Student Study Guide – Unit 5: The Early Republic, 1789 - 1824
MAJOR ERAS AND EVENTS IN THIS UNIT

The Early Republic
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

George Washington as the First President under the U.S. Constitution
The Rise of Political Parties – Federalists & Democratic-Republicans
The Louisiana Purchase (1803)
Judicial Review – Marbury v. Madison (Supreme Court Case)
The Journey of Lewis and Clark (1804)
Jeffersonian Democracy
The War of 1812
The Monroe Doctrine
The Era of Good Feelings
The First Five Presidents of the USA
o George Washington (1789 - 1796)
o John Adams (1797 – 1800)
o Thomas Jefferson (1801 – 1808)
o James Madison (1809 – 1816)
o James Monroe (1817 – 1824)
DATES OF SIGNIFICANCE IN THIS UNIT THAT YOU MUST KNOW

1803 – The Louisiana Purchase (Thomas Jefferson’s purchase of land from France doubles the size of the USA)
MAJOR PROBLEMS FACED BY THE LEADERS OF THE EARLY REPUBLIC


Trying To Maintain Our National Security
o
The Whiskey Rebellion – Farmers in western Pennsylvania staged a rebellion against a government tax
on whiskey and the grain it was made from. (It was decreasing profits on the grain they produced and
putting them in economic hardship) Because he was concerned that the rebellion would get out of
control, President Washington sent out the Federal troops to put down the uprising, but the rebels fled
before any fighting actually occurred.
o
The XYZ Affair – The French government began seizing American ships to prevent Americans from
trading with the British. The British and French (under the control of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the
greatest military leaders in world history) had been at war for years. X, Y, and Z referred to the French
agents that assured the American negotiators that they could meet with the French minister. The
French agreed to stop if the Americans agreed to give France a loan of $10 million and a bribe to the
minister of $250,000. The American agents were offended and refused the bribe and loan, while
Congress canceled their treaties with France. Soon after, American privateers began to seize French
ships, and Congress began set aside money to increase the U.S. military.
Setting up the Federal Court System Included in the Constitution
o
Federal Judiciary Act of 1789 – The Constitution included a short section about creating a federal court
system. In 1789, Congress passed this law to do just that . . . but no one really had any idea what it
would look like or how the court system should operate!
o

Creating a Stable Economic System for our Nation
o

Marbury v. Madison (Supreme Court Case in 1803) This court case was the first time a precedent was
set by the Supreme Court. The precedent of judicial review was set based on the decision of Chief
Justice John Marshall and it gave the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional, a
power it has been using ever since
The National Bank – When Alexander Hamilton first became Secretary of the Treasury, he came up with
several ideas to solve the USA’s economic trouble. One of those ideas was to create a national bank for
the USA. Based on a loose interpretation of the Elastic Clause (or the Necessary and Proper Clause) in
Article I the Constitution, Hamilton said that the bank was “necessary and proper” to carry out the
government’s financial duties. Based on this view, when the Constitution grants a power to Congress, it
also grants Congress the “necessary and proper” means to carry out that power (meaning “you gotta do
what you gotta do and you use what you need to do what you gotta do” – This is can be and has been
controversial throughout the entire history of the USA!)
Defining the Authority of the Federal Government
o
Appointing a Presidential Cabinet – The Constitution does not ever mention a presidential cabinet, but
it does state that the President may require opinions of heads of executive departments (Washington’s
cabinet set the precedent for all future Presidents; they all have cabinets)
o
The Alien & Sedition Acts – These were controversial laws passed by Congress during John Adams’
presidency and were created at a time when the USA was weak and afraid of spies and foreign agents
from France and Great Britain. The Alien Acts targeted immigrants (also known as aliens). Immigrants
had to wait for some time to become citizens and could be removed from the country or jailed if they
were considered disloyal. The Sedition Acts targeted anyone in the US that said or wrote anything
thought to be false or harmful about the government (also known as treason).
o
States’ Rights – The principle of State’s Rights goes back long before the Constitution was written.
People who believed that States’ Rights were a top priority to maintain said that states had rights that
the federal government could not violate. They also believed that states could nullify (or disregard)
federal laws. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison tried to use this idea to fight the Alien & Sedition
Acts at the time. Eventually, this idea would also be used to start the American Civil War decades later.
o
The Louisiana Purchase – In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson jumped at the opportunity to buy the
huge Louisiana Purchase from Napoleon Bonaparte after French plans to start an empire in the Americas
failed in the wake of the Haitian Revolution. Jefferson paid France $15 million for the purchase of the
Louisiana Territory. But since there is no clause in the Constitution granting the President the power to
purchase land, the purchase MAY have been unconstitutional. BUT since Napoleon wanted a quick
answer, Jefferson decided to purchase it anyway.
THE FOREIGN POLICIES OF PRESIDENTS IN THE ERA OF THE EARLY REPUBLIC

