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Politics and Regional Interests

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller

9 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers challenges to national unity in the early 19th century including the Essex Junto, Hartford Convention, and Burr Conspiracy. It examines Native American resistance, focusing on Tecumseh, Tenskwatawa, Tecumseh's War, and the First Seminole War. Henry Clay's American System, including its key components and opposition, is also discussed. Finally, it explores the Panic of 1819 and the Missouri Compromise.

AP US History Study Guide: Early 19th Century

Hey there, future AP US History champ! Let's dive into the early 1800s. We'll make sure you're not just memorizing, but understanding the big picture. Think of this as your secret weapon for test day! 🚀

1. Challenges to National Unity

1.1. Secessionist Movements

  • Essex Junto: A group of disgruntled Federalists from New England who felt their influence was waning. They were NOT happy campers! 😠 *
Key Concept

They plotted to secede and form a "Northern Confederacy" with parts of Canada. This shows how fragile the idea of national unity was at this time.

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Quick Fact

The Essex Junto's plan included New York and New Jersey, not just New England.

* **Hartford Convention (1814):** Federalist leaders met in secret to discuss their grievances. *
Exam Tip

Remember, the Hartford Convention happened during the War of 1812, which the Federalists opposed.

* They proposed amendments to the Constitution to protect their interests, but it was too late. The war ended, and they looked like whiners. 😩 *
Common Mistake

Don't confuse the Hartford Convention with the Constitutional Convention. They are VERY different!

*
Memory Aid

Think of the Hartford Convention as the Heartbreak for the Federalists, leading to their demise.

1.2. The Burr Conspiracy

  • Aaron Burr: Former VP, who was a bit of a wild card. He had a plan (or two!) that weren't exactly on the up-and-up. *
Quick Fact

Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel before this!

* He traveled to New Orleans and was accused of plotting to create an independent state in the West. 🗺️ *
Key Concept

He was charged with treason, highlighting the fragility of the young nation's stability.

*
Common Mistake

Don't confuse Burr's actions with the Essex Junto. They were separate events, but both showed internal divisions.

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions:

  1. The Hartford Convention, a meeting of Federalist delegates, was primarily a reaction to: (A) The Louisiana Purchase (B) The Embargo Act of 1807 and the War of 1812 (C) The election of Thomas Jefferson (D) The XYZ Affair

  2. Aaron Burr's alleged conspiracy involved: (A) Leading a slave rebellion in Virginia (B) Plotting to secede New England from the Union (C) Establishing a new republic in the West (D) Assassinating President James Madison

Free Response Question:

Analyze the causes and consequences of the Hartford Convention. In your response, be sure to address the following:

  • The political climate that led to the convention.
  • The specific demands and resolutions proposed by the delegates.
  • The impact of the convention on the Federalist Party and the nation as a whole.

Scoring Guide:

  • Thesis (1 point): A clear, historically defensi...

Question 1 of 13

The Essex Junto, a group of disgruntled Federalists, primarily hailed from which region of the United States? 🧐

The South

New England

The Mid-Atlantic

The West