APUSH Vocab: Unit 4

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections expanded over time to include disenfranchised groups such as women and African Americans

Thomas Jefferson’s Presidency

Major contributions include reducing national debt, repealing Hamilton's excise taxes, purchasing the Louisiana Territory, and promoting an agrarian economy

Henry Clay

Known as the "Great Compromiser," he influenced the Missouri Compromise, promoted the American System, and helped resolve the Nullification Crisis

Market Revolution

Transition from agrarian economies to capitalist systems in the early 19th century marked by industrialization, transportation improvements, and westward expansion

Louisiana Purchase

1803 acquisition of French territory west of the Mississippi River doubled U.S. size and facilitated westward expansion

War of 1812

Conflict between the U.S. and Britain over maritime rights and territorial disputes ended in a stalemate but boosted American nationalism

Battle of New Orleans

Fought in 1815 after the War of 1812 officially ended decisive American victory under Andrew Jackson, fostering national pride

Hartford Convention

1814 meeting of Federalists opposing the War of 1812 weakened the party due to perceived disloyalty

Missouri Compromise

1820 agreement admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state maintained balance between free and slave states

War Hawks

Pro-war Congress members advocating for conflict with Britain prior to the War of 1812 included figures like Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun

Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa

Tecumseh unified Native American tribes militarily, while Tenskwatawa ("The Prophet") promoted religious revival opposed U.S. expansion

Embargo Act of 1807

Jefferson's policy banning American exports to Europe aimed at protecting U.S. interests but hurt domestic economy

The American System

Economic plan by Henry Clay emphasizing infrastructure improvements, protective tariffs, and a national bank to promote growth

Barbary Wars

Early 19th-century conflicts between the U.S. and North African states over piracy demonstrated U.S. naval strength

American Indian Removal Act

1830 law authorizing relocation of Native Americans to western territories led to the Trail of Tears

Monroe Doctrine

1823 policy opposing European interference in the Americas asserted U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere

Breadbasket States

Agricultural states producing large quantities of grain central to U.S. food supply and economy

Erie Canal

Completed in 1825, connecting New York City to Great Lakes trade routes revolutionized transportation and commerce

Cotton Kingdom

Southern states reliant on cotton production fueled by slavery central to antebellum economy

Nativism

Anti-immigrant sentiment favoring native-born citizens influenced policies like immigration restrictions

Dartmouth College v. Woodward

Supreme Court decision protecting private contracts from state interference, strengthening corporate rights

Gibbons v. Ogden

Landmark case affirming federal authority over interstate commerce under the Constitution's Commerce Clause

Commonwealth v. Hunt

Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling legalizing labor unions and strikes as lawful activities

John Quincy Adams’ Presidency

Focused on internal improvements like roads and canals, supported scientific advancements, but faced political opposition

Manifest Destiny

Belief in U.S. expansion across North America as a divine right justified territorial acquisitions like Texas and Oregon

Transcendentalists

Philosophical movement emphasizing individualism, nature, and spiritual self-reliance leaders included Emerson and Thoreau

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Religious group founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 emphasized family values, missionary work, and scripture like the Book of Mormon

Methodist Church

Protestant denomination focused on personal faith, community service, and missionary activities influential during Second Great Awakening

Baptist Church

Protestant group emphasizing individual interpretation of scripture and adult baptism strong presence in rural America

African Methodist Episcopal Church

Founded by African Americans in 1816 focused on racial equality, social justice, and spiritual empowerment

Cult of Domesticity

Ideology promoting women's roles as homemakers responsible for moral guidance within families during the 19th century

Family Wage

Concept advocating wages sufficient for male workers to support their families without wives working outside home

The Dorr War

Rhode Island rebellion (1841-1842) over voting rights for non-property holders highlighted suffrage debates

Spoils System

Practice of rewarding political supporters with government positions popularized during Andrew Jackson’s presidency

Trail of Tears

Forced relocation of Cherokee Nation under Indian Removal policies (1838-1839) resulted in thousands of deaths

Tariff of Abominations

Controversial 1828 tariff favoring Northern industries but harming Southern agricultural economies

Era of Good Feelings

Post-War of 1812 period marked by political unity under James Monroe but marred by sectional tensions later on

Force Act

Legislation empowering federal government to enforce laws against resistance like nullification efforts during Jackson’s presidency

Soft Money and Hard Money

Debate over currency types soft money favored paper currency while hard money advocated gold/silver-backed currency systems

Panic of 1837

Financial crisis triggered by speculative lending practices and Jackson’s economic policies like dismantling the national bank