New Nation (1783-1815)

Throughout the 19th century, states’ rights activists and politicians often justified their arguments based on the ideas presented in the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions. The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions were a series of noteworthy resolutions passed by the two state legislatures in 1798-1799 that aimed to organize Democratic-Republican opposition to Federalist policies and principles. Founding …

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Few documents in American history have had as tremendous an impact as the two penned by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in 1798. The historical significance of the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions lies primarily in how they were later used and twisted to further the goals of hardline states’ rights politicians. Written following the passage …

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When the Adams administration passed the Alien and Sedition Acts in 1798, Federalist leaders were surprised by the substantial backlash from the populace. Riots, protests, and petitions sprung up throughout the nation as citizens voiced their displeasure over the new laws. The once-reeling Democratic-Republicans seized an opportunity to organize opposition to the leading Federalists and …

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In 1798 President John Adams passed one of the most controversial sets of laws in US history. Known as the Alien and Sedition Acts, they hold great historical significance, particularly for the popular backlash that resulted. The Alien and Sedition Acts were a series of four laws that were designed to aid and protect the …

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In the waning days of his presidency John Adams signed into law a highly controversial bill. The Judiciary Act of 1801 would go on to have great significance in the following years, helping to change the federal government as we know it. Also known as the “Midnight Judges” Act, historians often portray the Judiciary Act …

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One of the most important Supreme Court cases in the history of the United States was Marbury v. Madison. In 1803 the federal judiciary held little authority and its powers were loosely defined by the Constitution. The result was a weak Supreme Court that impacted little in the early days of the nation. Chief Justice …

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The Louisiana Purchase was a significant event of monumental proportions in the history of the United States. From the French perspective, just why did Napoleon sell the Louisiana territory to the Americans? It cannot be understated just how important the Louisiana Purchase was to the United States. The territory utterly transformed the nation over the …

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At the turn of the 19th century the United States signed a treaty with massive ramifications. Just why was the Louisiana Purchase important and what impact did it have on the United States? The Louisiana Purchase was a significant treaty in 1803 where the United States purchased the entire Louisiana territory from France for $15 …

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Chief Justice John Marshall issued several of the most important Supreme Court decisions during his tenure from 1801-1835. His 1810 decision in the Fletcher v. Peck case is among those with the greatest historical significance. Fletcher v. Peck centered around the Contract Clause of the Constitution (Article I Section 10 Clause I).  In his decision …

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