"Corrupt Bargain"
1824 election when Jackson could not win the majority of the electoral votes. Decision would be given to the House of Representatives which had to pick from the top 3 candidates. Henry Clay(eliminated) became speaker of the house and casted the vote to John Quincy Adams. Adams wins and makes Clay his Secretary of State(questioned by people). Clay and Adams had much in common(nationalists/advocates of American system).
John Quincy Adams
Won the presidency in 1824 after the "corrupt bargain." 6th president of the United States. Appointed Henry Clay as his Secretary of State. During his presidency the National Republicans were formed in support of him.(nationalist/advocate of American system). Does not use the spoil system to reward those who are loyal to him.
Henry Clay
Participated in election of 1824. Eliminated and became speaker of the house. Casted a vote for Quincy Adams and then appointed secretary of state by Adams.(nationalist/advocate of American system)
William H. Crawford
Participated in election of 1824. Made it top 3 in election but died of stroke. From Georgia.
Andrew Jackson
Participated in election of 1824. Held a large popular vote but failed to win the majority. Had the strongest personal appeal, especially to the west, where his campaign went against the forces of corruption and privilege in the government. From Tennessee and war hero. Lead poisoning (fought in over 100 duels!!!).
Instituted spoils system → Led to increased party support, but also corruption
John C. Calhoun
Ran as VP for JQ Adams and Jackson during the Election of 1824
12th Amendment
Said that if there was a deadlock in which no presidential candidates won majority of the electoral votes, then the House of Reps must choose among the top 3 candidates
"Minority president"
A candidate who fails to win a majority of popular votes and yet wins the Presidency
Cherokee Indians
Lived in Georgia; JQ Adams was able to stop the gov from interposing federal authority over them even though the Georgians wanted them OUT
Election of 1828
Jackson defeats John Quincy Adams in this election, becoming our 7th President
National Republicans
Represented by JQ Adams and Clay; supporters of a strong central government who favored road building and supported the Bank of the US to shape the nation's economy; many were farmers or merchants(similar to federalists)
Democratic-Republicans
Represented by Jackson; stood for less centralized government
"Hickoryites"
Jackson's supporters who poured into Washington in the inaugural brawl.
"Inaugural brawl"
People from the masses came to see Old Hickory (Jackson)'s inauguration bc he was the people's man --> too many people were in the White House ruining stuff --> officials told people spiked punch was out on the lawns to get them out
Spoils system
Rewarded political supporters with public office or political positions. Introduced on large scale during Jackson's presidency. It was a matter of getting replacements rather than thinking about the benefits of hiring a certain person. (helped to increase party support and corruption)
Samuel Swartwout
The spoil system led to corruption. This New York customs agent was the first man to steal $1 million from the federal government(Washington gov.)
Tariff of Abominations
Tariff passed by Congress in 1828 that favored manufacturing in the North and was hated by the South; AKA the "Tariff of 1828" and "Black Tariff".
South --> sold their goods in a world market unprotected by tariff, but were forced to buy goods from American markets heavily protected by
Denmark Vesey
A free black from Charleston who led a rebellion(1822) which caused increasing anxieties in the south whose blame was outlet into protest of the tariffs.
The South Carolina Exposition
Secretly written by John C. Calhoun and published in 1828. Protested against the Tariff of Abomination and described it as unjust/unconstitutional. Proposed that the states should nullify the tariff.
Unionists
People who stayed loyal to the Union and wanted to work out differences over slavery during the Civil War. "submission men"
Nullification Crisis
A sectional crisis during the presidency of Andrew Jackson; an attempt by SC to nullify a federal law - the tariff of 1828 - passed by the United States Congress.
Tariff of 1832
A tariff imposed by congress which was STILL unpopular in the South bc it still did not meet southern demands. SC nullified it, but Jackson pushed through the Force Bill, which enabled him to make South Carolina comply through force; Henry Clay reworked the tariff so that South Carolina would accept it, but after accepting it, South Carolina also nullified the Force Bill
"Nullies"
Group that was under Jackson's presidency that clashed against the Unionists in the state election of 1832(won 2/3 majority). State legislature called for a special convention. Threatened to take SC out of union if custom duties were collected by force. declared the tariff to be null/void in SC.
Wore palmetto ribbons on their hats to mark loyalty towards palmetto states.
