Outline of 141-196 Don't Know Much About History

Outline of 141-196

What was the Revolution of 1800?

Jefferson and Burr tied for Electoral votes which meant that the house of representatives would decide who was president and who was vice president. Alexander Hamilton, picking the lesser of two evils, sided with Jefferson to break the deadlock and make Jefferson president. The government had bloodlessly transferred from one party to the next for the first time in history.

What was Marbury v. Madison?

 Just minutes before Adams term was up he created dozens of new judgeships to pack the court with Federalists. One of these was John Marshall, whom reigned over the Marbury v. Madison case. For the first time the Supreme court had turned over an act of Congress, deeming it to be unconstitutional. This is called Judicial Review (which John Marshall had founded). This was not a power given to the supreme court when the constitution was written. 

How did America Purchase Louisiana?

Napoleon needed troops and cash so he sold Louisiana to Britain’s enemy, the Americans for about 15 million dollars.

Who were Lewis and Clark?

Jefferson had several motives for sending Lewis and Clark on their expedition. He wanted to get America in to the fur trade, feel out the political and military uses of the west and to collect scientific information about the unchartered land. The journals and specimens that Lewis and Clark brought home with them were of inestimable value. It also encouraged settlers to come West.

Why did Aaron Burr Shoot Alexander Hamilton?

Along with a long history of disagreement Hamilton used all of his influences to defeat Burr at governorship because he considered Burr to be a dangerous man if given power. Later Burr attempted to secure a western empire with the help of James Wilkinson, but the attempt was foiled when Wilkinson ratted out Burr.

Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: Did he or didn’t he?

A popular Federalist claim was that Thomas Jefferson carried on a love affair with a young slave named Sally Hemings. Many books were written on the subject, but no conclusive evidence has been found yet to link the two. There has been DNA testing between the descendants, but only one out of seven matched.

What was Impressment?

The British would stop American ships and take their sailors impressing them into the gangs to work for them. In retaliation Jefferson set up the Embargo.

Who were Tecumseh and the Prophet?

They were Indian brothers who called for a revival of Native ways and a rejection of white culture. The Westerners used the confederation of Indians to fuel anti-british sentiment in congress.

What was the War of 1812 about?

The War of 1812 was not fought fiercely on either side. It was between the Americans and the British. The Americans attempted to wipe out Canada, but failed in their three prong attack.  The War ended in a return of all lost property for both sides.  Jackson became a national hero.

What was the Monroe Doctrine?

The Monroe doctrine declared that the United States would not interfere with already established colonies, but would not tolerate new colonies by European powers. This doctrine was used to allow the Untied States to mess with the rest of the Americas in the upcoming years (hence the Panama Canal).

What was the Missouri Compromise?

The Missouri Compromise was created to define where slavery could and could not be. It was formed to hold back the civil war, but it could only slow down the upcoming rift rather than stop it.

What was the “Corrupt Bargain”?

Henry Clay threw support for Adams against Jackson, and in return Adams then gifted Clay a job as Secretary of State. The people felt that their choice had been circumvented by congressional cabal.

What were Jacksonian Democracy and the spoils system?

The Jacksonian Democracy included reformed voting rules in the West. After Jackson’s inaugural address, gleeful voters stormed the White House. They were mainly there to receive the jobs that they believed would be theirs after Jackson was in office. This tied the “spoils sytem” to Jackson.

What was the Trail of Tears?

The Trail of Tears was created by Andrew Jackson when he forced Natives off their lands to march westward.

Who Was Tocqueville, and why did he say all those things about America?

Tocqueville was a young aristocrat whom came to America from France to study its version of democracy.

What made the South Fear a slave named Nat Turner?

Nat Turner formed a large slave rebellion, and ended up killing his own masters. He managed to evade the authority’s for over two months and instigated rebellion along the way. Even after his death the white plantation owners were worried that he would set an example for future rebellions.

Who were the Whigs?

The whigs party was a party created by old federalists.

Who Fought at the Alamo?

Americans in Texas attempted to secede from Mexico. They fortified themselves in the fort Alamo and were overpowered by Mexican forces.  Jim Bowie and Davy Crocket were among the fighters.

