Key Concepts of 19th Century America

Flashcards covering key concepts from 19th century American history.

Spoils System

A practice used by Andrew Jackson in which government jobs were given to political supporters and loyalists instead of based on merit.

Maysville Road Veto

Jackson's 1830 veto arguing that federal money should not fund local projects that did not benefit the entire nation.

Nullification Crisis

A conflict (1832-1833) where South Carolina claimed the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional.

Tariff of Abominations

The Tariff of 1828, which imposed high taxes on imported goods, angering Southern states.

Webster-Hayne Debate

An 1830 Senate debate where Webster argued for federal authority and Hayne defended states’ rights.

Force Bill

A 1833 law allowing President Jackson to use military force to enforce federal tariffs.

Indian Removal Act

A 1830 law that forced Native American tribes to relocate west of the Mississippi River.

Trail of Tears

The forced relocation of Cherokee and other tribes, resulting in thousands of deaths due to harsh conditions.

Worcester v. Georgia

An 1832 Supreme Court case ruling that Georgia had no authority over Cherokee lands, ignored by Jackson.

Jackson’s Bank Veto

Jackson's 1832 veto of the Second Bank of the United States recharter, claiming it favored the wealthy.

Pet Banks

State banks chosen by Jackson to receive federal deposits after removing them from the national bank.

Panic of 1837

A major economic depression caused by bank failures, over-speculation, and Jackson’s financial policies.

Whigs

A political party formed in opposition to Jackson, supporting a strong Congress and modernization.

Election of 1840 (2nd Party System)

William Henry Harrison (Whig) defeated Martin Van Buren, notable for increased voter participation.

The Whig Platform

Supported economic growth, federal funding for infrastructure, and a strong legislative branch.

“Tippecanoe and Tyler Too”

Campaign slogan for Harrison and John Tyler, referencing Harrison’s victory at Tippecanoe.

Jacksonian Democracy

A political movement advocating for greater democracy and expanded voting rights for white men.

Eli Whitney

Inventor of the cotton gin and proponent of interchangeable parts in manufacturing.

Cotton Gin

A machine that quickly removes seeds from cotton, increasing cotton production profitability.

John Deere / Steel Plow

Invented the steel plow which enabled farmers to efficiently break tough prairie soil.

Cyrus McCormick

Inventor of the mechanical reaper which harvested crops faster, boosting farm productivity.

Samuel Morse

Developer of the telegraph and Morse code.

Telegraph

A communication system using electrical signals to send messages quickly over long distances.

Market Revolution / Market Economy

The transition from subsistence farming to a national economy based on goods buying and selling.

Plank Roads

Wooden plank roads that improved rural transportation.

Steamboats

Boats powered by steam engines improving river transportation and trade.

Canals

Artificial waterways built to connect bodies of water and enhance trade.

Railroads

An expanding transportation system connecting regions and driving economic growth.

The Lowell System

A factory system employing young women in textile mills under strict conditions.

“Old Immigrants” (Irish vs. German)

Irish immigrants came due to famine and settled in cities; Germans for economic reasons and settled in rural areas, both facing discrimination.

Nativism

A belief favoring native-born Americans over immigrants.

Know Nothing Party

A political party opposing immigration and Catholics, members claimed they 'knew nothing' when asked.

Second Great Awakening

A religious revival encouraging personal salvation and inspiring reform movements.

Mormons

Members of a religious group founded by Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith

Founder of the Mormon religion.

Transcendentalism

A philosophical movement emphasizing individualism, nature, and self-reliance.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Leader of the transcendentalist movement.

Henry David Thoreau

A transcendentalist promoting simple living and civil disobedience.

Horace Mann

Leader of the public school reform movement.

Temperance

A movement aimed at reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption.

Dorothea Dix

Worked to improve conditions for the mentally ill.

Cult of Domesticity

A belief emphasizing women's roles in the home, focusing on family and morality.

Seneca Falls Convention

The first women’s rights convention held in 1848.

Declaration of Sentiments

A document from Seneca Falls demanding equal rights for women.

Utopian Communities

Experimental societies aimed at achieving perfect living conditions.

Shakers

A religious group practicing celibacy and communal living.

Oneida Community

A utopian group practicing shared property and complex marriage.

New Harmony

A utopian community focused on equality and education.

Brook Farm

A transcendentalist community encouraging shared labor and intellectual life.

Gabriel Prosser

Led a planned slave rebellion in 1800.

Denmark Vesey

Planned a slave revolt in 1822.

Nat Turner

Led a violent slave rebellion in 1831.

David Walker’s Appeal

A pamphlet urging enslaved people to resist slavery.

American Colonization Society

An organization aiming to send free Black Americans to Africa (Liberia).

William L. Garrison

Radical abolitionist and founder of The Liberator.

The Liberator

An anti-slavery newspaper published by William Lloyd Garrison.

American Anti-Slavery Society

A group dedicated to the immediate abolition of slavery.

Frederick Douglass

Formerly enslaved; a leading abolitionist speaker and writer.

Sojourner Truth

Abolitionist and women’s rights activist.

“Gag Rule”

A rule preventing Congress from discussing slavery petitions.

Paternalism

A system where slaveholders claimed to care for enslaved people like family to justify slavery.

“Burned-Over District”

A region in New York known for frequent religious revivals during the Second Great Awakening.