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Early 19th Century U.S. History Overview

May 5, 2025

Lecture Notes: Unit 4 - AP United States History

4.1 The Revolution of 1800

General

  • 1800: Federalist Party split, Democratic-Republicans rise.
  • Candidates: Thomas Jefferson vs. Aaron Burr.

Election Results

  • Electoral tie, House of Representatives decides after 35 ballots, favoring Jefferson.
  • Alexander Hamilton supported Jefferson over Burr.

Noteworthy Aspects

  • President and Vice President from differing views initially.
  • Peaceful transfer of power from Federalists to Democratic-Republicans.

Change-over

  • Jefferson called it a "bloodless revolution".
  • 1804: Twelfth Amendment allows electoral votes for a party ticket.

The Jeffersonian Republic (1800-1823)

Jefferson's First Term
  • Midnight Appointments: Last-minute Federalist appointments by Adams, challenged by Jefferson.
Marbury v. Madison
  • Refusal of appointments led to lawsuits.
  • Established judicial review principle.
Louisiana Purchase
  • Major achievement, yet questioned for constitutional reasons.
  • Jefferson resolved issue by treaty-making power.
Lewis and Clark Expedition
  • Explored newly acquired western territories.

Election of 1804

  • Jefferson won reelection.
  • Burr's political downfall after a duel with Hamilton.
Jefferson's Second Term
  • Trade issues with France and England culminated in War of 1812.
  • Embargo Act of 1807: Economic downturn, especially in New England.
  • Non-Intercourse Act of 1809: Opened trade, except with Britain/France.

4.2 Madison's Presidency and the War of 1812

Macon's Bill No. 2

  • Trade strategy to leverage France and England.

Pro-War Sentiments

  • War Hawks, led by Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, pushed for war.

War of 1812

  • U.S. vs. British and Native Americans.
  • Treaty of Ghent ended the war.
  • Battle of New Orleans: U.S. victory.

The Hartford Convention

  • Federalist opposition viewed as traitorous.

Madison Administration

  • Promoted national growth, cautious federal power.
Monroe's Presidency

Era of Good Feelings

  • Political unity but economic crises, Panic of 1819.

Westward Expansion

  • Monroe Doctrine: Asserted U.S. influence in Western Hemisphere.
  • Slavery debate heightened as new states formed.

4.3 Political Events and Social Developments

Election of 1824

  • Direct voter involvement increased.
  • Corrupt Bargain: Adams and Clay alleged deal.

Jackson's Presidency and Jacksonian Democracy

  • Focus on strong presidency, universal white male suffrage.
  • Indian Removal Act: Forced relocation of Native Americans.

Economic Policies

  • Distrust of big government, supported hard currency.

Slavery

  • Nat Turner's rebellion intensified slavery debates.

4.4 The Election of 1836 and the Rise of the Whigs

Democratic and Whig Parties

  • Whigs formed against Democratic policies.

Economic Crisis

  • Panic of 1837 under Van Buren.

Harrison and Tyler

  • Tyler's presidency marked by conflict with Whig leadership.

Economic History (1800-1860)

Market Economy

  • Technological advancements spurred economic growth.

Innovations

  • Cotton gin, interchangeable parts.

North and Textile Industry

  • Industrialization and transportation developed economic centers.

Farming

  • Midwest emergence as agricultural hub.

4.5 Westward Expansion

Manifest Destiny

  • Territorial expansion justified by divine right.

Texas and Oregon

  • Texas independence, eventual statehood.
  • Oregon Trail migration.

Regional Differences

  • Economic variations among North, South, and West.

4.6 Social History, 1800-1860

Northern Cities

  • Urbanization and social stratification.

Southern Life

  • Plantation dominance, slavery's entrenchment.

Western Expansion and Lifestyle

  • Frontier life as symbol of opportunity.

Social Reforms

  • Sparked by the Second Great Awakening.

Abolitionism and Women's Rights

  • Increase in abolitionist sentiments and women's activism.

Horace Mann and Education Reform

  • Push for public education improvements.

These notes summarize the key historical events, social developments, and political changes in the United States during the early to mid-19th century, highlighting the dynamics of power, expansion, and reform that defined the era.