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Missouri Compromise

A legislative agreement to maintain the balance of power between slave and free states in the early 19th century.

Lewis and Clark

Explorers commissioned by Thomas Jefferson to map the newly acquired Louisiana Territory.

Panic of 1819

The first major financial crisis in the United States that led to bank failures and widespread economic hardship.

Corrupt Bargain

A term used to describe the alleged deal between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay during the election of 1824.

Indian Removal Act 1830

Law that facilitated the relocation of Native American tribes to designated territories west of the Mississippi River.

Trail of Tears

The forced relocation of Native Americans, particularly the Cherokee, from their ancestral lands in the Southeastern United States.

Panic of 1837

A financial crisis that resulted in a severe economic depression in the United States.

Sacajawea

Shoshone woman who assisted Lewis and Clark as a guide and interpreter.

John Quincy Adams

The 6th president of the United States, known for his role in the formation of the Monroe Doctrine.

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. policy opposing European colonialism in the Americas, articulated by President James Monroe in 1823.

Worcester v. Georgia 1832

Supreme Court case that upheld the rights of Native American nations to remain free from intervention by state governments.

John C. Calhoun

A political leader from South Carolina who advocated for states' rights and nullification.

Nullification

The idea that states can invalidate any federal law they deem unconstitutional.

Whigs

A political party formed in the 1830s in opposition to the policies of Andrew Jackson and the Democrats.

Expansionist Policies

Policies aimed at territorial or economic expansion, particularly under President Taylor and Polk.

Constitutional Crisis of 1850

A series of events related to the debate over the status of territories acquired in the Mexican-American War.

Compromise of 1850

A set of laws passed aimed at resolving disputes over slavery in territories acquired from Mexico.

Manifest Destiny

The belief in the 19th century that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was justified and inevitable.

Joseph Smith

Founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, also known as Mormonism.

Santa Anna

Mexican general who fought against American forces during the Texas Revolution and served as president of Mexico.

Alamo

Site of a pivotal battle during the Texas Revolution in which Texian forces were defeated by Mexican troops.

Southern Response to Wilmot Proviso

The reaction of southern politicians and citizens to the proposal that banned slavery in territory acquired from Mexico.

Henry Clay

A prominent American statesman known for his role in formulating the Compromise of 1850.

Underground Railroad

A network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved people to escape to free states.

Railroad Land Grants

Land awarded by the government to railroad companies to help finance the construction of railroad lines.

Brigham Young

Leader of the Mormon community after Joseph Smith, who led the migration to Utah.

James Polk

The 11th president of the United States, known for his expansionist policies and the annexation of Texas.

Texan Annexation

The incorporation of the Republic of Texas into the United States as a state.

Gold Rush

The mass migration to California in the mid-19th century following the discovery of gold.

Fugitive Slave Act

Laws that mandated the return of runaway slaves and imposed penalties on those aiding in their escape.

Uncle Tom's Cabin

A novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe that depicted the harsh realities of slavery and fueled abolitionist sentiments.