U.S. 1824-1844: Jacksonian Democracy, Party Conflicts, and Expansion

What major political system solidified during the period of 1824-1844?

The Second Party System

Which president is central to the developments during 1824-1844?

Andrew Jackson

What economic changes occurred during this period?

Major changes included infrastructure development, banking reforms, and the rise of a market economy.

What key reform movements emerged during 1824-1844?

Reform movements included temperance, abolition, and the women's movement.

What ideology did the Jacksonian Democrats emphasize?

They emphasized the 'common man,' favoring small farmers and frontier settlers while distrusting elites and centralized power.

What was the significance of Jackson's Bank War?

Jackson vetoed the recharter of the Second Bank of the United States, viewing it as favoring elite interests, which contributed to the Panic of 1837.

What was the Specie Circular of 1836?

It required payment for public lands to be in gold or silver, straining credit and harming land speculators.

What were the core beliefs of the Whig Party?

The Whigs opposed Jackson's excesses and supported a more activist federal government, internal improvements, and modernization.

Who were key figures in the Whig Party?

Key figures included Henry Clay and Daniel Webster.

What economic policies did the Whigs support?

They supported protective tariffs, a national bank, and federal funding for infrastructure.

What was the impact of industrialization in the North during this period?

It led to the rise of factories, wage labor, and a more connected market through canals and railroads.

What was the main conflict regarding slavery during 1824-1844?

The conflict centered around the expansion of slavery into new territories and states.

Who were prominent abolitionists during this period?

Prominent abolitionists included William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass, and the Grimké sisters.

What arguments did pro-slavery advocates use?

They argued that slavery was a positive good and defended states' rights to decide on slavery.

What methods did abolitionists use to promote their cause?

Abolitionists used petitions, pamphlets, newspapers, and conventions to spread their message.

What was the significance of the Second Great Awakening in relation to abolitionism?

It fueled moral arguments against slavery, emphasizing human dignity and religious impulses.

What was a major consequence of Jackson's removal of federal deposits from the national bank?

It led to increased risk and speculation in decentralized banking.

What was the relationship between land speculation and westward expansion?

Westward expansion encouraged land speculation, with government policies impacting land sales and credit.

What challenges did the Jacksonian Democrats face?

They faced accusations of executive overreach, economic instability, and conflicts over slavery.

What internal tensions existed within the Whig Party?

The broad coalition led to disagreements on issues like slavery and expansion, making them less popular among common people.

How did the economic landscape shift during the 1824-1844 period?

The shift included a move towards a market economy with increased trade and specialization.

What was the impact of transportation improvements during this period?

Improvements in transportation connected markets nationally and facilitated industrial growth.

What was the role of the federal government in internal improvements according to the Whigs?

Whigs advocated for federal funding and support for infrastructure projects like roads and canals.

What was the significance of the Panic of 1837?

It was a major economic crisis that resulted from Jackson's financial policies and contributed to political tensions.

What was the relationship between the women's rights movement and abolitionism?

Many early women activists started through abolitionist causes, recognizing inequalities for women through their involvement.

What was a significant event in the early women's rights movement?

The Anti-Slavery Convention of American Women in 1837, one of the first broad conventions for the antislavery cause.

What were some early issues addressed by the women's rights movement before 1848?

Property rights for married women, access to education, legal rights, and opportunities for publication and public speaking.

What was the Temperance Movement?

A major moral reform movement beginning in the early 19th century, focusing on limiting or abstaining from alcohol due to its perceived social evils.

How did the Temperance Movement relate to women's rights?

Women were often the most affected by men's drunkenness, and their involvement in temperance work provided experience in organizing and public speaking.

What is Manifest Destiny?

The belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across North America, a concept that became more prominent in the mid-1840s.

What political issues arose from territorial expansion during Manifest Destiny?

Debates over the status of slavery in new territories, relations with Native Americans, and annexation of Texas.

What was Jacksonian Democracy?

A political philosophy defined by egalitarian rhetoric for white men, distrust of centralized financial institutions, and emphasis on states' rights.

What was the significance of the Bank War during Jackson's presidency?

It involved Jackson's efforts to dismantle the Second Bank of the United States, showcasing his strong presidency and use of veto power.

What was the Indian Removal Act of 1830?

Legislation that facilitated the forced removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands to make way for expansion.

