Building the New Nation
Part Two
The Confederation and the
Constitution
1776-1790
Chapter 9
I. The Pursuit of Equality
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More evolution than revolution
Most not disturbed by fighting
Changes in social customs, political
institutions, ideas about society, government
and gender
Loyalist exodus removed conservative upper
class, allowed for more egalitarian ideas
New patriot elite emerges
1. Govt. gets its authority from the
citizens.
2. A selfless, educated citizenry.
3. Elections should be frequent.
The
“Virtuous
Republic”
4. Govt. should guarantee individual
rights & freedoms.
5. Govt.’s power should be limited
[checks & balances].
6. The need for a written
Constitution.
7. “E Pluribus Unum.” [“Out of
many, one”]
8. An important role for women 
raise good, virtuous citizens.
[“Republican Womanhood”].
I. Pursuit of Equality
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After Revolution, most states reduced property qualifications for
voting
By 1800 indentured servitude unknown
Growth of trade organizations, removal of inheritance laws
(primogeniture)
The fight for separation of church and state resulted in notable
gains.
Congregational church continued to be legally established (tax
supported) by some New England states
Anglican Church, reformed as the Protestant Episcopal Church
Fight for separation fierce in VA, Virginia Statute of Religious
Freedom (1786)
I. Pursuit of Equality
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Challenges to institution of slavery
1775 Quakers est. first antislavery
society
1774 Continental Congress called for
abolition of slave trade
Many northern states called for
abolition or gradual emancipation
No state south of Penn. abolished
slavery
Laws discriminated against free blacks
and slaves (jobs, education, marriage)
Idealism of freedom sacrificed for
political expediency, fight would
fracture national unity
I. Pursuit of Equality
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Women still were unequal to men,
even though some had served
(disguised as men) in the
Revolutionary War.
Achievements for women such as
New Jersey’s 1776 constitution which
allowed women to vote (for a time).
Mothers devoted to their families
developed idea of “republican
motherhood” , elevated women to
higher status, keepers of the nation’s
conscience
Women raised the children, held the
future of the republic in their hands
II. Constitution Making in the States
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1776- Continental Congress called upon states to draft constitutions,
form governments
Sovereignty would come from people, contracts defined powers of
government
States had written documents that represented a fundamental law.
Many had a bill of rights, required annual election of legislators.
All of them deliberately created weak executive and judicial branches,
distrust of central power
In most states, the legislative branch given sweeping powers
Massachusetts- special convention to draft its constitution, could only
be changed through another constitutional convention.
Thomas Jefferson, warned “173 despots [in legislature] would surely be
as oppressive as one.”
Many state capitals followed the migration of the people and moved
westward, as in New Hampshire, New York, Virginia, the Carolinas, and
Georgia.
Movement reflected recently enfranchised poorer districts away from
seaports
III. Economic Crosscurrents
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After war states seized Loyalist, crown
lands
Easily available land spread economic
democracy, this preceded political
democracy
War caused American manufacturers to
make their own goods (British trade cut
off)
America remained agriculturalist by a
large degree.
Prior to war, Americans had great trade
with Britain, and now they didn’t, could
now trade with foreign countries, a
privilege they didn’t have before.
Yankee shippers ventured into far off
places (East Asian markets)
Inflation was a problem
Many worse off financially
War caused dislike of taxes and law
IV. Shaky Start Toward Union
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Revolution caused responsibility of creating and operating new central
government
America more a name than nation
New patriot elite open to ideas of experimentation and innovation in government
1784-1786- low point for new republic
British flood Americas with cheap goods, American industry suffered
However, the states all did share similar constitutions, had a rich political
inheritance from Britain
Revolution provided opportunity for Washington, Madison, Jefferson, Hamilton,
and John Adams, became great political leaders
V. Creating a Confederation
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13 sovereign states coined money, raised armies,
erected tariff barriers
1777-Articles of Confederation adopted
1781- ratified by all states
Main problem- what to do with western lands?
Some states had holdings west of Allegheny Mts.,
some did not
Land rich could sell off land to pay debts, others had
to tax heavily to raise revenue
V. Creating a Confederation
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States eventually
surrendered land to
central government
Used to make future
states
Bonded union to central
authority
Pioneers bought land
from federal
government, benefit to
nation
Weakened state powers
VI. Articles of Confederation: America’s
First Constitution
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A.
B.
C.
D.
