Basics 12: Early Political Divisions
What were the key differences between the Federalist Party and the Democratic-Republican Party?
Federalists supported a strong central government, a national bank, and close ties with Britain, while Democratic-Republicans favored states' rights, agrarianism, and an alliance with France.
What was the Monroe Doctrine, and how did it shape U.S. foreign policy?
It warned European nations against colonizing or interfering in the Western Hemisphere.
What were the positive effects of westward expansion in the early 1800s?
Positive Effects of Expansion: It created economic opportunities, increased farmland, and expanded U.S. territory.
How did the United States provoke the war with Mexico in 1846?
The U.S. provoked the war by sending troops into the disputed territory between the Rio Grande and Nueces River, leading to clashes with Mexican forces. President James K. Polk used the skirmish as justification to declare war, claiming American blood had been shed on U.S. soil.
What were the key reasons Thomas Jefferson decided to pursue the Louisiana Purchase?
Jefferson’s Reasons for Louisiana Purchase: It secured land for farmers, removed French threats, and expanded the country.
What economic policies did Alexander Hamilton support, and how did they differ from those of Thomas Jefferson?
Hamilton supported a national bank, tariffs, and industrial development, while Jefferson wanted an economy based on agriculture (farming).
Why did the United States declare war on Britain in 1812?
The U.S. declared war due to British impressment (kidnapping) of American sailors and interference with trade.
How did westward expansion negatively affect Native Americans?
Negative Effects on Native Americans: Forced displacement, loss of land, and violent conflicts.
Why did American settlers move into the Mexican province of Tejas (Texas)?
Mexico invited settlers to boost its population, offering cheap land and tax breaks, but settlers resisted Mexican laws.
How did the Louisiana Purchase affect the size and power of the United States?
Impact on U.S. Size: The U.S. nearly doubled in size and gave the US more power for future westward expansion.
How did the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans differ in their views on foreign relations?
Federalists preferred Britain due to economic ties, while Democratic-Republicans supported France due to shared revolutionary ideals.
Should the U.S. have prioritized isolation or engagement in global affairs in the early 1800s?
Isolation vs. Engagement: The U.S. faced challenges balancing global involvement with maintaining independence.
What role did the environment play in shaping westward expansion?
Environmental Impact: Deforestation, changes to ecosystems, the spread of agriculture and trade between the settlers & Native tribes.
How did the discovery of gold in California in 1848 impact the region?
It sparked the Gold Rush, bringing thousands of settlers to California and leading to its statehood in 1850.
Why was Napoleon willing to sell the Louisiana Territory to the United States?
Napoleon’s Reason for Selling: France needed money for war in Europe and could not defend the territory in North America.
What role did individual rights play in the political debates between the two early political parties?
Federalists believed in a strong government to maintain order, while Democratic-Republicans feared tyranny and prioritized individual liberties.
How did the War of 1812 impact America’s relationship with European powers?
Impact of War of 1812: It weakened British influence in North America and boosted American nationalism.
How did the idea of Manifest Destiny influence expansionist policies?
Manifest Destiny: The belief that the U.S. was destined to expand from coast to coast.
How did Mexico view U.S. expansion into Texas and beyond?
Mexico saw U.S. expansion as aggressive and illegal, refusing to recognize Texas’ independence and viewing American settlers as invaders.
How did the Louisiana Purchase impact U.S. relations with Native American tribes?
Impact on Native Americans: It led to further displacement of Native Americans and settlers began to moved further west.
How did the Federalist and Democratic-Republican visions for government shape the future of the United States?
These early divisions influenced future political conflicts and party systems in the U.S.
What were the long-term effects of the War of 1812 on U.S. foreign policy?
Long-term Effects: The war reinforced U.S. sovereignty and led to a more assertive foreign policy.
Should westward expansion be remembered with pride or shame? Explain why.
Pride or Shame: Expansion brought progress but also suffering, making it a complex legacy.
What was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?
The treaty ended the war in 1848. Mexico ceded California, Arizona, New Mexico, and other land to the U.S. in exchange for $15 million.
Should Lewis & Clark be considered heroes or villains? Why?
They contributed by exploring, mapping the region and gaining more land for the US, but also paved the way for expansion that harmed Native Americans in the present and future.