Untitled Flashcards Set

Bank of the United States
The Bank, created in 1791, helped stabilize the U.S. economy, manage debt, and regulate currency. Its creation sparked political divisions and laid the groundwork for the emergence of political parties.

Impressment
Impressment was the British practice of forcibly recruiting American sailors into the British Navy, angering Americans and leading to the War of 1812. It highlighted the challenges the U.S. faced in asserting its sovereignty.

Jay’s Treaty
Jay’s Treaty (1794) resolved some post-Revolutionary War issues with Britain, including British troop withdrawal from U.S. territory. It was controversial but helped prevent war and laid the foundation for U.S. foreign policy.

Federalists and Republicans
The Federalists, led by Hamilton, favored a strong central government, while the Republicans, led by Jefferson, advocated for states' rights. Their rivalry formed the basis for America’s first political parties.

Whiskey Rebellion
The 1794 Whiskey Rebellion was a violent protest against a federal tax on whiskey by western Pennsylvania farmers. Its suppression demonstrated the power of the new federal government under the Constitution.

XYZ Affair
In 1797, the XYZ Affair was a diplomatic incident where French agents demanded bribes from U.S. diplomats, leading to an undeclared war with France. It galvanized American nationalism and increased support for military action.

Alien and Sedition Acts
The Alien and Sedition Acts (1798) restricted speech and the rights of immigrants, particularly targeting political opposition to the Federalist Party. These acts were seen as a violation of civil liberties and sparked debates on states' rights.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
Written by Jefferson and Madison, these resolutions challenged the Alien and Sedition Acts and proposed that states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws. They set the stage for future debates on state versus federal power.

Revolution of 1800
The 1800 election marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in U.S. history, with Thomas Jefferson defeating John Adams. This event affirmed the strength and stability of American democracy.

Haitian Revolution
The Haitian Revolution (1791–1804) was the first successful slave revolt, leading to the establishment of Haiti as an independent republic. It influenced U.S. attitudes toward slavery and independence movements in the Americas.

Gabriel’s Rebellion
Gabriel’s Rebellion (1800) was an attempted slave uprising in Virginia led by Gabriel Prosser, which was thwarted before it could take place. It heightened fears of slave revolts and led to stricter control over enslaved people.

Marbury v. Madison
In 1803, Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, empowering the Supreme Court to strike down unconstitutional laws. This decision shaped the balance of power between the branches of government.

Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase (1803) doubled the size of the U.S., securing control of the Mississippi River and opening vast territories for settlement. It also raised questions about presidential powers and the expansion of slavery.

Lewis and Clark Expedition
The Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806) mapped the newly acquired western territories, establishing U.S. claims to the land and fostering relations with Native Americans. Their journey provided vital knowledge for westward expansion.

Barbary Wars
The Barbary Wars (1801–1805) were the U.S.'s first military engagements abroad, fought against pirates from North Africa who threatened American shipping. The wars demonstrated the U.S.'s willingness to defend its interests internationally.

Embargo Act
The Embargo Act of 1807 attempted to pressure Britain and France to respect U.S. neutrality by halting all American exports. It devastated the U.S. economy and was eventually repealed after widespread discontent.

Tecumseh
Tecumseh was a Shawnee leader who sought to unite Native American tribes to resist U.S. expansion into their lands. His alliance with the British during the War of 1812 made him a major threat to American territorial ambitions.

War of 1812
The War of 1812 was fought between the U.S. and Britain over issues like impressment and trade restrictions, ending in a stalemate. It fostered American nationalism and led to the decline of the Federalist Party.

Fort McHenry
The defense of Fort McHenry in 1814, where American forces repelled a British attack, inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star-Spangled Banner. The event symbolized American resilience during the War of 1812.

Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans (1815) was a decisive American victory over the British, fought after the peace treaty was signed but before the news reached the combatants. The victory boosted national pride and made Andrew Jackson a hero.

Hartford Convention
The Hartford Convention (1814) was a meeting of New England Federalists who opposed the War of 1812 and discussed constitutional amendments. It discredited the Federalist Party, which had been seen as unpatriotic at the time.