AP US History Unit 4 Overview

Dec 5, 2024

Heimler's History: Unit 4 Review Notes

Introduction

  • Covers the period 1800-1848 in AP US History.
  • Main themes:
    1. Expanding role of the US in world affairs.
    2. Transformation of society and economy.
    3. Growing democratic impulses.

Political Debates and Policies

  • Democratic-Republicans vs Federalists
    • Debates on American foreign relations and federal power.

Foreign Relations

  • Barbary Pirates: Jefferson opposed paying tribute, leading to naval conflict.
  • Louisiana Purchase: Jefferson, a strict constructionist, faced a dilemma over buying land not explicitly allowed by the Constitution.
    • Purchase justified for westward expansion and reducing European influence.
    • Led to Lewis and Clark Expedition for exploration and mapping.

Federal Power

  • Judicial Review: Established in Marbury v. Madison (1803), increasing Supreme Court power.
  • Federal vs State Law: McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) affirmed federal supremacy.

War and Nationalism

  • War of 1812: Caused by British impressment and interference.
    • Led to heightened nationalism and demise of Federalist Party.
    • Hartford Convention and discussions of New England secession.
  • American System: Proposed by Henry Clay to unify economy with infrastructure, tariffs, and a national bank.

Regional Tensions

  • Missouri Compromise (1820): Balanced slave and free states; established 36°30′ line for future territories.

Expansion and Foreign Policy

  • Treaties: Established US-Canada border, joint occupation of Oregon, and acquired Florida through Adams-Onis Treaty.
  • Monroe Doctrine (1823): Declared Western Hemisphere free from European colonization.

Economic and Social Changes

  • Market Revolution: Linked Northern industries with Southern and Western agriculture.
    • Innovations like the cotton gin, spinning machine, steam power, and interchangeable parts.
    • Expansion of transportation: canals and railroads.
  • Urbanization: Rise of industrial cities; influx of immigrants, mainly from Germany and Ireland.
    • Growth of middle class and changes in social norms (Cult of Domesticity).

Democratic Expansion

  • Voting Rights: Expanded to non-property owning white males by 1825.
    • Political realignment: Democrats vs. National Republicans.

Andrew Jackson's Presidency

  • Tariffs and Nullification Crisis: Tariff of 1828 led to South Carolina's nullification and threats of secession; resolved by Force Bill.
  • Bank War: Jackson vetoed the recharter of the Second Bank, favoring state banks.
  • Indian Removal: Enforced relocation of Native Americans, leading to the Trail of Tears.

Cultural Movements and Reforms

  • Transcendentalism: Led by Emerson and Thoreau; emphasized nature and human potential.
  • Second Great Awakening: Religious revival promoting societal moral reformation.
  • Abolitionism and Women's Rights: Rise of anti-slavery movements and early women's rights activism (Seneca Falls Convention).

Southern Society and Slavery

  • Plantation Economy: Expansion of plantations and increased reliance on slave labor.
  • Nat Turner's Rebellion: Slave revolt leading to harsher Southern laws.
  • Yeoman Farmers: Non-slaveholding landowners who still supported the institution of slavery.

Conclusion

  • Recap of major themes and events from 1800-1848.
  • Encouragement to utilize additional study materials.