HIST - Chapter 8

Market Revolution

(what) A transformation in the U.S. economy where local economies became linked into a national market through changes in transportation, banking, and labor organization. (when) 1820s–1830s. (where) United States, especially the Northeast, Great Lakes, and river valleys. (why) Enabled mass production and long-distance trade, reshaping labor systems, social structures, and reducing self-sufficiency.

Transportation Revolution

(what) Innovations such as roads, steamboats, canals, and early railroads that reduced travel and shipping time. (when) Early 19th century (1800s–1850s). (where) United States, connecting eastern cities to the interior. (why) Lowered costs, encouraged westward expansion, and made national markets possible.

Erie Canal (1825)

(what) Canal linking the Hudson River to Lake Erie. (when) Completed in 1825. (where) New York State. (why) Lowered transportation costs, boosted trade, and made New York City a major commercial center.

Division of Labor

(what) Production method where tasks are split into specialized steps. (when) Early 19th century. (where) Northern manufacturing centers. (why) Increased efficiency, enabled mass production, and reduced reliance on skilled artisans.

Impact on Artisans

(what) Decline of skilled craft workers as factories replaced traditional production. (when) Early–mid 19th century. (where) Urban and industrializing regions. (why) Mass production made artisan labor less economically viable.

Market Economy

(what) System where goods are produced for sale and exchanged across regional and global markets. (when) Early–mid 1800s. (where) United States. (why) Integrated agriculture, industry, and trade into a national economic network.

Industrial Revolution

(what) Transition to machine-based factory production. (when) Early–mid 1800s in the U.S. (where) Primarily the North. (why) Increased production, created wage labor jobs, and accelerated urbanization.

Cotton Gin

(what) Machine that separates cotton fibers from seeds. (when) 1793. (where) Southern United States. (why) Made cotton highly profitable, expanding slavery.

Waltham System / Lowell System

(what) Factory labor system employing young women in textile mills under strict supervision. (when) 1820s–1830s. (where) Massachusetts and New England. (why) Provided a disciplined workforce and expanded industrial production.

Economic Interdependence (North–South)

(what) Mutual economic reliance between regions. (when) Early–mid 1800s. (where) United States. (why) North depended on cotton; South depended on Northern industry and trade.

Indian Removal Act (1830)

A federal law passed to allow the removal of Native Americans from lands east of Mississippi River to western territories. Marked as a turning point as first formal policy of mass removal driven by expansion, demand for cotton, and southern political power.

Andrew Jackson

A US figure in 1767 who rose from a difficult childhood to war hero and president. Gained fame during the War of 1812 by defeating the Creek Nation and winning the Battle of New Orleans (1815); became popular as a self-made “man of the people,” representing the rise of mass democracy and expanded white male political participation.

Corrupt Bargain

A presidential election where andrew jackson won 43% of the vote, but not majority, leading to decision in HoR in 1824. Henry Clay supported John Quincy Adams, who won and then appointed Clay to a major position. Seen as corrupt by Jackson supporters, increasing distrust of elites and political mobilization.