jefferson’s philosophy: Simplicity in office, against aristocratic pretensions.
Political strategies: Used political appointments effectively, won reelection in 1804.

Urgent need for fiscal responsibility:
- Reduction of national debt, elimination of internal taxes, and reliance on land sales/custom duties.
- Reduced size of military funding (scaled down navy).
Push for a civilian government over a strong military presence.

Jefferson's conflicts with Federalist-controlled courts; attempted to repeal the Judiciary Act of 1801.
Important court case:
- Marbury v. Madison - established judicial review under Chief Justice John Marshall.
- Ruled parts of the Judiciary Act of 1789 unconstitutional, affirming the judicial branch's equal power.

Land acquisition from France, key figures: Robert Livingston and James Monroe. Cost: $15 million.
Jefferson's skepticism on constitutional grounds but recognized strategic importance.
Expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the newly acquired territory.

Expansion concerns among Federalists led to secession discussions; Alexander Hamilton opposed it.
Duel between Aaron Burr and Hamilton resulting in Hamilton’s death.
Burr's treason trial highlighted tensions around expansion and central government authority.

Ongoing naval conflicts with Britain and France, with increasing British aggression affecting American shipping.
Chesapeake-Leopard incident as a catalyst for growing tensions and the subsequent Embargo of 1807:
- Starvation of US economy leading to internal dissent, especially harming New England merchants.

War declared on Britain (June 18, 1812) due to naval impressment and trade restrictions.
Initial American setbacks at Detroit and Fort Dearborn.
Key victories:
- Great Lakes successes (Oliver Perry).
- William Henry Harrison's victory at the Battle of Thames.
- Andrew Jackson's victories, including the Battle of New Orleans, occurred after the Treaty of Ghent was signed.

Treaty that ended the War of 1812 without addressing impressment or land disputes.
Resulted in improved Anglo-American relations but left Native American grievances unresolved.