Early Republic Flashcards
What were Washington’s biggest accomplishments?
- set up a functioning government
- improved the economy
- avoided war
- removed Britain from the NW territory
Define precedent
Example to be followed by others in the future
Who were the members of the first Cabinet?
President George Washington VP John Adams Secretary of State T Jefferson Secretary of treasury A Hamilton Secretary of war Henry Knox Attorney General Edmund Randolph Chief Justice John Jay Speech Writer James Madison
Define bonds
Certificate for a certain amount of money that the government promises to pay back with interest. The point was to support the war.
Define speculators
People who buy bonds from bond holders for less than they are worth to make a profit when they turn them in
How much war debt did the US have in bonds?
$52 million
Part 1 of Hamilton’s financial plan: what is it, who disliked it, did it pass?
US government would take on all state debts. The south disliked it because they paid their debts. They only agreed if the capital was moved south by the Potomac River. It passed.
Part 2 of Hamilton’s financial plan: what is it, who disliked it, did it pass?
Charter a national bank for depositing government funds. Jefferson disliked because it wasn’t explicitly stated in the Constitution. It passed.
Part 3 of Hamilton’s financial plan: what is it, who disliked it, did it pass?
Impose a high tax on imports. South disliked because it helped the North and hurt the South. It didn’t pass.
Jefferson vs Hamilton
Jefferson had a strict interpretation of the Constitution. Hamilton had a loose interpretation. Congress has powers about things not directly mentioned.
When was the National Bank established?
1791
How was the US involved in the French Revolution?
By 1789, France was in the Reign of terror; thousands were executed. France was simultaneously at war with Britain. Both countries wanted American help but they stayed neutral.
Define impressment
Britain kidnapped US ships and forced the sailors in the British navy.
What is Jay’s Treaty?
Washington sent Jay to negotiate with Britain about impressment. Britain agreed to leave NW territory and expand trade, but continued impressment. Because of this, it was a flop.
What was the Whiskey Rebellion?
Congress taxed whiskey. In 1794, Corn farmers in West Pennsylvania burned the Tax collector’s home and closed the courts.
3 things to know about factions
Hated by GWash.
Framers didn’t expect parties.
Jefferson led the Democratic Republicans and Hamilton led the Federalists.
Differences between Dem Repubs and Federalists. (Name at least three)
D. R. People have power. Educated have power. Strong state vs strong central govt. Emphasized agriculture vs trade, manufacturing and shipping. Strict vs loose. Pro French vs pro British. Opposed vs favored National Bank. Opposed vs favored high tariff.
Who ran in the election of 1796?
F John Adams vs DR Thomas Jefferson. Adams won with 71 votes, then Jefferson with 68 votes.
What were the main points of the 1796 Farewell Address?
Warned against political parties. Don’t get tangled in European affairs.
What was the XYZ affair?
Adams sent a 3 person mission to France, but they were stopped by three agents who demanded $250,000 and a $10 million loan before meeting with the foreign minister. Americans said no and went home. The public was angry at France and wanted war. There was an undeclared naval war with France until Napoleon comes to power.
What was the Naturalization Act?
Increased the number of years of residency required for naturalization from 5 to 14 years.
What was the Alien Act?
President has the power to deport.
Who are the Naturalization and Alien acts directed towards?
The French and the Irish Catholics.
What was the Sedition Act?
Crime to say anything insulting or false about the government.
Who was the Sedition Act directed towards?
Democratic Republicans.
What are the Virginia Kentucky resolutions?
Written by Madison and Jefferson, respectively, these say that the states can nullify, deprive of legal force, a national law.
What was Gabriel Prosser’s Rebellion?
Enslaved Africans discussed liberty. Gabe the blacksmith planned a rebellion near Richmond, VA. He was caught and tries before it and 30 were executed.
What happened in the election of 1800?
Jefferson and Burr, both Democratic Republicans, tied. Hamilton lobbied for Jefferson, Congress voted him in.
Jefferson: the 5 L’s
Less army Less taxes Less government Louisiana Purchase Lewis and Clark
What is bureaucracy? What did Jefferson do?
The departments and workers of federal government. Jefferson cut numbers.
What is the Judiciary Act of 1789?
Congress created a national court system with 3 circuit courts and 13 district courts, all headed by the Supreme Court.
What is the Judiciary Act of 1801?
Decreased number of Supreme Court judges, increased number of federal judges.
What are midnight judges?
Adams’ last minute appointments to fill judicial posts with Federalists, like John Marshall who established important principles of common law.
Describe Marbury vs Madison
Adams appointed Marbury as justice of the peace. James Madison, Jefferson’s Secretary of State, didn’t give Marbury the appointment letter. Marbury sued, Marshall ruled against him, saying that he’s not allowed to order the executive branch this way. Example of judicial review.
What was the Lousiana Purchase?
Monroe and Livingston were sent to buy New Orleans with a budget of $10 million. Napoleon decided he wanted to sell whole territory because he wasn’t able to crush the Haitian rebellion for $15 million.
What are the goals of the Lewis and Clark expedition?
Discover river routes to Pacific (northwest passage) Interact with the Native Americans Find natural resources Scientific research Get America into fur trade Feel out political and military uses
When was the Lewis and Clark expedition?
Spring 1804 to September 1806
What did Lewis and Clark bring?
40 men, 3 boats, 21 bales of gifts
What happened to the explorers after the expedition?
Sacajawea died young. Clark lived long and raised her son. Lewis had depression and killed himself.
Describe the Hamilton and Burr duel
Burr challenged Hamilton because he thought Ham was always preventing him from being elected. Burr killed Ham, ruining his own political future.
What was the Embargo Act of 1807?
British ship The Leopard attacked the USS Chesapeake, and as a punishment, US placed a restriction on trade with Britain and France. It had little effect on Europe, but New England traders hated it and tried to smuggle goods past the navy.
