Democracy in America: The Jacksonian Era

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from the lecture notes about Democracy in America during the Jacksonian Era.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

Jacksonian Era

A period in American history associated with the presidency of Andrew Jackson, characterized by the expansion of democracy and populism.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Kitchen Cabinet

An informal group of advisors that helped Jackson, aside from his official cabinet.

Trail of Tears

The forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation from their homeland to designated Indian Territory, which resulted in the deaths of thousands.

Assassination Attempt

An incident in which an individual attempts to kill a prominent figure, notably Jackson was targeted by Richard Lawrence.

Nullification Crisis

A confrontation between South Carolina and the federal government over the state's attempt to nullify federal laws, involving Jackson and his vice-president, Calhoun.

Bank War

A political struggle over the renewal of the charter of the Second Bank of the United States, which Jackson strongly opposed.

Whig Party

A political party formed in the 1830s in opposition to Andrew Jackson and his policies, contributing to the development of the Republican Party.

Corrupt Bargain

A term used by Andrew Jackson to describe the alleged deal between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay that led to Adams' election in 1824.

What did Peggy Eaton do after her husband's suicide?

Peggy O’Neale Timberlake married John Eaton shortly after her husband's death.

What was the scandal associated with Peggy Eaton's marriage to John Eaton?

Her marriage was considered scandalous in certain Washington circles because of her previous marriage and her attractiveness as the daughter of a tavern owner.

What happened during the assassination attempt on Andrew Jackson?

On January 30, 1835, Richard Lawrence fired two shots at Jackson near the Capitol; both pistols misfired, and Jackson retaliated by beating Lawrence with a cane.

What was the outcome for Richard Lawrence after he attempted to assassinate Andrew Jackson?

Richard Lawrence was committed to a mental institution for the remainder of his life.

What does the Indian Removal Act of 1830 entail?

The act facilitated the forced removal of the Five Civilized Tribes from southern lands to areas west of the Mississippi River.

Which tribes were considered the 'Five Civilized Tribes'?

The Five Civilized Tribes were the Cherokees, Choctaws, Chickasaws, Muscogee, and Seminoles.

What was a significant consequence of Jackson's role in the Indian Removal Act?

The consequence was the Trail of Tears in 1838, which led to the suffering and death of thousands of Native Americans.

How did the Eaton Affair affect Jackson's relationship with John C. Calhoun?

The Eaton Affair caused a rift between Jackson and Calhoun, contributing to Jackson's eventual break with his vice president.

What was the 'Bank War' in relation to Andrew Jackson?

The Bank War was Jackson's campaign against the Second Bank of the United States, stemming from his distrust of bankers after losing money in land speculation.

Who was Nicholas Biddle?

Nicholas Biddle was the president of the Second Bank of the United States, whom Jackson opposed during the Bank War.

What political party emerged in opposition to Andrew Jackson?

The Whig Party emerged as a short-lived anti-Jackson party, contributing to the later formation of the Republican Party.

Who succeeded John C. Calhoun as vice president under Jackson?

Martin Van Buren succeeded Calhoun as Jackson's vice president after Calhoun's resignation.

What was Jackson's view on Martin Van Buren's election?

Jackson enthusiastically supported Van Buren's election after serving as his vice president.

What was Jackson's stance on the tariff and federalism during his presidency?

Jackson's atypical southern politics on these issues heightened tensions between the North and South, notably during the Nullification Crisis.

Who was John C. Calhoun in relation to Jackson's presidency?

Calhoun became increasingly combative and vocal during the Nullification Crisis, reflecting the growing divide between the North and South.

What did Jackson's political decisions often reflect?

Jackson frequently made decisions based on personal grounds rather than a clear political ideology.

What major events exemplify Jackson's personal political decision-making?

The Eaton Affair and the Bank War, particularly Jackson's dislike for Nicholas Biddle, illustrate this approach.

What impact did Jackson have on the two-party system?

Jackson fostered political coalitions that led to the development of the two-party system, appealing to the 'common man' in both the North and South.

What was the significance of the '28 election for Jackson?

In the 1828 election, Jackson gained support from Henry Clay’s constituents, further solidifying his political base.

How did the Whigs emerge in relation to Jackson's Democrats?

The Whigs emerged as a political counterforce, drawing support from various regions and opposing Jackson's strong leadership style.