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Loose confederation, acted together to deal with
common problems (foreign defense)
No executive, judiciary left up to states
Each state one vote
Hard to amend
No power to regulate commerce, states had
different trade laws
No power to tax, states paid what they wanted
National government could not control states
Outlined general powers of government, provided
idea of union
VII. Landmarks in Land Law
Congress of Confederation
passed farsighted
legislation, dealt with public
domain of Old Northwest
Land Ordinance of 1785
1. land sold to settlers to pay
public debt
2. land surveyed before sale
and settlement, led to
orderly settlement
3. sixteenth section set aside
to benefit education
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VII. Landmarks in Land Laws
Northwest Ordinance 1787
 Dealt with how to govern new territory
 Congress appointed 3 judges & a governor to govern the territory.
 When population reached 5,000 adult male landowners elect
territorial legislature.
 When population reached 60,000 elect delegates to a state
constitutional convention, with all privileges of other states
 Forbid slavery in Old Northwest
 Ideas carried to other frontier areas
VIII. World’s Ugly Duckling
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British- refused to repeal navigation laws, closed
trade to US in the West Indies
Along northern frontier held trading posts on US soil,
agitated Indians that kept US from effectively
settling territory
British justified action because Americans failed to
keep promises about debts and Loyalists
Some wanted to impose restrictions on British
imports but Congress could not control imports
VIII. World’s Ugly Duckling
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Spain- openly unfriendly to
US
1784- Closed MS River,
people in KY, TN and Old
Northwest could not ship
goods
Claimed large area of
territory granted to US by
British
Schemed with and agitated
Indians to be hostile with
US settlers
VIII. World’s Ugly Duckling
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France demanded payment of debts,
restricted trade with West Indies
Pirates of North African States (Barbary
States) took American ships, enslaved
Yankee sailors
America too poor to bribe officials to get
release of sailors
Too weak to stop them
VIII. The Horrid Specter of Anarchy
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1780’s ability of national government to
collect money was limited
Interest on debt piling up, nation’s credit
evaporating abroad
States had trade disagreements, levying
duties on goods from neighbors, states
issued depreciated paper currency
Problems came to a head in Shay’s
Rebellion in 1786
VIII. The Horrid Specter of Anarchy
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1786- Farmers in western
Mass. losing farms to taxes
and foreclosure
Daniel Shay’s led group of
agitators to enforce demands
Mass. authorities raise army
and put down rebellion
After rebellion legislature
passes debt relief laws
VIII. The Horrid Specter of Anarchy
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Rebellion terrified propertied classes
Revolution created monster of “mobocracy”
Stronger central government needed
Conservatives wanted to protect position, property
Debtors, poorer people wanted feared powerful
central government (would have to pay debts)
All groups agree need to change, question was
how?
How would nationalists and states rightists be
reconciled?
IX. A Convention of Demigods
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1786- Convention called in Ananapolis, MD to
figure out what to do about interstate commerce
5 of 13 states show up, could not do anything to
solve problem
Alexander Hamilton asked Congress to call a
convention to rework the Articles
Congress reluctant, states elect delegates
anyway
IX. A Convention of Demigods
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Only Rhode Island did not send
delegates
May 1787- 55 delegates meet in
Philadelphia
George Washington leader, Ben
Franklin elder statesman
Washington legitimized
convention
Sessions held in secret
James Madison, age 36, known
as father of Constitution,
profound student of government
Alexander Hamilton, 32,
advocate of super powerful
central government
X. Patriots in Philadelphia
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55 delegates
Conservative, wealthy (lawyers, merchants, land
speculators)
Young- avg. age 42
19 owned slaves
Nationalists, wanted stable political structure
Central authority needed genuine power
Wanted to preserve union, protect property from
“mobocracy”, curb unrestrained democracy
Wanted central government to control nation,
international commerce
XI. Hammering Out a Bundle of Compromises
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Began to completely scrap Articles
Overthrow existing government by peaceful means
Large state plan vs. small state plan over
representation in legislative branch
Deadlock broken by Great Compromise ( 2 house
legislature on represented by population, one all
representation equal)
Executive branch created, but power check by
legislative branch
Indirect method of electing president (prevented
unrestrained democracy)
XI. Hammering Out a Bundle of Compromises
Sectional Problems
 How to count slaves?
