APUSH Period 4 (pt. 1)

THE REVOLUTION OF 1800

  • Definition: The “Revolution of 1800” refers to the peaceful transfer of power between rival political parties, which solidified faith in America’s political system.

Key Players and Ideologies

  • Thomas Jefferson: Promises to restore the original spirit of 1776, emphasizing a return to foundational American principles.

  • Conciliatory Message: "We are all Republicans; We are all Federalists" indicating an intention to unify the nation post-election.

Judiciary Act of 1801

  • Legislative action created 16 new federal judgeships.

  • Aimed to secure a Federalist hold over the judiciary.

  • Accusations of “court-packing” through these “midnight appointments.”

THE STRENGTHENING OF THE JUDICIAL BRANCH

  • John Marshall (Chief Justice 1801 - 1835): A committed Federalist who advanced the concept of “judicial nationalism.”

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

  • Landmark case that established the principle of Judicial Review.

Judicial Review

  • Definition: The Supreme Court has the final authority to determine the constitutionality of legislative and executive acts.

Impeachment of Samuel Chase

  • Impeachment charges brought against Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase were politically motivated.

  • The Senate did not convict, setting a precedent that the Supreme Court should not be reshaped through impeachment.

Mcculloch v. Maryland

  • Key case defending the loose construction of the Constitution.

  • Established the implied powers of government as legitimate, reinforcing federal authority over state laws.

JEFFERSON’S PRESIDENCY

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

  • Significant event where the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory, doubling its size for $15 million.

Constitutional Challenges

  • Debate between loose vs. strict construction of the Constitution regarding the legality of the purchase.

  • Vision of the territory as a “valley of democracy” aligning with agrarian ideals.

Lewis & Clark Expedition

  • Commissioned the Corps of Discovery to explore the newly acquired territory.

  • Successfully reached Oregon with guidance from Sacagawea.

Re-election of 1804

  • Affirmed Jefferson’s Vision: Small government with low taxes, reduced military expenditure (termed the “mosquito fleet”).

DOMESTIC POLICY

Threats to Neutrality

  • Barbary Pirates: Demanded tribute payments, challenging US maritime sovereignty.

  • Napoleonic Wars: Orders in Council closed European ports under French control to foreign shipping, provoking impressment of US sailors.

  • Chesapeake-Leopard Affair: British attack on US ship Chesapeake escalated tensions, resulting in violent confrontations.

Embargo Act of 1807

  • Intended as “peaceful coercion” but resulted in greater economic hardship for the US than for Britain or France.

  • Followed by the Non-Intercourse Act (1809) which aimed to replace the failed embargo.

  • Although ineffective, it unintentionally stimulated American industry and motivated a revival of the Federalist party.

  • Emergence of “War Hawks” who called for confrontations against Britain and Native Americans.

FOREIGN POLICY

The War of 1812

  • Nicknamed “Mr. Madison’s War,” rooted in rivalries with Britain's influence.

Background & Causes

  • Tecumseh and “The Prophet”: Organized a confederacy of Native Americans to resist US expansion.

  • Battle of Tippecanoe: Led by William Henry Harrison, US forces defeated the Shawnee, prompting Tecumseh to ally with Britain.

  • War Hawks’ Call to Arms: Promoted invasion of Canada as a war goal.

War Outcomes

  • Mistaken strategy involving a three-pronged invasion rather than targeting Montreal.

  • Notable waters engagement victories, particularly on the Great Lakes by Oliver Hazard Perry.

  • August 1814: British forces attack Washington D.C. and burn the presidential mansion.

Cultural Impact

  • Francis Scott Key: wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” while imprisoned onboard a British ship.

Treaty of Ghent (Dec. 1814)

  • Resulted in a draw; no territorial changes.

  • Andrew Jackson’s victory at the Battle of New Orleans occurred after the war had technically ended, symbolizing American resilience.

EFFECTS OF THE WAR OF 1812

Hartford Convention (1814)

  • Meeting of New England Federalists discussing secession (radical ideas) but most terms were moderate.

  • The convention marked the disgrace and end of the Federalist party.

National Outcomes

  • U.S. gained international recognition and respect.

  • Rise in nationalism leading to the rebuilding of the capital, development of American literature and art, and expansion of the military forces.

THE “ERA OF GOOD FEELINGS”

Political Climate

  • Characterized by one party dominance and a sweeping electoral victory for James Monroe.

Key Legislative Actions

  • Missouri Compromise (1820): Replaced previous amendments with agreements that Missouri would enter as a slave state and Maine as a free state, establishing the 36°30′ line as the dividing line for slavery in new territories.

  • Monroe’s re-election occurred nearly unanimously, highlighting political stability.

  • Florida Purchase Treaty (Adams-Onis Treaty): Acquisition of Florida from Spain, expanding US territory and influence.

Monroe Doctrine

  • Doctrine warned European nations against further colonization or intervention in the Western Hemisphere.

  • Described as a “self-defense doctrine” aimed at protecting US sovereignty.

Underlying Issues

  • Despite the period's stability, underlying issues remained such as tariffs, banks, internal improvements, slavery, sectionalism, and the Panic of 1819.

THE AMERICAN SYSTEM

Overview of the Policy

  • Developed in the 1820s by Henry Clay as a three-pronged approach to advances in American industry.

Components of the American System

  1. Strong Banking System: Aimed at providing easy and abundant credit.

  2. Protective Tariff: Designed to support Eastern manufacturing against foreign competition.

  3. Infrastructure Development: Focused on establishing roads and canals, particularly in the Ohio Valley, to facilitate the transport of foodstuffs, raw materials, and manufactured goods.

Significance of the American System

  • Aimed at economically and politically knitting the nation together.

  • Highlighted rising nationalism and resulted in significant infrastructure projects, including the Erie Canal and Cumberland Road, although federal sponsorship of building projects was often vetoed by Monroe.