UNIT 4 Pt.3: Young America

Flashcards covering key concepts, events, and figures from lecture notes on US history.

What were the main points about the Bank of the US during Jackson's presidency?

The Bank of US was privately owned but received federal deposits and cushioned the economy, but some, including Jackson, thought it was unconstitutional and served the wealthy.

What two parties emerged, and what did they resemble?

Democrats (led by Jackson) who resembled the Democratic-Republicans and Whigs (led by Clay/westward expansion & econ) who resembled the Federalists.

What actions did Jackson take regarding the bank and the economy, and what were the consequences?

Jackson destroyed the bank by transferring funds to state banks, persuaded to nominate Van Buren who won in 1836 but inherited the Panic of 1837, suppressed the bank, and required land to be bought with gold.

What was the outcome of the 1840 election, and what happened to Harrison?

The Whigs solidified as a party, Harrison won but died, and John Tyler took over.

What were the opportunities and challenges of westward expansion?

Beckoned as a fresh start, but life was difficult, and low environmental understanding led to degradation.

Who were the Mountain Men?

Early white settlers who became guides and pathfinders for future settlers.

How did European culture influence early American culture?

America's early culture was influenced by Europe & Great Britain but gradually developed unique aspects.

What characterized youth's attitude during westward expansion?

Youth were excited about westward expansion with little interest in Europe, and heroes of the Revolution were revered.

What is Transcendentalism?

An 1800s philosophy promoting intuitive, spiritual thinking rather than science/materialism and questioned churches and institutions.

Who was Ralph Waldo Emerson?

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a writer/speaker urging individualism and nationalism.

Who was Henry David Thoreau?

Henry David Thoreau was an author & naturist, known for Walden, a pioneer ecologist, and known for civil disobedience.

What were some examples of Utopian societies?

Communal experiments including Brooke Farm (secular), Shakers (religious), New Harmony (socialist), and Oneida (social/econ equality).

What is Genre Painting?

Ordinary people doing everyday things.

What architectural and literary styles were prominent?

Greek styles emphasized democracy and romantic/patriotic themes were present.

What was the Second Great Awakening?

A religious revival that swept through the US in the 1800s, reasserting Calvinist teachings and causing market revolution disruptions.

Who were prominent figures in the Second Great Awakening?

Timothy Dwight (Yale) countering liberal views and Charles Finney starting revivals through fear of damnation.

Where did the Second Great Awakening happen?

revivals with dramatic preachings and camp meetings, especially through Baptists and Methodists.

What effect did it have on different kinds of worship?

Besides reviving existing denominations, growth of new religions were fostered.

What is Millennialism?

Belief that the world would end with the 2nd coming of Jesus.

What is Mormonism?

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints founded by Joseph Smith, based on the Book of Mormon.

What was the Temperance movement?

Reformers targeted alcohol as a cause of crime, poverty, and domestic abuse, leading to the American Temperance Society.

What reforms were made in asylums and prisons?

Dorothea Dix pioneered for asylums, schools were built for blind & deaf, and Pennsylvania led prison reform with penitentiaries.

Who was Horace Mann?

Leading advocate for public education.

What was the role of women in society?

Poor women worked, but higher classes followed the cult of domesticity, becoming moral leaders of the home.

What was the Declaration of Sentiments?

Issued at Seneca Falls convention, but women's rights overshadowed by slavery in the 1850s.

What was the effect of the 2nd Great Awakening on slavery?

Led many to believe slavery was a sin.

What was the purpose of the American Colonization Society?

Idea of transporting free slaves to Africa.