 3/5 Compromise- gave southern states more power (counted
slaves as 3/5 of citizen)
 North – Congress should be able to regulate foreign and
interstate trade
 South – Thought Congress would tax exports (goods sold to
other countries)
 South sold agricultural products to other countries, would cost
them $$$
 South worried Congress would stop slaves from coming to US
 In a compromise, the southern states agreed that Congress
could regulate trade as long as they would not tax exports,
interfere with the slave trade before 1807
XII. Safeguards for Conservatism
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All at convention agreed, needed stronger central government,
sound monetary policy, protection of private property, manhood
suffrage
Put up safeguards to excesses of mob
Federal judges selected for life, indirect election of president, senate
Only house of representatives elected by people
Power based on consent of people, government limited by written
constitution
People guarantee liberty, not the government
XIII. Clash of Federalists and Antifederalists
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Framers knew it would be hard to
ratify Constitution
Plan was once 9 states ratify it
became law of the land
Many surprised at new
constitution, saw power of states
swallowed up
Antifederalists- against stronger
federal government
Wanted states rights, typically
backcountry people, poorer
classes, saw Constitution as plan
to steal their power
Insisted on Bill of Rights to
protect individual freedoms
Federalists- from settled areas,
wealthier, better educated,
controlled established press
XIV. The Great Debate in the States
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Special Elections held in states
Small states quickly ratify constitution
Mass. First real challenge, many suspicious
of government power, worried about absence
of Bill of Rights
Federalists said this would be taken care of
and it passed
XV. The Four Laggard States
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VA fierce opposition, but realized it could not continue as an independent
state
NY Series of articles published, The Federalist, seen as propaganda,
became the best commentary ever written on Constitution
James Madison, Federalist No. 10, refuted conventional wisdom that
republican government was not possible in large territory
NY shortly afterward ratified
NC, RI always centers of individualism ratified in the end
All four states realized they could not make it on their own
XVI. A Conservative Triumph
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Minority won twice- Revolution to get rid of British,
peaceful revolution to overthrow government
Only ¼ of adult males had property to vote
Conservatism had erected safeguards against mob
rule, republican gains of revolution conserved,
federalists restored economic and political stability
Every branch of government represented by the
people (though indirectly in some cases), self
limiting system of checks and balances
Reconciled conflicting principles of liberty and order
Elevated ideals of Revolution and set boundaries on
them
Launching the New Ship of State
1789-1800
I. Growing Pains
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Over a twelve year period Americans got rid of British
rule and established a central ruling authority they
viewed as a necessary evil
New government had enormous debt, worthless paper
money and unlimited potential
1789- population doubling every 25 years, coastal cities
growing (Philadelphia, NY, Boston, Charleston)
90% rural, 5% lived west of Appalachian Mts. Most in
KY,TN, OH
Foreign visitors looked down on Americans
Western US territory- Spanish controlled mouth of MS
River, British agents moved about the Old Northwest
stirring up trouble
II. Washington for President
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George Washington unanimously
drafted as president by Electoral
College
Commanded by strength of character,
not as a politician
Established cabinet (not specifically
mentioned in Constitution)
Three departments (War- Henry Knox,
Treasury- Alexander Hamilton, Sec. of
State- Thomas Jefferson)
III. The Bill of Rights
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Antifederalists were promised Bill of Rights during ratification
James Madison drafted them and pushed them through Congress
1791- ratified, safeguarded basic American principles (freedom of religion,
speech, assembly, petition, right to trial by jury, protection from cruel and
unusual punishment and arbitrary seizure of private property by the
government)
Ninth Amendment protected states rights, Tenth Amendment gave all rights
not specified to the states
First Congress established federal courts, office of Attorney general and
Supreme Court (John Jay first chief justice)
IV. Hamilton Revives the Corpse of Public
Credit
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Key figure in Washington’s government – Alexander Hamilton
Loyalty questioned to America (America was his adopted country)
Main rival Thomas Jefferson
Hamilton a financial wizard, shaped fiscal policies to favor wealthier
groups
First objective- restore national credit
Wanted government to pay off debts at face value plus interest
Raised revenue by selling bonds, raising excise taxes and tariffs
Wanted Congress to assume debts of states, would chain states to
federal government
States with heaviest debt were happy
VA not happy with plan, made deal that if federal government assumed
debts they would get federal district for future nations capital
V. Hamilton Battles Jefferson for a Bank
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Hamilton proposed Bank of the United States
Private institution, major stockholder US
government
Treasury would deposit surplus monies in
bank
Federal funds would stimulate business, print
money for sound, stable national currency
Was it constitutional?
