Chapter 11: The Triumphs and Travails of the Jeffersonian Republic, 1800-1812
Thomas Jefferson was an American hero after he wrote the Declaration of Independence, but, as 42 other men have learned, being the President doesn't guarantee smooth sailing. In Jefferson's case, there was more than a hint of irony, not least because many of the principles that he had stood for as the founder and guiding light of the Democratic-Republicans got trampled in the name of him trying to run the country. There was also a smear campaign regarding him and one of his slaves, Sally Hemmings, as well as a number of other problems.
Chapter 11 delves into the issues regarding Marbury v. Madison, the economy frustrations of the Jefferson administration, the rise of "war hawks" in Congress, the Louisiana Purchase, Lewis & Clark's expedition, William Henry Harrison fighting Indians, and, most tragically, Aaron Burr first shooting Alexander Hamilton dead, and then trying to commit treason. Finally, we have the arrival of James Madison, who presided over the fairly disastrous War of 1812, but we'll get to that soon. Oh, and since it's in the Marine Corps hymn, and I'm writing this on November 10th, we'll also go to the shores of Tripoli, but we've not yet gotten to the Halls of Montezuma. |
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Chapter 12: The Second War for Independence and the Upsurge of Nationalism, 1812-1824
I suppose if you're going to title a chapter, you might as well give it an amazing title with words like "Upsurge." Anyway, Chapter 12 discusses the War of 1812, which was a military debacle for 95% of the war, but then Andrew Jackson stepped in and saved the day (of course). Also, there's a good discussion in the text about how the war, though pointless, was also important because it caused strong feelings of nationalism in the United States, and helped unite the country (if briefly) for a wonderful period of time known as "The Era of Good Feelings." We don't do edgy naming conventions in APUSH.
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Chapter 13: The Rise of Mass Democracy, 1824-1840
Lots of people don't like Andrew Jackson. These people have some pretty valid reasons for not liking Andrew Jackson. Other people do like Andrew Jackson. Like so many teenage relationships, it's complicated.
At any rate, one thing that Jackson did was bring about the era of mass politics. Through (at the time) novel campaigning tactics, politics became very personal for many Americans who had never previously voted. Voter participation rates soared to almost 80% by the time Jackson left office. Not bad for a slobbering hillbilly from Tennessee. By the way... here's an amazing story about Jackson. |
Chapters 14 & 15: Forging the National Economy, 1790-1860 & The Ferment of Reform and Culture, 1790-1860
Essentially, these chapters are laundry lists of all of the economy and social developments that occurred during this time period. Be sure to check back and see the slides that your classmates have created for the jigsaw activity we are doing for these chapters.
Block 1A
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Block 2B
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Chapter 16: The South & the Slavery Controversy, 1793-1860
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The rise of Andrew Jackson was awesome, because he was awesome, but it also highlighted some of the issues in the young nation at the time. In particular, slavery was becoming a major point of division in the United States. Most slaves in the United States were in the South; many northern states had banned or were in the process of banning slavery during this time period.
Yet, the "peculiar institution" of slavery remained in the United States. Life as a slave was brutal, and slavery is certainly a dark stain on American history. It's also something that still affects American race relations today. |
Chapter 17: Manifest Destiny & Its Legacy, 1841-1848
The United States gained an enormous amount of territory at the beginning of this period, with the Louisiana Purchase. The period would close with yet more territorial expansion, including the addition of Oregon Country and the Mexican Session.
All of this additional territory raised some uncomfortable questions about how the United States would look, and, in particular, what should be done about slavery.
The inability of American's political leaders, in particular Congress and a string of ineffectual Presidents, to resolve the burgeoning slavery controversy would hasten the path to the Civil War.
All of this additional territory raised some uncomfortable questions about how the United States would look, and, in particular, what should be done about slavery.
The inability of American's political leaders, in particular Congress and a string of ineffectual Presidents, to resolve the burgeoning slavery controversy would hasten the path to the Civil War.