Age of Jackson

Andrew Jackson

The 7th president of the United States (1829–1837), known for his populist policies and expansion of presidential power.

Jacksonian Democracy

A political movement during Jackson’s presidency that promoted greater democracy for the common man and opposed aristocracy.

Spoils System

The practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs, used extensively by Jackson.

Trail of Tears

The forced relocation of Native American tribes, especially the Cherokee, from their lands to Indian Territory, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Indian Removal Act 1830

A law passed under Jackson that authorized the forced removal of Native American tribes from their lands in the southeastern U.S. to lands west of the Mississippi River.

Cherokee v Georgia

A Supreme Court case in 1831 where the Cherokee Nation sought federal protection against Georgia's laws; the Court ruled that the Cherokee were a 'domestic dependent nation' and not a foreign state.

Worcester v Georgia

A Supreme Court case in 1832 where the Court ruled that Georgia’s laws had no force over Cherokee lands; Jackson ignored the ruling.

John Marshall vs Andrew Jackson

Chief Justice John Marshall ruled in favor of Native American sovereignty, but Jackson ignored these rulings, famously stating, 'John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it.'

Nullification Crisis

A conflict in the early 1830s between South Carolina and the federal government over the state’s attempt to nullify a federal tariff.

John C. Calhoun vs. Jackson

Calhoun, Jackson’s vice president, supported states' rights and nullification, leading to a major political rift between him and Jackson.

Tariff of Abominations 1828

A high protective tariff that angered the South, especially South Carolina, because it harmed their economy by raising the cost of imported goods.

Force Bill

A law passed in 1833 that authorized Jackson to use the military to enforce federal tariffs in response to South Carolina’s nullification attempts.

Compromise Tariff of 1833

A tariff designed by Henry Clay that gradually lowered rates, helping to resolve the Nullification Crisis peacefully.

Bank War

Jackson’s political struggle against the Second Bank of the United States, which he viewed as corrupt and favoring the elite.

Nicholas Biddle vs. Jackson

Biddle, the president of the Second Bank of the U.S., clashed with Jackson over the bank’s recharter; Jackson ultimately succeeded in destroying it.

Panic of 1837

A severe economic depression caused by the collapse of the national bank, inflation, and Jackson’s financial policies.

Whig Party

A political party formed in opposition to Jackson’s policies, supporting a strong federal government and economic modernization.

Jackson’s use of the Veto

Jackson used the presidential veto power more than any previous president, often to challenge Congress and assert executive authority.

Kitchen Cabinet

An informal group of advisors who influenced Jackson’s decisions, separate from his official cabinet.

Peggy Eaton Affair

A social scandal involving the wife of Jackson’s Secretary of War, leading to political conflicts within Jackson’s administration.

Formation of the Democratic Party

Jackson and his supporters formally established the Democratic Party, emphasizing states’ rights and the interests of the common man.

Political change seen in the election of 1828

Marked a shift toward greater voter participation and the rise of Jacksonian Democracy, appealing to the common people rather than elites.

Martin Van Buren

Jackson’s successor and the 8th U.S. president (1837–1841), who faced the economic downturn caused by Jackson’s policies.

South Carolina Exposition and Protest

A document written by John C. Calhoun arguing that states had the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional.

Pet Banks

State banks where Jackson placed federal funds after dismantling the Second Bank of the U.S., contributing to inflation and economic instability.

Expansion during the Age of Jackson

Increased U.S. territorial expansion, including Indian removal and westward migration.

Lone Star Republic

The independent Republic of Texas (1836–1845) after winning independence from Mexico before joining the U.S.

Market Economy

An economic system based on supply and demand, which expanded in the U.S. during Jackson’s era with increased trade and industrialization.