7. The Early Republic | THE AMERICAN YAWP

The Early Republic

• Introduction

  • Thomas Jefferson’s electoral victory over John Adams and the success of the Democratic-Republicans over the Federalists marked significant changes in the early Republic.

  • Various groups in society, including wealthy, powerful individuals, middling, and poor whites, Native Americans, free and enslaved African Americans, and influential women, demanded inclusion in a nation founded on liberty.

Free and Enslaved Black Americans and the Challenge to Slavery

• Gabriel’s Rebellion (1800)

  • A plot led by Gabriel, nearly a thousand enslaved men aimed to attack Richmond, Virginia, to end slavery.

  • The plan began in late August 1800 but was revealed, prompting authorities to capture the conspirators before the attack occurred.

  • Gabriel and 25 others were executed, reinforcing strict controls on free people of color in Virginia.

  • Impacts of the Rebellion

    • Challenged white supremacist beliefs about Black intellectual inferiority.

    • Knowledge of the successful Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) inspired both enslaved and free Black Americans.

    • Figures like David Walker and John Russwurm highlighted Haiti's influence during this period.

    • Publications illustrated ongoing Black activism against slavery and racial oppression, even as white leaders moved to suppress such movements.

Jeffersonian Republicanism

• The Political Landscape

  • Jefferson’s election in 1800 symbolized a shift toward non-elite white American governance.

  • Federalist fears arose about the anarchy of direct democracy.

  • Jefferson perceived himself as the champion of rational governance, seeking a government that represented ordinary citizens.

Jefferson as President

• Presidential Policies

  • Jefferson aimed for limited government, lowering taxes, and curtailing military spending to promote peace.

  • The Louisiana Purchase (1803) was a cornerstone of his presidency, expanding U.S. territory significantly at a cost of $15 million.

  • Jefferson's foreign policy faced backlash during the Napoleonic Wars; notably, the Embargo Act of 1807 was designed to force European respect for American neutrality but resulted in economic strife.

Native American Power and the United States

• Diplomatic Relations

  • Prior to the American Revolution, Native American nations engaged in a complex diplomatic system to maintain their sovereignty amidst European imperialism.

  • Post-Revolution, Native American leaders sought to preserve their rights through treaties, often unrecognized by the U.S. government.

• Tecumseh’s Confederacy

  • Tecumseh advocated for unity among Native Nations against encroachments from American settlers, influenced by earlier Indigenous prophets.

  • The confederacy emphasized cultural and spiritual revival alongside physical resistance against U.S. expansion.

The War of 1812

• Causes and Outbreak

  • Tensions stemmed from impressment of American sailors and trade issues exacerbated by British interference with American shipping.

  • American frustration culminated in calls for war, leading to a declaration in June 1812.

• Course of the War

  • The war saw several critical battles, with Native American leaders like Tecumseh attempting to support British efforts against American forces.

  • Significant events included the American naval victories and the burning of Washington, D.C.

  • The war's end saw the Treaty of Ghent reaffirming pre-war boundaries but bolstered American nationalism.

Conclusion

• Post-war, the Federalist Party declined while the Democratic-Republican Party faced internal divisions.

• The ‘Era of Good Feelings’ was marked by growing nationalism but persistent political tensions surrounding issues of race, class, and identity.