The Democratic-Republicans favored the middle class, and encouraged expansion of American settlements.
The Louisiana Purchase
The purchase of a huge expanse of land from France in 1803 radically increased the size of the United States and allowed for a greater number of farmers.
Slavery
Slavery was an established institution in the American economy, particularly in the South, but many people became convinced that it was an undesirable influence on society.
Washington D.C. was burned, but the Americans eventually won.
Native Americans were later forced to move west (to Oklahoma) in the Trail of Tears (1830).
Economy and Politics in the 1820s
New political parties formed: the Democrats (from the DemocraticRepublicans) and the Whigs. The latter favored the growth of industry.
The cotton gin is invented in 1793.
Preface: the 1790s
The country had built up $74,000,000 of debt from the war, and had to pass taxes to pay this debt, and then enforce the taxes.
Banking was an object of great debate: there was no federal bank or currency, and the previous federal bank’s charter had expired.
Economic Growth in America
Western expansion dispersed this wealth, as Americans asserted a right to spread out to places like Oregon, California, and Texas, an idea called “Manifest Destiny”.
The Federalists wanted to create a strong and efficient federal government, but sometimes alienated the people, for example by passing high taxes on houses, land, and slaves, and in turn causing several rebellions.
American History
From 1800 to 1945
Preface: the 1790s
The United States gradually expanded, territorially and experientially.
The Bill of Rights is added in 1791.
Economic nts had also made it a less profitable institution than it had been in the past.
The Second Great Awakening
There was a great religious revival that changed the face of American Christianity.
“Manifest Destiny” and the American Dream
Though people were optimistic about American society, most farmers had little time or money, and though there were more wealthy people in the United States than Europe by 1850, most of them were born into wealthy families.
Preface: The 1790s
The first political parties were Jefferson and Madison’s Democratic-Republican party and Hamilton’s Federalist party.
Preface: The 1790s
The War of 1812
The Americans declared war against Britain because of interferences with American trade in Europe, mistreatment of American sailors, and Britain’s encouragement of hostilities with the Native Americans.