V. Hamilton Battles Jefferson for a Bank
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Jefferson against it, no specific authorization in Constitution, saw
those powers reserved for the states (strict construction)
Hamilton believed what Constitution did not forbid it permitted,
invoked necessary and proper clause (loose construction)
Hamilton prevailed, most support for the bank in northern
commercial and financial centers, agricultural south opposed bank
1791- Bank chartered for 20 years, stock was put on sale and it sold
out in less than 2 hours
VI. Mutinous Moonshiners in Pennsylvania
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1794- Whiskey Rebellion flares in Penn. Over excise tax
on whiskey
Whiskey was not a luxury but a medium of exchange,
easier to transport as liquid than raw corn
Distillers defied taxes and tax collectors, brought
collection to a halt
Washington called out militia of several states and put
down rebellion
Showed the force of the federal government in stop
insurrection, if citizens wanted change they needed to do
it peacefully, constitutionally
VII. The Emergence of Political Parties
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Hamilton’s fiscal feats put the US on sound
financial ground
We could borrow funds from European
countries on good terms
Financial schemes seen as an infringement on
states rights by some
Opposition began to build, rivalry between
Hamilton and Jefferson became a political
rivalry
Founders did not predict political parties,
thought it would disrupt national unity
Formal parties a few years off in 1790’s
Jefferson and Madison opposed programs of
Hamilton, newspapers spread their political
message and political parties began to emerge
Competition for power good for democracy,
creates balance, no group gets too much power
XVI. Federalists vs. Democrat- Republicans
Federalists
 Believe in strong central gov’t
 Rule by best people
 Distrusted full blown
democracy
 Promote foreign trade
 Little gov’t. Interference in
business
 Supported by wealthy
 Supporters along Atlantic
seaboard
 Promote American interests
overseas
 Pro- British
Democrat- Reps. (Jeffersonians)
 Weak central gov’t.
 Power held by states
 Appeal to middle class,
farmers, laborers
 National debt needed to be paid
off
 No special privileges for any
class
 Pro- French
 Protect democracy at home
 Supported by southerners,
westerners
VIII. Washington's Proclamation of
Neutrality
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French Revolution scared many Americans
By mid-1790’s France entered war with British
French wanted US to help defend West Indies
D-R’S favored alliance
Washington wanted to avoid war, US too weak,
politically not united
1793- Neutrality Proclamation- first formal
declaration of aloofness from European conflicts,
US policy until 20th century
VIII. Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
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Citizen Genet- French diplomat,
tried to raise armies to invade
Spanish FL and LA, also BR
Canada
Did not think neutrality reflected true
wishes of Americans
Genet removed from US
Neutral stance aided FR, they
needed our foodstuffs in West
Indies, if we declared war on British
they would blockade American coast
and cut off all shipping
IX. Embroilments with Britain
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Policy of neutrality tried by British
Kept forts on US soil, agitated Indians along frontier
1790-1791- Miami Confederacy attacks US soldiers
1794- Gen. “Mad Anthony” Wayne defeated Indians in the Battle of Fallen
Timbers (OH), forced them to sign Treaty of Greenville
Confederacy gave up huge amounts of land in return for payment and
certain rights
Royal navy seized American ships and sailors, angered Americans
Federalists resisted efforts to punish British, would hurt American economy
X. Jay’s Treaty and Washington’s Farewell
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1794- Chief Justice John Jay sent to
London
Jeffersonians unhappy with decision
Treaty favorable to British, BR
consented to abandon forts, pay for
seizures of ships (did not promise to
stop doing it)
Bound US to pay pre- Revolutionary
debts, BR most favored status
Crystallized support for Jeffersonians
Southerners would have to pay most
debt, northern shippers would collect
money for damages
Pinckney’s Treaty 1795- Spain gave
US access to Mississippi, disputed
territory north of FL
X. Jay’s Treaty and Washington’s Farewell
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After second term Washington
decided to retire
Began two term tradition of
presidents
1796- Farewell Address published in
newspapers across countries
Advised against “permanent
alliances”, favored temporary
alliances
Basic message was unity at home,
independence abroad
Washington’s contributions
enormous- legitimized central
government, kept nation out of war
US economy expanding and
population was moving westward
XI. John Adams Becomes President
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Federalists turn to John Adams
(Hamilton not popular)
D-R’s turn to Jefferson
Political passion high, election based on
