Early Republic 1788-1800 Flashcards
What is the significance of the Judiciary act of 1789?
In order to avoid encroaching on state rights, congress implemented federal district courts. Although the Supreme court had final jurisdiction, the federal district courts operated according to local protocol.
What was the Whiskey Rebellion and why did it happen?
To cover the national debt following the revolutionary war, Alexander Hamilton recomended a tax on domestic whiskey. Farmers, already troubled by shipping costs, rebel against the tax for diminishig their profit margin.
- George Washington puts down the rebelellion with a 13,000 man militia, sending an authoratative message to all those considering violent political action.
Who are the federalists and how would they differ from republicans?
Federalists, like Hamilton, believed in a large, centralized governement, and a a loose interpeatation of the constitution.
Republicans, like Jefferson and Madison, believed in more states rights, less federal government, and a strict interpretation of the constitution.
What were some critisicsms of Alexander Hamilton’s proposal for the first national bank?
Unconstitutional: Republicans such as Madison and Jefferson would say that the constitution does not grant congress the power to charter a national bank.
Easily Corrupted: By offering public shares, those few wealthy enough to afford them could have influence over a government bank.
How did the french revolution effect the U.S?
Once France declared war on Britian in 1793, the British navy enacted several war time laws impacting U.S trade and sovereignty.
- The confiscation of any foreign ship trading with france, rsulting in the seuizure of more than 250 vessels
- Impressment: The requirement of all british sailors on American ships to return to the british navy, regardless of possible American citizenship.
Not all Americans agreed on whether or not to support the French revolution. How did some Americans split on this issue?
- Federalists, in favor of a strong centralized government, denounced mob-like rule during the reign of terror, and supported the British in resisting the revolution.
- Republicans supported the revolution and an assault on centralized ruling monarchy.
- Northern merchant traders feared that supporting France would result in tension with British, who could in turn restrict trade with America.
- Southern slave owners, in fear of the British aiding another slave uprising like in Saint Domingue, supported the French over the Britsh.
Who is John Jay and how did he impact America’s foreign policy?
John Jay is most notable for Jay’s Treaty. After the defeat of the British-Shawnee alliance in Ohio (1794), Cheif Justice John Jay was able to obtain Britian’s promise to withdraw all troops from American oil by 1796.
- John Jay also bargained access to British West Indian markets in exchange for not trading with the French during wartime.
How did the Treaty of San Lorenzo (1796), a.k.a Pinckney’s Treaty, improve U.S trade?
Under orders of George Washington, Thomas Pinckey designed a treaty with Spain granting the U.S unrestricted use of the MIssissippi river to reach other world markets.
- Spain also recognized the southern U.S border at 31st parrallel and vowed to remove all fortifications on American soil.
