Download Backup of American History I Unit 4 Reading Guide

American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
1
American History I
Unit 4 1789-1820
The Emerging Nation
Essential Understandings (Generalizations) and Guiding (Essential) Questions:
Groups and individuals pursuing their own goals may influence the priorities and actions
of a government.
How can individual rights and the government’s view of the “common good” create
conflict or stability?
2. What was the impact of the major domestic issues and conflicts experienced by the nation
during the Federalist Era?
3. Should we expect elections to bring about revolutionary changes? (election of 1800)
1.
Relationships between nations can impact both domestic and foreign affairs.
How did the U.S. confront internal and international conflicts during this era?
How did the distribution of political and economic power reflect the social structure and
geographic diversity of the Federalist Era?
3. How does a nation’s involvement in international conflicts affect its identity?
4. Should a nation form trade agreements with nations it disagrees with politically?
5. Is economic coercion an effective method of achieving our national interest in world
affairs?
1.
2.
Leaders can modify the institutions of government in response to the challenges of their
time.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
How did the U.S. government emerge out of competing processes of conflict and
compromise?
How did the Federalist Period contribute to the long-standing debate in America about
the role of government and the distribution of power?
How is the U.S. Constitution a document subject to change and interpretation?
How effective were the political, social, and economic institutions of the emerging
republic in creating a democratic foundation for the United States?
Is the suppression of public opinion during times of crisis ever justified?
War can lead a society to economic prosperity
1. Does war cause national prosperity?
2. Should the United States fight to preserve the right of its citizens to travel and trade
overseas?
3. How did the War of 1812 change the economic policies of the United States?
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
Vocabulary
Tier1
Agreement
Disagreement
Conflict
War
Fight
Political
trade
Rules/laws
Speech
People
George Washington
John Adams
Abigail Adams
Thomas Jefferson
Alexander Hamilton
James Madison
James Monroe
John Marshall
Francis Scott Key
Tier 2
Compromise
Negotiations
Congress
Neutral
Trade
Federal
Republican
Embargo
Economy
Rebellion
Interpretation
Political party
Address
Diplomacy
Tier3
President Washington’s Farewell Address
Jay’s Treaty
Pinckney’s Treaty
XYZ Affair
Hartford Convention
Resolutions
Foreign policy
Neutrality
Impressments
Neutrality
President Madison’s War
XYZ Affair Convention of 1800
Embargo Act (1807)
War Hawks
War of 1812
Battle of New Orleans
Treaty of Ghent
Adams-Onis Treaty
States’ rights
Nationalism
Nullification
Whiskey Rebellion
Strict & loose interpretations
Judiciary Act of 1789
Thomas Jefferson and Alexander
Hamilton’s Economic Plan
Laissez-faire
Democratic-Republican Party
Federalist Party
2
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
3
Aaron Burr
Lewis and Clark
By the end of this unit, students should be able to state…
I can … Analyze the causes and effects of key political, economic, and social turning points from
the years 1789-1820
I can … Compare and contrast the views and beliefs of Federalists and Anti-Federalists
I can … Compare and contrast the different economic plans of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas
Jefferson
I can … Understand how the monetary cost of war can lead to more conflict within and outside
of a nation
I can … Explain the Laissez-Faire style of government and its impact on American society.
I can … Understand the impact that the Louisiana Purchase had on the United States.
I can … Summarize key landmark decisions that were made by the John Marshall Supreme
Court and assess the impact of those decisions on American History.
I can … Understand the importance of George Washington’s Farewell Address and evaluate its
impact on American History.
I can … Explain the key reasons for the outbreak of the War of 1812
I can … Explain the impact of major events in American politics from 1790-1820 on American
society (e.g. XYZ Affair, Alien & Sedition Acts, War Hawks and Hartford Convention).
I can … Evaluate the impact of the War of 1812 on the United States (including on its role in the
global society at the time).
I can … Analyze the relationship between innovation, economic development, progress and
various perceptions during the War of 1812.
I can … Understand the significance of the War of 1812 and the national anthem of the United
States.
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
4
4.01 Washington Sets Precedents for a New Government
THE FIRST PRESIDENTlAL ELECTION
After the Constitutional Convention George Washington believed that he could finally
return home to Mount Vernon but the electoral college would prove this to be impossible.
George Washington was unanimously elected to serve as the first President under the
Constitution. It must be remembered that George Washington was a unifying figure during the
Revolution and one universal respect from most citizens regardless of sectional differences. As
previously noted, differences between the North and the South existed during the colonial era,
the Revolution, and the Constitutional convention. George Washington was utilized as a unifying
figure as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and as presiding officer of the
Constitutional convention. The country needed him one more time to serve as a unifying figure.
Leaving Mount Vernon, he journeyed to New York City, the first capital of the new government,
and took the oath of office on the balcony of Federal Hall on April 30, 1789. John Adams was
elected Vice President.
At first, a plan was forwarded to rotate the capital of the new nation. It became obvious
that due to logistics and an army mutiny that threatened Philadelphia in 1783 that this would be
impossible so the District of Columbia was partitioned off of Virginia and Maryland to create a
national capital not located in any one state subject to the defense of any one state. This section
of the country was chosen through the Compromise of 1790 in which the national government
assumed the Revolutionary war debt of the states. Since the southern states had less of a war
debt than the New England states, many southerners complained that their tax money should not
be used to pay off someone else's debt. The Southerners relented when it was decided that the
new capital would be located south of the Mason Dixon line. Alexander Hamilton formulated
the plan that the individual states would be more loyal to the new national government if they
became economically indebted to the new national government.