personality
Adams squeezed through electoral
college
Adams “prickly” intellectual, little appeal
to masses, hard to follow Washington
Hamilton headed High Federalist party,
conspired against Adams
XII. Unofficial Fighting With France
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Inherited problems with France
Upset about Jay’s Treaty
French seize American merchant
ships
Adams sends envoy’s to France to
reach agreement
XYZ Affair (1797)
Envoys approached by French agents
(X,Y,Z) demand bribe to meet with
French prime minister
Way business done in Europe,
negotiations broke down
US beginnings war preparations
Navy Dept. created
Marines reestablished, army
authorized
1798-1800- most battles at sea
French ships captured, American
merchant ships destroyed
XIII. Adams Put Patriotism Above Party
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France did not need another enemy
British supplied Americans war
supplies
Adams realized weak America
needed to avoid war
1799- sends envoys to France, again
Napoleon now ruled France, wanted
to get rid of American problem
Convention of 1800- ends alliance,
pay damage claims to American
shippers
Adams kept America out of war,
paved path to future acquisition of
Louisiana
XIV. Federalist Witch Hunt
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1798- Congress passes laws to
keep opposition quiet, Alien and
Sedition Laws
Alien Laws- raises residence
requirement of citizens
Violated traditional American
open door policy and speedy
assimilation
President could deport, imprison
dangerous foreigners
Viewed as an arbitrary grant of
power, laws never really
enforced
XIV. Federalist Witch Hunt
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Sedition Laws- aimed at newspapers and critics of
Federalist government
Anyone who impeded policies of government liable
to fine, imprisonment
Seen a violation of freedom of speech, press
Many editors and others indicted under act (“Spitting
Lion”)
Direct conflict with Constitution, Federalist court did
not want to hear case
Acts did have popular support, Congressional
elections in1798-1799 Federalist gained many seats
Laws expired 1801
XV. The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
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Jefferson worried that Federalists would wipe out Constitutional
guarantees,
Fearing prosecution he secretly wrote the Kentucky Resolution
(1798,1799 approved by KY legislature)
Madison drafted less extreme statement, adopted by VA
legislature, Virginia Resolution (1798)
Adopted the compact theory- 13 sovereign states created
government, national gov’t a creation of states
Had exceeded powers with Alien and Sedition Acts
Rightful action was “nullification”
If state disagreed with federal laws, they could be voided
Federalist argument- people created government, only
Supreme Court could nullify
VA, KY Resolutions extreme states’ rights views, crystallize
opposition to Federalists
The Triumphs and Travails of the
Jeffersonian Republic
1800-1812
I. Federalist and Republican Mudslingers
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Election of 1800- Adams Federalists wanted strong
central government, Jeffersonians guardians of
states’ rights and agrarian values
Federalists handicapped by Alien and Sedition Acts
and Split with Hamiltonians
Preparation for war (France) caused debt to swell,
new taxes
Federalists concentrate on Jefferson’s personal life
to defeat D-R’S
One of worse and most negative campaign in history
II. The Jefferson “Revolution” of 1800
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1800-Jefferson defeats Adams,
Burr and others
Controversial election, went to
House of Reps. to break tie
Support for South and West
States where there was
universal manhood suffrage
VP Aaron Burr
Jefferson claimed election was
“revolution”
Return to spirit of 1776
Seen as a mandate to check
growth of gov’t power
Peaceful transfer of power
remarkable achievement
III. Responsibility Breeds Moderation
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Jefferson takes office in
Washington, D.C.
Still a swampy, muddy backwater
First party overturn in American
history
Simple, frugal style contrast to
previous presidents
Once in office saw political reality,
had to reverse principles
Able politician, used personal
charm to keep party together
IV. Jeffersonian Restraint
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Jefferson kept most Federalist
programs, viewed as a moderate
Got rid of Alien and Sedition Laws
Removed excise tax (Whiskey), cost
government millions of dollars a year
Albert Gallatin (Sec. of Treasury),
wanted balanced budget and reduced
national debt
Streamline bureaucracy, turned over
domestic policy to states
Revenue growth came from sale of
western lands, surge in imports to
America
Jefferson’s true desire for America was
a nation of farmers (agrarian republic)
V. The “Dead Clutch” of the Judiciary
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Judiciary Act 1801 passed at the end of
Adams term
Created 16 new federal judgeships
Adams and the “midnight judges”
Lifetime appointments upset Jeffersonians,