What were the major events leading to the formation of the Whig Party?

The anti-Jackson coalition formed in the early 1830s, opposing Jackson's policies and the Democratic Party.

What was the outcome of the 1824 election?

John Quincy Adams won against Andrew Jackson through a decision by the House of Representatives, leading to accusations of a 'Corrupt Bargain.'

What was the Panic of 1837?

A serious economic downturn resulting from Jackson's policies, which significantly affected his successor, Martin Van Buren.

What were the central issues in the 1844 election?

Expansionist issues, particularly the annexation of Texas and claims to Oregon, were central to the campaign.

How did reform movements connect to religious revival?

Reform movements like abolition, temperance, and women's rights were often linked to the moral philosophy stemming from the Second Great Awakening.

What were the causes of the Panic of 1837?

Causes included Jackson's banking policies, the Specie Circular, and economic speculation, leading to widespread financial distress.

How did expansionist impulses contribute to conflict over slavery?

As new territories were acquired, debates arose over whether to permit slavery, deepening divisions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions.

What role did economic developments play in the political landscape of the time?

Economic developments influenced debates over tariffs, infrastructure, and land policies, affecting the balance of federal and state power.

What was the significance of the 1828 election?

Andrew Jackson's election marked a shift to a new style of politics, emphasizing populism and the interests of the common man.

What were the key themes to focus on for essays regarding this period?

Compare and contrast the Democrats and Whigs, explain causes and consequences of key events, and trace themes like moral reform and economic modernization.

What was the Bank War of 1832?

A political conflict between President Andrew Jackson and supporters of the Second Bank of the United States, where Jackson vetoed the recharter of the bank and removed federal deposits.

What was the stance of Jacksonian Democrats on the Second Bank of the U.S.?

They opposed it, viewing it as a symbol of elite power and privilege.

What did the Whigs believe about the Second Bank of the U.S.?

They supported it, seeing it as a stabilizing force for commerce and credit.

How did Jacksonian Democrats view federal funding for internal improvements?

They were less enthusiastic and preferred local or state efforts unless strongly demanded by voters.

What was the Whig Party's position on internal improvements?

They were more likely to support federal funding or subsidies for improvements to promote commerce and national growth.

What was the Democratic stance on tariffs?

They were cautious, especially in the South, where tariffs raised prices, and were skeptical of protective tariffs.

What was the Whig Party's view on tariffs?

They were more supportive of protective tariffs, believing they helped build domestic manufacturing.

What was the general attitude of Jacksonian Democrats towards westward expansion?

They were generally supportive, viewing it as an opportunity for settlers and land acquisition.

What concerns did the Whigs have regarding westward expansion?

They were mixed; some supported it but were concerned about the extension of slavery and the associated costs and instability.

What were the main moral reform movements during this period?

Temperance, abolitionism, and emerging women's rights movements.

What was the focus of the temperance movement?

To promote abstinence from alcohol through moral persuasion and local/state activism.

What was the primary goal of the abolitionist movement?

To end slavery, with debates over immediate versus gradual emancipation and the intersection with women's rights.

How did women's rights emerge during this period?

They often arose from abolitionist roots, questioning public speaking, education, and property rights.

What was the significance of the Anti-Slavery Convention of American Women in 1837?

It highlighted the intersection of women's rights and abolitionism, showcasing women's activism.

Who were the Grimké sisters, and what did they advocate for?

Sarah and Angelina Grimké were abolitionists and early advocates for women's rights.

What role did William Lloyd Garrison play in the abolitionist movement?

He was a radical abolitionist known for publishing The Liberator, advocating for immediate emancipation.

What was Manifest Destiny?

The belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

What tensions arose from westward expansion concerning slavery?

Debates over whether new territories would allow slavery, with Southern interests pushing to expand it and Northern abolitionists opposing.

What were some key events related to Manifest Destiny?

The annexation of Texas, the Oregon dispute with Britain, and the Mexican-American War.

What was Andrew Jackson's presidency known for?

His central role in Jacksonian democracy, the Bank War, and his strong use of executive power.

What are some potential essay prompts related to this period?

1. Compare Jacksonian Democrats and Whigs on federal power and economics. 2. Discuss causes and effects of the Panic of 1837. 3. Analyze how reform movements intersected with party politics.