Ch. 9 Democracy in America

Democracy

A system of government where the people hold power, often through elected representatives

Andrew Jackson

7th president of the United States (1829-1837). He was a controversial figure known for his military victories, his support for the common man, and his policies on Native Americans and the national bank.

Missouri Crisis

A political conflict (1819-1821) over the admission of Missouri as a slave state, highlighting the growing sectional tensions between North and South.

Tallmadge amendment

A proposed amendment to Missouri's statehood application that would have gradually abolished slavery in the state. It failed to pass, further fueling the debate over slavery's expansion.

Henry Clay

A prominent American politician known as "The Great Compromiser" for his role in resolving several national crises, including the Missouri Compromise and the Nullification Crisis

Missouri Compromise

An 1820 agreement that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while also prohibiting slavery north of the 36°30’ latitude line in the Louisiana Purchase territory.

Adams-Onís Treaty

An 1819 treaty between the United States and Spain in which Spain ceded Florida to the U.S.

Election of 1824

A highly contested presidential election where no candidate won a majority of electoral votes, leading to the House of Representatives choosing John Quincy Adams over Andrew Jackson.

Tariffs

Taxes on imported goods. The Tariff of 1828, also known as the Tariff of Abominations, was particularly controversial and led to the Nullification Crisis.

Nullification Crisis

A political showdown (1832-1833) where South Carolina declared federal tariffs null and void, asserting states' rights to nullify federal laws. President Jackson threatened military force, but a compromise was eventually reached.

Petticoat affair

A social scandal during Jackson's presidency involving Margaret Eaton, the wife of Secretary of War John Eaton. The scandal, fueled by gossip and social ostracism, led to cabinet resignations.

Bank war

Jackson's campaign to destroy the Second Bank of the United States, which he viewed as a threat to the common man and a tool of the wealthy elite.

Pet Banks

State banks favored by President Jackson for federal deposits after he withdrew government funds from the Second Bank of the United States.

Panic of 1837

A major economic depression that began shortly after Jackson left office. Many blamed his economic policies, including the destruction of the national bank, for contributing to the crisis

Whig Party

A political party that emerged in the 1830s in opposition to Andrew Jackson and the Democratic Party. Supported a strong national government and economic development but struggled to maintain unity on issues like slavery.

William Henry Harrison

The Whig candidate who won the 1840 presidential election but died after only a month in office.

John Tyler

Harrison's vice president who became president upon Harrison's death. His policies often aligned with Democrats, leading to conflict with the Whig Party.

Freemasonry

A secretive fraternal organization that attracted many prominent Americans but also generated suspicion and opposition, leading to the formation of the Anti-Masonic Party.

Nativism

Opposition to immigration, often fueled by fears that immigrants would threaten American culture, values, and jobs. Nativism played a significant role in American politics during the 19th century.

Race and Suffrage

In the Jacksonian era, voting rights expanded for white men but were increasingly restricted for Black men, highlighting the racial limits of American democracy.