HIST 105
9/26/24 Lecture: Beginning Exam 2 The Constitution and the Search for Order
A. Overview
Timeline: 1776-1800 was a turbulent period.
Political Environment: Issues with foreign governments, domestic unrest, political partisanship.
Emergence of Political Parties: Formation of Federalists and Democratic-Republicans centered around federalism.
Articles of Confederation: The Constitution was created in response to the weaknesses of the Articles.
Ineffectiveness: The Articles were unable to effectively manage the needs of the nation.
B. Problems under the Articles of Confederation
Absence of Executive or Federal Courts: No centralized authority or judiciary to enforce laws.
Unicameral Legislature: Each state had one vote leading to unequal representation.
Financial Instability: Inability to pay debts or regulate commerce.
Continental Currency Failure: Printing of money led to inflation.
Trade Issues: Individual states began imposing tariffs causing economic conflict.
Foreign Relations Problems: Inability to manage foreign affairs; Britain and Spain held forts in America.
Economic Turmoil: Post-revolution economic issues were prevalent with farmers and merchants suffering.
C. Shay's Rebellion (1786-1787)
Background: Led by Daniel Shay, a former Revolutionary War captain whose grievance centered around economic hardship and tax relief.
Demands: Closure of courts, issuance of paper currency, tax relief, debt solutions.
Significance: The rebellion demonstrated the weaknesses of the Articles, ultimately convincing leaders that a stronger national government was necessary, and it instilled fear among the elite.
Reactions: George Washington and James Madison acknowledged the need for reform.
D. James Madison: “Father of the Constitution”
Constitutional Convention: Held in Philadelphia with 55 delegates; mostly planters and merchants.
Madison's Role: Active in discussions, emphasized the need for a stronger central government.
Political Philosophy: Advocated for a balanced federalism rather than consolidation; suggested a Senate with long-term members.
E. Virginia and New Jersey Plans; Great Compromise
Virginia Plan: Proposed a strong centralized government with a bicameral legislature based on population.
New Jersey Plan: Called for equal representation regardless of population.
Great Compromise: Resulted in a bicameral legislature balancing both plans with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate providing equal representation.
F. Slavery
3/5 Compromise: Southern states wanted slaves counted for representation, leading to a compromise that counted each slave as three-fifths of a person.
Transatlantic Slave Trade: Continued assistance for Southern economies through slavery.
G. Ratification Debates
Federalist Papers: Written to advocate for the ratification of the Constitution, arguing that it protected rights and liberties.
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists: The debate centered on fear of tyranny from a strong centralized government.
Anti-Federalists: Opposed, citing a lack of a Bill of Rights.
Outcome: Constitution ratified by nine states with significant debate and compromise.
H. The Bill of Rights
Opposition to Bill: Madison initially resisted it fearing restricted rights.
Final Approval: By the end of 1791, three-fourths of states accepted the Bill of Rights.
The Federalist Era
A. Overview
1790s: Period marked by ideological conflict and development of the first two-party system.
B. Hamilton’s Economic Program
Debt Assumption: Federal government assumed state debts.
National Bank: The necessity and constitutionality were deeply debated.
C. Democratic-Republicans vs Federalist Ideologies
Federalists: Favored a strong national government; embraced economic growth.
Democratic-Republicans: Advocated for states' rights and agricultural society.
D. The French Revolution's Effects
Political Partisanship: Division between supporting British or French interests.
E. Jay's Treaty and Pinckney's Treaty
Jay's Treaty: Sought to settle conflicts with Britain, resulted in some concessions but angered many.
Pinckney's Treaty: Set boundaries and ensured trade access through New Orleans.
F. The Whiskey Rebellion
Context: Frontier farmers revolted against the whiskey tax, demonstrating federal authority.
G. Washington's Achievements
Stability: Established a strong foundation for the federal government and avoided European entanglements.
H. The Quasi-war
Tensions with France: Created lasting political impacts and increased national security measures.
I. The War at Home and the Election of 1800
Sedition Act: Exemplified the fear of dissent against the federal government and consumer response led to the election of Thomas Jefferson.
Jeffersonian Republicanism
A. Overview
New Policies: Focused on reducing federal power; emphasized agrarian values.
B. Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Judicial Review: Established the court's authority to interpret the Constitution.
C. Jefferson's Domestic Policies
National Debt: Aimed to reduce it, cut military expenses, and repeal certain taxes.
D. The Essex Junto and Burr Conspiracy
Federalist Actions: Reflected tensions and intrigue within political factions.
E. Jefferson's Foreign Policy
Barbary Pirates and Embargo Act of 1807: Struggled with international respect and trade issues.
The War of 1812
A. Origins of the War
James Madison's Presidency: His indecisiveness facilitated conflict with Britain.
B. The War in Three Regions
Military Campaigns: Focused on Canada, the South, and the Chesapeake region.
C. Treaty of Ghent and Battle of New Orleans
End of War: No decisive victory, but spurred nationalism.
D. Hartford Convention
Federalist Decline: Resulted from political backlash against war efforts.
E. Legacies of the War**
Nationalism: Helped foster a sense of American identity and prosperity.
The Market Revolution
A. Overview
Economic Changes: Transitioning from agricultural to industrial society, marked by significant technological advances.
B. Improvements in Transportation and Communication
Transportation Networks: Development of canals, railroads, and telegraph systems enhanced trade and communication.
C. New Inventions
Increased Production: Innovations like the steam engine revolutionized manufacturing.
D. Westward Movement and Rural Life
Settlement Patterns: Shaped new demographics in America, affecting social and economic structures.