ushistory

Corrupt Bargain (248)

An alleged deal in the election of 1824 in which John Quincy Adams became president after Henry Clay supported him in the House of Representatives, and Adams later made Clay Secretary of State.

Spoils System (253)

The practice of giving government jobs to political supporters as a reward for loyalty.

Tariff of Abominations (256)

The very high tariff passed in 1828 that protected Northern industries but hurt Southern economies, leading to strong opposition from the South.

Nullification Crisis (257)

A conflict between South Carolina and the federal government in 1832–1833 over tariffs, where South Carolina claimed states could nullify (ignore) federal laws.

Compromise Tariff of 1833 (258)

A law proposed by Henry Clay that gradually lowered tariffs to resolve the Nullification Crisis.

Force Bill (258)

A law passed by Congress allowing the president to use military force to enforce federal laws, especially tariffs, during the Nullification Crisis.

Indian Removal Act (259)

A law signed by Andrew Jackson in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes west of the Mississippi River.

Trail of Tears (260)

The forced march of Cherokee and other Native American tribes to present-day Oklahoma, during which thousands died.

Black Hawk War (260)

A brief conflict in 1832 between U.S. forces and Native Americans led by Black Hawk, who tried to reclaim tribal lands in Illinois.

Bank War (261)

The political struggle between Andrew Jackson and the Second Bank of the United States over its power and constitutionality.

Anti-Masonic Party (262)

The first third political party in the United States, formed in opposition to Freemasons and political corruption.

Pet Banks (264)

State banks selected by Andrew Jackson to receive federal deposits after he removed them from the national bank.

Specie Circular (264)

An order issued by Andrew Jackson in 1836 requiring payment for public land to be made in gold or silver instead of paper money.

Panic of 1837 (266)

A major economic depression caused by bank failures, falling land prices, and poor financial policies following Jackson’s presidency.

Alamo (268)

A mission in Texas where a small group of Texans was defeated by Mexican forces in 1836 during the Texas Revolution.

Goliad (268)

The site where Mexican forces executed hundreds of captured Texan soldiers during the Texas Revolution.

Battle of San Jacinto (269)

The decisive battle of the Texas Revolution in 1836 where Texan forces led by Sam Houston defeated Mexican General Santa Anna and won independence for Texas.

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John Quincy Adams

The 6th president of the United States who supported modernization, education, and infrastructure but faced opposition from supporters of Andrew Jackson.

Andrew Jackson

The 7th president of the United States known for expanding presidential power, supporting the common man, destroying the national bank, and enforcing Indian removal.

Denmark Vesey

An enslaved man who planned a large slave rebellion in South Carolina in 1822; the plot was discovered before it occurred.

John C. Calhoun

Vice president and strong supporter of states’ rights and nullification who defended Southern interests during the Nullification Crisis.

Black Hawk

A Sauk leader who resisted U.S. expansion and led Native American forces during the Black Hawk War.

Nicholas Biddle

The president of the Second Bank of the United States who opposed Andrew Jackson during the Bank War.

Daniel Webster

A U.S. senator known for defending federal authority and supporting a strong national government.

Henry Clay

A U.S. statesman known as the “Great Compromiser” who helped create the American System and the Compromise Tariff of 1833.

Martin Van Buren

The 8th president of the United States and close political ally of Andrew Jackson, whose presidency was dominated by the Panic of 1837.

Stephen Austin

An American empresario who brought settlers to Texas and helped lead the movement for Texas independence.

Sam Houston

The leader of Texan forces who defeated Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto and later became president of the Republic of Texas.

Santa Anna

The Mexican general and president who led Mexican forces during the Texas Revolution and was defeated at the Battle of San Jacinto.

William Henry Harrison

A U.S. general known for defeating Native American forces at the Battle of Tippecanoe and later became the 9th president of the United States.