The Jefferson Era Flashcards
Marbury v Madison
established the principle of judicial review which gave the Supreme Court the authority to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional. This decision strengthened the federal government’s power.
Jeffferson was afraid of French control of Lousiana because
French control would put American trade along the Mississippi River at risk. Congress authorized Robert Livingston, the new minister to France, to offer as much as $2 million for New Orleans and West Florida in order to gain control of the territory.
Louisiana Purchase
The new territory would provide plenty of cheap land for farmers for future generations. It would also give the United States control of the Mississippi River, which would protect domestic shipping interests. These benefits convinced Livingston and Monroe to close the deal, even though they did not have authorization to buy the whole territory. After a few days of negotiation, the parties agreed on a price of $15 million.
Jefferson worried that such a large purchase might not be legal. The Constitution said nothing about acquiring new territory. By what authority could he buy the land? He thought of seeking a constitutional amendment, but he realized there was no time for such a step. Jefferson decided the government’s treaty-making powers allowed the purchase of the new territory. The Senate approved the purchase in October 1803. The purchase of the Louisiana Territory doubled the size of the United States.
Purpose of Lewis and Clark Expedition
finding and mapping the fabled Northwest Passage, a water route across North America.
Reason for war with Tripoli
The Barbary States also demanded that the United States pay tribute. In 1801 the ruler of Tripoli asked the United States for even more money. When President Jefferson refused to pay, Tripoli declared war on the United States. In response, Jefferson sent ships to blockade Tripoli.
Embargo Act
An embargo (ihm * BAHR * goh) prohibits trade with another country. The act targeted Great Britain, but the embargo banned imports from and exports to all foreign countries. Jefferson wanted to prevent Americans from using other countries as go-betweens for forbidden trade.
Nonintercourse Act
This act, which prohibited trade only with Britain and France, was also unpopular and unsuccessful.
Goal of Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa
tried to build a confederacy among Native American nations in the Northwest.
Tecumseh wanted to halt white movement into Native American lands. He believed that a strong alliance—with the backing of the British in Canada—could achieve that goal. Tecumseh also thought the treaties the U.S. government made with individual Native American nations were worthless. “
urged Native Americans to return to their ancient customs.
Reasons for War Hawks to declare war on England
. Led by Henry Clay of Kentucky and John Calhoun of South Carolina, they represented the West and South.
The War Hawks supported increases in military spending and were driven by hunger for land. War Hawks from the West wanted the fertile forests of southern Canada, whereas the southerners wanted Spanish Florida. The War Hawks also wanted to expand the nation’s power. Their nationalism (NA * shuh * nuh * lih * zuhm)—or loyalty to their country—appealed to a renewed American patriotism.
Results of the battle of New Orleans
At the Battle of New Orleans, Americans achieved a decisive victory. Andrew Jackson became a hero whose fame would help him win the presidency in 1828.
Judicial review
Chief Justice John Marshall established the three principles of judicial review: (1) the Constitution is the supreme law of the land; (2) the Constitution must be followed when there is a conflict with any other law; and (3) the judicial branch can declare laws unconstitutional. In short, Marshall claimed for the courts the power to find acts of other branches unconstitutional. Judicial review is a key check on the legislative and executive branches.
Difficulty for Jefferson purchasing Louisiana territory
Jefferson worried that such a large purchase might not be legal. The Constitution said nothing about acquiring new territory. By what authority could he buy the land? He thought of seeking a constitutional amendment, but he realized there was no time for such a step. Jefferson decided the government’s treaty-making powers allowed the purchase of the new territory. The Senate approved the purchase in October 1803.
Reasons for Napoleon selling Louisiana to the US
he needed money to finance his war against Britain. Without Santo Domingo, Napoleon had little use for Louisiana. In order to solve his money problem, he decided to sell the Louisiana Territory.
Who helped Lewis and Clark on their Expedition
Clark also brought along York, an enslaved African American. York was a key member of the expedition. He was especially helpful building ties with Native Americans, many of whom had never before seen an African American and were drawn to him.
A Shoshone woman named Sacagawea (SA * kuh * juh * WEE * uh) joined the group as a guide.
Why was the Embargo Act unpopular
With ships confined to their harbors, unemployment rose in New England. Without European markets, the South could not sell its tobacco or cotton. The price for wheat fell in the West, and river traffic stopped. Britain, meanwhile, simply bought needed goods from other countries.