wanted to repeal act
John Marshall appointed Chief Justice of
Supreme Court
Marshall strong Federalist, committed to
power of federal government
Served 34 years as Chief Justice
Shaped American legal tradition more than
any other figure
V. The “Dead Clutch” of the Judiciary
Marbury vs. Madison
 William Marbury one of the midnight
judges
 Madison wanted appointment denied
 Marbury sued government, Marshall
dismissed case
 Marshall said Supreme Court was not
able to use powers of Constitution to
make appointment
 Supreme Court became final authority
on questions of constitutionality (judicial
review)
 Established independence of judiciary,
and separation of powers
VI. Jefferson, a Reluctant Warrior
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Jefferson wanted to reduce size of
military 2500 officers and men
Wanted to transcend wars of
Europe
Republicans distrusted large
armies Fear of military gov’t
Realities forced different course of
action
Barbary States (N. Africa) kept
taking American sailors
1801- Pasha of Tripoli declared
war on US
Jefferson sends in navy, marines
1805- peace treaty signed
Jefferson builds American fleet of
small gunboats 200 boats
Constructed democratically in
small shipyards
VII. The Louisiana Godsend

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1800- French sign secret pact
with Spanish to regain control of
New Orleans
1802- French withdraw “right of
deposit”  storing US goods
Americans in the transMississippi area wanted to
descend on New Orleans
US thought it would have to fight
French to retake New Orleans
1803- Jefferson sends James
Monroe to buy New Orleans for
$10 million
VII. The Louisiana Godsend

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Developments in Haiti cause
Napoleon to sell all of Louisiana
1803- Revolt in Santo Domingo
(Haiti) led by slaves and yellow
fever defeat French troops
Napoleon needed money to fight
war in Europe, needed cash from
sale of Louisiana
US power might thwart British in
New World
VII. The Louisiana Godsend

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French suddenly offer to sell
all of Louisiana
April 1803 treaties signed,
sold to US for $15 million
Doubled size of US
Jefferson really did not have
power to do this (president
not authorized to make
treaties)
Senators did not complain,
supported purchase, quickly
approved action
828,000 sq. mi. 3 cents acre
VIII. Louisiana in the Long View
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Avoided war with France, alliance with
England
Purchase foundation for future
Imperialism with a democratic face, conquest
by purchase (exception- Indians, Spaniards)
Expanded power of federal government
Allowed Americans to be isolationist,
removed last significant European power
from continent
Exploration of Lewis and Clark, Pike
provided scientific, geographic knowledge of
region
Demonstrated viability of overland route to
the Pacific
IX. Aaron Burr Conspiracies
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Feeble reach of government over vast
territory raised fears of secession and
foreign intrigue
Demonstrated by Aaron Burr
Burr dropped from Vice Presidency,
conspired against government, foiled by
Hamilton
Bur and Hamilton duel, Hamilton killed,
Burr becomes an outcast
1806- Plots with James Wilkinson (LA
Territory governor) to create separate
country of trans-Mississippi west
Plan foiled, Burr arrested
Not enough evidence to put him on trial,
flees to Europe
X. A Precarious Neutrality
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1804 Jefferson reelected
1805 Britain and France reign supreme in
Europe and on the seas
Cause problems for American trade
British close trade with Europe, unless it first
stops at British port
French seize all merchant vessels (including
American)
Both sides impress American seamen
1807- Chesapeake incident
British seize American frigate, demand
surrender of American sailors
Americans refuse and British fire on the ship
British government admit they are wrong
American’s upset at incident
XI. The Hated Embargo
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Warring nations in Europe depend on
the US (raw materials, food)
1807-Jefferson decides to voluntarily
cut off goods, Embargo Act
Forbid goods from US to be exported
Hurt American economy (NEshipping, South- agricultural products),
cost people jobs
Effects worse in US than Europe
Smuggling made a comeback, so did
Federalist party
Talk of succession in NE
1809- Act repealed, passed NonIntercourse Act (could trade with all
countries except GB and FR), policy
until 1812
Act extremely unpopular
Did revive American manufacturing,
foundation for future industry
XII. Madison’s Gamble
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1808- Jefferson retired after two terms
James Madison becomes president
Unable to dominate congress, problems within
Cabinet
1809- Non-Intercourse Act (would expire
1810), not supported by Congress
US realized it could not survive without one as
a trading partner
Macon’s Bill No. 2 seemed like American’s
were giving in on embargoes
1810 France opens trade, British do not
Why did they have to?
