Age of Jackson Quiz Review

Market Economy

The U.S. economy shifted from local subsistence farming to a national market system, where goods were bought and sold across regions.

Cotton Gin

Invented by Eli Whitney, this machine quickly removed seeds from cotton, increasing cotton production and the demand for slave labor in the South.

King Cotton

A term describing the South’s reliance on cotton as its dominant cash crop, fueling both the Southern economy and the expansion of slavery.

Corrupt Bargain

In the election of 1824, Henry Clay supported John Quincy Adams, who then made Clay his Secretary of State, leading Andrew Jackson’s supporters to claim a corrupt deal had been made.

Political Change Seen in the Election of 1828

Jackson’s victory in 1828 marked a shift toward greater democracy for the common man, with increased voter participation.

Formation of the Democratic Party

Formed by Andrew Jackson and his supporters, this party promoted states’ rights, limited government, and the power of the common man.

Andrew Jackson

The 7th U.S. president, known for his strong executive power, Indian removal policies, opposition to the National Bank, and support for the common man.

Jacksonian Democracy

A movement promoting greater political power for the common man, expanding suffrage, and opposing elites in government.

Spoils System

Jackson’s policy of rewarding political supporters with government jobs, leading to corruption and inefficiency.

Peggy Eaton Affair

A scandal where Jackson defended Peggy Eaton, the wife of his Secretary of War, leading to tension within his cabinet and the resignation of several members.

Kitchen Cabinet

Jackson’s informal group of trusted advisers, used instead of his official cabinet after conflicts like the Peggy Eaton Affair.

Indian Removal Act

Jackson’s law that forced Native American tribes to relocate west of the Mississippi River, leading to widespread suffering.

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia

The Supreme Court ruled that the Cherokee were not a foreign nation. This meant that the federal government protected Native nations and that state laws could not be imposed on them. It declared them as being able to abide by their own laws.

Worcester v. Georgia

The Supreme Court ruled that Georgia’s laws did not apply to the Cherokee, but Jackson ignored the decision and continued their removal.

John Marshall vs. Andrew Jackson

Chief Justice John Marshall ruled in favor of the Cherokee in Worcester v. Georgia, but Jackson ignored the ruling, continuing Indian removal policies.

Trail of Tears

The forced Cherokee migration to Oklahoma, where thousands died due to starvation, disease, and harsh conditions.

Tariff of Abominations

A high tariff that protected Northern industries but hurt the Southern economy, especially in South Carolina.

South Carolina Exposition and Protest

Written by John C. Calhoun, it argued that states could nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional, foreshadowing the Nullification Crisis.

Nullification Crisis

South Carolina declared the tariff null and void, threatening to secede; Jackson responded by threatening military action.

John C. Calhoun vs. Jackson

Calhoun, Jackson’s Vice President, supported nullification, while Jackson saw it as treason and opposed states' rights to ignore federal law.

Force Bill

Gave Jackson the power to use the military to enforce federal tariffs, though a compromise tariff resolved the crisis before force was needed.

Compromise Tariff of 1833

Proposed by Henry Clay, it gradually lowered tariffs, easing tensions between Jackson and South Carolina.

Bank War

Jackson’s campaign to destroy the Second Bank of the United States, which he saw as corrupt and favoring elites.

Nicholas Biddle vs. Jackson

Nicholas Biddle, president of the Bank, tried to renew its charter early, but Jackson vetoed it, leading to the Bank’s collapse.

Jackson’s Use of the Veto

Jackson vetoed more bills than all previous presidents combined, using it as a political weapon against Congress.

Pet Banks

State banks that received federal funds after Jackson dismantled the Second Bank of the U.S., contributing to economic instability.

Panic of 1837

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

Martin Van Buren

Jackson’s Vice President and successor, who inherited the Panic of 1837 and struggled to fix the economy.

Whig Party

Formed in opposition to Jackson, the Whigs supported a strong federal government, internal improvements, and the national bank.

Expansion During the Age of Jackson

Jackson’s policies encouraged westward expansion, often at the expense of Native American lands.

Lone Star Republic

Texas declared independence from Mexico and became its own country before joining the U.S. in 1845.