American History Ex3-1

Constitutional Authority and the Supreme Court

• Discussion of the authority to determine constitutionality.

  • The Supreme Court decision in Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review.

  • This principle was not yet embedded in the American political context in the early 19th century, as it had only existed for a short time.

  • Over two hundred years later, this understanding is now a foundational element of the U.S. legal system.

The Louisiana Purchase

• The acquisition of territory doubled the size of the United States.

  • Many Americans were unaware of the land's potential, leading to exploration efforts like that of Lewis and Clark.

  • Lewis and Clark expedition:

  • Journeyed to the Pacific Ocean.

  • Discovered that there was no Northwest Passage; faced obstacles such as the Rocky Mountains, creating the Continental Divide.

  • The Divide determines the flow of rivers: rivers west of the Divide flow towards the Pacific, while those east flow into the Mississippi.

Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton Duel

• Aaron Burr served as Vice President and engaged in a notable duel with Alexander Hamilton.

  • Context of the duel:

  • Burr's failed gubernatorial bid, negatively impacted by Hamilton's interference.

  • Hamilton's opposition stemmed from a long-standing distrust of Burr as a political character.

  • The challenge to a duel occurred after Burr felt provoked by Hamilton's actions, leading to a dramatic resolution.

• Details of the duel:

  • Took place in Weehawken, New Jersey, on July 4th.

  • Dueling was legal in New Jersey but restricted in New York, necessitating the duel's location change.

  • Hamilton reportedly fired his shot into the air, while Burr inflicted a fatal wound.

• Aftermath and significance of the duel:

  • Hamilton died the following day, which shocked the nation due to his prominence as a founding father and former Secretary of the Treasury.

  • Burr faced a murder indictment, but legal proceedings were complicated by societal norms surrounding duels.

  • Burr's reputation was irrevocably damaged, leading to his political decline.

Burr Conspiracy and Louisianan Separatism

• Following the duel, Burr attempted to create a new state or country in the Louisiana Territory.

  • This effort was fueled by his belief that he could garner support from non-English-speaking settlers in New Orleans, who felt detached from the U.S. following the Louisiana Purchase.

• Burr's interactions with Governor James Wilkinson of Louisiana:

  • Initially supported Burr’s schemes but later turned against him, leading to Burr being charged with treason.

  • Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall played a role in Burr’s trial, ruling that Burr had not committed treason without concrete evidence of a military conspiracy.

  • Burr was acquitted and eventually left America for Europe.

Jefferson’s Administration and Decline of Popularity

• Jefferson’s reelection in 1804 was buoyed by the successful Louisiana Purchase but faced declines in popularity due to foreign policy issues.

  • Attempted neutrality during the Napoleonic Wars:

  • Jefferson aimed to avoid war similarly to his predecessors Washington and Adams.

• The Royal Navy's actions negatively impacted American merchant shipping:

  • British blockade affected trade routes, leading to seizing of U.S. ships and sailors through impressment, escalating tensions.

• The Chesapeake Incident in 1807 exacerbated hostilities:

  • An American ship, the Chesapeake, was fired upon by the British Navy; this incident spurred American war fervor.

The Embargo Act of 1807

• Implemented as a response to foreign conflicts, prohibiting American vessels from engaging in trade.

  • Intended to leverage American goods on British and French economies, but ultimately caused greater harm to the U.S. economy.

  • New England suffered backlash, leading to discussions of secession from the Union.

  • The Federalist Party gained traction due to dissatisfaction with Jefferson's policies, especially the embargo.

• The act was eventually repealed to allow trade, yet this was ineffective in mending relations.

Evolution of Presidential Tradition

• Jefferson’s decision to step down after two terms became a model for future presidents; the two-term limit was later mandated by the 22nd Amendment.

• The election of James Madison in 1808 carried forward the issues stemming from the Napoleonic Wars and the unresolved issues from Jefferson's term.

Tensions Leading to the War of 1812

• Native American resistance in the West led to fears of British support for Native uprisings.

  • Tecumseh and the Prophet's confederacy aimed to resist American encroachment, leading to fears that British interests were manipulating the uprising.

• The Battle of Tippecanoe, led by Governor William Henry Harrison, was a significant confrontation prior to the War of 1812.

• Madison's presidency faced external pressures, leading toward conflict with Britain, further fueled by a faction in Congress known as the "Warhawks" who supported military action.

  • The Warhawk faction capitalized on anti-British sentiments and dissatisfaction with the treatment of American sovereignty.

• Congress declared war despite significant opposition, marking the beginning of the War of 1812—dubbed "Mr. Madison’s War"—emphasizing the contentious political climate surrounding wartime decisions.