1. Who was the first President of the new nation?
2. Who was the first Vice President of the new government?
3. Why was Washington DC created and why is it located in the South?
BEGINNINC OF THE CABINET SYSTEM
Although the Constitution provided a framework for the new government it did not create a
detailed blueprint for governing. Washington and the Congress had to create a working
government and therefore set precedents that all future presidential administrations and
congresses would follow. To help the President carry out his duties, the first Congress created
three executive departments: State, Treasury, and War. To head these departments, Washington
appointed able people whose judgment and opinions he valued. For the position of Secretary of
the Treasury, the most important post at the time, he selected a brilliant young lawyer,
Alexander Hamilton. Thomas Jefferson, an experienced diplomat, became Secretary of State.
Henry Knox, a general during the Revolution, was appointed Secretary of War.
Washington made it a practice to meet with his department heads to discuss problems of
government and to seek advice on vital issues. Together with Edmund Randolph, the Attorney
General, they became the President's advisory board: the first Cabinet.
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
5
4 Who were the members of President Washington's cabinet or advisory board and what were
their
positions?
A FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM Is ESTABLISHED
The Judiciary Act of ]789 provided that the Supreme Court be composed of six judges: a Chief
justice and five associate justices. To complete the first federal court system, Congress
established 13 district courts and 3 circuit courts. To serve as the first Chief Justice of the
United States, Washington appointed John Jay, an experienced lawyer, diplomat, and politician
from New York who had actively supported the ratification of the Constitution. According to the
Constitution, the Supreme Court was charged with interpreting constitutional issues that arose
due to state court decisions, state laws, or federal laws.
5. What law established the Supreme Court, 13 district courts and 3 circuit courts?
HAMILTON'S ECONOMIC PLAN
When the new US government took power in 1789, the nation was deep in debt and the
value of the new currency was low. Alexander Hamilton, a trusted officer during the Revolution
War and President Washington's secretary of the treasury, developed a plan to help. Hamilton
proposed that the federal government take over or assume state debts that were largely due to the
war. As previously mentioned, Hamilton believed that by making the state's indebted to the
national government, they would be more loyal to the national government.
To raise revenue to pay off the debt, Hamilton wanted an excise tax (a tax imposed on the
sale of specific goods or services) on whiskey. He reasoned that such a tax would not only raise
money, but would also demonstrate the power of the federal government. Tariffs (taxes on
imported goods) were another means by which Hamilton wanted to increase revenue
(money). Not only did he believe that these tariffs would raise much needed money, he also saw
them as necessary to strengthen and protect US businesses interests. Finally, Hamilton proposed
establishing a national bank that would be used as a depository for national funds and act as a
stimulus to the new nation's economy by promoting lending and investment in a stable financial
system.
6. What problem was Hamilton's economic plan trying to solve?
7. What were the 4 major parts of Hamilton's economic plan?
Hamilton's plan gained the support of President Washington, but it was not without
controversy. Many opposed Hamilton's views. One such opponent was Washington's secretary of
state and author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson, a strict
constructionist had a strict interpretation of the Constitution and argued that the federal
government must restrict itself to those powers specifically stated in the document (enumerated
or delegated powers). Since the Constitution did not give the federal government the authority to
open a national bank, Jefferson argued that it could not.
Hamilton, a loose constructionist, on the other hand, had a loose interpretation of the
constitution. He believed that the necessary and proper clause of the Constitution gave the
government the right to charter a bank if it was necessary to exercise its constitutional duties (in
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
6
this case, coining money). Loose constructionists believed that the Constitution provided the
government the capability of creating new governmental roles, agencies, and powers through the
"elastic clause" also known as the "necessary and proper" clause.
Sectionalism again was apparent in that the South tended to support Jefferson and his
strict constructionist views while the northern states tended to agree with Hamilton and his loose
construction viewpoint. Southerners also opposed Hamilton's plan because they were against
tariffs. Tariffs would lessen competition from foreign countries and raise prices on finished
goods. They would also encourage other countries to respond with tariffs of their own, thereby
raising prices on southern exports and hurting the South's economy. As mentioned earlier,
Hamilton's economic program was passed after the Compromise of 1790 placed the capital of the
United States in the South.
8.Why did Thomas Jefferson oppose Hamilton's plan?
9.What is the difference between a strict versus a loose interpretation of the Constitution?
10. For each point in the chart above write whether that point would be supported by the North
or the South.
The differences between Hamilton and Jefferson became so heated that George
Washington had to step in and try to calm down both men. Both men try to win favor of
Washington and be considered his unofficial son. What is just as interesting is that the heated
exchanges between Hamilton and Jefferson and their respective supporters solidified the
establishment of political parties in the United States. It was thought by the founding fathers that
government representatives would differ on specific bills and policies but after a particular
debate was settled through a vote, that particular division would cease to exist. In other words,
the founding fathers believed that delegates: A, B, C, and D might differ on Bill 1 so that
delegates A and B might be on the same side on supporting Bill 1. However they might be on
opposite sides on the next bill, Bill 2 where delegates B and D are in support against delegates A
and C. It seemed that permanent political divisions over social, political, and economic
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
7
viewpoints arose and attracted the representatives into opposing camps. Those that tended to
favor loose construction were called Federalists while those who tended to favor strict
construction were called Democratic-Republicans, or Jeffersonian Dempcratic-Republicans, or
Jeffersonian Republicans.
