American History Lecture Review

Flashcards for reviewing lecture notes on the Jackson presidency, nullification crisis, Indian removal, bank wars, and the election of 1840.

What accusations were made against Andrew Jackson during the election of 1828?

He was accused of adultery due to his wife Rachel's previous marriage situation.

What was the controversy surrounding Rachel Jackson?

She married Andrew Jackson before her divorce from her first husband, Louis Robards, was finalized.

How did Andrew Jackson react to the attacks on his wife, Rachel?

He never forgave those who verbally attacked her and blamed them for her death.

What was the atmosphere like at Andrew Jackson's inauguration?

It was a wild, rowdy affair with much drinking, and the White House was damaged by the attendees.

What was the Eaton Affair about?

It involved Jackson's Secretary of War, John Eaton, and his wife Peggy, who was socially snubbed by the ladies of Washington D.C. due to her past.

Who was Florise Calhoun, and what role did she play in the Eaton Affair?

She was the wife of Vice President John Calhoun and led the social snubbing of Peggy Eaton.

How did Martin Van Buren benefit from the Eaton Affair?

As Secretary of State, he was kind to Peggy Eaton, which strengthened his relationship with Jackson.

What was the issue of nullification?

The idea that states had the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional, particularly the Tariff of 1828.

What was Jackson's stance on nullification?

He was against it and believed the Union must be preserved, even if it meant disagreeing with Southern states' rights arguments.

What was the significance of Jackson's toast at the Jefferson birthday dinner?

He made his position against nullification clear by stating, "Our Union, it must be preserved."

How did the nullification crisis play out with South Carolina?

South Carolina adopted a nullification ordinance against the tariff, but stood alone. Jackson prepared to use force, but a compromise was reached.

What was the Indian Removal Act of 1830?

An act signed by Congress under Jackson, that forced Indian tribes to move to reservations in the West.

What was the Trail of Tears?

The forced removal of the Cherokee from their lands, resulting in approximately 4,000 deaths.

Why did Jackson veto the rechartering of the Bank of the US?

He opposed the national bank, viewing it as aristocratic and controlled by wealthy people back east.

How did Jackson undermine the Bank of the US before its charter expired?

He removed government funds from the national bank and deposited them into state banks.

What was the Distribution Act?

An act that allowed the federal government to distribute the federal surplus as loans to the states.

Who succeeded Andrew Jackson as president?

Martin Van Buren, his vice president, won the election of 1836.

What was the major issue during Martin Van Buren's presidency?

A financial panic broke out, leading to economic struggles and unpopularity for Van Buren.

Who was William Henry Harrison, and how was he portrayed in the election of 1840?

He was the Whig nominee, portrayed as a simple, common man, contrasting with Van Buren's image as an aristocrat.

What was the slogan used in the election of 1840?

Tippecanoe and Tyler too

Why did John Tyler become president?

William Henry Harrison died one month after his inauguration, making Tyler, his vice president, the new president.

Why was John Tyler known as "His Accidency?"

He was chosen as VP to balance the ticket and was not expected to become president.

Why did John Tyler alienate the Whig party?

He vetoed the bank bill and favored states' rights, which were not Whig ideologies.