What was Manifest destiny?

Manifest Destiny was the belief that Americans had the divine right to expand their country from shore to shore, and that it was their duty to do so.

Why did the Mormons move West?

Mormon’s views challenged those of Protestant America and they faced much persecution. Due to this they moved Westward to form their own community where they could worship in peace. They moved to Utah, where there is still a high concentration of Mormons today.

Why Was there a War With Mexico?

The War with Mexico was fought for territorial expansion.

What Did America Gain from the Mexican American War?

They completed the dream of Manifest Destiny. Also, the newly acquired California contained multitudes of gold which benefited the treasury handsomely.

Chapter 11 Questions

What problems faced John Adams and the Federalists in the election of 1800? 

John Adams and the Federalists in the election of 1800 faced heavy handicaps. They had many enemies from the creation of the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Describe the beliefs of the Jeffersonian Democratic-Republicans? 

They opposed Jay's Treaty and supported good relations with France. They believed that Hamilton's national bank was unconstitutional. The Democratic Republicans felt that a strong local government was more essential to the stability of the nation rather than a strong central government.  
How did Thomas Jefferson win the state of New York in the election of 1800? 

Aaron Burr used his power to swing the votes in favor of Thomas Jefferson.

In what part of the country did Thomas Jefferson receive the bulk of his support in the election of 1800?

The southern and western parts of the United States supported Thomas Jefferson.

Who ultimately chose Thomas Jefferson for president in the 1800 election?

Alexander Hamilton, choosing Thomas Jefferson as the lesser of two evils, helped break the deadlock between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. 

What was remarkable in Thomas Jefferson's “Revolution of 1800”? 

It marked the peaceful and orderly transfer of power on the basis of election results accepted by all parties.

Explain Thomas Jefferson’s mission as president, “In his eyes”: 

Jefferson's mission was to restore the republican experiment, to check the growth of government power, and to hat the decay of virtue that had set in under Federalist rule. 

Describe what happened to the unity within the Democratic-Republican party after Thomas Jefferson's election as president in 1800:

As the Federalist party withered away the democratic-Republican party did not have a enemy to unify against. This caused fractions and disagreements among the party. 

Why did Jefferson hate the excise tax? 

He hated the excise tax because Jefferson believed that it protected the manufacturing industry and he thought that the agricultural industry should be given first priority. 

How did Jefferson deal with the major Federalist economic programs after he became president?

He left them intact. 

Why were Jefferson and his followers so opposed to John Adams's last-minute appointments of new federal judges?  

It was an attempt to entrench the Federalists, a dying party, into a growing government. 

What is most significant about Jefferson's failed attempt to impeach and convict Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase for “high crimes and misdemeanors”? 

It meant that Judicial independence and the separation of powers had been preserved.

Why was Thomas Jefferson distrustful of large standing armies?

Large standing armies could create a dictatorship (like in France). 

What led the Pasha of Tripoli to declare war on the United States?

The Pasha of Tripoli was dissattisfied with his share of bribery money. 

Arrange these events in chronological order: (A) Louisiana Purchase, (B) Chesapeake incident, (C) Burr's trial for treason, (D) Embargo Act. 

A. C. B. D

Explain the dilemma that president Jefferson faced in his attempt to resolve the New Orleans problem:

The Spanish in New Orleans were blocking the port that was used by Americans to export their goods. The territories in the west needed to send their goods down the mississippi.JEfferson needed to come up with a treaty with Spain for the use of this port. 

What prompted Napoleon to sell Louisiana to the United States? 

Napoleon sold Louisiana to the United States for two reasons: first, he needed the money to help fight the war against the rest of Europe and secondly he wanted to sell it to Britain's enemies to weaken the British over seas. Also with the Hatian revolution Napolean gives up the idea of a French nation in America. 

Explain the successes achieved from the Lewis and Clark expedition?   

The Lewis and Clark Expedition mapped out new portions of land for the United States and they also managed to do the entire expedition with losing only one man. 

How did Thomas Jefferson respond to British and French seizure of our ships and impressment?



