Key Events and Concepts in Early American History

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Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

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Uprising of western farmers against a tax on whiskey; Washington sent in federal troops, showing the new government’s authority to enforce its laws.

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Kentucky & Virginia Resolutions (1798)

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Drafted by Jefferson and Madison; claimed states could nullify federal laws judged unconstitutional, raising debates about states’ rights versus federal power.

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Washington’s Farewell Address (1796)

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Warned against permanent alliances with foreign nations and against political divisions at home; urged neutrality in European wars.

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Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans

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Federalists (Hamilton, Adams) supported a strong central government, commerce, and a flexible reading of the Constitution. Democratic-Republicans (Jefferson, Madison) favored states’ rights, agriculture, and a stricter reading of the Constitution.

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Bank of the United States (1791)

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Proposed by Hamilton to stabilize finances and regulate the economy. Sparked the first major constitutional debate over 'implied powers.'

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Election of 1800

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Jefferson’s victory after an Electoral College tie; resolved in the House of Representatives. Marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in U.S. history.

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War of 1812 causes

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Tensions included impressment of U.S. sailors, restrictions on trade, and British support of Native American resistance in the West.

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War Hawks

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Young nationalists from the South and West, including Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, who pushed for war to defend honor, protect trade, and possibly expand territory.

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Battle of New Orleans (1815)

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U.S. forces led by Andrew Jackson defeated the British; the victory boosted nationalism and Jackson’s reputation, even though the war had officially ended.

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Marbury v. Madison (1803)

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Landmark Supreme Court case that established judicial review, strengthening the role of the judiciary in interpreting the Constitution.