- Weaker central government
- States to determine a law unconstitutional
- Jefferson dreamed of a farming America where everyone would be independent for their own profit, promoting independence and virtue
- Attempted to unite the parties like Washington wanted
- Questions if Jefferson was truly Jeffersonian due to actions such as the Louisiana Territory, Tripoli pirates, and Embargo Act of 1807
Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark Expedition
The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the United States, a deal with France during the Napoleonic wars. The Lewis and Clark expedition, which followed, contributed to more stable relations with natives and reached all the way to the Pacific, making it a remarkable journey. Considered as the best real estate deal in the world.
Marbury v. Madison and Embargo Act of 1807
Marbury v. Madison saw Judge John Marshall declare the judiciary act of 1789 unconstitutional, establishing judicial review giving more power to the federal government compared to the states' government. The Embargo Act of 1807 aimed to stop trading to weaken the British and French, who kept seizing and impressing US sailors, but it dramatically weakened the US economy.
War of 1812 and Treaty of Ghent
The War of 1812 saw the US against the British, with issues such as impressment, influence on the western frontier, and the desire to expand into Canada and Florida. The war hawks like Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun supported the war, while Federalists, New England, and merchants opposed it. The war included events such as the burning of the White House and "Old Ironsides", which had an impressive record. Tecumseh's war opened up white settlement, leading to more western expansion. After the war, the Treaty of Ghent in 1814 ended the conflict, although it did not solve any of the underlying problems.
War of 1812 Aftermath and Era of Good Feelings
Following the War of 1812, the Battle of New Orleans and the Hartford Convention had significant impacts, underlining the rise of nationalism in America and the growing tensions over slavery. The era of good feelings emphasized nationalism, good will, and optimism but also led to the Panic of 1819 and the Missouri Compromise.
Missouri Compromise, Adams-Onis Treaty, and Monroe Doctrine
The Missouri Compromise in 1820 sought to address the balance of free and slave states, while the Adams-Onis Treaty in 1819 saw the US buying Florida from Spain. The Monroe Doctrine, established in 1823, was aimed at curbing European expansion into the Americas.
Market Revolution and Regional Specialization
The market revolution during 1820-1848 resulted in a transition from an agrarian society to a capitalist one, with new means of production and transportation thriving. Regional specialization emerged, with the North and Northwest becoming industrialized and seeing an increase in immigration, while the South remained agrarian and largely reliant on slave labor.
In conclusion, the period of 1800-1848 saw a significant transformation in the United States, from territorial expansion and conflict to economic and social changes that would shape the nation for years to come.