 What was the result of Jefferson's embargo? President James Madison made a major foreign-policy mistake when he:

The weak American Economy staggered under the Embargo and were forced to lift it in order to resume their economy.  James Madison made a major foreign policy mistake when he accepted France's offer as evidence of repeal and thereby causing America to reinforce the embargo against Britain. 

What was Tecumseh’s position regarding white encroachment?

Tecumseh believed that it was necessary for the Native Americans to unify in a confederacy to push back the never ending flow of white men from the East. 

What was James Madison’s main reason for a return for war in his decision to engage Britain in 1812? 

Madison wished to restore confidence in the republican experiment. He believed that only a vigorous assertion of American rights could demonstrate the viability of American nationhood, and of democracy as a form of government. America had to fight to be taken seriously as a true republican experiment. 

Once begun, what part of the country (the United States) was most supportive of the war of 1812? 

The "war hawks" were generally from the South and West of the United States (the same as Thomas Jefferson's supporters)

DBQ Essay

“No Taxation without Representation” was an easy catch phrase that let revolutionists stir up the hearts of every colonist to fight the British. It was essential for motivating Americans to fight in the American Revolution and was a symbol for democracy by crying for representation of all the people to be heard.

            One key example of a primary source that employed the famed symbol of American Freedom is the Resolutions of The Stamp Act Congress which was written in 1765 to assert that the colonists were not and were unable to be properly represented in Britain therefor taxes placed on the colonists by Britain are unconstitutional because Americans had the right, the freedom, to  elect their own officials (as stated in their charters). Similarly, Daniel Dulany, a Maryland lawyer, claims in “Considerations on the Proriety of Imposing Taxes in the British Colonies” (1765) that taxes without consent for the purpose of revenue is not allowed. However, he did consent that taxes to regulate trade were constitutional. 

            Colonists were enraged with Britain for restricting their rights even though they considered themselves to be as much a British citizen as those living in London.  It only took a few motivational writers and speakers to spark the fire of the already tense emotions within the Revolutionists. These instigators were Joseph Warren and Thomas Paine. Joseph Warren, in his speech in 1772 asserted, through the use of logos, that the taxation was unconstitutional because in order to enforce such taxes Britain had to raise a standing army during a time of peace which is specifically illegal according to the constitution. Thomas Paine in his famous pamphlet, Common Sense (1776) also uses logos to prove that it is ridiculous for the colonists to subject themselves to a ruler whom lives on a small island far far away.

Reasons such as the ones in The Second Continental Congress’s The Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms were the grounds for a break from the British government. The colonists believed that the British were depriving them of their individual rights, which they believed every human being is endowed to have. In this line of thought, many African Americans who fought for America’s freedom believed that they also had these rights. However, they were not allowed to vote, but could be controlled by Congress. This rising issue was addressed in the petition “Petition of Seven Free Negroes to the Massachusetts Legislature in Protest of Taxation Without the Right to Vote”. On February 10^th, 1780, seven free African Americans fought against the Massachusetts legislature by accusing them of practicing the same taxation against the African American community that they fought for in the recently ended war for independence. This hypocritical act made by the Massachusetts state government allowed for the African Americans to utilize and show the colonists one of the fundamental principles of “no taxation without representation”, which is that its did not only apply to a specific race. The idea of no taxation without representation was for all of the colonists, whatever their race may be, to enjoy and prosper from. This principle was yet another reason why the colonists gathered their courage to fight for their liberties and a valuable reason why the famous quote is a symbol of democracy.

The colonists had to deal with Britain’s tyrannical rule for a very long time, until the unjustness of the rule became to harsh and the colonists put their foot down. As declared by the “Resolutions of the Stamp Act” and also by Daniel Dulany’s “Considerations on the Propriety of Imposing Taxes in the British Colonies”, the colonists were tired of the unconstitutional taxes placed on them. Patriots such as Joseph Warren and Thomas Paine used “No Taxation without Representation” to stir the blood of all of the colonists and unite them against the British. It inspired the colonists and gave them courage to take up arms against their totalitarian government.   

