1. Identify the issues that made the politics of the 1790s so divisive.
2. Explain how the competing views of freedom and global events promoted the political divisions of the 1790s.
3. Identify the achievements and failures of Jefferson’s presidency.
4. Explain the causes and significant results of the War of 1812.
• Describe how and why political parties arose.
• Explain why Thomas Jefferson thought Alexander Hamilton’s economic system “flowed from principles adverse to liberty, and was calculated to undermine and demolish the republic.”
• Who did Gabriel think might support his rebellion and why? How was the language of liberty and freedom invoked by Gabriel?
• Why was Napoleon willing to sell the Louisiana territory to the United States?
• Describe the ironies of the Jefferson administration. Compare his views toward a strong central government and his actions as president.
• The War of 1812 is sometimes referred to as the Second War for Independence. Do you think that this is an appropriate title? Why or why not?
• Reflect back on James Madison’s arguments in The Federalist that diversity and debate would strengthen the republic rather than weaken it. Did the events of the 1790–1815 period prove Madison right or wrong?
• Discuss the views of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson with regard to their interpretations of the Constitution, whether the national government was supreme, and their visions of the future America.
• Be able to differentiate between the arguments of Jefferson and Adams. Which would you side with and why?