Andrew Jackson Era

Andrew Jackson

7th U.S. President , known for his populist style and strong use of presidential power.

Jacksonian Democracy:

A political movement that promoted greater democracy for the common man and expanded voting rights to all white men.

Spoils System

Practice of giving government jobs to political supporters and friends.

Trail of Tears:

Forced relocation of Native American tribes, especially the Cherokee, to lands west of the Mississippi.

Indian Removal Act 1830

Law that authorized the removal of Native American tribes to lands west of the Mississippi River.

Cherokee v. Georgia (1831):

Supreme Court case where the Cherokee Nation was denied the right to sue Georgia, being labeled as a "domestic dependent nation.

Worcester v. Georgia (1832)

Supreme Court case ruling that states could not enforce laws within Native American territories; ignored by Jackson.

John Marshall (Supreme Court) vs. Andrew Jackson:

Conflict where Jackson ignored Supreme Court rulings and still decided to remove native American tribes out of Georgia

Nullification Crisis

Conflict over South Carolina's attempt to nullify federal tariffs, challenging federal authority.

John C. Calhoun vs. Jackson

Dispute between Vice President Calhoun and Jackson over states' rights and nullification.

Tariff of Abominations 1828

High tariff that angered Southern states, leading to the Nullification Crisis.

Force Bill:

Law authorizing Jackson to use military force against states resisting tariff enforcement.

Compromise Tariff of 1833

Gradual tariff reduction to ease tensions from the Nullification Crisis.

Bank War

Jackson's battle against the Second Bank of the United States, which he viewed as too powerful and corrupt.

Nicholas Biddle vs. Jackson:

Conflict between the Bank's president, Biddle, and Jackson over the Bank's future.

Panic of 1837

Economic crisis triggered by bank failures and Jackson's financial policies, leading to a severe depression.

Whig Party:

Political party formed in opposition to Jackson's policies, promoting a strong Congress and industrial growth.

Jackson’s use of the Veto

Frequent use of veto power to block legislation.

Kitchen Cabinet

Informal group of advisors (Jackson’s friends) that Jackson relied on instead of his official cabinet.

Peggy Eaton Affair:

Social scandal involving the wife of Jackson's Secretary of War, causing cabinet conflicts.

Formation of the Democratic Party

Political party founded by Jackson's supporters, emphasizing states' rights and populism.

Political change seen in the election of 1828

Shift toward mass democracy with greater voter participation and campaign tactics.

Martin Van Buren:

Jackson's Vice President and successor as the 8th President, faced economic troubles from Jackson's policies.

South Carolina Exposition and Protest:

Document by Calhoun opposing the Tariff of Abominations and advocating for nullification.

Pet Banks:

State banks where Jackson placed federal funds

Expansion during the Age of Jackson

Territorial growth westward, including conflicts with Native Americans and debates over slavery.

Lone Star Republic:

Independent Texas after breaking away from Mexico in 1836 before joining the U.S.

Market Economy:

Economic system based on supply and demand with minimal government intervention.