American Yawp Chapter 9 Study Guide

Hamilton’s view of Democracy

Alexander Hamilton favored a strong central government led by the elite, expressing skepticism about the masses' ability to govern effectively.​

Benjamin Rush

A Founding Father and reformer, Rush advocated for public education and the abolition of slavery, believing that an informed citizenry was essential for a functioning democracy.​

American Democracy

The early 19th century saw the expansion of suffrage to most white men, diminishing property requirements and increasing political participation among the "common man."

The Presidency

The presidency evolved with the rise of populist leaders like Andrew Jackson, who claimed to represent the interests of ordinary citizens against entrenched elites.

Political transformation between 1790-1830

This period witnessed the decline of the Federalist Party, the "Era of Good Feelings" under Monroe, and the emergence of new political factions leading to the Second Party System

Winner of the 1824 Pres election

John Quincy Adams won the presidency in 1824 after the election was decided by the House of Representatives, leading to allegations of a "corrupt bargain" with Henry Clay.

James Tallmadge

As a New York congressman, Tallmadge proposed an amendment to restrict slavery in Missouri, igniting debates that led to the Missouri Compromise.

Rising tension between the North & South

Disputes over slavery's expansion into new territories heightened sectional tensions, setting the stage for future conflicts.​

Slavery

Slavery became a central issue in national politics, with debates focusing on its morality, economic implications, and expansion into new states.​

The Missouri Compromise

In 1820, Missouri was admitted as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance. Slavery was prohibited north of the 36°30′ parallel in the Louisiana Territory.

T Jefferson’s reaction

Jefferson viewed the Missouri Compromise as a dangerous precedent, fearing it would divide the nation along sectional lines.​

Political impact

The compromise temporarily eased tensions but highlighted the deepening divide over slavery, influencing future political alignments.​

Andrew Jackson

A military hero turned president, Jackson's tenure was marked by his appeal to the "common man" and his battles against perceived elite institutions.​

Gr Britain/early life

Born in the Carolinas, Jackson's parents were Irish immigrants. He rose from humble beginnings to national prominence through military and political achievements.​

Military achievement

Jackson gained fame for his victory at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, bolstering his national reputation.​

Controversial military event

His unauthorized invasion of Florida and execution of British subjects during the First Seminole War sparked international and domestic controversy.​

Rachel Jackson

Jackson's wife faced scrutiny over the legality of their marriage, which became a point of attack during Jackson's presidential campaigns.​

Tariff of 1828/Nullification Crisis

The "Tariff of Abominations" led South Carolina to declare the tariffs null and void, challenging federal authority

South Carolina’s reaction

South Carolina passed the Ordinance of Nullification, refusing to enforce federal tariffs and threatening secession.​

President Jackson’s reaction to South Carolina

Jackson denounced nullification as treason, asserting federal supremacy and preparing to use military force if necessary.

Role of John C. Calhoun

As Vice President and a South Carolinian, Calhoun supported nullification, leading to a rift with Jackson and his eventual resignation.​

Ultimate resolution of the Nullification Crisis

A compromise tariff was enacted in 1833, de-escalating the crisis and preserving the Union, though tensions remained.​

Impact on American Politics

The crisis reinforced the debate over states' rights versus federal authority, influencing future political discourse.​

Second Bank of US

A central financial institution that became a focal point of Jackson's presidency.

• Pres Jackson’s opposition to the Bank

Jackson viewed the Bank as a tool of the elite, vetoed its recharter, and removed federal deposits, redistributing them to state banks.​

• Impact on Am political parties

Jackson's actions led to the formation of the Whig Party, uniting various groups opposed to his policies.​

• Jackson’s opponents’ views on the bank issue

Opponents saw the Bank as a stabilizing force and criticized Jackson's dismantling of it as reckless.​

• Ultimate result of Jackson’s bank strategy

The Bank's destruction led to economic instability and contributed to the Panic of 1837.​

Panic of 1837

A financial crisis marked by bank failures, unemployment, and a severe economic downturn.​

Economic impact

The panic led to widespread economic hardship, with businesses collapsing and unemployment rising.​

Run on Banks

Fearful depositors withdrew funds en masse, leading to bank closures and loss of savings.​

New party- Whigs

Formed in opposition to Jackson, the Whigs advocated for a strong legislative branch and modernization efforts.​

William Henry Harrison

A Whig candidate who won the presidency in 1840 but died shortly after taking office.​

John Tyler

Harrison's vice president, who assumed the presidency, often clashed with Whig policies and vetoed key legislation.​

Review Anti-Masonic policy. Movement

The first third party in the U.S

Catalyst for movement

William Morgan’s 1826 disappearance after threatening to reveal Masonic secrets sparked fear and led to the Anti-Masonic Party.

Race/Voting - Early 1800s

Some Northern states allowed Black men to vote, but many later restricted these rights.

Black voting rights - Early 1800s

Some Northern states allowed Black men to vote, but many later restricted these rights.

James Forten

A free Black abolitionist and businessman who fought for racial equality and voting rights.

Jim Crow

Though later formalized, early 1800s laws and attitudes already showed rising racial segregation and discrimination.

Northern Abolitionists

Mostly white activists who pushed to end slavery, many motivated by religion and moral reform.

Female Anti-Slavery Society

Women-led groups, like in Philadelphia, played key roles in anti-slavery efforts, despite facing sexism in the movement.