11. What development did the debate over Hamilton's economic program help to solidify and
how did this development differ from what the founding fathers envisioned at the Constitutional
convention?
.
Finally, the whiskey tax was very unpopular among farmers in the western regions of
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Many of these farmers made their living
converting grain into whiskey. Their protest eventually resulted in the Whiskey Rebellion
of1794, when Pennsylvania farmers refused to pay the tax and resorted to violence. The uprising
ended when President Washington, himself, led a military force of 13,000 troops into
Pennsylvania and halted the resistance. While the event showed that the new government had the
power to enforce its laws, it also led many farmers and frontiersmen to see Hamilton's form of
government as tyrannical (ruling with absolute power). While much of Hamilton's financial
program was adopted by Congress (tariffs were not), the long-term
effects were favorable: (1) The nation's credit was firmly established. (2) Commerce and
Industry were stimulated. (3) The government won the support of business leaders and the
respect of the people.
12. Why were Southerners against Hamilton's proposed tariffs?
13. What part of Hamilton's plan led to the Whiskey Rebellion?
14. What did Washington's response to the Whiskey Rebellion prove about the new government?
SUFFRAGE AND THE STATUS OF WOMEN
While there were those, particularly among the Federalists, who felt early on that the right to
vote should be limited to the upper classes and landowners, most white males were able to vote
from the nation's founding. The same could not be said for other groups, however. Except for a
brief period of time in New Jersey, women were not granted suffrage (the right to vote). This
despite the pleas from women like Abigail Adams, eventual First Lady and wife of John Adams.
Abigail Adams was a key voice among women calling on her husband and other leaders to,
"remember the ladies." and reminding him that the women would, " ... not
hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or representation." Although she
failed to win the right to vote for women of her day, Abigail Adams would prove to be a
forerunner to future movements that would eventually bring about women suffrage.
15. What groups had the right to vote during the early 1800s?
16. What does suffrage mean?
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
8
17. Who was Abigail Adams and what did she fight for?
4.02 Foreign Affairs in the New Country
GREAT BRITAIN AND FRANCE
In 1789 the French Revolution started. Not only did this revolution have great
consequences in France, it also divided the United States. It must be remembered that the United
States had a treaty with France, the Franco-American alliance, that stemmed from the American
victory at Saratoga during the Revolution. Most Americans realized that if it was not for the
French support, the Americans never would have gained their independence from Britain. At the
beginning of the French Revolution, most Americans felt a sense of pride because one factor for
the French Revolution was the president of the American Revolution.
The French Revolution evolved much differently than the American Revolution. By 1793
a radical group called the Jacobins seized power and started the Reign of Terror. King Louis XVI
was beheaded as well as moderate reformers and royalists alike on a device called the guillotine.
They also declared on other monarchies including Great Britain. The French expected the United
States to support them during this war. Democratic Republicans such as Thomas Jefferson and
James Madison wanted to support France but Federalists such as Alexander Hamilton wanted to
back the British. The French sent the young diplomat Edmond Genet to secure American
support. Genet did not follow diplomatic protocol but instead tour the country and recruited
Americans to help fight the British. Washington was angry because he knew that the United
States was in no position economically or militarily to fight a war. Washington wanted to follow
a course of neutrality. The Genet Affair threatened Washington's plans.
18. How did the French revolution impact American political parties?
19. What was the impact of the Genet Affair upon Washington's foreign-policy?
President Washington, recognizing that the country could not afford a fight with either
side, made a Proclamation of Neutrality, in which he stated that the United States would not
take sides. The conflict still had consequences for the United States, however. The British began
intercepting US ships they believed bound for France and impressing seamen (taking US sailors
captive and forcing them to serve the British). These actions were intended to injure the French,
but they also hurt the United States' ability to trade and operate on the high seas (i.e. Freedom of
the seas). In response, Chief Justice John Jay went to London to broker (make) an agreement
with the British. To the disappointment of many in the US, Jay returned with a treaty
that primarily benefited Great Britain and did little to further the rights of neutral countries like
the United States to freedom of the seas or the impressment of sailors. Although many in the US
saw Jay's Treaty as a weak document, it angered the French because they saw it as an alliance
with Great Britain. After Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality, Thomas Jefferson resigned
from the cabinet because he believed that Hamilton and his Federalist ideology influenced
Washington the most. It is also for this reason that most historians consider Washington a
Federalist instead of party neutral which he said he was.
