The Presidency of Andrew Jackson

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Andrew Jackson's presidency.

Old Hickory

Nickname given to Andrew Jackson by his soldiers, meaning tough like the wood of a hickory tree.

King Jackson

Nickname given to Andrew Jackson by his political opponents (Whigs), reflecting their view that he was trying to take over the country.

Battle of New Orleans

A key event in 1815 that made Jackson a national hero following the War of 1812.

Corrupt Bargain of 1824

Refers to the alleged deal between John Q. Adams and Henry Clay that prevented Jackson from winning the presidency in 1824.

Spoils System

A political practice where supporters of a winning party are rewarded with government positions.

Nullification Crisis

A confrontation between South Carolina and the federal government over tariffs and the right of states to nullify federal laws.

National Bank War

The conflict between Andrew Jackson and Nicholas Biddle over the recharter of the Bank of the United States.

Trail of Tears

The forced relocation of Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, from their ancestral lands to areas west of the Mississippi River.

Worcester v. Georgia

A Supreme Court case that ruled Native Americans did not have to move west, which Jackson ignored.

Universal White Male Suffrage

The elimination of property requirements for white male voting, allowing more middle and lower-class males the vote.

What are pet banks?

Pet banks were state banks selected by the U.S. Department of Treasury to receive deposits of federal money during the presidency of Andrew Jackson.

What is the Specie Circular?

The Specie Circular was an executive order issued by President Jackson in 1836 requiring that payment for government land be made in gold or silver.

What was the Panic of 1837?

The Panic of 1837 was a financial crisis in the United States that led to a severe economic depression.

What is Texas in the context of U.S. history?

Texas was an independent republic from 1836 until it was annexed by the U.S. in 1845, becoming a state amid tensions with Mexico.

What was the Force Bill?

The Force Bill was legislation passed in 1833 that allowed the federal government to use military force to enforce federal tariffs, especially in South Carolina.

What is the Tariff of Abominations (1828)?

The Tariff of Abominations was a protective tariff enacted in 1828 that imposed high duties on imported goods, leading to protests primarily from Southern states.

What state is associated with a notable nullification crisis due to tariffs?

South Carolina is the state that protested against the Tariff of Abominations and asserted the doctrine of nullification.

What is secession?

Secession is the act of withdrawing formally from membership in a political state or union, with examples including the Southern states leaving the Union during the Civil War.

Who was Vice President John C. Calhoun?

John C. Calhoun was an American statesman who served as Vice President under both John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson and was a strong advocate for states' rights.

What is the 'common man' ideal?

The 'common man' ideal refers to the belief in the importance and virtue of the average American citizen's rights and interests, prominently supported by Andrew Jackson.

What is the 'Kitchen Cabinet'?

The Kitchen Cabinet was an informal group of advisors to President Jackson, often meeting in the White House kitchen to discuss policy.

What was voter turnout in the election of 1828?

Voter turnout in the presidential election of 1828 was notable for its high levels, with approximately 56% of eligible voters participating.

What was Rachel Jackson's cause of death?

Rachel Jackson died of a heart attack, exacerbated by the stress of political attacks against her during the election of 1828.

What does the nickname 'Sharp Knife' refer to?

'Sharp Knife' was a nickname given to Andrew Jackson by the Native American tribes, reflecting their perception of his harsh policies towards them.

What was the impact of the Cherokee tribe?

The Cherokee tribe was significantly impacted by U.S. policies such as the Indian Removal Act, leading to forced relocation known as the Trail

What is the significance of John C. Calhoun's resignation?

John C. Calhoun resigned as Vice President in 1832, becoming the first sitting Vice President to resign, primarily due to his opposition to President Jackson's policies, particularly on tariff issues and states' rights. These issues revolved around the Tariff of Abominations, which was opposed by Calhoun as it favored Northern industrial interests and caused economic hardship in Southern states like South Carolina, leading to the Nullification Crisis.

What were the main political parties during the early 19th century in the United States?

The main political parties during the early 19th century were the Democratic Party, which emerged from the Democratic-Republicans and was associated with Andrew Jackson, and the Whig Party, which arose in opposition to Jacksonian policies and the perceived overreach of executive power