The Rise of POLITICAL PARTIES & the Age of JEFFERSON [APUSH Review 4.2] Period 4: 1800-1848

The Rise of Political Parties and the Era of Jefferson

Introduction to Unit 4

• The video introduces Unit 4 of the AP U.S. History curriculum, focusing on the rise of political parties and the Era of Jefferson.

• The main question addressed is: What were the causes and effects of policy debates in the early American republic?

Causes of Policy Debates

• A significant cause was the emergence of political parties that opposed each other, notably between Alexander Hamilton (Federalist Party) and Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republicans).

• Federalists advocated for a strong central government and manufacturing interests, while Democratic-Republicans favored limited government and agrarianism.

The Election of 1800

• Thomas Jefferson's victory in the election marked a peaceful transfer of power between rival parties, termed as the "Revolution of 1800."

• Despite losing power, Federalists continued to debate policies regarding federal authority and international relations.

Policy Debates Over Federal Power

• Democratic-Republicans aimed to limit federal power; one symbolic act was repealing the whiskey tax imposed during Washington’s administration.

• Jefferson also reduced military size and federal jobs to align with his party's values.

The Louisiana Purchase

• In 1803, Jefferson made a controversial decision by purchasing Louisiana Territory from France, contradicting his strict constructionist beliefs.

• Initially seeking navigation rights on the Mississippi River, he ended up acquiring vast land for $15 million after Napoleon offered it unexpectedly.

Justification for Expansion

• Although conflicted about constitutional limits on presidential powers, Jefferson justified the purchase as beneficial for westward expansion and reducing European influence.

Exploration Following Purchase

• Congress funded Lewis and Clark's expedition (starting in 1804), which enhanced mapping accuracy and scientific knowledge while establishing relationships with Native Americans.

Role of John Marshall

The Impact of Judicial Review and Early U.S. Foreign Policy

The Midnight Judges and Judicial Review

• President John Adams, a Federalist, appointed judges at the end of his term, known as "midnight judges," to maintain Federalist influence in federal courts.

• Jefferson's Secretary of State, James Madison, refused to deliver these appointments, leading to a legal challenge by William Marbury.

• The Supreme Court ruled that Marbury had a right to his commission but also established that the Court could declare laws unconstitutional, introducing the concept of judicial review.

• This ruling significantly increased the power of the Supreme Court and limited executive authority over judicial appointments.

Expansion of Federal Power through Key Cases

• In 1819's McCulloch v. Maryland case, Chief Justice Marshall ruled that states cannot tax federal institutions and affirmed national law's supremacy over state law.

Jefferson’s Foreign Policy Challenges

Barbary Wars

• Jefferson faced challenges with North African Barbary States demanding higher tribute payments for protection; he refused to pay, leading to attacks on U.S. merchant ships.

• To counteract this threat without declaring full war, Jefferson sent the Navy for intermittent fighting over four years until a reduced tribute was agreed upon.

War of 1812 Causes

• The War of 1812 arose from British impressment of American citizens into their navy and conflicts with Native Americans aided by Britain as settlers moved westward.

Political Divisions Over War

• A faction in Congress known as "war hawks" pushed for war against Britain due to national honor concerns despite opposition from Federalists who held meetings like the Hartford Convention threatening secession.

Consequences of the War of 1812