Trade meant end of America neutrality
XIII. Tecumseh and the Prophet
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1811- War hawks dominate
Congress, most from south
and west
Supported action against
British
Tired of treatment of sailors,
British interference in trade,
especially farm products from
the west headed to Europe
Wanted to clear Indians out of
west (move them to LA
Territory)
Two Shawnee brothers
Tecumseh and the Prophet,
formed a confederacy of
eastern tribes
Movement of Indian unity,
resist white ways
XIII. Tecumseh and the Prophet
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Frontiersmen and
Congressmen thought
British were behind
movement
1811- William Henry
Harrison and army attacked
and defeated Indians at
Tippecanoe (Indiana)
Made Harrison a national
hero, drove Indians into
alliance with British
1813-Tecumseh dies
fighting for British
XIV. Mr. Madison’s War
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Spring 1812 Madison sees war as inevitable with British
War hawks want to invade Canada and wipe out British base,
stop Indian raids
Old Northwest –wanted Canada
South- wanted Florida
Madison wanted to restore confidence in America, years of
steering a middle course with FR and BR brought international
ridicule, domestic division
June 1812 Madison asks Congress to declare war
Vote was sectional- west and south support war, New England
strongly against war
New England refused to send militia into battle, supplied British
Another war with the world’s most powerful empire
Second War for Independence and
the Upsurge of Nationalism
1812-1824
I. On to Canada over Land and Lakes
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War of 1812 was divisive
No national support
Unimpressive military outcome
Came out of the war with a spirit of
nationalism
Led to rise in manufacturing, increased power
of the federal government, development of
infrastructure
I. On to Canada over Land and Lakes
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1812- American army poorly trained, poorly
led
Canada seen as important battleground
British weakest there, base for operations
to agitate Indians
American plan for taking Canada was
poorly conceived at the beginning of the
war
Army pushed back, Canadians were high
energy, defended country well
1812-1813- American success on water,
Oliver Hazard Perry on the Great Lakes,
caused British to withdraw from forts on the
Great Lakes
USS Constitution, manned by free sailors
defeats British on the ocean
I. On to Canada over Land and Lakes
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1814- Wars against Napoleon over in
Europe, British send troops to
Americas
American victory at Lake Champlain,
saved upper NY and NE
Second British force lands in
Chesapeake Bay, march to
Washington and burn it down,
Americans hold firm at Baltimore
(inspiration for Star Spangled Banner)
1815- Major blow at New Orleans,
Americans led by Andrew Jackson
defeat British
Battle of New Orleans makes Jackson
a national hero, seen as a symbol of
national honor
Battle fought after peace treaty signed
II. Treaty of Ghent
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Negotiations set in motion by Tsar of Russia
Met in Ghent, Belgium before 1814
Led by John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay
War weariness of British made them more
willing to compromise
Signed on Christmas Eve 1814
Both sides agreed to stop fighting, restore
conquered territory
Neither side won war Complete waste of
resources
III. Federalist Grievances and the Hartford
Convention
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New England remained a problem after the war
Minority wanted secession, mostly federalist
1814- Hartford Convention, New England states meet in complete secrecy to
discuss grievances, seek to right wrongs
Final report not extreme, wanted financial assistance for lost trade, wanted 2/3
vote to declare war admit new states, end 3/5 compromise, single term Pres.
Reflection of lost power of once dominant New England
Grievances dismissed in Washington, last gasp of Federalist Party
IV. The Second War for American Independence
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War of 1812 small war (6,000 killed or wounded)
Globally unimportant, huge consequences for United States
Showed American resolve to resist what they regarded as
wrongs
New respect abroad, America was here to stay
Reduced sectionalism, led to an upsurge of nationalism across
country
New heroes (Jackson, Harrison)
Indians had no British allies, gave up huge areas of land
Manufacturing began to grow because of war, less dependent
on British
1817- Rush-Bagot Treaty limited naval armament on the Great
Lakes, solved American and British disputes over Oregon
Americans began to turn their back on Europe and develop their
own country
V. Nascent Nationalism
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After war America emerged more
united
National literature (James
Fennimore Cooper, Washington
Irving) using American themes,
scenes (heroic isolation of main
character, supernatural themes)
American painters celebrated
nature, man was small in the
paintings
Revived Bank of the United States,
building of a new capital,
expansion of the army and navy all
demonstrated new nationalism
VI. The American System
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Manufacturing, factories grew during
the war
After war British try to dump goods
on America
Congress passes Tariff of 1816 (2025% added value on products)
Started trend toward more protection
of American products
Henry Clay, senator from KY, comes
up with “American System”
VI. The American System

1.
2.
3.
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Three main parts:
Strong banking system, allow credit
for business’
Protective tariff, stimulate
manufacturing
Building of roads and canals, bring
country together, economically and
politically
Had strong support, mainly out west
(few roads)
Hard to get money, funds were
unconstitutional (1817)
Individual states fund improvements
(Erie Canal)
NE did not support federal funds
going to infrastructure, drain away
population
VII. The So-Called Era of Good Feelings
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1816- James Monroe becomes
president (part of the Virginia
Dynasty)
Republican
Level headed executive, took
goodwill tour of US (1817)
Issues of his presidency- tariffs,
banks, sale of public lands,
sectional divides
Called Era of Good Feelings
because of feelings of
nationalism, lack of political
division
Was it really?
