EXAM 2 History

Election of 1800

Thomas Jefferson vs. Aaron Burr; the House of Representatives voted 36 times, resulting in Jefferson becoming president, marking the first peaceful transition of power between parties in the U.S.

Thomas Jefferson

Elected in 1800 and 1804 as the 3rd president, part of the Virginia Dynasty, served as Secretary of State, helped establish Virginia College, and was educated at William and Mary.

Revolution of 1800

A term describing Jefferson's rise to power, marking the decline of the Federalist Party. It involved patronage, allowing Jefferson to appoint many Republicans to office.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

A Supreme Court case established by John Marshall (a Federalist) that declared the Judiciary Act of 1789 unconstitutional and created the precedent of judicial review, allowing the court to invalidate acts of Congress.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

A significant acquisition by Jefferson from France, requiring a legal constitutional method to buy territory, which was achieved by making it a treaty rather than using the necessary and proper clause.

Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806)

An exploratory mission commissioned by Jefferson to navigate the Louisiana Territory to the Pacific, involving 50 men, and aimed at establishing relationships with Native Americans and observing natural resources.

Embargo Act (1807)

Response to British seizing American ships; it prohibited American ships from sailing to Europe but was largely ineffective and viewed as a failure as ships continued to be seized.

Sally Hemings

An enslaved laborer at Jefferson's Monticello, rumored to have had children with Jefferson, a claim that has been substantiated through DNA evidence.

James Madison

Successor to Jefferson, a member of the Virginia Dynasty and Secretary of State who was elected in 1808 and 1812; focused on foreign policy during Napoleonic Wars and naval impressment issues.

Impressment

The act of British forces capturing American sailors to serve on their naval vessels; a key issue leading to the War of 1812, particularly significant during the 1810 midterm elections.

War Hawks

Congressional leaders advocating for war, such as Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, primarily due to issues like impressment and trade disputes.

War of 1812

A conflict initiated by War Hawks that resulted in the first formal declaration of war in U.S. history; included events like the burning of the White House and the bombardment of Fort McHenry leading to the Star-Spangled Banner.

Treaty of Ghent (1814)

Ended the War of 1812, maintaining the status quo ante bellum (the situation before the war) and resolving issues related to impressment and trade seizures.

Hartford Convention (1814)

A meeting of anti-war Federalists who proposed a series of resolutions, including a 2/3 vote requirement for embargos and declarations of war, and changes regarding presidential succession, marking the end of the Federalist Party.

James Monroe

Elected in 1816 and 1820; served as Secretary of State; known for the Monroe Doctrine and the Era of Good Feelings, during which he attempted to unify the country.

Economic Nationalism

A post-war movement (1816-1817) aimed at recreating Hamilton’s economic programs, which included the establishment of the Second Bank of the United States and protective tariffs to support manufacturing.

Panic of 1819

A financial crisis resulting in an economic downturn, causing distress among farmers due to falling cotton prices and the inability to secure loans from the Second Bank of the United States.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

A Supreme Court case addressing the power of the federal government, where the court ruled that state taxes on federal institutions were unconstitutional, reinforcing federal supremacy.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

Legislation that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state to maintain the balance in the Senate; involved a compromise brokered by Henry Clay.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

A foreign policy principle asserting that European powers should refrain from colonizing the Americas, promoting anti-imperialism and emphasizing non-intervention.

Election of 1824

Controversial election where John Quincy Adams won the presidency over Andrew Jackson, leading to accusations of a 'Corrupt Bargain' involving Henry Clay's support for Adams.

John Q. Adams

Elected in 1824, focused on appointing capable individuals rather than politically affiliated ones, marking a shift in appointments away from partisanship.

Election of 1828

A highly contentious election pitting Andrew Jackson against John Quincy Adams, noted for its negative campaigning and personal attacks.

Andrew Jackson

Elected in 1828 and 1832, known for his populist appeal, advocacy for the common man, and the implementation of the spoils system; he had a contentious relationship with Calhoun and faced an assassination attempt.

Kitchen Cabinet

Jackson's unofficial advisory group, made up of friends and trusted advisors, which influenced many subsequent presidents in their decision-making processes.

Jacksonian Democracy

The political philosophy emphasizing greater democracy for the common man, marked by an increase in the popular vote and the reduction of property requirements for voting.

Martin Van Buren

A key political figure who opposed state rights and nullification; served as Jackson's Secretary of State and later became president.

John C. Calhoun

Vice president under Jackson, known for his advocacy of states' rights and the theory of nullification, which led to tensions with Jackson.

Jefferson Day Dinner (1830)

A Democratic Party event honoring Thomas Jefferson where Jackson expressed his disagreement with state rights, contributing to the rift between him and Calhoun.

