Study Notes on the New Republic and Early U.S. History ( week 2- M)

  • The New Republic (1790-1800)

    • The nation started with the Constitution, which greatly defined U.S. citizenship and the role of the presidency.

    • Emergence of political parties: Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists, latter evolving into Democratic-Republicans.

    • Political parties are divisive; quote about political parties from a minister illustrates ongoing political animosity.

  • George Washington's Presidency

    • Resigned in 1797, leading to increasing anti-immigrant sentiments, particularly against the French.

    • John Adams followed as president, inherited anti-immigrant challenges, increasing required residency for citizenship from 2 to 5 years.

  • Anti-Immigration

    • Anti-immigration sentiment has historical roots.

    • Discussed contemporary parallels with modern anti-immigrant rhetoric.

  • John Adams and the Quasi-War with France

    • Conflict arose due to U.S. trade with Britain during French revolutionary wars.

    • The XYZ Affair: U.S. diplomats asked for a bribe to meet French officials.

    • Unofficial sea conflict dubbed the quasi-war, le ading to rising tension.

  • Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

    • Aimed to protect the nation, but infringed on civil liberties, especially freedom of speech.

    • Naturalization Act: Increased residency requirement to 10 years.

    • Alien Acts: Allowed for the deportation of immigrants deemed dangerous.

    • Sedition Act: Punished criticism of government, a direct contradiction to free speech.

  • Republican Response

    • Formation of the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

    • Concept of Nullification: States can ignore federal laws they deem unconstitutional.

  • Election of 1800

    • Significant due to the switch from Federalist to Democratic-Republican control.

  • Midnight Judges

    • John Adams appointed many federalist judges before leaving office to maintain party influence.

  • Thomas Jefferson's Presidency

    • Marked by expansion of territory and the advent of the Jeffersonian era.

    • Advocated for independent farmers and against the urban corruption he associated with cities.

  • Louisiana Purchase (1803)

    • Acquisition of 900,000 square miles from France for $15 million, expanding territory significantly.

    • Ignored constitutional requirements, creating a precedent for executive power over Congress.

  • Barbary Wars (1801-1805)

    • Jefferson’s military response to piracy in the Mediterranean, establishing ability for U.S. military action overseas.

  • Marbury v. Madison (1803)

    • Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review.

    • Argument about federal versus state power and the limits of executive action.

  • War of 1812

    • Conflict largely stemming from British impressment of American sailors and commercial restrictions.

    • Battle of Baltimore and defense of Fort McHenry, which inspired the U.S. National Anthem by Francis Scott Key.

  • Andrew Jackson's Emergence

    • Hero from the Battle of New Orleans, which occurred after the Treaty of Ghent had ended hostilities—leading to patriotic glorification despite the treaty's outcome being neutral.

  • Post-war Changes

    • Rise of urbanization and immigration led to socio-economic stratification and burgeoning American culture.

    • Discussion of American drinking culture in cities and its implications.

    • Expansion of educational institutions to educate growing urban populations.

  • Conclusion

    • Exploration of changing dynamics between political parties and the emergence of a more robust American identity during the early 19th century.

    • Introduction to Andrew Jackson as a pivotal figure in reshaping the landscape of American politics during the Jeffersonian era.