W F E B R U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 1 4

P E R I O D S D & G

Chapter 6-The Origins of American Politics 1789-1820

Objectives

By the end of class today you should be able to:

Identify and describe key events leading up to the War of 1812 through group work and class discussion.

Gain an understanding of an overview of the War of 1812 through reading an article and watching a video.

First American Political Party from the 1790s-1816.

Formed by Alexander Hamilton, and is “built” mostly on the support of bankers, businessmen.

For prosperity, Hamilton calls for 3 things: National Bank, Tariffs, Redeeming of War Bonds

Very unpopular! American citizens, farmers, planters, etc. disliked the Federalists. Why?

Federalists elect a president, John Adams in 1796.

Party takes a major blow when Hamilton is killed in 1804.

Federalists

Whiskey Rebellion

Tax protest in the U.S. beginning in 1791.

Under a plan devised by Hamilton, a tax of 25% for distilled spirits is enacted.

Farmers trade crops, all which can be distilled.

July 1794, 40 men surround the home of John Neville and threaten to burn down Pittsburgh.

Washington calls in state militia. Second time the rebellion collapses.

“Moral Victory” for Washington. Why?

Jay Treaty

1794: Britain and France at war. United States stays neutral.

U.S. feels they are better off siding with Britain. John Jay is sent to London to negotiate.

Agreement: (1) Establishes trade relations and (2) Britain gives up forts in N.W. Territory.

Other Important Events

XYZ Affair: A diplomatic affair between US and France. France is angry with the US for signing Jay’s Treaty. American officials go to Paris, and are met by secret officials known as “X Y and Z.” French demands outrageous=naval war.

Alien and Sedition Acts: Are four bills pushed by Congress/Federalists in 1798. Aimed at foreign born (mostly French/Irish). President could deport citizens of other countries and fined or jailed if you wrote or spoke anything bad against the American Government.

Louisiana Purchase

French have control of land/territory west of the Mississippi River.

Fearing French control, President Jefferson sends James Madison to France to “negotiate” port of New Orleans with Napoleon.

Napoleon needs money, US offers to buy entire territory-France agrees! Purchased for 15 million.

Lewis and Clark

Now the US controls this new territory, time to explore! Congress finances an expedition with Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.

Goals were to search for river routes to the Pacific, make contact with Native Americans and gather info about the terrain, territory.

Left St. Louis in 1804, reached the Pacific in 1805 and returned to St. Louis in 1806.

Battle of Tippecanoe

November 7, 1811 between Shawnees/US officers.

Issue=Indian lands. NA’s resist US demands for their land.

Harrison and “The Prophet” meet-tensions arise. No land for sale without NA permission.

Both decide to attack, casualties on both sides. Harrison wins as Indians disperse.

The Road to War

All of these events are going to play a role in the road to war.

Beginning in 1812, the United States will engage in a battle with Britain.

Attitudes vary: Whose side are we on?