Getting Off to a to a Good Start: The Early National Period lasted from 1789 to The new government was tested to see if our republic could last.

Political Developments: Presidents: Washington Adams Jefferson Madison Monroe

George Washington: Served as president from His power was tested under the Whiskey Rebellion Washington developed a cabinet He established the tradition of serving only two terms. After his term, the first political parties developed over the issue of a National bank. In Washington’s Farewell address he warned the nation to avoid alliances and political parties...

The Federalists: pro- bank Federalists were led by John Adams and Alexander Believed in a strong Believed in a strong national government Supported by bankers and business in the Northeast Hamilton wanted the bank to help establish a stronger American economy

The Democratic- Republicans: anti-bank Led by Thomas Jefferson Believed in a weak national government and agricultural economy Supported by farmers, artisans and frontier in the South Jefferson opposed the National Bank because the power to create it was not in the Constitution. He was a strict-constructionist.

Election of 1800 Election was close, won by Jefferson First time power was transferred between parties PEACEFULLY. It also proved that political parties were going to be permanent in America This election was nearly lost by Jefferson. He actually tied with his running mate, Burr, as the electoral college proved it could not handle political parties. An amendment was added to the Constitution to “solve” this problem.

John Marshall: The power to declare a law unconstitutional (judicial review) was established in Marbury v. Madison McCulloch v. Maryland prohibited states from of the taxing agencies of the federal government “the power to tax is the power to destroy” Marshall, a Federalist, served on the court from His decisions helped to strengthen the power of the Federal government.

Louisiana Purchase: 1803 Purchased from France Doubled size of U.S. Jefferson questioned if this purchase was legal.

Louisiana Purchase: 1803 Jefferson authorized Lewis and Clark to explore the new territory and gather scientific information. Sacajawea, a ““First American” woman, served as their guide and translator.

War of 1812: America needed to fight the British again as War Hawks sought parts of Canada, and to end the British impressment of sailors, and to end the British agitation of Indians in the West. The American victory produced some claim to the Oregon Territory and increased migration into Florida (later acquired from Spain). The U.S. later gained the above portion of Oregon in an agreement with Britain (1846)!

The Monroe Doctrine: 1823 The Americas should not be considered for future colonization by European Powers. Nations in the Western Hemisphere were inherently different from those of Europe (republics rather than monarchies). The U.S. would regard any European attempt “meddle” in the Western Hemisphere as a threat to peace and safety. The U.S. would not interfere in European affairs! Some regard Monroe’s Doctrine as a statement of isolationism. It laid the groundwork for our later imperialist efforts in Latin America.