Compromise Tariff of 1833
A new tariff proposed by Henry Clay & John Calhoun that gradually lowered the tariff to the level of the tariff of 1816(reduced by ≈ 10% over a period of 8 years); avoided civil war & prolonged the union for another 30 years.
Opposed by protectionist New England & middle states. Favored by Calhoun & the South
Force Bill
(1833) Known among the Carolinians as the "Bloody bill", it was passed by Congress alongside the Compromise Tariff, it authorized the president to use the military to collect federal tariff duties. Would be nullified along with the Ordinance of Nullification in the in the Columbia convention.
"Five Civilized Tribes"
Cherokees, Choctaws, Creeks, Chickasaws, and Seminoles; forced out of their land by Jackson and assimilated into white society
Indian Removal Act
(1830) a congressional act that authorized the removal of Native American tribes who lived east of the Mississippi River to the west. Heaviest blow fell on the "five civilized tribes."
Trail of Tears
The Cherokee Indians were forced to leave their lands and were in a forced march that caused many of them to die. They would end up at the newly established Indian Territory where they were "permanently" free of white encroachments.(only for 15 years)
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Gov. agency established in 1836 to administer relations with America's original inhabitants. Oversaw federal policy toward Native Americans.
Black Hawk War
(1832) Chief Black Hawk of Sauk tribe, led rebellion against eviction; lost badly to Jefferson Davis & Abraham Lincoln.
(1835-1842) In Florida, seminole Indians waged a guerrilla war that lasted 7 years. In the end, their spirit would be broken up in 1837 when American field commander captures the seminole leader, Osceola, under a flag of truce.(war dragged on for ≈5 years)<-- *not apart of the term*
Bank of the United States
Pros → safely deposited U.S. govt. funds, stable currency, abundant loan source (U.S. govt. money is part of 'loan pool')
Cons → private corporation (accountable to investors, not the public), seen as a "financial devil/monster" (forcing western bank foreclosures), President Nicholas Biddle held immense power over economy
Nicholas Biddle
President of the Bank of the U.S. who had an immense/unconstitutional power over the nation's financial affairs. Dubbed "Czar (first name) I" and called the bank a "hydra of corruption."
Bank War
(1832) Battle between President Andrew Jackson and Congressional supporters of the Bank of the United States over the bank's renewal in 1832.
If Jackson signed it, he would alienate his worshipful western followers. If vetoed, he would lose the presidency in the coming election by alienating the wealthy/influential groups in east.
Jackson vetoed the Bank Bill, arguing that the bank was unconstitutional which went against the McCulloch V. Maryland of 1819(declared it constitutional). Acted as though the executive branch had more power than judicial branch. Boosted his presidency bc it made sense to the common people(Jackson found it personally harmful to the nation).
Daniel Webster
With Clay, he proposed a new bill to recharter the Bank of the US in 1832. The charter expired in 1836, but Clay wanted it to be a election issue in the year.
Election of 1832
Candidates were Jackson(Democrats), Clay(National Republicans), William Wirt(Anti-Masonic Party for the first time)
National Republicans & Anti-Masonic parties adopted official platforms → formal publicized positions on issues, trickled down to state & local level.
Jackson, quite easily, wins → despite Bank veto
Anti-Masonic Party
Nation's first 3rd party. Opposed to perceived influence of the Masonic order, a secret society, because they consisted of privileged elite peoples; was an Anti-Jackson party too because Jackson was a Mason despite being "the common man"
Nominating conventions
Where party members choose the party's candidates
Political platforms
Political parties adopted these and were able to publicize their positions/opinions on issues
"Biddle's Panic"
When Jackson thought he had enough authority from his voter, he decided to exterminate the Bank of U.S.. In 1833, he decided to bury the bank for good by slowly removing federal deposits from its vaults. He proposed to deposit no more funds with Biddle and gradually shrink existing deposits by using them in day to day gov expenses. Jackson had to find a new secretary of treasure would agree to his actions
"Pet banks"
State level banks loyal to the Dem-Rep/Jackson party; Surplus federal funds after the death of Bank of US put into here.
"Wildcat banks"
Frontier banks that make risky decisions; they flooded the nation with their own paper money, lended randomly to people, etc. Raised inflation concerns and would become unreliable.
