Chapter 3: The Early Republic (1789-1848) - Detailed Notes

The Washington Administration

● George Washington's Presidency (1789-1797): Set many precedents for
the role of the President, including the establishment of a Cabinet and
a two-term limit.
● Domestic Policies: The Judiciary Act of 1789, the creation of the Bank
of the United States, and handling of the Whiskey Rebellion.
● Foreign Policy: Neutrality Proclamation of 1793, Jay's Treaty with
Britain, and Pinckney's Treaty with Spain.

The Development of Political Parties

● Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans: Emergence of the first
American political parties. Federalists, led by Hamilton, favored a
strong central government and close ties with Britain.
Democratic-Republicans, led by Jefferson and Madison, advocated for
states' rights and sympathized with the French Revolution.
● Elections and Transitions of Power: The election of 1800, known as the
"Revolution of 1800," was a significant peaceful transfer of power from
one party to another, solidifying the role of political parties in American
politics.

The Louisiana Purchase and Westward Expansion

● Louisiana Purchase (1803): Under President Jefferson, the U.S.
purchased the Louisiana territory from France, doubling the size of the
nation.
● Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806): Commissioned to explore the
new territory, their journey provided valuable information about the
geography, Native American tribes, and natural resources of the region.
● Impact of Expansion: Led to further westward migration, conflicts with
Native Americans, and debates over the expansion of slavery.
The War of 1812
● Causes: British impressment of American sailors, interference with
American trade, and British support for Native American resistance to
American expansion.
● Key Events: Burning of Washington D.C., the Battle of New Orleans, and
the Treaty of Ghent.
● Aftermath and Significance: Increased national pride and a sense of
American identity, the demise of the Federalist Party, and stimulated
American manufacturing.

The Monroe Doctrine

● Monroe Doctrine (1823): Articulated by President James Monroe, it
declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to new European
colonization, asserting U.S. influence in the Americas.
● Impact: Became a cornerstone of American foreign policy, reflecting
growing American confidence and nationalism.

Jacksonian Democracy
● Andrew Jackson's Presidency (1829-1837): Represented a shift
towards greater democracy for the common man, but also associated
with controversial policies like the Indian Removal Act and opposition
to the Bank of the United States.
● Political Changes: Expansion of suffrage to all white males, the use of
the spoils system, and the rise of the Democratic Party.

Economic and Industrial Changes

● Industrial Revolution: The growth of industry, particularly in the
Northeast, and the introduction of new technologies like the cotton gin
and steam power.
● Transportation Revolution: Construction of canals (like the Erie Canal),
railroads, and improved road networks facilitated westward expansion
and economic growth.
 ● Economic Debates: Tariff policy, the role of the Bank of the United
States, and regional economic differences between the North, South,
and West.

Key Figures
● George Washington: First President of the United States, set many
precedents.
● Thomas Jefferson: Third President, responsible for the Louisiana
Purchase.
● James Madison: Fourth President, known as the "Father of the
Constitution."
● Andrew Jackson: Seventh President, symbol of the "common man" and
involved in significant controversies.

Important Documents and Concepts

● The Bill of Rights (1791): The first ten amendments to the Constitution,
securing fundamental rights and liberties.
● The Monroe Doctrine (1823)

Further Reading and Resources

● "What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848"
by Daniel Walker Howe.
● "American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House" by Jon
Meacham.
● Online resources: Primary documents from the period, including
inaugural addresses, Supreme Court decisions, and political cartoons.