The United States continued to develop its own democratic ideals, sparking debates about role of federal government, and leading to the formation of various political parties.
The U.S. Supreme Court established the principle that federal laws take precedence over state laws. Through Marbury v. Madison (1803), the Court also established the principle of judicial review, which allowed courts to check the power of the legislature and executive branches of government, further solidifying a “separation of powers.”
America developed a national culture, especially after the War of 1812, and various religious and social reform groups emerged. The temperance movement sought to ban alcohol. The abolition movement worked to end slavery and to assist African Americans. The women’s rights movement’s efforts culminated in the Seneca Falls Convention.
America underwent an economic and technological revolution. Major developments included the cotton gin, the steam engine, the factory system, and the expansion of railroads and canals. America moved away from a small subsistence-based economy and into an era of increasing industrialization, which impacted societal and family structures.
Expanding westward after the Louisiana Purchase, the United States sought to expand its borders and to be seen as a major player in foreign trade. The Monroe Doctrine and military actions against American Indian tribes demonstrated the desire for more control in North America.
As new states joined the United States, the debate over slavery raged on. In an attempt to appease both the North and South, Henry Clay crafted the Missouri Compromise, resolving some tension for the next three decades.
Developments in technology (production, transportation, communication) were crucial to the expansion of markets. Make sure that you understand which technologies contributed to the expanded markets. It's also important to know how they contributed and what importance they provided to the expansion of markets.
Industrialization led to increased opportunities for factory work. The negative effects that came with the increased factory work, as well as the impact that immigrants had on the factory system are important, too.
Think about the factors that led to an increased need for slaves. How did those factors contribute to a national system of slavery? Also think about the effects that this increase in slavery may have caused.
The American System, while making some big jumps for the American economy, was ultimately not successful in its original goal of creating a single, unified national economy. It also made much tighter bonds among states in the North and the Midwest, while the South was somewhat alienated by the system. Be able to explain why the American System didn’t prove to be successful and what other efforts have been made at a National Economy.
What were the driving factors for America’s adoption of the Indian Removal Act? The short answer is economic development, push for westward expansion, and desire for Indian lands. It is also important to know which tribes were affected by this act and how it ultimately demised into the Trail of Tears.
Be able to explain the philosophies of Manifest Destiny and the Monroe Doctrine. Know about key journeys like the Oregon Trail, and what kinds of dangers awaited people who went on these journeys. The idea of westward expansion is an important theme to know throughout U.S. history studies.
It is important to know why Europeans flocked to America, but it is also important to understand the effects this had on America. Period 4 of APUSH was a time of extreme growth, and European migration certainly contributed to that growth.
See Skills Packet Period 6 Comparison of First and Second Waves of Immigration.
Understand how concepts like the American System and the Missouri Compromise led to the Isolated South and how this created tension that would later develop into the Civil War.
Be able to explain the effects of the market revolution, and the lasting impact that these effects would have. Also, know how it set the stage for later reform movements, such as the women’s rights movement or child labor laws.
Summarize how previous events and ideas contributed to the regional politics of the time. Identify key policies and issues on which different regions disagreed.