The American Revolution was a Political Revolution

American Revolution

By Al Weber

Greedy, rich, powerful, white men ruled the colonies before the American Revolution. Afterwards, white, greedy, rich men controlled America. The rich colonial men whom were important in the government realized that by creating a nation out of the colonies, and by extricating that nation from Britain, they could make a handsome profit and earn a new political power. As Howard Zinn said, “all wars are fought over resources,” but in this case, the resources only helped the aristocrats, not the citizens of America. In this way, the American Revolution was a political upheaval (it altered the government and affected the rich aristocrats) but it did nothing for the common minorities: women, slaves, and the landless whites.

            The power of governing the colonies was transferred from one group of rich, aristocratic, white men to the next. Both the Parliament and the congress were created with “the people” in mind, but both failed to represent large portions of their population such as: females, Native Americans, and slaves. The people who were now governing America were the rich merchants, but now they did not have to deal with Britain’s pesky navigation laws requiring them to deal only with Britain. This way, the colonists, specifically our founding fathers, could produce more profit off of trade.

Women experienced a form of freedom during the American Revolution, but afterwards their newfound liberty was striped away. When the men went off to war, the ladies remained at home to govern the house and plow the fields. This inspired a great deal of independence amongst women, causing some to help fight against the tyrannical British government, such as Debora Samson and Molly Pitcher. After the Revolution, when the men came home, they resumed their jobs of plowing the fields and women’s rights were forced onto the “backburner” once again. For example, a stolen letter from Abigail Adams to her husband was used as rhetoric in a political debate in Massachusetts. Abigail Adams wrote to the user ““I could not believe that any gentleman would have so little delicacy or so small a sense of propriety as to have written a vague opinion and that of a lady, to be read in a publick assembly as an authority. That man must have lost his sense.... It will serve as a lesson to be to be upon my guard”. By calling out the thief and accusing him of using a women’s word as evidence, this letter proves how not only did men think that women were not to be taken seriously, but also women believed that they should not. No woman held office in state or national government; no woman practiced the law or enrolled for a college education following the years of the American Revolution. Some reformers such as Benjamin Rush, discussed education for women, but it was in gentility and fine arts, not a way for women to learn how to speak their minds and join the men in the government. (alphahistory.com)

            “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”, these words, although stated by our founding fathers, excluded not only women, but also slaves. The reason why slaves remained an important part of the southern economy was the limited labor force. White indentured servants were becoming too risky to bring over, and the economy in Britain was improving, so new immigration and labor was not easily accessible. This made slaves the only cheap, available workforce, causing a large concentrated population of enslaved African Americans. At the time of the American Revolution, slaves made up at least 25 percent of the population of North Carolina, totaling about seventy thousand, but less than five percent were free. One of those slaves was North Carolina’s famous black soldier, Ned Griffen, who was purchased by William Kitchen to serve as his substitute in the army. After Griffen served his term, he was supposed to be set free, but Kitchen refused to do so. This is only one example of how the rich aristocrats could bully slaves without worrying that the government would even slap them on the wrist. At this time the black slave population was effectively oppressed into a submissive workforce.

On February 3, George Washington wrote to Henry Knox, conveying his thoughts on Shays’ Rebellion. Washington wrote, “if three years ago any person had told me that at this day, I should see such a formidable rebellion against the laws & constitutions of our own making as now appears I should have thought him a bedlamite - a fit subject for a mad house.” He wrote that if the government “shrinks, or is unable to enforce its laws . . . anarchy & confusion must prevail.” Washington, as one of the leading rich aristocrats, was clearly unattuned to the common people’s opinions and will. He appears to be almost frightened by this rebellion. This proves how the aristocratic class distrusted the intelligence of the common people, especially in government. It was therefore the rich white men’s duty to ensure that the uneducated poor would never obtain their voice in the government.

According to Howard Zinn, the American Revolution was a work of genius that created the most effective system of national control devised in modern times. By oppressing and ignoring women, the ethics of slavery, and the common people, the rich aristocrats were able to gain immense profits. By replacing the parliament with a democracy, George Washington and company managed to transfer elevated political status and control unto themselves. This caused the American Revolution to be a Political Revolution. 

