APUSH Unit V for ACHS

Jacksonian Democracy

Jacksonian Democracy

a political movement led by President Andrew Jackson during the 1820s and 1830s that aimed to broaden political participation, emphasizing the importance of the common man in politics. supported universal white male suffrage and opposed the influence of wealthy elites

“Old Hickory”

A nickname for Andrew Jackson, highlighting his tough and resilient personality. originated from his role as a military commander during the War of 1812, particularly his leadership in the Battle of New Orleans

Second Party System

a period in U.S. political history, roughly from the late 1820s to the mid-1850s, characterized by the dominance of two major political parties—the Democrats, led by Andrew Jackson, and the Whigs, who opposed Jackson's policies

Spoils System

the practice of appointing loyal supporters to government positions, particularly after a political party's victory. Andrew Jackson's presidency is often associated with the widespread implementation of the spoils system

"Kitchen Cabinet”

an informal group of advisers and friends of President Andrew Jackson, who played a significant role in shaping his policies. this group operated outside the official Cabinet, and their influence raised concerns about the democratic nature of Jackson's decision-making

Battle of New Orleans

a decisive battle fought in January 1815 during the War of 1812, where American forces, commanded by Andrew Jackson, successfully defended New Orleans against British troops. although fought after the war's official end, the victory enhanced Jackson's popularity

Tariff of Abominations

a protective tariff passed in 1828 that significantly raised duties on imported goods. southerners, who relied heavily on agriculture, opposed the tariff, viewing it as discriminatory and harmful to their economic interests

Nullification Crisis

a political crisis in the early 1830s triggered by the Tariff of Abominations, during which South Carolina, led by John C. Calhoun, asserted the right to nullify federal laws it deemed unconstitutional. the crisis was ultimately resolved through a compromise

Indian Removal Act of 1830

legislation signed by President Andrew Jackson, providing for the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to territories west of the Mississippi River

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia

A Supreme Court case in 1831 that centered on the Cherokee Nation's legal standing. The Court ruled that the Cherokee were not a sovereign nation but rather a "domestic dependent nation," undermining their efforts to resist forced removal

Worcester v. Georgia

a landmark Supreme Court decision in 1832 that declared Georgia's extension of state law over Cherokee territory to be unconstitutional. despite the ruling, the enforcement of the decision proved challenging, as President Jackson did not intervene to protect Cherokee rights

Trail of Tears

the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation from their lands in the southeastern United States to present-day Oklahoma in 1838-1839. thousands of Cherokee died during the journey

Five “Civilized Nations”

a term used to describe the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole Nations, which were considered by European settlers to have adopted certain aspects of European-American culture, including agriculture, literacy, and centralized governments

Roger B. Taney

the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1836 to 1864, known for his controversial decision in the Dred Scott v. Sandford case (1857), which declared that enslaved individuals were not U.S. citizens and had no standing to sue in federal court

Second National Bank

the rechartered Bank of the United States, established in 1816 to serve as a national financial institution. its charter became a contentious political issue during the Jacksonian era, leading to its eventual demise

Specie Circular

an executive order issued by President Andrew Jackson in 1836, requiring payment for public lands to be made in gold or silver rather than paper money. the order aimed to curb land speculation and stabilize the economy

Indian Intercourse Act (1834)

legislation passed by Congress that furthered the federal government's authority over Native American lands by regulating trade and interactions between Native American tribes and non-Native individuals

Maysville Road (veto)

President Andrew Jackson's veto of a bill in 1830 that would have funded the Maysville Road in Kentucky using federal funds. Jackson's veto reflected his opposition to internal improvements at the federal level

Peggy Eaton Affair

A social and political scandal during Jackson's presidency involving the marriage and social ostracism of Peggy Eaton, the wife of Secretary of War John Eaton. the controversy contributed to the resignation of several Cabinet members

“Pet Banks”

state banks selected by President Andrew Jackson to receive federal deposits after he vetoed the recharter of the Second National Bank. the distribution of federal funds to these banks was part of Jackson's plan to weaken the influence of the national bank

“King Andrew”

a derogatory term used by opponents of President Andrew Jackson, suggesting that he wielded too much executive power and behaved in an autocratic manner, particularly in his use of the veto and the removal of federal deposits from the Second National Bank

Whigs

a political party formed in the 1830s in opposition to the policies of Andrew Jackson and the Democrats. supported a more active federal government, internal improvements, and the recharter of the National Bank

Charles River Bridge v. Warren River

a Supreme Court case in 1837 that addressed the issue of property rights and the obligation of a state to protect private contracts. the decision favored the state's authority to promote economic development over the protection of existing contracts

Nicholas Biddle

The president of the Second Bank of the United States during the 1830s. played a central role in the conflict between the bank and President Andrew Jackson, advocating for the bank's recharter

Panic of 1837

a severe economic depression that began in 1837, marked by widespread bank failures, falling commodity prices, and high unemployment. had complex causes, including the Specie Circular and the economic policies of President Martin Van Buren, who succeeded Andrew Jackson