US Hist unit 5 & 6

Unit 5: The Early Republic

1. Washington's Administration (Lesson 28)

   • Party: None (Washington did not belong to any political party; he believed in neutrality and was wary of party divisions).

   • Set key precedents for the presidency, such as the formation of a Cabinet and a two-term limit.

   • Enforced neutrality in foreign affairs, avoiding entanglements with Europe.

   • The Whiskey Rebellion tested federal authority.

2. John Adams's Administration (Lesson 29)

   • Party: Federalist.

   • The Alien and Sedition Acts aimed to suppress dissent but were controversial.

   • The XYZ Affair with France led to a quasi-war with France.

   • Adams' decision to avoid war with France was seen as a diplomatic success.

3. The Revolution of 1800 - Thomas Jefferson's Administration (Lesson 30)

   • Party: Democratic-Republican.

   • A peaceful transition of power from the Federalists to the Democratic-Republicans.

   • Advocated for a limited federal government, reducing national debt, and supporting agrarianism.

   • The Louisiana Purchase (1803) doubled U.S. territory.

4. James Madison and the War of 1812 (Lesson 31)

   • Party: Democratic-Republican.

   • The War of 1812 was fought against Britain due to issues like impressment of U.S. sailors and trade interference.

   • The war ended with the Treaty of Ghent, and it helped promote a sense of national identity.

5. James Monroe and the Era of Good Feelings (Lesson 32)

   • Party: Democratic-Republican.

   • Period of political unity after the War of 1812.

   • Monroe Doctrine (1823): Warned European powers against interfering in the Western Hemisphere.

   • The Missouri Compromise (1820) addressed the expansion of slavery in new states.

Unit 6: The Age of Jackson

6. Era of the Common Man (Lesson 33)

   • Party: Democratic.

   • Jackson’s presidency symbolized the rise of the "common man," expanding voting rights to more white males.

   • His populist policies focused on limiting the power of elites and promoting democratic participation.

   • The Indian Removal Act led to the Trail of Tears, forcibly relocating Native American tribes.

7. John Quincy Adams Administration (Lesson 34)

   • Party: Democratic-Republican (after the collapse of the Federalist Party, but seen as part of the National Republican faction, which later became the Whigs).

   • Adams faced a divided Congress and struggled to implement his policies.

   • Advocated for internal improvements and a strong federal government.

8. Jackson's Administration (Lesson 36)

   • Party: Democratic.

   • Focused on dismantling the National Bank and implementing populist policies.

   • The Nullification Crisis (1832) arose when South Carolina attempted to nullify federal tariffs.

   • Vetoed the re-charter of the National Bank, contributing to its downfall.

9. Van Buren Administration (Lesson 37)

   • Party: Democratic.

   • Van Buren inherited the Panic of 1837, a severe economic depression caused by overspeculation and bank failures.

   • His presidency was marked by economic hardship and the establishment of the Independent Treasury System.

10. "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too!" (Lesson 38)

• Party: Whig (William Henry Harrison ran as a Whig, with John Tyler as his running mate).

• Harrison, a military hero, ran on a platform of military prowess and opposition to Jacksonian policies.

• The slogan "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too!" referenced Harrison’s victory at the Battle of Tippecanoe.

11. Innovation and Industry in the 19th Century (Lesson 39)

• Party: N/A (this is more about economic and technological development than a specific political party).

• The Industrial Revolution transformed the economy, with innovations like the cotton gin, railroads, and the telegraph.

• These innovations led to rapid growth in the North and increased reliance on slavery in the South.

Nullification Crisis (1832-1833)

• The Nullification Crisis was a conflict between the state of South Carolina and the federal government over tariffs.

• South Carolina opposed the Tariff of 1828 (also known as the Tariff of Abominations) because it imposed high duties on imported goods, harming their economy reliant on imports.

• South Carolina’s political leaders, including John C. Calhoun (who was Jackson’s vice president), argued for states' rights, claiming that states had the authority to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional.

• President Andrew Jackson vehemently opposed nullification, asserting federal supremacy and threatening military action against South Carolina if they tried to enforce their nullification.

• The crisis was resolved through a compromise tariff in 1833, which gradually lowered the tariffs and eased tensions.