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
9
In an attempt to improve US-French relations, the United States sent three
diplomats (Charles Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry, and John Marshall) to France. The three were not
officially received, but after several days they were informed by an unofficial delegation that,
with a bribe and the promise of a US loan to France, they might be given access to French
leaders. This ticked off US representatives, who rejected the suggestion and returned home. It
also angered citizens in the United States when they learned of what happened. US relations with
France was broken and, realizing it could not remain neutral and safe, the United States began
building up its military force (a Department of the Navy was created in 1798 to increase US sea
power). The event was known as the XYZ Affair, because the unofficial French
delegation consisted of three men known only as "X, Y, and Z." Fortunately, with the
Convention of 1800, France and the United States were able to negotiate some of their
differences, reopen trade, and re-establish diplomatic (political) relations.
20. Why did President Washington issue the Proclamation of Neutrality?
21. What happened to US ships involved in trade with France?
22. What was the result of John Jay's trip to Britain to negotiate a deal to protect US shipping?
23. Why were the French angered at Jay's Treaty?
24. What was the XYZ Affair?
25. Why was the Convention of 1800 important?
26. What was the impact of Jay's treaty upon Thomas Jefferson?
SPAIN
Early relations with Spain were not much better than those with Britain and France, After
the Revolution, Spain barred the US from access to the lower reaches of the Mississippi River
and the port of Ncw Orleans. This was a problem because the United States needed this access to
effectively transport goods to and from the interior parts of the country. This was a major reason
why the farmers West of the Appalachians turned their corn into whiskey. The road network in
the new country was mostly made up of old American Indian trails and game trails. When the
roads became wet wagons would sink down and get stuck. It actually took a longer time to travel
by road from Pittsburgh to New York than to float down from the Ohio River to the Mississippi
River then through the Gulf of Mexico and up the Atlantic seaboard to New York. Then in the
late 1790s, Thomas Pinckney was able to negotiate Pinckney's Treaty with the Spanish. Not
only did it open up the southern Mississippi and New Orleans, it also established the northem
border between the Spanish colony of Florida and US territory. This treaty would open up the
entire Ohio River Valley to settlement and agriculture.
27. Why was the Pinckney Treaty important?
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
10
NATIVE AMERICANS
The settlement of new lands had always been a source of tension between white settlers and
Native Americans, With the independence of-the United States established, new conf1icts soon
arose. Initially aided by the British, some tribes saw early success against US forces along the
frontier. But after being abandoned by their British allies, the Native Americans soon found
themselves unable to resist westward expansion. In 1795, the Shawnee, Miami, and Delaware
tribes were forced to accept the Treaty of Greenville after their defeat by general Anthony
Wayne at the battle of Fallen Timbers. Under this treaty, these tribes lost the southern two thirds
of what is now Ohio, as well as the guarantee of the Ohio River as a permanent boundary
between their lands and US Territory.
28. What was the main cause of conflict between white settlers and Native Americans?
29. What was the purpose of the Treaty of Greenville?
Washington was receiving harsher criticism due to Jay's treaty and its ineffectiveness in
stopping British violation of American shipping rights on the high seas. Furthermore, the British
still refused to leave the forts on the American side of the Canadian border and more
importantly, the British started to give weapons to the American Indians. The American Indians
who felt threatened by the expansion of settlements on their land increased their hostility towards
the settlers. Washington decided not to run for a third term and therefore set a precedent of a
two-term presidency.
30. How did Jay's Treaty impact settlers in the old Northwest?
WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS
Shortly before leaving office, President George Washington gave a farewell address in 1796 in
which he emphasized four key points. First, Washington expressed his view that the United
States should stay neutraL and avoid involvement in European affairs. Second, he advised the
nation to steer clear of permanent alliances with foreign nations. Third, he stressed the
importance of maintaining a firm and strong central government. Fourth, he spoke about the
dangers of forming political parties. He wamed that political parties would cause peopJe to work
for their special interests rather than for the public good.
31. What were the four parts of Washington's Farewell Address?
4.03 The Adams Presidency
The Election of 1796
In the presidential election of 1796 Americans for the first time voted in a contest between
opposing political parties. The Federalists nominated VP John Adams for president and Thomas
Pinckney for vice president while the Democratic-Republicans nominated Thomas Jefferson for
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
11
president and Aaron Burr for vice president. Adams received 71 electoral votes while Jefferson
received 68. At this time, the Constitution stipulated that the candidate with the most electoral
college votes would become president and whoever had the second most electoral college votes
would become vice president. Therefore the country found itself with a federalist president and a
Democratic-Republican Party's president. This election also demonstrated the growing
sectionalism of the United States in that Jeffersons votes came exclusively from the South while
Adams's electoral college votes came exclusively from the north.
32. Name two unique characteristics demonstrated by the election of 1796.
John Adams Presidency
Immediately after John Adams became the second president of the United States
hostilities increased between the United States and France. As previously mentioned, the French
were upset over Jay's Treaty and considered it a violation of the Franco-American alliance.
Adams sent three men to negotiate with the French: Charles Pinckney, John Marshall, and
Elbridge Gerry to negotiate. Three low-level French officials met the American delegation and
demanded a $250,000 bribe just to speak to Foreign Minister Talleyrand. This incident became
known as the XYZ affair. A huge wave of anti-French settlement rose in the United States under
the slogan "millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute". In 1798 Congress created the Navy
Department an authorized American ships to seize French vessels. Congress also authorized the
creation of a 50,000 man army under the leadership of George Washington. What resulted was
an unofficial naval war between the United States and France called the Quasi-War. John
Adams’s party, the Federalists, demanded an open declaration of war upon France and alliance
with Britain. John Adams realized that the United States was in no shape to fight a formal war
with France. His decision to uphold formal neutrality cost him support in the election of 1800.
