American Yawp Chapter 6: A New Nation

Shay's Rebellion

• A revolt led by Daniel Shays and farmers protesting against foreclosures and debt imprisonment.
• This uprising highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, specifically the inability to raise revenue or maintain order.

Articles of Confederation Weaknesses

• Created a federal government lacking power to levy taxes, hindering its ability to function effectively.

Daniel Shays

• Revolutionary War captain who spearheaded Shay's Rebellion, fighting against economic injustices.
• His actions prompted landowners to seek a stronger federal government to avoid "mobocracy."

James Madison

• Known as the "Father of the Constitution," he played a pivotal role in drafting and promoting the Constitution and served as the fourth President.

Spirit of 1776

• Reflected an ideology of liberty and resistance to authority, reminiscent of the revolutionary fervor at the war's inception.

Virginia Plan

• Proposed by James Madison; a framework for government favoring populous states with representation based on population size.

Great Compromise

• Reached in 1787, establishing a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

George Mason

• Key figure in the American Revolution; his advocacy for individual rights led to the inclusion of the Bill of Rights.

Federalist Papers

• A series of essays written by Hamilton, Jay, and Madison aimed at securing ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Alexander Hamilton

• First Secretary of the Treasury, instrumental in creating a national bank and establishing a federal financial system, including tax policies.

Bill of Rights

• The first ten amendments to the Constitution protecting individual liberties, drafted by James Madison in response to demands for greater protections.

Dirty Compromise

• Agreement ensuring protection of the slave trade for 20 years, in exchange for support from Southern states on legislative measures.

Haitian Revolution

• A significant event influencing Latin American revolutions; it was the first successful slave revolt, led by Toussaint L'Ouverture.

Bank of the United States

• Proposed by Hamilton, this institution aimed to stabilize the economy by managing taxes and providing a national currency; faced constitutional challenges.

Whiskey Rebellion

• 1794 uprising by Pennsylvania farmers against an excise tax on whiskey; showcased the federal government's ability to enforce law compared to the Articles era.

John Jay

• Diplomat and first Chief Justice of the United States; crucial in negotiating peace treaties and establishing judicial precedents.

Jay's Treaty

• Agreement brokered by John Jay to resolve disputes with Britain regarding ship seizures and debts, aiming to stabilize relations.

Impressment

• The British practice of forcibly enlisting American sailors into their navy, contributing to tensions between the U.S. and Britain.

Edmond Genet

• A French envoy who sought American support against the British, creating significant diplomatic challenges for the U.S.

XYZ Affair

• Diplomatic incident in which American diplomats faced bribery demands from French officials, escalating tensions between the U.S. and France.

Alien Act

• Enacted in 1798, granting the president powers to deport immigrants viewed as threats to national security.

Sedition Act

• Made it illegal to criticize the government; aimed at curbing dissent but sparked debates over First Amendment rights.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

• Authored by Jefferson and Madison in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts, asserting state rights to nullify unconstitutional federal laws.

Disestablishment

• Period marked by the reduction of political power held by established religions, promoting separation of church and state.

Election of 1800

• Notable for being the first peaceful transfer of power between opposing political parties, marking a significant moment in U.S. political history.