VIII. The Panic of 1819 and the Curse of
Hard Times
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1819- first financial panic (deflation,
depression, bankruptcies, bank
failures, unemployment)
Get rich quick fever caused by over
speculation in frontier lands
West hardest hit
Collapse in cotton prices, land values
Speculative banks (wildcat banks)
were forced by Bank of US to close,
easy unregulated credit
Bank became a financial devil (to
south and west)
Effected poorer classes
Led to reform legislation for debtors
IX. Growing Pains of the West
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1791-1819 nine frontier states joined
13 original states
Most entered alternately slave and
free
Appeal for western movement
Cheap land (appeal to European
immigrants)
Land exhaustion in tobacco states
Speculators sold land for small down
payments
Removal of Indians
Building of new roads
Steamboat made river travel easier
Land Act 1820 made land cheap
(minimum 1.25 per acre)
West had to ally with other sections
because lack of population, influence
X. Slavery and the Sectional Balance
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Sectional tension around slavery grew in this period
1819 Missouri wants admission as a slave state
Tallmadge Amendment stipulated no more slaves in Missouri,
gradual emancipation of slaves already there
Slaveholding states angry, saw amendment as threat to sectional
balance
Even in 11 slave, 11 free states, admission would cause imbalance
Tallmadge amendment fails in the Senate
Future of slave system seen as endangered if amendment passed
If Congress could abolish slavery would it do so in all states?
Moral question raised about evils of slavery
Abolitionist did not want spread of slavery
XI. The Uneasy Missouri Compromise
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1820 bundle of compromises to
solve Missouri question
Henry Clay played a leading role
Missouri admitted as a slave
state, Maine admitted as a free
state (kept balance)
Slavery not permitted north of 36
degrees 30’ north (southern
boundary of Missouri)
Both sides received something,
seen as a victory for the south at
the time
“Great American Desert” seen as
not suitable for slavery
Most southern Congressmen
voted against compromise
Preserved compact of states, for
the time being
XII. John Marshall and Judicial Nationalism
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Nationalism reflected by Supreme Court
Decisions bolstered power of federal government, at the
expense of the states
McCulloch vs. Maryland (1819)- used principle of implied
powers to determine states did not have right to tax Bank
of US
Loose construction interpretation permitted government
to act for benefit of people
Cohens vs. Virginia (1821)- Supreme Court could review
decisions of state courts
Gibbons vs. Ogden (1824)- Constitution said federal
government only could control commerce, not states
XIII. Judicial Dikes Against Democratic Excesses
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Another group of decisions protected property
rights
Fletcher vs. Peck- bolstered power of federal
government saying states could not limit
property contracts, upheld right of Supreme
Court to invalidate state laws that conflicted
with constitution
Dartmouth College vs. Woodward- contracts
protected against state laws, chartered
corporations part of federal control (justified by
Commerce clause in const.)
Daniel Webster (Senator from Mass.) strong
federalist, nationalist argued many times before
Supreme Court
Supreme Court upheld power of national
government, checked excesses of states
XIV. Sharing Oregon and Acquiring Florida
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Nationalism shaped foreign
policy
John Quincy Adams (Sec. Of
State)
Treaty of 1818 with Britain
gave US fishing rights off
coast of Newfoundland
Fixed northern boundary of
Louisiana
10 year joint occupation of
Oregon
Sign of new cooperation
between British and US
XIV. Sharing Oregon and Acquiring Florida
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Florida part of crumbling Spanish
Empire, Americans already claimed
West Fla
Latin American revolutions 1816-1818,
cause region to loose troops
Andrew Jackson enters region to
capture slaves, punish Indians
1818 Jackson conquers Fla, claims it
for US
Many in D.C. think Jackson has
overstepped his power, except Adams
Adams-Onis Treaty 1819 gives FL to
US, US abandons claim to Texas, fixes
southern boundary of LA
XV. The Menace of Monarchy in America

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After Napoleon Europe returned to strong
monarchies
Alarmed Americans
Russia pushed south out of Alaska
Latin American revolutions crushed by European
powers
British and Americans had benefitted from open
trade with these countries
British ask Americans to declare joint resolution
renouncing European powers from interfering
with Latin America
XVI. Monroe and His Doctrine


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
1.
2.

Adams did not trust British, did not
want to tie America’s hands
Alliance would hinder American
expansion
Figured British navy would keep
ports open in L.A.
1823 Adams starts planning
Monroe Doctrine with president
Delivered in annual message to
Congress
2 goals
Non colonization
Non intervention
Era of colonization was over, keep
what they had but could not
acquire more
XVII. Monroe’s Doctrine Appraised




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

Hard to enforce because of small military
Made little difference to Latin American Republics
Primarily defending itself from future invasion, looking
out for American self preservation
Did not become important until 1845 (Mexican War)
Never law, just a statement of policy
Expression of new American nationalism
Deepened American isolationism, warned Old World to
stay away