Historical hindsight proved Adams correct.
33. What was the XYZ affair?
34. What was the impact of the XYZ affair in the United States?
35. How did the Quasi-War impact John Adams politically?
While the French crisis was at its height, the Federalists-dominated Congress passed
several laws during John Adams' administration (1797-1801). The Naturalization Act required
fourteen years instead of five years of residency before US citizenship could be obtained. This
act helped the Federalists because immigrants who had been in the country for only a short time
tended to be poorer and drawn to the Democratic-Republicans. Under this law, such people could
not vote in elections. The Alien Act allowed the government to arrest, detain or remove
foreigners deemed untrustworthy. Of even greater concern was the Sedition Act that severely
limited free speech and expression. Federalists often used the Alien and Sedition Acts to silence
critics (usually Democratic-Republicans newspaper editors). Jefferson and others saw these acts
as abuses of power. The debate over the Alien and Sedition Acts also hurt Adams's chances at
reelection.
36. Which political party was hurt or helped by the Alien and Sedition Acts? How?
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
12
37. How did the debate over the Alien and Sedition Acts impact Adams's presidency?
Thomas Jefferson and James Madison produced a response to the Alien and Sedition
Acts in the form of the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions. These resolutions stated that if a state
believed a federal law to be unconstitutional, then it did not have to obey or enforce it. The
resolution was so named because the state legislatures of Virginia and Kentucky adopted it. The
idea that individual states have such a right came to become known as the Doctrine of
Nullification, because it claims that states can nullify (reject) a national law that they believe
violates the Constitution. The debate surrounding States' rights versus federal authority would
later playa major role in events leading up to the Civil War.
38. What document tried to nullify or cancel out the Alien and Sedition Acts?
39. Explain the Doctrine of Nullification?
While this debate was going on, George Washington continued trying to build an army to
possibly fight the French. In 1799 George Washington caught a cold. The doctors used a
common practice at that time called bleeding in the belief that the disease could be drained out of
Washington's body. Leeches were also used for the same purpose. Unfortunately both of these
practices weakened Washington health even further. Washington died on December 14, 1799.
Upon Washington's death the French made overtures to the United States to try to amend
relations. In fact Napoleon ordered 10 days of mourning in the French army due to Washington's
death. These overtures would eventually lead to the Convention of 1800 which would lead to the
end of the Quasi-War and the formal end to the Franco-American alliance.
40. What was the impact of Washington's death upon the Quasi-War?
4.04 Jeffersonian America
THE ELECTlON OF 1800
The battle between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans culminated in the
Election of 1800. President John Adams ran once again as the Federalists candidate. When the
Electoral College voted, two Democratic-Republicans candidates, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron
Burr, ended up tied with 73 votes each. As a result, the House of Representatives decided the
election and it fell to Alexander Hamilton to decide which man would be President. Although
Hamilton did not agree with Jefferson's politics, he hated Aaron Burr as a person. Hamilton
voted for Thomas Jefferson, making him the third president of the United States. Burr never
forgave Hamilton for his decision and the two remained at odds. They ultimately met in a duel,
with Burr shooting and killing the former secretary of the treasury in 1804.
41. Who won the Presidential election of 1800? How did he win?
JOHN MARSHALL AND THE "MIDNlGHT JUDGES"
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
13
Just before leaving office in 1801, John Adams appointed a number of Federalists to be
federal judges. Because he did this at the last minute, these appointments came to be called the
"midnight judges." However, although the Senate had confirmed these judges and Adams had
signed their appointments, the documents making their appointment official had not yet been
delivered when Jefferson took office. Fearing that Federalists judges might interfere with his
plans, Jefferson had his secretary of state, James Madison, withhold several of the documents
(commissions), preventing some of the judges from ever taking office. When several of the
appointees challenged this move, the Supreme Court intervened to hear the case. In Marbury
v.Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall, stated that the appointees were entitled to their
commissions but that the US Supreme Court did not.have authority under the Constitution to
force the president to issue them. In so doing, Marshall led the court in striking down part of the
Judiciary Act of 1789 and establishing the Court's authority of judicial review (the power to
declare acts of congress, and/or state legislatures, unconstitutional). Chief Justice John Marshall,
with the Marbury v. Madison decision and others like McCulloch v. Maryland
(national bank) and Gibbons v. Ogden (interstate commerce) strengthen the Supreme Court and
expanded the powers of the federal government over the states.
42. Why did President Thomas Jefferson have his secretary of state, James Madison prevent the
so-called "midnight judges" appointed by outgoing President Adams from taking office?