Chapter 10 Questions

APTER 10:  LAUNCHING THE NEW SHIP OF STATE: 1789—1800

Growing Pains

Know:             Trans-Appalachia

19.       Did America appear to have a bright future in 1789?  Explain.

When the Constitution was launched in 1789, the population was doubling about every twenty-five years, and the first official census of 1790 recorded almost 4 million people. Slippery Spanish and British agents moved freely among the settlers and held out seductive promises of independence (United States appeared disjointed)

Washington for President

Know:             George Washington, Cabinet, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox

20.       Was Washington an important president?  Explain.

George Washington was our country's first President, which makes him historically very important. He established cabinet of advisors for the president. He set the standard for future Presidents. If he did not become president than many of the colonies would not be able to agree on a leader.

The Bill of Rights

Know:             James Madison, Ninth Amendment, Tenth Amendment, Judiciary Act, John Jay

21.       What important steps were taken by the first congress?

The first congress took many steps to insure that the Constitution would function. First: Amendments to the Constitution could be proposed in two ways—by a new constitutional convention requested by two-thirds of the states or by a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress. The Bill of rights, safeguard some of American principles
such freedom of religion, speech, and the press; the right to bear arms and to be tried by a jury; and the right to assemble and petition government for redress of grievances. It also prohibits cruel and unusual punishment and unright search and seizure. The ninth amendment states that although these specific rights are addressed it does not limit other rights. The tenth amendment gives all rights not explicitly stated or prohibited to the states or to the people. 


Hamilton Revives the Corpse of Public Credit

Know:             Funding at Par, Assumption of State Debts

22.       How did Alexander Hamilton's economic plans lead to the District of Columbia?

After six months of debate, Hamilton, Jefferson and Madison met and worked out the Compromise of 1790. The capital would move permanently to Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia).  This was in return for Jefferson to line up enough votes in congress for assumption.

Customs Duties and Excise Taxes

Know:             Revenue Tariffs, Protective Tariffs, Excise Taxes

23.       Explain Hamilton's overall economic plan for America.

1. Bolster national credit: Urged Congress to assume the debts of the states and fund the national debt at par. By assuming the debt it would become a national obligation and force the states into a bond with the federal govt. as well as unite the states.
2. Funding at par: The federal govt. would pay off its debts at face value + interest.

He planned on paying off the debt by increasing tariff on foreign trades (ironically just what they said that they left Britain for).

Hamilton Battles Jefferson for a Bank

Know:             Bank of the United States, Strict Construction, Loose Construction, Elastic Clause

24.       How did the issue of the Bank of the United States reveal a difference in understanding about the Constitution between Jefferson and Hamilton?

Hamilton devised a Bank of the United States, with the right to establish branches in different parts of the country. Jefferson advocated a decentralized agrarian republic. He did not want a strong central government. Jefferson took the constitution literally and restrictively whereas Hamilton sawit as permitting for the new bank. 

Mutinous Moonshiners in Pennsylvania

Know:             Whiskey Rebellion   

25.       Was the Whiskey Rebellion a victory for freedom, order, or both?  Explain.

The whiskey rebellion was fought for freedom, but a victory for order. George Washington was able to command more respect after putting down the small rebellion. However because it strengthened the government it weakened the people’s freedom.

The Emergence of Political Parties

Know:             Factions, Parties

26.       Why did political parties develop during George Washington's presidency?  Were they good or bad?

The first political parties in the U.S. after the Revolutionary War developed as a result of the debate over the new National Bank and how the federal government was beginning to overshadow the state government. They were headed by Alexander Hamilton (pro large government) and Thomas Jefferson (against large federal government). The two parties were essential to a sound democracy because the party not in power provided a sort of balance to the party in power.

The Impact of the French Revolution

Know:             Democratic-Republicans, Federalists, French Revolution, Reign of Terror
27.       In what way did the French Revolution expose the differing views of Democratic-Republicans and     Federalists?

Federalist worried the American republicans could replicate the horrible French Revolution and some people believed that the Democratic Republicans had similar views as the radicalists in the French Revolution. Democratic Republicans saw the blood shed of the French Revolution unappealing, but necessary for freedom. This worried the Federalists who thought that they might be next on the guillotine. 