George Washington (1789 – 1797) [1st President]
o

Declared neutrality when the British and French went to war against each other in the Napoleonic Wars.
He believed that the United States must remain neutral and friendly to both nations in order to survive.
John Adams (1787 – 1800) [2nd President]
o
Avoided war with France though many disagreed with him.


o
XYZ Affair – Three anonymous French trouble makers brought France and the U.S. to the brink of war
o
The Alien and Sedition Acts – Four Congressional acts that made it difficult to become citizens and
declared restrictions against citizens who criticized the government during war time; very controversial
and hated laws.
Thomas Jefferson (1801 – 1809) [3rd President]
o
Tried to avoid foreign involvement, keeping George Washington’s advice to maintain neutrality.
o
Embargo Act 1807 – Prohibited Americans from trading with foreign nations. The act was intended to
prevent American entrance into the Napoleonic Wars by keeping the ships safely docked in American
harbors. It failed miserably and devastated the American economy, lowering both imports and exports.
James Madison (1809 – 1817) [4th President]
o

Was the Commander-in-Chief during the War of 1812, which ended the disagreements and animosity
between Great Britain and the United States.
James Monroe (1817 – 1825) [5th President]
o
In his State of the Union address, Monroe declared that the American continents were forever free and
independent from the European Powers. This statement became known as the Monroe Doctrine.
o
The Monroe Doctrine – After the American victory in the War of 1812, President Monroe believed the
USA to be strong enough to protect its interests in the Western Hemisphere. Monroe proclaimed that
the USA would remain neutral in European political and military affairs, but he also stated that the
European empires should no longer seek to colonize or interfere with the affairs of any of the nations of
the American Continents, or they would risk conflict with the USA.
o
Monroe’s Purchase – In 1815, Florida was ceded by Spain to the United States in exchange for a deal in
which the U.S. would pay $5 million to Spain AND give up any claim to the Spanish colony of Texas
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND ARGUMENTS CONCERNING ECONOMICS DURING THE ERA

Protective Tariffs – High tariffs (or taxes on imports) protect domestic manufacturers from foreign competition
who sell their products at lower prices. The down side is that high tariffs prevent consumers from purchasing
the foreign products at lower prices. High tariffs on foreign goods that were common purchases were favored
by the North, because their economy was based on manufacturing, which meant that Americans would buy
more American goods and Northerners made more money. The higher tariffs caused economic hardships for
many people in the South because of the amount of goods that the South preferred to purchase from Europe.
During the Andrew Jackson administration, a tariff debate continued to develop. Congress endorsed high tariffs
on any goods manufactured in Europe. Many Americans who lived in the Northeastern states loved these
because they worked in industries the tariffs protected, and the Northerners benefited from less foreign
competition. Southerners hated the protective tariffs because Americans would now have to pay higher prices
for goods manufactured in the U.S., which hurt the Southern economy

Low tariffs – The positive thing about lower tariffs is that they allow for greater volume of trade between
countries (free trade), but often at the expense of domestic industries. The consumers are happy to have access
to many goods at low prices.

Taxation – High taxes take money away from the consumer, but the government can use the money to create
more programs and infrastructure that can benefit the economy and the poorer citizens. Low taxes leave more
money for the consumer to spend and stimulate economic growth. At the time, this affected the Southern
economy more than the Northern economy, because most taxation at that time was based on tariffs.