43. Why was the establishment of judicial review in the Marbury v. Madison case important?
44. Why was Chief Justice John Marshall important? (Cite 2 other court cases)
Jefferson Sets a New Tone for the Government
The Democratic-Republicans believed that the Federalists expanded the role of the
national government too much. They also believed that too many aristocratic ceremonies were
implemented in the government as well as the presidency. Because the election of 1800 was the
first peaceful transition between political parties is often known in American history as the
"Revolution of 1800." Thomas Jefferson set an important precedent when he stated in his
inaugural address "We are all [Democratic-] Republicans; we are all Federalists." This has been
interpreted over the years as meaning that although political parties have different platforms
(beliefs), no president will totally ignore all contributions of the previous administrations and
therefore overturn the entire government. Despite political differences, Americans share a
common bond going back to the ideals of 1776. Jefferson proceeded to replace some Federalist
officials with Democratic-Republican ones. He reduced the formality of the presidency in that he
walked to his own inauguration, did not wear a powdered wig, and made official dinners less
formal in dress and not always using a prearranged seating chart.
45. Why is the election of 1800 considered the "Revolution of 1800"?
46. What did Jefferson mean by "we are all Democratic Republicans we are all Federalists?"
47. Name two changes that Jefferson brought to the office of president.
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
14
Jefferson attempted to decentralize as much power as he could due to his beliefs that the
states should have a greater role in governance. Jefferson reduce the size of the Army and stop
the expansion of the Navy. He cut back the expense budget for social functions and rolled back
parts of Hamilton's economic program by eliminating all internal taxes and reduce the influence
of the Bank of the United States. Jefferson was the first president to take office in the new capital
of Washington DC and ushered in what has been called the Virginia Dynasty. Starting with
Jefferson and lasting through the next two presidents, James Madison and James Monroe, the
Democratic Republican party grew in power while the Federalists declined in power.
Accordingly, the South grew and political importance while New England declined as a center of
national political power.
48. Name two changes that Jefferson brought to governmental policy.
49. How did the presidency of Thomas Jefferson usher in a change an American political
influence?
THI!: LOUISIANA PURCHASE
Once in office, President Jefferson wanted to secure United States trading on the
Mississippi River. For this reason, he sent representatives to France to negotiate the purchase of
New Orleans Initially, Napoleon was not interested in selling New Orleans because he hoped to
revitalize the French colonial empire in the Western Hemisphere. However, when the colony of
Haiti revolted and Britain resumed its war with France, the French emperor surprised Jefferson
by offering to sell not only New Orleans, but the entire Louisiana region. The Louisiana
Purchase, the United States' largest land purchase, was bought for $15 million and nearly
doubling the country's size. Although he was pleased with the bargain, he was also troubled over
the constitutional problem that it raised. He believed in strict construction, and the Constitution
did not specifically state that the government had the right to purchase foreign territories.
Nevertheless, convinced that Louisiana was essential to the future development of the United
States, Jefferson urged the Senate to ratify the treaty. In this instance he supported a loose
interpretation of the Constitution.
50. What was the reason President Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France?
51. Why was the purchase of the Louisiana Territory a concern for President Jefferson?
In 1803, Jefferson appointed Meriwether Lewis to lead an expedition call the Corps of
Discovery to explore the Louisiana Purchase. Jefferson wanted to know exactly what the country
gained through this large purchase and see if a water route existed to the Pacific Ocean. The Asia
trade was an important part of the American economy since independence. Once America did
achieve its independence, it was no longer able to sell goods cheaply to other places in the
Western Hemisphere because many were still colonies of European powers and trade was
restricted due to mercantilism. In 1783 the American ship, Empress of China, arrived in China.
Some Americans quickly realized that a port on the Pacific Ocean coast would be in the United
States’ best interest. Thomas Jefferson was one such American.
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
15
Lewis chose William Clark to be second in command and they started off with 50
soldiers and back woodsman. Later a Shoshone woman Sacajawea would serve as a vital
member of the expedition because she spoke various American Indian languages and knew how
to live off the land. The Corps of Discovery collected various plants, animals, drew maps, and
several members kept detailed journals that would be printed and disseminated to the American
public. The expedition was successful in building mostly positive relations with the various
American Indian nations they encountered and reached the Pacific Ocean at the end of 1805.
The expedition returned to St. Louis on September 23, 1806 and traveled approximately
7690 miles round-trip. Immediately stories circled around the country about huge plains of
grasslands, forests containing trees larger than ever seen before, rivers full of fish, fertile valleys
that supported huge amounts of plants and animals, and descriptions of American Indian tribes.
The news of this expedition would spark a movement Westward to Oregon. The route that Lewis
and Clark took was mapped and named the Oregon Trail.
At first, the American settlers would pass through the Great Plains because they did not
have the technology at that time to farm that land. In fact, maps of this time called the area the
Great American Desert. Once again it would be the American Indian that would be negatively
impacted by the movement of settlers West. History would prove that the farmland gained by the
United States in the Louisiana Purchase was some of the richest farmland in the world.
52. Who did Jefferson sent to explore the Louisiana Purchase?
53. Name three specific things that United States gained by buying Louisiana?
54. What was the name of the route to the Pacific Ocean established by Lewis and Clark?
55. What group would be negatively impacted by American settlers moving to the Pacific Coast?
AFR1CAN-AMERlCANS AND SLAVERY
Since the early 17th century, European settlers, particularly in the South, had owned and
depended-on the labor of black slaves. The ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence,
however, now made the practice hard to justify. After all, the Declaration of Independence
clearly stated that all "men are created equal... " For many US citizens, the birth of a new nation
meant that the time had come for the emancipation (freedom), of all slaves. Although the
arguments for emancipation made sense, it was not a view shared by everyone. Slavery had
become a major part of the nation's economy. In 1793, Eli Whitney invented the
cotton gin, a machine that separated seeds from cotton. The gin made cotton the most profitable
crop in the South and contributed to the existence of large plantations (huge farms worked by
slaves that produced a cash crop, usually cotton). As plantations produced more cotton,
plantation owners needed more slaves. In the end, slavery was allowed as a "necessary evil," but
it never ceased to be an issue of intense debate. Eventually, it would threaten to tear the young
nation apart and would only be resolved by war.
