Early Republic, Westward Expansion, and Jacksonian Democracy Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the key people, events, and legislation from the Early Republic through Westward Expansion and Jacksonian Democracy (1789-1848).

Hamilton’s Assumption Plan (1790)

A financial plan passed following a "dinner" deal that also created the Washington D.C. capital.

Reign of Terror (1793)

A period in France during the revolution when King Louis XVI was executed, causing the U.S. to back off from helping.

Whiskey Revolt (1795)

The first challenge to the U.S. government, which was put down by George Washington.

Washington’s Farewell Address (1796)

An address where Washington advised against the U.S. entering into alliances or European Wars.

XYZ Affair

A 1797 diplomatic incident that led to a "Pseudo War" with France and almost pushed the U.S. into open conflict.

Sedition Acts (1798)

Legislation signed by John Adams that made it illegal to question the government.

Revolution of 1800

The first peaceful transfer of power in the U.S., occurring when Thomas Jefferson won the presidency.

Cotton Gin (1803)

An invention by Eli Whitney that gave a rebirth to the value of slavery in the South.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

An acquisition that doubled the size of U.S. territory and initiated the westward movement.

Middle Passage

The Atlantic transport of slaves that was outlawed in 1808, after which only internal selling was permitted.

Tippecanoe (1811)

The battle where Indian Leader Tecumseh was defeated by William Harrison.

Hartford Convention (1814)

A meeting where New England states planned secession during the time the British burned Washington DC.

Battle of New Orleans (1814)

A military victory won by Andrew Jackson that established him as a national hero.

Missouri Crisis (1819)

A conflict over slavery that ended with a Compromise involving pairs of states and the $36^\circ\,30'$ line.

Era of Good Feelings (1820)

A period marked by the dissolution of the Federalist Party, leaving only one political party.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

A policy telling Europe that Latin America is the "backyard" of the United States and they should stay out.

Corrupt Bargain (1824)

The controversial election where John Quincy Adams defeated Andrew Jackson, later appointing Henry Clay as Secretary of State.

Democratic Party (1825)

A political party created by Andrew Jackson to represent the "common man."

Erie Canal (1825)

A waterway that opened and connected New York with the Ohio "West."

Spoils System

Andrew Jackson’s practice of replacing established politicians with his own supporters after being elected in 1828.

Second Great Awakening

A religious movement in the 1820s and 1830s that swept through the U.S., noted for the "burned over" district.

Indian Removal Act (1830)

Legislation passed by Congress that led the Cherokee to challenge their removal in court.

The Liberator (1831)

An abolitionist publication introduced by William Lloyd Garrison.

Nat Turner’s Rebellion (1831)

An uprising in Virginia that frightened Southerners and led to restrictions on teaching slaves to read.

Whig Party (1832)

A pro-business political party created by Henry Clay to challenge Andrew Jackson.

Trail of Tears (1836)

The forced removal of Creek and Cherokee tribes to Oklahoma during which thousands of people died.

Pet Banks

Banks where Jackson moved government money during the Bank War, which eventually caused the economy to collapse in 1837.

Seneca Falls (1848)

The event that crystallized the Women’s Suffrage and equality movement.