Eaton Affair

A social scandal involving Peggy Eaton, which caused a rift in Jackson's cabinet and highlighted gender biases; Jackson defended her while Calhoun resisted.

Webster-Hayne Debate (1830)

A debate in Congress over federalism and states' rights; highlighted the growing sectional tensions that would contribute to the Civil War.

Nullification Crisis (1832)

A conflict initiated by South Carolina's attempt to nullify federal tariffs; Jackson opposed nullification, leading to the Force Bill and a compromise by Henry Clay.

Concurrent Majority

A theory proposed by Calhoun arguing that the South was a minority needing protection, it endorsed a dual presidency but was never enacted.

Bank War

The political conflict surrounding the renewal of the Second Bank's charter during the 1832 presidential election, where Jackson opposed a recharter initiated by Clay.

Indian Policy

Jackson's approach to Native Americans, marked by the Indian Removal Act of 1830, pushing for treaties to relocate tribes west of the Mississippi River.

Compact of 1802

An agreement where Georgia ceded land to the federal government in exchange for the removal of Native Americans from its territory.

Adaptation

The efforts of the Cherokee Nation to assimilate into American society to retain their land, resulting in cultural developments such as creating a written language and constitution.

Twenty-Niners

Gold miners who flocked to Dahlonega and Auraria during the gold rush, significantly impacting regional demographics and economy.

Dahlonega/Auraria

Locations in Georgia significant for gold discovery, becoming important sites during the early 19th-century gold rush.

Great Intrusion

The term Natives used to describe the many miners encroaching on their lands during the gold rush, highlighting the conflicts arising from American expansionism.

William Wirt

The attorney for the Cherokee Nation who argued in the Supreme Court for the recognition of their sovereignty against Georgia's encroachments.

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831)

A Supreme Court case where the Cherokee argued for their right as a foreign nation; the court ruled against them, limiting their sovereignty.

Worcester v. Georgia (1832)

A Supreme Court case affirming that the federal government held authority over Native lands, which Jackson did not enforce, ultimately allowing Georgia to proceed with its policies.

Lottery of 1832

Georgia's use of a lottery system to distribute land after Removal, allowing citizens to enter for plots that held potential value due to gold.

Treaty of New Echota (1835)

A treaty signed by a minority faction of the Cherokee, ceding their lands to Georgia in exchange for territory west of the Mississippi, which led to the Trail of Tears.

Trail of Tears

The forced removal of the Cherokee Nation from their lands, leading to thousands of deaths during the journey to designated territory in the West.

Placer Mining

A method for mining gold from the surface of the land, often involving panning or using a rocker box to sift through sediment.

Vein Mining

A more intensive method of extracting gold by digging tunnels and shafts to find quartz deposits, often requiring substantial investment and labor.

Dahlonega Mint

A mint established in Georgia that produced gold coins during the gold rush, resulting in significant coinage until gold supplies diminished.

Urban Revolution

The rapid growth of urban areas in the early 19th century, leading to increased population densities and challenges related to infrastructure and living conditions.

Urban Problems

Challenges faced by rapidly growing cities, including housing shortages, crime, sanitation issues, and poor health conditions.

Manifest Destiny

The belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across North America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, driving many policies and actions during the 19th century.

Oregon Dispute (1840s)

Territorial conflict between the U.S. and England over the Oregon territory, leading to the slogan '54-40 or Fight' under President Polk.

Texas Border Dispute

A disagreement over Texas' southern border, with the U.S. claiming the Rio Grande and Mexico asserting the Nueces River as its boundary.

James K. Polk

Elected president in 1844; championed expansionist policies like '54-40 or Fight' and led the U.S. during the Mexican-American War.

Mexican War (1846-1848)

A conflict between the U.S. and Mexico driven by territorial expansion; resulted in significant land gains for the U.S. after Mexico's defeat.

Spot Resolution

Proposed by Abraham Lincoln to question President Polk's justification for the Mexican War, demanding clarity on the specific location of hostilities.

Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo (1848)

Concluded the Mexican-American War, establishing the Rio Grande as the U.S.-Mexico border and ceding vast territories to the U.S. in exchange for $5 million.

Frederick Jackson Turner

A historian focused on westward expansion, asserting that most American history was centered around the East, while he emphasized the importance of the West. He is considered the founder of western history.

Frontier Thesis

Turner's idea that the West was more democratic than the East, suggesting that the frontier experience shaped American democracy.

Proclamation Line of 1763

A boundary established by King George III forbidding colonies from crossing westward for safety reasons; it was largely ineffective, especially as land sale became crucial to the economy.

