The Age of Jackson - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Jackson era and the rise of Jacksonian democracy.

Jacksonian Democracy

A 1820s–1830s political movement that expanded democracy for white male citizens, increased popular participation, and supported Andrew Jackson’s presidency while sustaining slavery.

Suffrage

The right to vote; expanded to white men without property during the Jacksonian era.

Public nominating conventions

Party gatherings where members choose candidates, replacing decisions by party leaders.

Coffin Handbills

Pamphlets used in the 1828 campaign that attacked Andrew Jackson’s ethics and character.

Spoils system

Practice of giving government jobs to political backers and supporters.

Kitchen Cabinet

An informal group of trusted advisors who met in the White House kitchen.

Tariff of Abominations

The 1828 tariff that Southern states condemned as harming their economy while protecting Northern industry.

Nullification Crisis

1832–33 confrontation over whether states could nullify federal tariffs; championed by South Carolina.

Force Bill

Legislation authorizing use of military force to enforce federal tariff laws during the Nullification Crisis.

Hayne–Webster Debate

Public Senate debate over states’ rights and nullification during the 1830s.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Supreme Court ruling that the federal government could charter the Bank and that states could not tax it; affirmed federal supremacy.

Second Bank of the United States (BUS)

National bank opposed by Andrew Jackson; its charter renewal was vetoed in 1832.

Specie Circular

Jackson-era policy requiring payment for government land in gold or silver to curb land speculation.

Panic of 1837

Major economic depression following Jackson’s presidency and the Bank War; blamed on Van Buren’s policies.

Indian Removal Act

1830 law authorizing removal of Native Americans east of the Mississippi to Indian Territory.

Indian Territory

Area in present-day Oklahoma designated for the relocation of Native Americans.

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Government agency created to manage removal and relations with Native Americans.

Choctaw Removal

First forced relocation to Indian Territory; loss of land and deaths during the removal.

Creek Removal

Forced march of the Creek Nation to Indian Territory with many casualties.

Chickasaw Removal

Forced relocation with hardships; some negotiated terms but many died.

Cherokee Resistance

Cherokees attempted to assimilate, establish governance, and develop a writing system to resist removal.

Sequoyah

Cherokee scholar who created a Cherokee syllabary enabling a written language.

Worcester v. Georgia

Supreme Court ruling that Georgia could not enforce state laws on Cherokee lands; federal government has authority over Native American affairs.

Black Hawk

Leader of the Fox and Sauk tribes who resisted removal, leading to conflict and displacement.

Osceola

Seminole leader who resisted removal, sparking the Second Seminole War.

Trail of Tears

The forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation to Indian Territory, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Election of 1840 (Log Cabin Campaign)

Whigs portrayed Harrison as a simple frontiersman; his victory over Van Buren led to his death soon after.

William Henry Harrison

Whig candidate and war hero who became president in 1841 but died after a month in office.

John Tyler

Harrison’s Vice President who became president after Harrison’s death; opposed many Whig policies.

Webster–Ashburton Treaty

1842 treaty settling the U.S.–Canada boundary dispute from Maine to Minnesota.

Whig Party

Coalition of National Republicans and Anti-Masonic factions; favored modernization and strong Congress; declined over slavery issues.

Corrupt Bargain (1824)

Alleged deal between Adams and Clay that helped Adams win the presidency despite Jackson’s popular vote victory.

Log Cabin Campaign

Whig strategy in 1840 portraying Harrison as a humble frontiersman while criticizing Van Buren.