John Adams' Presidency
Before John Adams became the 2nd president, what role did he serve in government?
He served as George Washington’s vice president for both terms.
How often is the U.S. Census taken?
Every 10 years
Before he became president, Jefferson was primarily known for what?
He was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence.
What were the names of the two men who led the expedition, and what was their relationship?
Meriwether Lewis was appointed by Jefferson himself. As for William Clark, he was good friends with Lewis and was recruited by Lewis.
How long did the War of 1812 last?
About 2 years - from 1812 to 1814
What was the treaty (before Adams took office) which set up peace and trade between the United States and Great Britain?
The Jay Treaty
Which statement is true of Native Americans in the late 1700s and early 1800s?
a. They often faced intense competition for lands.
b. They enjoyed special protection under the U.S. Constitution.
c. They rarely had dealings with U.S. citizens.
d. They were relocated to reservations in the Southwest.
a. They often faced intense competition for lands.
Why was Napoleon Bonaparte ready to sell the Louisiana Territory to Jefferson?
In 1803, Bonaparte was preparing to attack Britain and was losing the battle to maintain control of Haiti. He needed money and no longer saw value in the Louisiana Territory. When Jefferson sent James Monroe to make a new offer, Bonaparte was ready to sell the Louisiana Territory for a mere 15 million dollars.
Many historians believe that President Thomas Jefferson's greatest legacy was what?
The Louisiana Purchase - he expanded the size of the country significantly
The Star-Spangled Banner, written by Francis Scott Key
Why did Adams not want the U.S. to go to war with France?
He worried that the United States was too young and its military too small to go to war again so soon.
Which statement is true of women in the late 1700s and early 1800s?
a. Most of them could vote, but few could own property.
b. Most of them had very little education.
c. They made up the bulk of the slave population.
d. They were considered a moral and political force.
b. Most of them had very little education.
Who was Jefferson's vice president and what was he known for?
Aaron Burr was the vice president during Jefferson's first term. A person's honor was important to them in Burr's time. When he believed Alexander Hamilton challenged his honor, Burr responded by challenging Hamilton to a duel. Duels, though illegal, were a way for men to reclaim honor. Hamilton died because of that duel, and Burr fled. A few years later, a rumor spread that he was trying to set up his own kingdom in the West. The United States charged him with treason, but there was little evidence to support the charge. The Supreme Court acquitted Burr, but his political career was ruined.
What was the name of the group who explored the Louisiana Territory?
The Corps of Discovery
What were some of the reasons for the U.S. to declare war on Britain?
The British were kidnapping American sailors for service in the British navy. They also seized American ship cargo and prevented fishing near Canada. Additionally, they were inciting the Native Americans against the Americans, telling them to attack the American settlers.
How did Thomas Jefferson feel about the Alien and Sedition Acts?
One specific issue that divided the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans during Adams' presidency was the Alien and Sedition Acts. When Adams signed the Alien and Sedition Acts in 1798, Jefferson viewed the action as an attack on his party. These laws limited freedom of speech and the rights of non-U.S. citizens. Congress passed these laws to prevent criticism of the government. The naval conflict with France was underway, and Adams was concerned about defense. Jefferson thought the Federalists wanted to keep him and his supporters quiet. Jefferson spoke out against the laws often.
The Treaty of Paris happened in 1783. How did it affect Florida?
Florida was previously under British control from 1763 to 1783. The Treaty of Paris transferred Florida back to Spain.
What were some actions Jefferson took to limit the size of the government?
He cut government and military officials, cut many taxes, and cut Navy ships back to six.
Jefferson told the people on the expedition to do what?
map a new route to the Pacific Ocean, collect specimens for study, meet and give gifts to the Native Americans, take notes on activity during the journey
Who was the American president during the War of 1812 and what role did he play?
James Madison.
By 1812, Congress had many "war hawks" eager to prove their patriotism. They pressured President Madison to act. Madison requested that Congress declare war on Great Britain. Congress officially declared war on June 18, 1812.
The election of 1800 was very important in the early history of the U.S. What was one thing it showed foreign powers about the transfer of power?
Foreign powers predicted the United States would crumble trying to transfer the presidency to a new political party. The peaceful transition of Thomas Jefferson to the White House proved the U.S. Constitution could survive great challenges.
(Remember, John Adams was a Federalist, while Thomas Jefferson was a Democratic-Republican, which was a party that grew out of the Anti-Federalists of the 1780s.)
What challenge did both indentured servants and African Americans face during the early 1800s?
a. They had little chance of gaining freedom.
b. They had no protection under the law.
c. They faced the threat of return to their native countries.
d. They had little opportunity to receive a formal education.
d. They had little opportunity to receive a formal education.
What were some actions Jefferson took to focus more on the rights of the people?
He reduced the requirement of living in the U.S. to be a citizen from 14 to five years, did not force his ideas on Congress, and published a list of all federal officials so the people would know who they were.
In addition to Lewis and Clark, there was also another young man sent on two different expeditions. What was his name and where did his expeditions take him?
Zebulon Pike, age 26, was ordered to lead 20 men through two different expeditions, one near the upper Mississippi River and the second near the Arkansas River and into Colorado. Pike was selected for these expeditions because of his leadership abilities.
What was the purpose of the Treaty of Ghent?
Nothing, really - it did not address any of the issues which caused war to begin with. In fact, the two nations had already agreed to peace even BEFORE the writing of this treaty!