Specie Circular
U.S. Treasury decree requiring that all public lands be purchased with "hard" money(gold/silver coins). Issued after small state banks flooded the market with unreliable paper currency, fueling land speculation in the West. Halted speculation and contributed to the Panic of 1837.
"Democrats"
Political party lead by Andrew Jackson from 1828 to 1856. Campaigned against strong central government and fought to end elitism; against the Bank of US
Whig Party
An American political party formed in the 1830s to oppose President Andrew Jackson and the Democrats, stood for protective tariffs, national banking, and federal aid for internal improvements. First started with Clay, Webster, & Calhoun, but eventually evolved into a potent national political force by attracting other groups alienated by Jackson. After absorbing the Antimasons party, they claimed to appeal to the common people and in such declared the Democrats as a party of cronyism/corruption.
Election of 1836
Jackson's selected appointment successor Martin Van Buren from NY. Rigged the democratic convention and forced the Jacksonites to supported Van Buren. Whigs unable to nominate a single candidate, instead several "favorite sons", caused their loss. Van Buren won by close popular vote, safe electoral majority.
Martin van Buren
VP for Jackson in his 2nd term; was forcefully appointed by Jackson to be his successor in the election of 1836. Resented by Democrats bc he was smuggled into office and was disappointment compared to Jackson. He inherited Jackson's enemies too; handed all of the economic problem Jackson made.
Blamed for the Panic of 1837; he was not re-elected
General William Henry Harrison
Whig candidate in the Election of 1836; beat by Van Buren
Panic of 1837
Economic depression during Van Buren's presidency
Caused by rampant speculation by banks (banks give lots of loans to business/people who weren't able to afford to pay back those loans) & Jackson's financial policies (Bank War and Specie Circular).
Started when 2 British banks failed, British investors call in foreign loans but US couldn't provide. During this time, 100s of banks collapsed including some pet banks that carried down with them several millions in govt funds. Commodity prices drooped, & custom vedettes dried up. Factories closed & unemployed workers lived on the streets. Van Buren was reluctant to the Whig's ideas to expand bank credit, raise taxes, and subsidize internal improvement(locked on Jacksonian philosophy --> to keep gov off economy).
"Divorce Bill"
A bill passed by Van Buren in 1837, that separated the government from banking altogether, and established an independent treasury, so the government could lock its money in vaults in several of the larger cities. Explained how some of the economic problems were because federal funds were being placed in private banks.
Congress doesn't pass
Independent Treasury Bill
(1840) Government would hold its revenues rather than deposit them in banks, thus keeping the funds away from private corporations; but denied bank system as a reserve and therefore shrunk available credit resource.
Repealed the next year by Whigs
Reenacted by Democrats [1846]
Texas
Spanish authority wanted to populate this unpeopled area.Before that, Mexicans had won independence and the new regime in Mexico City granted huge tracts of land to Stephen Austin in return that he would bring 300 families into Texas.
Stephen Austin
Was Granted huge tracts of land from the new regime in Mexico City and expected him to bring over 300 families into Texas. These immigrants were expected to convert to Roman Catholic faith & become properly Mexicanized(did not happen, remained Americans at heart)
Davy Crockett
Famous frontiersman, left Tennessee to help Texas fight Mexico for independence. Died at the siege of Alamo.
Jim Bowie
American killed while fighting at the Battle of the Alamo during the Texas War for Independence. Known for "Bowie knife"
Sam Houston
ExGovernor of Tennessee, he was the commander in chief of the Texas army at the battle of San Jacinto; later elected president of the Republic of Texas
Santa Anna
Dictator of Mexico; in 1835, he removed Texans' local rights and started to raise army to suppress the rebelling Texans. When Stephen Austin went to Mexico City to negotiate differences in slavery, immigration & local rights, he was jailed for 8 months(Mexico released slaves, Texas keep slaves).
Lone Star Republic
Nickname for Texas after it won independence from Mexico in 1836. It was recognized by Jackson before leaving office but wanted admission into the union(delayed due to issue of slavery).
Alamo
A Spanish mission and fort which was where Santa Anna sieged Texas forces/army of 200 people in 13 days.
Colonel W.B. Travis
Commander of the Americans at the Alamo who said, "I shall never surrender nor retreat... Victory or Death".
