Chapter 8 Early American Republic Overview

Overview

This lecture covers the early years of the American Republic (1791–1815), focusing on how the new government implemented the Constitution, the development of political parties, economic debates, foreign conflicts, and the War of 1812.

Establishing the New Government

• George Washington was inaugurated as the first president in 1789, symbolizing national unity.
• Congress created the State (Jefferson), Treasury (Hamilton), and War Departments.
• The first Supreme Court was established, with John Jay as Chief Justice.
• Addressing government debt led to debates on economic policy.

Hamilton’s Financial Plan and Sectional Conflict

• Hamilton proposed paying off war debt, creating a national bank, and promoting industry via tariffs and subsidies.
• Northern manufacturers supported high tariffs; Southern farmers opposed them.
• Disagreements over the "necessary and proper" clause led to debates between "strict" and "loose" constructionists.
• A compromise placed the national capital in the South (Washington, D.C.) in exchange for accepting most of Hamilton's plan.

Emergence of Political Parties & the French Revolution

• Federalist Party (conservative, pro-Britain, Hamilton) and Jeffersonian Republicans (liberal, pro-France, Jefferson) formed amid intense partisanship.
• The French Revolution divided Americans, with Federalists fearing anarchy and Republicans supporting French republicanism.
• Washington declared neutrality in the European wars.

Domestic Dissent and Expanding Democracy

• The Whiskey Rebellion (1794) tested federal authority; Washington used troops to suppress it.
• Democratic-Republican Societies and increasing political participation expanded the public sphere.
• Women like Mary Wollstonecraft and Judith Sargent Murray advocated for women’s rights but were largely excluded from formal politics.

The Adams Presidency and Crisis

• John Adams won the first contested election; Jefferson became Vice President.
• The XYZ Affair provoked anti-French sentiment and led to an undeclared naval war.
• Alien and Sedition Acts targeted immigrants and suppressed dissent, sparking backlash over free speech.

The “Revolution” of 1800 and Jeffersonian Era

• Jefferson won the presidency after a tied election with Aaron Burr; the 12th Amendment fixed Electoral College voting.
• The peaceful transfer of power marked a precedent.
• Jefferson reduced the size of government, cut taxes except tariffs, and paid down debt.
• Slavery and the 3/5 Compromise influenced electoral outcomes and were avoided as public issues.

Expansion and Foreign Policy Challenges

• The Haitian Revolution and Gabriel’s Rebellion spurred fears and restrictions regarding slavery.
• The Louisiana Purchase (1803) doubled U.S. territory; Lewis and Clark explored the west.
• The Embargo Act of 1807, meant to avoid war, hurt American trade.
• Ongoing British impressment and blockades led to renewed tensions.

War of 1812 and Its Aftermath

• The U.S. declared war on Britain due to trade restrictions and conflicts with Native Americans.
• The war saw mixed military fortunes, including the burning of Washington, D.C., and the Battle of New Orleans.
• The Treaty of Ghent (1814) ended the war, essentially restoring the status quo.
• The war’s outcome boosted nationalism, ended Federalist Party influence, and encouraged westward expansion at the expense of Native Americans.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Strict Constructionist — Believes government powers are limited to those explicitly stated in the Constitution.
• Loose Constructionist — Interprets the Constitution more broadly to allow implied powers.
• Tariff — A tax on imported goods.
• Impressment — Forcible enlistment of sailors, used by the British against Americans.
• Judicial Review — The Supreme Court’s authority to declare laws unconstitutional (Marbury v. Madison).
• Embargo — A government order restricting trade with other nations.
• Nullification — The idea that states can invalidate federal laws they deem unconstitutional.
• Pan-Indian Movement — Native resistance uniting tribes to oppose U.S. expansion.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review the differences between Federalists and Jeffersonian Republicans.
• Read about the Louisiana Purchase and its impact.
• Study the causes and outcomes of the War of 1812 for next class.