The US Banking System – As new industries began to start and soon expand, the need for capital (in the form of
loans) increased, the banking industry became very important to the growth of the economy. Banks were also
important to American farmers, who often borrowed money from banks, using their future crops as collateral.
Even so, famer-friendly politicians James Madison and Thomas Jefferson supported a strict interpretation of the
Constitution. They believed that the power of the government should be clearly stated in the Constitution.
Since a national bank was not in the Constitution, it should not exist. On the other hand, Alexander Hamilton
supported a loose interpretation of the Constitution. He believed having a bank was “necessary and proper”
(according to the Elastic Clause), so he worked hard to establish the First Bank of the United States.
THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE AMERICAN POLITICAL PARTIES & TWO PARTY SYSTEM

The original two political parties have their origins during George Washington’s presidential administration,
when Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton could not seem to agree on anything. They were created in
support of or opposition to issues concerning how strong the federal government should be and what its role
was. They were called the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans.
o
Federalists were generally in favor of a strong central government and a loose interpretation of the
Constitution. Although considered to believe in the sharing of power between the National and State
governments, they favored the creation of a national bank, promoted the expansion of manufacturing in
American cities, supported protective (even high) tariffs for various industries, and they used a loose
interpretation of the Constitution, which allowed the Federal Government to become more powerful
than the State governments. They were led by politicians Alexander Hamilton and John Adams (the 1st
Federalist President). The Federalists were generally supported by Northern merchants and
manufacturers. (They were also known as Hamiltonians)
o
Democratic-Republicans were generally in favor of limiting the federal government’s power and had a
strict interpretation of the Constitution. They wanted an expansion of states’ rights and fought to
maintain states’ rights above all else (also known as Jeffersonian Democracy). They promoted
agriculture above manufacturing, they wanted low tariffs (or none at all), and they did not want a
national bank to be created. The Democratic-Republicans were led by politicians Thomas Jefferson (the
1st Republican President) and James Madison. They were generally supported by Southern farmers and
non-industrial workers. (They were also known as Jeffersonians and were usually just called
Republicans)
CAUSES, IMPORTANT EVENTS, AND EFFECTS OF THE WAR OF 1812

Significance of the War of 1812 – This “rematch” between the Americans and Great Britain established the USA
as an independent nation with its own unique identity when the new country defended its first "invasion,"
proving it had become a legitimate military power in the Western Hemisphere. No territory was gained or lost
and there was no clear winner, but the Americans gained a worldwide reputation, having survived going to war
with the British Empire twice, and not losing.

The Causes Of and Various Issues Surrounding the War
o
Impressments – The kidnapping and forced military service of U.S. sailors into the British Navy.
American merchant ships usually didn’t stand a chance against the very powerful British Navy, and so
they were easy prey


o
Economic Impact – The war caused Americans to increase their reliance on manufactured goods made
in the USA (specifically in Northern factories)
o
American merchant shipping was constantly harassed and interfered with by the British Navy
o
The British supported (and sometimes armed) Native American resistance out west against the USA
o
The War Hawks – A group of younger, Democratic-Republican politicians that were very angry at Great
Britain and focused their efforts on persuading Congress to support a declaration of war against Britain
Key Events of the War
o
Attack on Washington, DC – In 1814, the British invaded the USA and continuously defeated the
American every step of the way. One of their targets was Washington, DC, which they occupied and set
fire to. Many public buildings, including the White House, were completely destroyed. (President James
Madison’s wife, Dolly Madison, barely escaped in time, but did save the famous Gilbert Stuart Portrait of
George Washington from the White House)
o
The Battle of Fort McHenry – Francis Scott Key wrote the poem Defence of Fort McHenry, from which
the Star Spangled Banner was written, after he was captured and witnessed the bombardment of Fort
McHenry by the British Royal Navy ships during the battle
o
The Battle of New Orleans – The Treaty of Ghent had already been signed when this battle began, but
not everyone knew about it! General Andrew Jackson soundly defeated the British in this battle, who
were intent on seizing New Orleans and the land Americans had acquired with the Louisiana Purchase.
The victory made Jackson a national hero and household name.
o
The Treaty of Ghent of 1814 - peace treaty that ended the War of 1812 and restored relations between
the US and Britain to pre-war status. (Effectively ended the threat of re-colonization by the British
Empire and required the removal of all British military forts in the United States)
The Aftermath: The Era of Good Feelings (1815 – 1824)
o
After the American “victory” in the War of 1812, the people of the USA desired unity and felt that they
had a sense of “national purpose.” Things calmed down politically for Americans and they boomed
economically, meaning that the economy grew and more Americans prospered. As the economy
improved and Americans began feeling better about their chances of surviving in a world of powerful
empires, the bitter disputes between the Democratic-Republicans and the Federalists ended. The
Federalist Party fell apart, which left the Democratic-Republicans as the only political party supported by
the American people.
THE CULTURAL IMPACT OF WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS AND THE MONROE DOCTRINE