Goliad
A city where shortly after the Alamo, about 400 surrendered Texans were slain by the Mexicans. These operations delayed Mexican advance & increased American opposition.
Battle of San Jacinto
(1836) Final battle of the Texas Revolution; Houston was able to lure Anna into San Jacinto, then captured and forced him to sign 2 treaties that granted Texas's independence (withdraw his troops and recognize Rio Grande as TX's SW border) After Anna's release, he repudiated the agreement as illegal.
Rio Grande River
The SW boundary of Texas to Mexico
Election of 1840
William Henry Harrison (Whig) vs. Martin Van Buren (Democrat);
Result: Harrison wins & a truly national two-party system. (Whigs learn to unite with 1 person)
One of the first issues was the nation's first major depression, whigs sought to expand/stimulate economy while Democrats favored retrenchment/end to high-flying banks and aggressive corporations.
John Tyler
Elected Vice President and became the 10th President of the United States when Harrison died 1841-1845, President responsible for annexation of Mexico after receiving mandate from Polk, opposed many parts of the Whig program for economic recovery
War of 1812
A war (1812-1814) between the United States and England which was trying to interfere with American trade with France. In the end, it gave America a renewed sense of nationhood.
The U.S.'s 'three-pronged invasion of Canada'
1812-Failed invasion from Detroit, Niagara, and Lake Champlain that was beaten back right after the American forces crossed the Canadian border.
They should have attacked Montreal, the center of population and transportation, and everything surrounding it would have died.
Fort Michilimackinac
Early in the war, British and Canadians captured this American fort, which commanded the upper Great Lakes and surrounding Indian area. Defensive operations would be led by British general Isaac Brock and assisted by "General mud" and "General confusion."
Constitution
Dubbed the "Old Ironside". It was a popular/powerful American warship that had thick sides, heavier firepower, and larger crews, of which 1 sailor in 6 was a free black. The U.S. navy tended to do better than the army.
Oliver Hazard Perry
American naval officer who led the US victory over the British on Lake Erie in 1813. Managed to build a fleet of green-timbered ships on the shores of Lake Erie. After capturing a British fleet, he reports to his superior with is famous quote "We have met the enemy and they are ours."
Detroit
An area along with Fort Malden where the retreating redcoats were overtaken by General Harrison's army and beaten at the Battle of the Thames in October 1813.
Fort Malden
An area along with Detroit where the retreating redcoats were overtaken by General Harrison's army and beaten at the Battle of the Thames in October 1813.
General William Henry Harrison
Overtook and beat British troops at the Battle of Thames; caused the British to retreat from Detroit and Fort Malden
Battle of Thames
A battle between the Americans and the British in which General Harrison and his troops overtook and beat the British troops. This caused the British to retreat from Detroit and Fort Malden.
Defeat of Napoleon
Napoleon's power was destroyed in 1814 and he was exiled to the Mediterranean isle of Elba. This affected the US because Napoleon had acted as protection when the US brashly provoked war, but they were now left alone. This causes more British redcoats to invade Canada through the continent.
Thomas Macdonough
A commander of an American fleet on Lake Champlain that fought near Plattsburgh on floating slaughterhouses; the Americans were nearly defeated, but his nifty techniques forced the British to retreat; this heroic naval battle saved New York from conquest, New England from disaffection (dissatisfied with/not supporting people in authority), and the Union from dissolution.
Battle of Plattsburgh
September 11, 1814 victory of Naval commander Thomas McDonough over a British fleet in Lake Champlain when the British were trying to bring supplies over the Lake Champlain waterway.
Battle of Bladensburg
August 1814 the British forces numbering in ~4 thousand , landed in the Chesapeake Bay Area. Advancing onto Washington, they dispersed 6 thousand panicking militiamen at Bladensburg. They then captured and burned Washington, D.C..
Burning of Washington D.C.
After the Battle of Bladensburg when British forces invaded the American capital and burned it the Whitehouse, the capital, and other buildings.
Fort McHenry
British fleet attacked this fort in Baltimore with their cannons but failed to capture the city.
Francis Scott Key
An American who was detained in a British ship, was inspired by the American defenders at fort McHenry and decided to write the words of "The Star-Spangled Banner."(soon gained popularity)
Andrew Jackson
Crushed the southwest Indians(British allied) in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend and the British frontal attack at the Battle of New Orleans.