56. What did emancipation mean for slaves?
57. Who invented the cotton gin?
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
16
58.What was the effect of the cotton gin?
59. Why was slavery accepted as a "necessary evil," and how did this conflict with the
Declaration of Independence?
After the purchase of the Louisiana Territory in 1803, white settlers began to move west
at an even greater pace. Although many Native American peoples occupied large portions of the
Louisiana Territory prior to Jefferson's purchase, these tribes were not consulted nor negotiated
with regarding ownership of the land. Thus, conflicts arose between Native Americans who had
occupied the land for generations and white settlers who saw claiming the new land as a right of
US citizenship. It was out of this climate that a Shawnee chief named Tecumseh arose.
Tecumseh effectively united a number of tribes to take a stand against white settlements. His
stand ended, however, when William Henry Harrison's US troops defeated Tecumseh at
Tippecanoe in 1811. Unable to resist whites militarily, and unable to vote because they were not
considered citizens, Native Americans found themselves at the mercy of policies designed to
favor white settlers.
60. What was Chief Tecumseh's response to white settlement on Native American land?
61. What position did the Native Americans find themselves In after their defeat at Tippecanoe?
4.05 THE ROAD TO THE WAR OF 1812
Once again events between France and England would place the United States in the
middle and subject to attacks from both nations upon American shipping. Moreover, both
countries increased the frequency of impressments (the kidnapping of sailors for use in the
attacking ship’s navy). Britain would be the biggest violator of American neutral rights on the
high seas. President James Madison led a country in which a majority of the population
possessed “war fever.”
THE EMBARGO ACT OF 1807
During the presidency of Thomas Jefferson, trouble between the US and Great Britain
arose once more as the US tried to stay out of the war between Britain and France. Once again,
British forces seized and impressed US sailors. People in the United States were outraged.
Knowing that the US was not prepared for war, Jefferson tried another method. In 1807, he
convinced the Congress to pass the Embargo Act. This law did not allow trade between the US
and foreign countries. Jefferson reasoned that if American ships stayed home, then they couldn't
be seized. Unfortunately for Jefferson, the Embargo Act did not have the desired effect. It
did little to hurt Britain and greatly damaged the American economy as it prevented US
businesses from selling their products overseas. As one of his final acts as president, Jefferson
signed the Non-Intercourse Act that repealed (removed) the Embargo Act.and reopened trade.
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
17
62. Why did President Jefferson convince Congress to pass the Embargo Act?
63. What was the result of Jefferson's Embargo Act?
64. What was the Non-Intercourse Act?
THEWAROF1812
The conflicts with Great Britain left many in the eastern United States believing that only
war with the Europeans could protect their trading rights. Meanwhile, settlers on the frontier
blamed the British for encouraging the Native Americans to resist westward expansion. Thus,
people in both the West and the East were calling for war. Political leaders who wanted war
included men like Senators John C. Calhoun of South Carolina and Henry Clay of Kentucky.
These leaders were known as "War Hawks" because they advocated (pushed for) war with Great
Britain. In addition to protecting trading rights and western settlements, these leaders hoped that
the war would produce land gains for the US in both British Canada and Spanish Florida
(Spain was an ally of Great Britain at the time). Finally, on June 18, 1812, Congress declared
war on Great Britain. The war vote was sectional in nature with the South and West favoring war
while New England opposed due to their trade and business connections with Britain. It was for
this reason that New Englander’s referred to the War of 1812 as “Mr. Madison’s War.”
65. Why were people from both the West and the East calling for war with Great Britain?
66. What were "War Hawks" and why did they what war with Great Britain?
IMPORTANT EVENTS IN THE WAR OF 1812 (]812 - 1814)
1812-1813 The United States Army did not do well during the war. The US attempted a threeprong attack into British Canada but was unable to conquer and hold the territory invaded.
1812-1813 The United States Navy although badly outnumbered scored great victories on the
Great Lakes and in the Atlantic Ocean. Most notable was the US victory on Lake Erie under
Adm. Perry and the victories of the USS Constitution over British frigates. The ship will be
given the nickname “Old Ironsides”
1812-1814 The poor road network hampered the movement of US troops to invade Canada and
then to defend against the British counter attack.
1813 British blockade the Atlantic Ports of the US. New England’s economy is devastated. Some
New Englanders openly side with the British and sell supplies to their army.
1813 Battle of the Thames- Tecumseh is killed by American forces. American Indian support of
the British collapses.
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
18
Battle of Horseshoe Bend (March 27, ]814): With the help of the Cherokee nation, Andrew
Jackson (1767 - 1845) defeated Britain's Native American ally in the South, the Creeks. The
victory also served to open up the Southwest to settlement.
