US History Unit 1.1 Early Republic Vocab Flashcard

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The period from 1789 to the 1820s when the United States established its new government, faced early political and economic challenges, and began expanding west. Key events include the presidencies of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, the rise of political parties, and the War of 1812, shaping the nation's identity.

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Early Republic

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The peaceful transfer of power from the Federalist Party to the Democratic-Republican Party after Thomas Jefferson won the presidency. It showed that political power could change hands without violence, proving that the young United States' democratic system could work as intended.

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Revolution of 1800

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A small landowner who farmed his own land, usually with help from his family. Common in the early US, especially in the South, they were seen as hardworking, independent, and the backbone of American democracy by leaders like Thomas Jefferson. Because they were landowners, they were granted the right to vote.

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Yeoman Farmer, yeoman farmer

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A political party founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in the 1790s. It favored strong state governments, an agricultural economy, and support for the French Revolution. The party opposed the Federalists and was popular with yeoman farmers and common people. It dominated politics in the Early Republic.

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Democratic-Republican Party

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A land deal in 1803 where the United States bought a large area of land from France. It doubled the size of the country, gave the US control of the Mississippi River, and helped acquire new land for farmers. President Thomas Jefferson approved the purchase for $15 million.

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Louisiana Purchase

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The group led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the land from the Louisiana Purchase. Sent by President Jefferson in 1804, they traveled to the Pacific Ocean, mapped the land, met Native American tribes, and gathered information about plants, animals, and geography.

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Corps of Discovery, Discovery Corps, Lewis and Clark Expedition

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A Native-led resistance in the early 1800s against US expansion and forced assimilation. A Shawnee chief tried to unite tribes to preserve Native culture and land. Clashes with American forces, especially at Tippecanoe, heightened tensions and helped spark the War of 1812, as Britain was accused of supporting the Native alliance.

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Tecumseh's War, Tecumseh War, Tecumseh's Rebellion

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A war between the US and Britain from 1812 to 1815, caused by British trade interference, a desire for Canadian land, impressment of American sailors, and support for Native resistance. It tested US independence, and ended in a stalemate, however it increased US nationalism after Andrew Jackson won a major victory at the Battle of New Orleans.

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War of 1812

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A meeting of New England Federalists in 1814 who opposed the War of 1812 and discussed limiting federal power. Some delegates proposed constitutional changes and even hinted at secession. The convention hurt the Federalist Party’s reputation, especially after news of U.S. victories made their complaints seem unpatriotic and out of touch.

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Hartford Convention

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A period after the War of 1812 marked by national unity, political stability, and economic growth during James Monroe’s presidency. With the decline of the Federalist Party, there was little political opposition. However, tensions over slavery, sectionalism, and economic policy simmered beneath the surface, foreshadowing future divisions.

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Era of Good Feelings