-
Revolution of 1800
The election of 1800 pitted Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson against Federalist John Adams. Thomas Jefferson called his election "the Revolution of 1800" because it marked the first time that power in America passed from one party to another. It was the first time that parties mounted presidential campaigns; it also showcased the weaknesses of the Electoral College. The Revolution of 1800 was the very beginning of “the Era of Good Feeling”. -
Marshall and the Supreme Court
The Marshall Court, especially Marbury v. Madison, established the principle of "judicial review" whereby Congressional laws and executive actions may be judged by the Supreme Court to be within the bounds of the Constitution. Marshall played a pivotal role in determining the Supreme Court's role in federal government, establishing it as the ultimate authority in interpreting the Constitution. Marshall’s Supreme Court put restraints on Congress, state assemblies, and federal/state courts. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a conflict fought between the United States and Great Britain over British violations of U.S. maritime rights. It ended with the exchange of ratifications of the Treaty of Ghent. The war demonstrated to the American public the vital importance of an effective naval force for national defense. It validated early policy decisions to implement cutting-edge technology for our warships. -
The Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine was a foreign policy statement originally set forth in 1823 which created separate spheres of European and American influence. The United States promised to stay out of European business and told the Europeans to stay out of the Western Hemisphere's business. The doctrine was also used to justify American power projection in the Western hemisphere and to further promote its foreign policy interests. It had a long-lasting impact on the foreign policy of the United States. -
The American System
The American System was Henry Clay’s three-part economic plan for the United States in the early 19th century. The American System shaped national economic policy in the first half of the 19th century. It helped the young nation to grow in strength. Remains one of the most historically significant examples of a government-sponsored program to harmonize and balance the nation's agriculture, commerce, and industry.