Ordinance of 1785

A law written by Thomas Jefferson that divided land into townships of 6 square miles each, selling at a minimum price of $1 per acre, which was unaffordable for many non-wealthy individuals.

Land Ordinance of 1786

Revision of the 1785 ordinance, setting the price to $2 per acre; one section was sold for $640 at sale and again for $640 the following year.

Land Law of 1800

Adjusted previous ordinances to set the price at $2 per acre with a payment plan allowing for half a section ($320) to be paid in quarters, leading to squatters settling without payment.

Preemption Act of 1841

Provided squatters the first right to purchase land they settled on, though it had loopholes; it was contentious in the 1840s as farmers sought land they had improved.

Homestead Act of 1862

Legislation allowing any adult to claim 160 acres of public land, requiring residency and improvement of the land, like building a 12x14 dwelling.

Morrill Land Grant Act (1862)

Legislation to support agricultural education by allocating 30,000 acres of western land per congressional representative for states to sell and fund educational programs.

Transcontinental Railroad

A railroad that significantly shortened travel time for western expansion and contributed to opening the West for settlement.

Donner Party (1846)

A group of 87 Illinois settlers who attempted a shortcut to California, became trapped in the Sierra Nevada, and resorted to cannibalism; only 46 survived.

Theodore D. Judah

An advocate for the Pacific Railroad, who proposed a plan to connect San Francisco to California's border, influencing the Pacific Railroad Act in Congress.

Union Pacific Railroad

A railroad that began in Omaha and expanded westward, playing a key role in the transcontinental network.

Central Pacific Railroad

Constructed eastward from California, connecting with the Union Pacific Railroad to complete the transcontinental route.

Symmetric Town

A town layout with railroad tracks in the center and buildings symmetrically on either side.

Orthogonal Town

A town design featuring railroad tracks at a 90-degree angle to buildings aligned along linear paths.

T-Town

A common town layout where buildings are located on one side of the railroad, forming a 'T' shape.

Western Town

Characterized by essential amenities such as general stores, saloons, and hotels, which were pivotal for community life in the West.

Dime novels

Literary works that presented life in the West to Eastern audiences, often romanticizing frontier life.

James Fenimore Cooper

An author known for creating dime novels, which popularized themes of heroism and moral conflict in frontier settings.

James Fenimore Cooper

An author recognized as the creator of dime novels, known for consistent themes featuring heroes and villains, highlighting the idea that good prevails over evil. His works shaped public perceptions of the American West, with 100 titles published by 1857.

Frederick Jackson Turner

A historian who framed Jacksonianism as a protest against the conservative Eastern elite, emphasizing the significance of the frontier in shaping American democracy.

Arthur M. Schlesinger (1945)

Proposed that Jacksonian democracy sought to limit capitalist power in favor of farmers and laborers, drawing parallels to modern reform movements.

Richard Hofstadter (1948)

Argued that Jackson represented the interests of aspiring entrepreneurs rather than the working class, and focused on removing barriers to their success.

Bray Hammond (1957)

Described Jacksonianism as a conflict between enterprisers and established capitalists rather than a broad democratization movement.

Marvin Meyers (1957)

Interpreted Jacksonianism as a yearning for a return to an agrarian past rather than advocating for progressive reform.

Social and Cultural Focus (1960s Onward)

A shift in historical scholarship away from Jackson himself to examining the societal structures present during his era.

Lee Benson (1961)

Utilized quantitative analysis to demonstrate how religion and ethnicity influenced political party divisions during the Jacksonian era.

Edward Pessen (1969)

Claimed that Jacksonian America was becoming more stratified rather than more democratic, highlighting divisions within society.

Sean Wilentz (1984, 2005)

Studied grassroots movements and argued that ordinary white citizens, not just Jackson, were the driving force behind political changes in the era.

Michael Rogin (1975)

Portrayed Jackson as a figure who secured white male supremacy and maintained power over marginalized groups.

Alexander Saxton (1990)

Characterized Jacksonian Democracy as fundamentally rooted in white dominance over enslaved individuals, women, and Native Americans.

Traditional Defenders

Historians who viewed Jackson as a champion for the common people, despite his controversial policies and actions.

Robert V. Remini

A historian who acknowledged Jackson's flaws but maintained that he was still a 'man of the people.'

Jon Meacham (2009)

Reiterated that Jackson was a significant figure for the common person in his examinations of American history.

Recent Scholarship (2018–2019)

Focused on Jackson's role in issues of slavery and Native American removal, highlighting the complexities of his legacy.

David & Jeanne Heidler (2018)

Emphasized Jackson’s expansion of slavery and the ways he restricted democratic processes.

Christina Snyder (2019)

Analyzed Jackson’s policies regarding Native cultures and land dispossession, illustrating the impact of his administration.