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Revolution of 1800
This time involved the Election of 1800 when Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams. An electoral victory of Democratic Republicans over the Federalists, who lost their majority advantage in Congress and control of the presidency. The peaceful transfer of power between rival parties solidified faith in Americas political system. -
Marbury v Madison
William Marbury sued James Madison for calling on John Adams' "midnight judges" appointments which was for a Justice of the Peace position for himself. John Marshall, the Chief Justice, dismissed Marbury's suit, avoiding a political showdown and magnifying the power of the court. This case cleared up controversy over who had final say in interpreting the Constitution: the Supreme Court and not the states. -
Louisiana Purchase
Jefferson Napoleon conducted the US purchase of French land west of the Mississippi River for $15 million. Jefferson had promised the country of this land that gave them control of the Mississippi River. This purchase also removed foreign nations from borders, doubled the size of the US and switched to a loose interpretation of the Constitution. -
Jefferson's Embargo of 1807
A law passed by Congress forbidding the exportation of goods from the US. Britain and France had been harassing the US and seizing US ships and men and the country was not prepared for a war, so Jefferson hoped to weaken Britain and France by stopping trade. The act ended up harming our economy more than others and it led to the war of 1812. -
Non-Intercourse Act of 1809
This act replaced the embargo of 1807 which forbade American trade with all foreign nations. The Non-Intercourse Act only forbade trade with France and Britain. It did not succeed in changing British or French policy towards neutral ships. -
Battle of Tippecanoe
Battle in which Native Americans united fought against the US forces and lost. Americans on the frontier blamed Britain for initiating the rebellion. William Henry Harrison was the leader of the US forces. -
War of 1812
The war was fought between Britain and the US largely over the issues of trade and impressionism. US motives also included British support of Native tribes against American expansion. Though the war ended in a draw it demonstrated Americas willingness to defend its interests, earning a new found respect from European nations. -
Burning of Washington DC
The British attacked and burned the capitol forcing the president to flee the city. The British occupied DC and set fire to many public buildings following the American defeat in the Battle of Bladensburg. -
Battle of Fort McHenry
Located in Baltimore, McHenry is a coastal star-shaped fort best known for its role in the war of 1812. The fort successfully defended Baltimore from an attack of the British navy. It was then that Francis Scott Key wrote the Star-Spangled Banner. -
Treaty of Ghent
Officially ended the War of 1812 and restored the status quo. For the most part territory conquered during the war was returned to the original owner. The treaty also set up a commission to determine the disrupted Canada/US borders. -
Battle of New Orleans
The final major battle of the War of 1812 that was led by Andrew Jackson. Jackson and his forces defeated an invading British army intent on seizing New Orleans. Jackson was given an enormous popularity boost.