The Impact of Washington’s Farewell Address
o
As Washington was set to retire from national service, he urged the nation to be neutral and steer clear
of permanent alliances with foreign nations that could weaken our independence
o
He recognized the dangers of political parties and warned that division caused by political parties could
weaken the nation as a whole and turn friends into enemies
o
His advice guided U.S. foreign policy for more than 100 years, and is still considered by presidents even
in modern times

The Impact of the Monroe Doctrine
o
The U.S. saw itself as a potential world power and a protector of Latin America
o
It established one of the basic principles of American foreign policy in declaring that the European
powers should not colonize or interfere in the affairs of nations in the Western Hemisphere
o
It prevented other nations from invading the Western Hemisphere and colonizing in any American
nation (and still does today)
THE ORIGIN OF JUDICIAL REVIEW

Judicial Review – This legal concept originated from the ruling on Marbury v. Madison. Supreme Court Chief
Justice John Marshall declared that the Supreme Court’s (the Judicial Branch) duty is to interpret the law
(according to the U.S. Constitution). If the Supreme Court decides a law violates the U.S. Constitution, it cannot
go into effect or if it is already in effect, it is no longer legal. This made the Supreme Court more powerful,
which allowed more of a balance between the three branches of government and it still allows the Supreme
Court to determine the constitutionality of laws made by Congress to this day.
ISSUES, DECISIONS, AND SIGNIFICANCE OF LANDMARK SUPREME COURT CASES
Case
Marbury v.
Madison
Issue
Jefferson ordered Madison not
to deliver Adams’ last-minute
presidential appointments of
judges as he was leaving office
Decision
Significance
The law that allowed William
Establishes Judicial Review
Marbury to sue Madison for
delivery of his appointment was
unconstitutional
CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS AS MODELS OF CIVIC VIRTUE

George Washington – He served as the Commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, as
President of the Philadelphia Convention of 1787, and he served as our first National Executive (President), even
when he did not want to – which sets the standard of putting the nation’s well-being ahead of his own personal
well-being. He also established the idea that no president should ever seek more than two terms as president –
which sets the standard of using personal restraint from seeking more power.

John Adams – He defended the British troops after the Boston Massacre, and sought justice for them in a court
of law (because he believed them to be victims of circumstances beyond their control - which was a very
unpopular decision), he worked closely with Thomas Jefferson on the Declaration of Independence, he
consistently promoted the cause of independence at the Continental Congress (which was also NOT popular at
the time), he served as a diplomat oversees, he served as the nation’s first Vice President, and he served as the
second President of the United States

Thomas Jefferson – He wrote the Declaration of Independence, he consistently fought for individual liberties
and states’ rights, he served as the nation’s first Secretary of State, he had the courage to take a HUGE risk in
dealing with Napoleon Bonaparte for the Louisiana Purchase, and he served as the third President of the United
States. Jefferson was also known as a “man of the people” and a president who stood up for the common
American farmer, whom he considered the most virtuous and respectable people in America.
KEY VOCABULARY TERMS FOR UNIT 5









Capital – financial assets or the financial value of assets; the factories, machinery, equipment, profit-making
abilities (etc.) of a business, organization, or country
Foreign policy – government actions in relations to other countries
Impressment – forcing someone into service for an organization or government
Isolationism – policy of separating and not participation in international relationships
Neutrality – remaining independent and not taking sides in an issue
Political party – groups of people sharing a common political philosophy and support for candidates with that
philosophy
Tariffs – taxes on imported goods and services; these are used to control and restrict trade because they raise
the price a consumer must pay for a good or service (this protects domestic industries when the imported good
or service may be seen as superior to the domestic good)
Republic – political system in which elected representatives are responsible for governing
Related Vocabulary
o alliance
o debt
o doctrine
o domestic
o embargo
o intervention
o sedition