AP U.S. History: Unit 4 Overview (1800-1848)

Key Themes

• Expanding role of the U.S. in world affairs.
• Transformation of society and economy.
• Growing democratic impulses.

Political Landscape

• Election of 1800: Thomas Jefferson elected.
• Debates: Democratic Republicans vs. Federalists on foreign relations and federal power.

Foreign Relations

• Barbary Pirates: Jefferson opposed paying tribute; led to naval conflict and reduced payments.

Federal Power

• Democratic Republicans: Strict constructionists.
• Federalists: Loose constructionists.
• Louisiana Purchase: Jefferson's conflict with principles; justified as beneficial for expansion and trade.
• Lewis and Clark Expedition: Explored new territories.

Judicial Power

• Marbury vs. Madison (1803): Established judicial review.
• McCulloch vs. Maryland (1819): Federal law trumps state law; increased federal power.

War of 1812

• Causes: British impressment, trade interference, Indian conflicts.
• Outcomes: Rise of nationalism, Federalist party decline, exposed weaknesses (need for a national bank and infrastructure).

Economic Policies

• Henry Clay's American System: Federally funded improvements, protective tariffs, second bank.

Westward Expansion and Tensions

• Missouri Compromise (1820): Balanced free and slave states, set future boundaries.

International Affairs

• Treaties: Adams-Onis Treaty (1819) and U.S.-Canadian border.
• Monroe Doctrine (1823): Declared Western Hemisphere free of European influence.

Market Revolution

• Technological Advances: Cotton gin, spinning machine, interchangeable parts.
• Transport Improvements: Steamboats, canals, railroads.
• Economic Interconnectedness: Growth of industry, agriculture.

Societal Changes

• Immigration: Increase from Germany and Ireland; growth of labor class.
• Urbanization: Rise of tenements, middle class.
• Role of Women: Cult of domesticity.

Expansion of Democracy

• Voting Rights: Shift towards universal male suffrage.
• Political Parties: Split into Democrats (restrictive federal power) and National Republicans (expansive federal power).

Andrew Jackson's Presidency

• Use of Federal Power: Tariff conflicts, bank veto, Indian Removal Act (Trail of Tears).

Cultural and Social Movements

• Transcendentalism: Emerson, Thoreau.
• Second Great Awakening: Religious revival, social reform, temperance.
• Abolitionism and Women's Rights: Garrison's "The Liberator", Seneca Falls Convention.

Southern Society

• Plantation Economy: Expansion, dependence on slavery.
• Nat Turner's Rebellion: Increased fears and restrictions.
• Yeoman Farmers: Majority, supported slavery system.

Conclusion

• Westward Movement and Slavery: Continued tension and expansion.

These notes summarize the key events, themes, and changes occurring in the United States from 1800 to 1848, relevant for Unit 4 of AP U.S. History.