Washington's Neutrality Proclamation

Know:             Franco-American Alliance, Neutrality Proclamation, Citizen Genet
28.       Explain the reasoning for and against Washington's Neutrality Proclamation.

This was a proclamation made by George Washington that assured America would remain neutral in the war between Britain and France. Since Washington did not want to get into the war, he remained neutral. It angered many Jeffersonians (the pro-French who thought that they should fight with them). Washington's reasoning was that the Nation needed to build up in strength and population so that it would not invite catastrophe into America.

Embroilments with Britain

Know: Anthony Wayne, Battle of Fallen Timbers, Treaty of Greenville
29.       How did British actions towards Native Americans and American merchant ships incite many Americans?

British agents openly sold firearms and firewater to the Indians of the Miami Confederacy whom under Little Turtle defeated American forces until General Wayne beat them at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. Also, although America was "neutral" the British seized many American ships that were going into and out of the West Indies. This enraged many Americans who called for a boycott of British goods, but Hamilton's plan for the economy depended on robust trade with Britain. 

Jay's Treaty and Washington's Farewell

Know:             Jay's Treaty, Farewell Address

30.       Did John Jay betray American interests in Jay's Treaty.

John Jay's treaty was between the United States and Great Britain to regulate commerce and navigation. Britain promised to evacuate their western posts and consented to pay for damages for the recent seizures of American Ships. They did not address future seizures, however, and made the United States pay the debts still owed to British Merchants on on Pre-Revolutionary accounts. Americans were outraged by Jay's Treaty. Specifically Jeffersonians in the south whom would have to pay most of the dent. Many Americans even burned effigies of John Jay as a reaction to it.

John Adams Becomes President

Know:             John Adams, High Federalists

31.       What handicaps did John Adams face as he became president?

Unlike George Washington Adams did not have very good social skills or appeal to the masses. He was a tactless intellectual aristocrat. Adams was hated by his vice president, Hamilton, and did not have a strong cabinet. Also, France had a quarrel with America and Adams inherited that.

Unofficial Fighting with France

Know:             John Marshall, XYZ Affair, "Millions for Defense, but Not One Cent for Tribute

32.       What French actions brought America close to war in the closing years of the 18th century?

The French Revolution began in 1789. France was infuriated by John Jay's treaty believing that the Americans were allying themselves with Britain. French warships began to seize defenseless American merchant vessels. In an attempt to reconcile Adams sent men to France to meet with the French Foreign Minister, but they had to pay a bribe to talk which they refused to do. The idea of bribery enraged Americans and they began to attack the West Indies. 

Adams Puts Patriotism above Party

Know:             Napoleon Bonaparte, Convention of 1800

33.             How did avoiding war with France hurt John Adams' political career?

Adams lost supporters by avoiding war with France. Americans were extremely pissed off at France and wanted to fight, but Adams saw that the Nation would not be able to hold it together so he remained peaceful. 

The Federalist Witch Hunt

Know:             Alien Laws, Sedition Act

34.       Explain the reasons for the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts.

The Sedition Act effectively made it a crime for any person to criticize the President, the Congress or the Government of the United States. 

The Alien Act empowered President Adams to arrest, detain, and deport any non-citizen he found to be a danger to the security of the nation. These were generally popular because of the Anti-French hysteria that was sweeping the nation.

The Virginia (Madison) and Kentucky (Jefferson) Resolutions

Know: Compact Theory, Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, Nullification

35.       Which was more dangerous to the US Constitution: the Alien and Sedition Acts or the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions?  Explain.

The Alien and Sedition acts were more dangerous to the constitution because by making it illegal to criticize the government you outright disobey the first amendment. Also, this would let the government go wild with out being able to get checked. 

Federalists versus Democratic-Republicans

36.       What were some key differences between Federalists and Democratic Republicans?

The Federalist Party believed in a strong national (federal) government with powers over the state governments. Hamilton looked outward and eastward believing that America needed to be respected in foreign affairs. The Democratic-Republicans believed that states should have more power than the national government. Jefferson looked inward and westward. His foal was to protect and strengthen democracy at home.