Destruction of Washington DC (August 24-25, 1814) British land forces, march to DC and burn
it is response to the Americans burning Canada’s capital earlier in the war.
Battle of Baltimore (Ft. McHenry) Sept 12-14, 1814. The British failed to take Baltimore and the
Battle of Ft. McHenry inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words to the Star Spangled Banner.
The Treaty of Ghent (December 24, 1814): This treaty ended the war without presenting any real
gains for either side. It basically returned to each side the territory it had possessed before the
beginning of hostilities and said nothing about the impressment of sailors or the rights of
"neutrals."
Battle of New Orleans (January 8, 1815): Unaware that a treaty had been signed ending the war,
the Battle of New Orleans was actually fought after the war had technically ended. Andrew
Jackson's troops, though greatly outnumbered, defeated the British. The US forces suffered only
8 deaths while the British suffered over 700. The victory gave people in the US great pride and
made Andrew Jackson a national hero.
CONSEQUENCES OF THE WAR OF 1812
The War of 1812 had several important consequences or results:
The US and Great Britain agreed to return their land boundaries to where they were before the
war. The Rush-Bagot Treaty (1817) demilitarized the Great Lakes and the Treaty of 1818 set the
boundary between the US and Canada at the 49th parallel to the Rocky Mountains.
The United States' ability to defend itself won the respect and recognition of other nations.
Impressments stopped. Second War of Independence proved that the US would survive fron
external threats.
Feelings of US nationalism (devotion to one's country) grew stronger. American’s believed they
won the war.
The Federalist Party lost its credibility and disbanded.
The US manufacturing industry grew due to the lack of manufactured goods from Britain during
the war. As a result, the US became more self-sufficient
New England was no longer the center of political power
67.Why was the battle at Horseshoe Bend important?
68. What treaty ended the war of 1812?
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
19
69. What battle made Andrew Jackson a Hero and gave people in the US great pride?
70. What does nationalism mean?
THE HARTFORD CONVENTION OF 1814 & THE DECLINE OF THE FEDERALISTS
The War of 1812 proved to be a point of great contention between the Federalists and those who
favored the war (War Hawks). Things got so heated, in fact, that Federalists from New England
held a convention in Hartford, Connecticut in 1814 to condemn the war and recommend
constitutional amendments to protect their interests (shipping to England) and increase their
political power. Although some of the delegates wanted to secede (separate) from the Union, the
Convention instead decided to send "ambassadors" (representatives) to Washington D.C. to
present a list of demands to President James Madison. Unfortunately for the Federalists, their
representatives arrived as news was reaching the capital, of the US victory at the Battle of New
Orleans and the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war. The embarrassment of their
ill-timed protest so undermined (i.e. worsen) the Federalists Party's credibility that it
soon faded from existence. For this reason the Democratic-Republican Party had a clear political
majority on the national level and therefore James Monroe’s Presidency will be called the Era of
Good Feelings due to feelings of nationalism and political unity.
71. What was the purpose of the Hartford Convention?
72. What two events signaled the end of the Federalist Party?
73. What were the two causes of the “Era of Good Feelings”?
THE ADAMS-ONIS TREATY
In 1817, conflict arose between white settlers and Native Americans along the Georgia-Florida
frontier. President James Madison responded by ordering military leader, Andrew Jackson, to put
an end to the fighting. Jackson used the occasion to attempt to drive the Spanish out of Florida,
seizing the Spanish fort at St. Marks. Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams, supported
Jackson's actions and told Spain that if it could not maintain order in Florida, then it should cede
(give up) the land to the United States. In 1819, Spain and the United States signed the AdamsOnis Treaty. The treaty gave all of Florida to the United States, defined the western border of the
Louisiana territory, ceded (give up) Spain's claim to the Oregon Territory to the United States,
and surrendered US claims on Texas to the Spanish.
74. What is the importance of the Adams-Onis Treaty?
American History 1
Unit 4 1789-1820
Michalski
20
Conclusion
The period 1789-1820 saw the United States forge a new governmental framework from
the Constitution that replaced the weak Articles of Confederation. The period saw the
development of political parties with permanent platforms. The Washington presidency set the
stage socially, politically, and economically for the new nation. Alexander Hamilton's economic
program, although controversial, helped the nation establish a firm plan for economic stability
and growth. The new nation was challenged internally by such events as the Whiskey Rebellion
and plots by Aaron Burr to possibly divide the new nation.
The new nation, like all new nations, was weak and face challenges from foreign powers.
The United States found itself during this time period defending itself from France, Britain, and
Spain. The United States was able to avoid a military conflict with Spain but fought the QuasiWar with France after the XYZ affair and fought Great Britain to a draw in the War of 1812.
After the War of 1812, the United States entered into an era of both nationalism and
sectionalism. The war forged a unique identity for Americans but at the same time the North, the
South, and the West were developing differently. In the North, slavery was ending and women
were gaining opportunities in education and in the new factories. In the South, the invention of
the cotton gin by Eli Whitney made the production of cotton highly profitable and therefore
require the expansion of slave plantations to grow more of this cash crop. King Cotton soon
became the most important export of the United States and will remain so until the Civil War. In
the West, the area was divided over which parts of the Louisiana purchase would become slave
in which parts would remain free.
75. After the War of 1812 what issue was the greatest contributor to growing sectionalism?