Key Events in Early American Republic: Jefferson to Van Buren

Thomas Jefferson's Presidency (1800-1808)

Judiciary Act of 1801

This act created new judgeships, 16 federal courts, and significantly increased the number of attorneys, clerks, and marshals.

The Marshall Court Era

John Marshall was named Chief Justice by the Judiciary Act of 1801. During his 34-year term, he appointed Federalists to all new judicial positions, including 42 new justices for Washington D.C.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

This was the first landmark Supreme Court case heard by Chief Justice Marshall. The ruling established the principle of judicial review, though Madison ultimately prevailed in the specific case.

The Louisiana Purchase (1803)

In 1803, Napoleon Bonaparte, unable to maintain control over his North American territories, sold the vast Louisiana Territory to the United States for $15 million.

Twelfth Amendment Ratified

The Twelfth Amendment allowed for separate electoral ballots for President (POTUS) and Vice President (VP).

Presidential Election of 1804

Thomas Jefferson won reelection with 162 electoral votes against Charles Cotesworth Pinckney's 14 votes.

Burr-Hamilton Duel (1804)

Aaron Burr, then Vice President, fatally shot Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Burr was the challenger.

Presidential Election of 1824

This election occurred during an era of one dominant political party, the Democratic-Republicans (often referred to as"Democrat" in this context).

John Quincy Adams' Administration (1825-1829)

Serving from 1825 to 1829, John Quincy Adams' presidency was often characterized by his perceived lack of charisma and political skill.

Presidential Election of 1828

This election is widely considered one of the"dirties" in American history, marked by intense personal attacks and mudslinging.

Andrew Jackson's Presidency (1829-1837)

Andrew Jackson won the presidency with 178 electoral votes to John Quincy Adams' 88. His administration included John C. Calhoun as Vice President and Martin Van Buren as Secretary of State.

The Spoils System

The"spoils syste" involved appointing political supporters and friends to government positions, often regardless of merit.

• Jackson advocated for the abolition of the Electoral College.
• He also supported a homestead bill.
• Both of these initiatives ultimately failed to pass.

Jacksonian Democracy

• Glorification of the common man.
• Advocacy for universal white male suffrage.
• Increased number of political offices.

The "Kitchen Cabinet"

Jackson's"Kitchen Cabine" was an informal group of trusted personal friends and advisors who often held more influence than his official cabinet members.

Nullification Theory

The Nullification Theory proposed that a state could nullify, or invalidate, any federal law it deemed unconstitutional, drawing on the"compact theor" of government articulated in the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions.

President Jackson was vehemently against nullification, viewing it as a threat to national unity.

The Peggy Eaton Affair (Petticoat Affair)

This social scandal fueled the rivalry between Vice President John C. Calhoun and Secretary of State Martin Van Buren. John Eaton, Jackson's Secretary of War, married Peggy O'Neal Timberlake, a widow. Social conventions of the time dictated a two-year mourning period, which Peggy did not observe, leading to social ostracism and political tensions within Jackson's cabinet.

Indian Removal Policy

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 led to the forced displacement of Native American tribes, culminating in the tragic Trail of Tears in 1838.

Nicholas Biddle and the Bank of the U.S.

Nicholas Biddle served as the influential President of the Second Bank of the United States.

The Bank Recharter Bill and Jackson's Veto

President Jackson vehemently attacked and ultimately vetoed the bill to recharter the Bank of the United States. His reasons included:

• The belief that it concentrated too much financial power in a single institution.
• Concerns that it exposed the U.S. government to control by foreign interests.
• Allegations that it unduly influenced decisions by members of Congress.
• The perception that it primarily benefited the wealthy.
• A bias favoring Northeastern states over Southwestern states.

Presidential Election of 1832

This election saw the emergence of the Whig Party, formed in opposition to Jackson. Key figures like Henry Clay and Daniel Webster advocated for a strong national government.

Following Jackson's veto, the Bank of the United States was effectively dismantled.

Three Major Political Parties

By this period, the political landscape included three significant parties: the Democrats, the Whigs, and the Anti-Masonic Party.

The Specie Circular (1836)

The Specie Circular was an executive order requiring that all public lands be purchased with gold or silver ("specie"), rather than paper money.

Martin Van Buren's Presidency (1837-1841)

Martin Van Buren, hand-picked by Andrew Jackson as his successor, faced a fragmented opposition. Despite facing three Whig candidates, Van Buren secured an easy victory.

The Panic of 1837

Shortly after Van Buren took office, the U.S. economy collapsed, leading to a severe financial depression.

The Whig Party Emerges

The Whig Party solidified its identity as the primary opposition party to Andrew Jackson and his policies.

Independent Treasury System (1840)

The Independent Treasury System, established by the Treasury Act of 1840, aimed to restrict government control over the nation's finances by separating federal funds from private banks.