Thomas Jefferson
The third President of the United States, [Thomas Jefferson], belonged to the [Republican] party. He was also a [Strict Constructionist] because he believed the Constitution was rigid.
The Marshall Supreme Court
During the period that [John Marshall] was Chief Justice of the [Supreme Court], three important rulings were made.
1. Marbury vs. Madison protected [judicial review], which means that the Supreme Court can declare an action [unconstitutional].
2. Gibbons vs. Ogden protected [delegated powers], which means powers that are [listed/written] in the [Constitution].
3. McCullough vs. Maryland protected [implied powers], which means powers that are [implied] in the [Constitution].
Marbury vs. Madison
After the "Midnight Appointments", Secretary of State James [Madison] was told by President [Jefferson] to not deliver his commission (which would prevent Marbury from becoming a [Supreme Court Justice]). This went to the Supreme Court as Marbury vs. Madison.
Some [Republicans] were hoping that [John Marshall], the Supreme Court Chief Justice, would try to force Madison to make Marbury a Supreme Court Justice. This would then be an opportunity to show the [Federalists] that the [Republicans] were in power now (since Marshall didn't have the power to do that).
Marshall suprised them all by saying that he [didn’t] have the power to make [Marbury] a Justice. Marshall went on to say, however, that [Jefferson] and [Madison] also didn't have the power to prevent Marbury from becoming a Justice. Thus, their actions were [unconstitutional]. Since Jefferson was a [strict constructionist], he had to follow the Constitution closely.
Summary of Marbury vs. Madison
1. Marbury wanted to become a [Supreme Court Justice].
2. Madison didn't want Marbury, a [Federalist], to become a Justice.
3. Marshall said that he [didn’t have the power] to make Marbury a Justice.
4. Marshall also said that the President [didn’t have the power] to not make Marbury a Justice.
Jefferson’s Presidency
[Jefferson] had two main accomplishments in foreign policy during his presidency.
1. Jefferson [fought] the Barbary [pirates] at [Tripoli], which gained the [respect] of Europe.
2. The U.S. received the [Louisiana Territory/Purchase].
It is a little unexpected that [Jefferson] would agree to the [Louisiana Purchase] because he was a [strict constructionist] and that power is not listed in the [Constitution]. He agreed, however, because it was too good of a deal to pass up. He then sent [Lewis] and [Clark] to explore the land.
French Motivation to Sell Louisiana
Why would [France/Napoleon] be willing to sell the land of Louisiana?
1. Because [France] was preparing for [war] with [Britain].
2. Because [France] was worried that they wouldn't be able to [protect] it.
3. Because [France] hoped that the U.S. might become an [ally] in the [war] with [Britain].
U.S. vs. Tecumseh
Chief [Tecumseh] created an Indian Confederation to fight the [U.S.]. He gained much power by claiming to be sent by the [“Great Spirit”]. William Henry [Harrison] told him to prove his claim by making the [sun] stand still. This challenge backfired because [Tecumseh] was told of an [eclipse]. By “predicting” this, [Tecumseh] was able to create an even more powerful Indian Confederation. The Indians eventually join the British in the War of 1812.
Pre-War of 1812
Before the [War of 1812], the U.S. was trading with [Britain] and [France], who were at war with each other. Britain had a stronger [navy] than France and since the trade with both countries was on the [Atlantic Ocean], [Britain] did more damage to U.S. ships. For this reason the U.S. was angrier at [Britain].
There was also a new group of young fiery politicians called [“War hawks”] that wanted war with [Britain]. They wanted war with Britain for four main reasons.
1. Britain was encouraging [Indians] to attack the U.S.
2. Britain might cut off trade on the [Mississippi River]
3. Britain had [insulted/disrespected] the U.S.
4. The "War hawks" wanted to add [Canada] to the U.S.
Status of the U.S. before the War of 1812
1. The U.S. had a small [navy] (compared to Britain - the world's most powerful)
2. The U.S. had a small [army]
3. Not all of the U.S. [supported] the [war] (it was called [“Mr. Madison’s War”])
4. But, Britain was busy with [France]
The War of 1812
In the War of 1812, the U.S. burns Canada's capital at York, which is today called [Toronto]. To get revenge, Britain...
[burned Washington D.C. including the White House.]
When Napoleon stopped fighting Britain, the British could focus on the U.S; so
The British created a new strategy.
1. Attack New York and cut the [nation in half].
2. Attack important [port] cities on the Atlantic Ocean.
3. Attack [New Orleans] and cut off the [Mississippi River].
This British plan failed with the exception of [Washington D.C.] being destroyed to some extent.
Results
Both sides grow tired of this war and so they ended it. As a result of this war:
1. [Andrew Jackson] and [William Henry Harrison] became famous and eventually
became U.S. [Presidents].
2. The U.S. adopted a policy of [isolation], meaning that they won't...
[get involved in any problems outside of their nation.]
3. [Tecumseh] died, the Indian Confederation ended, and Indian raids decreased.
This war also led to the end of the [Federalist Party] because they [opposed] the war of 1812, which many in the U.S. viewed as a victory. After the war two important events occurred.
1. One, the Rush-Baggot Treaty was signed. This removed both British and U.S. [forts] in the Great Lakes region and helped to create the longest undefended border in the world.
2. Two, the U.S. bought [Florida] from [Spain] after [Andrew Jackson] marched his army down there and took their capital.
Monroe Doctrine
Finally, an important foreign policy was developed in this time. [Spain] was trying to reclaim its [American] colonies and the U.S. didn't want them to. Thus, President Monroe issued the [Monroe Doctrine] saying that the U.S. wouldn't be involved in [European Problems/Wars] and [Europe] better not get involved in the [Americas (both North and South America)].