In the 19th century, new technology, growing markets, and the extension of democracy to all white men fostered rapid economic growth and the development of a uniquely American identity and political culture. But this prosperity came at a cost, gobbling up the lands of Native Americans in the West and the labor of enslaved people in the South.
Abolitionism
The movement to end slavery in the united states
Era of good feelings
A period of relative political unity under president James Monroe (1817-1825)
impressment
the British practice of forcing American sailors into service in the royal navy
Jacksonian Democracy
the political philosophy associated with Andrew Jackson, emphasizing popular sovereignty and the rights of the “common man”
Judicial Review
The power of the supreme court to declare laws unconsitiusonal, established by Marbury v. Madison
Louisiana Purchase
The 1803 acquisition of a vest territory from france, doubling the size of the united states
Manifest Destiny
The belief that United states was destined to expand its dominon and spread democracy across north america
Market reolution
A period of rapid economic and social transformation in the early 19th century, marked by technological advancements, industrial growth, and the rise of a market economy.
Missouri Compromise
The 1820 agreement that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, temporarily maintaining the balance of power between slave and free states in the Senate.
Monroe Doctrine
President James Monroe's 1823 declaration warning European powers against further colonization in the Americas.
Nullification
The theory that states have the right to declare federal laws unconstitutional and void within their borders.
Protective Tariffs
Taxes imposed on imported goods to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
Second Great Awakening
A period of religious revivalism in the early 19th century, which spurred various social reform movements.
Sectionalism
Loyalty to one's region or section of the country, often at the expense of national unity.
Spoils System
The practice of awarding government jobs and contracts to political supporters.
Trail of Tears
The forced removal of Cherokee Indians from their ancestral lands in the Southeast to Oklahoma, resulting in widespread suffering and death.
What were the major causes and consequences of the War of 1812?
The War of 1812 was caused by issues like British impressment of American sailors, interference with trade, and frontier conflicts. The war resulted in a surge of nationalism, the demise of the Federalist Party, and affirmed American independence.
How did the Market Revolution transform the American economy during the early 19th century?
The Market Revolution involved innovations like canals, railroads, and steamboats, leading to increased industrialization. The rise of factories and wage labor, coupled with agricultural advancements like the cotton gin, significantly shifted the economic landscape.
Explain the significance of the Marbury v. Madison Supreme Court case.
Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, granting the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional. This case significantly strengthened the Court's role in the American political system.
How did Andrew Jackson's presidency impact the political landscape of the United States?
Jackson's presidency ushered in Jacksonian Democracy, characterized by expanded suffrage for white males, the spoils system, and a focus on the "common man." His policies, like the Bank War and Indian Removal Act, were controversial and had lasting impacts.
Describe the goals and strategies of the Abolitionist Movement.
The Abolitionist Movement sought the immediate end to slavery. Utilizing strategies like moral suasion, political activism, and publications like William Lloyd Garrison's "The Liberator", they brought the issue of slavery to the forefront of national debate.
What was the impact of the cotton gin on the Southern economy and the institution of slavery?
The cotton gin dramatically increased the efficiency of cotton production, leading to a surge in demand for slave labor. This solidified the South's dependence on the plantation system and exacerbated the moral and economic debates surrounding slavery.
Explain the concept of Manifest Destiny and its influence on American expansion.
Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States was destined by God to expand its dominion and spread democracy across the entire North American continent. This idea fueled westward expansion, often at the expense of Native Americans and fueled conflicts like the Mexican-American War.
What were the key differences between the Democratic and Whig parties during the Second Party System?
Democrats, led by Andrew Jackson, championed policies favoring the "common man," states' rights, and limited government intervention in the economy. Whigs, led by Henry Clay, advocated for a strong national government, protective tariffs, and internal improvements like infrastructure projects.
Describe the significance of the Seneca Falls Convention for the Women's Rights Movement.
The Seneca Falls Convention, the first women's rights convention held in the United States, marked the beginning of the organized women's rights movement. The Declaration of Sentiments, modeled after the Declaration of Independence, outlined the convention's goals, including women's suffrage and equal property rights.
How did the issue of slavery contribute to growing sectional tensions in the antebellum period?
The expansion of slavery into new territories became a major point of contention between the North and South. Events like the Missouri Compromise highlighted the fragility of the balance between free and slave states and foreshadowed the growing sectional divide that ultimately led to the Civil War.