Age of Jefferson Flashcards
What was the Revolution of 1800?
The election of 1800, in which Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams, leading to a peaceful transfer of power from the Federalists to the Democratic-Republicans, marking the first peaceful political changeover in U.S. history.
What was the Judiciary Act of 1801?
A law passed by the outgoing Federalist Congress, creating 16 new federal judgeships filled by John Adams with Federalist judges, known as the ‘Midnight Judges.’
Who were the Midnight Judges?
Judges appointed by President John Adams just before he left office in 1801, intended to ensure Federalist influence in the judiciary during Jefferson’s presidency.
What was Marbury v. Madison?
A landmark 1803 Supreme Court case in which the Court, under Chief Justice John Marshall, established the principle of judicial review, allowing the judiciary to declare laws unconstitutional.
What were the Barbary Wars?
Two wars fought between the United States and the Barbary States over the issue of piracy and the payment of tribute, testing the new nation’s strength on the global stage.
What was the Haitian Revolution?
A successful slave revolt in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (1791-1804), led by Toussaint L’Ouverture, resulting in Haiti’s independence and influencing slave revolts in other nations.
Who was Toussaint L’Ouverture?
Leader of the Haitian Revolution, a former slave who led the revolt against French colonial rule, establishing Haiti as the first independent black republic in the Western Hemisphere.
What was the Louisiana Purchase?
The 1803 acquisition of over 828,000 square miles of land from France for $15 million, which doubled the size of the United States and opened up land for westward expansion.
What was the Corps of Discovery?
A scientific and military expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, map the western frontier, and establish relationships with Native American tribes.
What were the Orders in Council?
British laws that restricted American trade with France by requiring American ships to stop in British ports for inspection, contributing to tensions leading to the War of 1812.
What was the Chesapeake Affair?
A 1807 incident in which the British HMS Leopard attacked the U.S. naval ship Chesapeake, impressing four American sailors and worsening relations between the two nations.
Who were the War Hawks?
A group of young congressmen from the South and West, including Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, who pushed for war against Britain in the lead-up to the War of 1812.
What was the Embargo Act?
A 1807 law passed by President Jefferson that banned all American trade with foreign countries in response to British and French interference with American shipping.
What was the Non-Intercourse Act?
A 1809 law that replaced the Embargo Act, reopening trade with all nations except Britain and France, aiming to pressure both nations to respect American neutral rights.
What was Macon’s Bill #2?
A 1810 law that reopened trade with Britain and France but stipulated that if either nation repealed its restrictions on U.S. trade, the U.S. would cut off trade with the other.
Who was John Marshall?
Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1801 to 1835, known for establishing the principle of judicial review in Marbury v. Madison.
What was the Lewis and Clark Expedition?
The 1804-1806 exploration of the western part of the United States led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, commissioned by President Jefferson.
Who was Aaron Burr?
The third Vice President of the United States under Thomas Jefferson, infamous for killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804.
Who was Tecumseh?
A Shawnee leader who worked to unite Native American tribes to resist U.S. territorial expansion and allied with the British during the War of 1812.