Battle of Horseshoe Bend
Battle where US forces under Andrew Jackson defeated the British-allied southwest Indians. His forces consisted of 7 thousand sailors, regulars, pirates, and Frenchmen, as well as militiamen from Louisiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Among the defenders were 2 Louisiana regiments of free black volunteers. Americans threw up their entrenchment.
Battle of New Orleans
(January 8, 1815) Battle where the British mistakenly made a frontal assault on entrenched American riflemen and cannoneers. Considered the most devastating defeat in the entire war, losing 2 thousand, killed/wounded, in 1/2 an hour, but only around 70 for the Americans.
British blockade
When the Royal Navy put up blockades along America's coast and by landing raiding parties almost at will. American economic life was ruined and by the end of the war, the bankrupt treasury failed to meet its maturing obligations.
Tsar Alexander I
Ruler of Russia who proposed a mediation between Britain and America as early as 1812 because he was feeling hard pressed by Napoleon's army and did not want his British ally to use up its strength in America. Would lead to the treaty of Ghent.
John Quincy Adams
6th president and son of John Adams. Leader of the 5-American peacemaker group that went to Ghent to make the Treaty of Ghent
Henry Clay
One of the 5-American peacemakers that went to Ghent to make the Treaty of Ghent; created the American System
Congress of Vienna
Convention of major European powers to redraw the boundaries of continental Europe after Napoleon's exile.
Treaty of Ghent
Signed on Christmas Eve 1814, declared an armistice, or end to the fighting. Both sides essentially stopped fighting and to restore conquered territory. Basically a draw because neither sides could impose their will and meet their grievances. Ended the War of 1812
New England Federalists
Became more vocal during the war. Some proposed secession from the union or a separate peace with Britain. Opposed the war-hawks/the war
"Blue Light Federalists"
Nickname for the New England Federalists who supposedly flashed lanterns on the shores so that blockading British cruisers would be alerted to the attempted escape of American ships.
Hartford Convention
Called by MA in late 1814 when the capture of New Orleans seemed imminent. Full delegation(MA, Connecticut, & Rhode Island). Partial representation(New Hampshire & Vermont). Consisted of 26 men and met in secrecy for 3 weeks to discuss their grievances and redress for their wrong doings.
These actions were largely viewed as traitorous to the country and became the downfall of the Federalists; demands: 2/3 Congressional votes, abolish 3/5 clause, presidents have 1 term, no 2 consecutive presidents from same state (prevent dynasties)
"Virginia Dynasty"
"dynasty" comprised of the four of the first five presidents (Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe), all of whom Virginian plantation owners
Canadian nationalism
Received a powerful stimulus after the War of 1812; Canadians felt betrayed by the Treaty of Ghent; they were annoyed that they couldn't secure an Indian buffer state or part of the Great Lakes
Rush-Bagot Agreement
(1817) Agreement between the U.S. and Britain (which controlled Canada at that time) for severely limited naval armament on the Great Lakes. Later expanded to an unarmed U.S Canada border.
Bank of the United States
Revived by the congress in 1816. National capital began to rise. Army and navy was expanded at the same time too after the War of 1812.
Tariff of 1816
First protective tariff in American history, created primarily for protection and not revenue. To shield New England manufacturers from the inflow of British goods after the War of 1812. Rates of 20-25% on dutiable imports(still not enough). Stimulated an appetite for more protection.
The American System
1824 - Plan developed by Henry Clay for raising tariffs to pay for internal improvements such as roads and canals.
Had 3 main parts:
strong bank system would provide easy and abundant credits
clay would advocate for a protective tariff which eastern manufacturing would flourish
revenues for from the tariffs would provide funds for a network of roads and canals.
Roads/canals
Bi-product of the American System. Purpose was to transport raw goods from the SW to the NE; manufactured goods would flow in the returning direction. Knitted the country together economically/politically.
James Madison
"Father of the Constitution," Federalist leader, and fourth President of the United States.
Decided to veto a the distribution of $1.5 million to the state for internal improvements(thought it was unconstitutional). Caused the individual states to have their own construction programs. Jeffersonian republicans opposed the idea of direct federal support of intrastate internal improvements while New England opposed federally constructed roads and canals.