Start of a Country
From creating a Cabinet to stepping down after two terms, George Washington established many of these enduring traditions for future commanders-in-chief.
Precedents
This major European conflict, which began in 1789, deeply divided early American politics, leading George Washington to issue a Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793.
The French Revolution
In his 1801 inaugural address, Thomas Jefferson sought to unite the nation by outlining these core ideals, famously declaring, "We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists."
Republican Principles
Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to this future national anthem after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814.
Star Spangled Banner
Thomas Jefferson was the very first person to hold this Cabinet position, serving under President George Washington from 1790 to 1793.
Secretary of State
This highly unpopular 1794 agreement with Great Britain sought to resolve post-Revolutionary tensions but was fiercely protested by Democratic-Republicans for giving too many concessions.
Jay's Treaty
Serving as Chief Justice from 1801 to 1835, this foundational jurist established the principle of judicial review and solidified the power of the federal government.
John Marshall
Led by politicians like Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, this faction of young Western and Southern congressmen fiercely pressured President James Madison to declare war on Great Britain.
War Hawks
It is the term for the philosophy that the Constitution should interpreted broadly, giving the federal government implied powers.
Loose Construction
Signed in 1795, this diplomatic agreement with Spain granted the United States navigation rights on the Mississippi River and access to the port of New Orleans.
Pinckney's Treaty
In 1803, the United States roughly doubled its land area by acquiring 828,000 square miles of territory from France for $15 million.
The Louisiana Purchase
This future U.S. president became a national hero after leading American forces to a decisive victory at the Battle of New Orleans in January 1815.
Andrew Jackson
Founded in 1792 by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, this early political party opposed the Federalists and favored states' rights.
Democratic Republicans
Killed by this man in a duel in 1804, Alexander Hamilton had a political rivalry with him dating back to the early 1790s
Aaron Burr
This Shoshone woman served as a crucial guide and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark Expedition as they explored the Louisiana Purchase.
Sacajawea
This controversial British policy of boarding American merchant ships and forcing sailors into the Royal Navy was a primary cause of the War of 1812.
British Impressment
George Washington personally led militia troops into Pennsylvania to suppress this 1794 uprising sparked by an excise tax on a popular spirit.
Whiskey Rebellion
Sparked by wartime fears during the Quasi-War with France, these controversial 1798 laws allowed the president to deport non-citizens and criminalized harsh criticism of the government.
Alien and Sedition Acts
Fought during the Jefferson and Madison administrations, these Mediterranean conflicts saw the young U.S. Navy battle North African pirates over tribute demands and shipping raids.
Barbary Wars
At this 1814 meeting, New England Federalists gathered to protest the war and discuss constitutional amendments, but their efforts ultimately led to the demise of their political party.
The Hartford Convention