APUSH Period 4.2: Rise of Mass Democracy

New Democracy

The era of Jacksonian democracy where political power shifted to the common white man and property qualifications for voting were removed.

Frederick Jackson Turner

"The Significance of the Frontier on American History" - Thesis stating that the western frontier shaped the American character, promoting independence and democracy.

nominating conventions

Large meetings of party delegates to choose candidates for office, replacing the secretive caucus system.

Election of 1824

Election decided by the House of Representatives where John Quincy Adams won over Andrew Jackson.

the "corrupt bargain"

Jackson's accusation that Henry Clay secured the presidency for J.Q. Adams in return for being named Secretary of State.

Henry Clay

American statesman, creator of the American System, and central figure in the Whig party.

President John Quincy Adams

6th U.S. President, known for his nationalist agenda and involvement in the "corrupt bargain."

"Tariff of Abominations," 1828

Extremely high protective tariff that heavily favored Northern industry and angered the South.

John C. Calhoun, "Southern Carolina Exposition"

Document secretly written by Vice President Calhoun protesting the Tariff of 1828 and outlining the doctrine of nullification.

"Revolution of 1828"

Andrew Jackson's election victory, marking the rise of the common man in American politics.

President Andrew Jackson

7th U.S. President, known for expanding executive power, the spoils system, and Indian removal.

spoils system

The practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs.

"Kitchen Cabinet"

Andrew Jackson's unofficial group of trusted advisors.

Webster-Hayne Debate

Famous Senate debate over states' rights, nullification, and the tariff.

Tariff of 1832

A protectionist tariff that lowered the rates of the 1828 tariff but still prompted South Carolina to attempt nullification.

Nullification Crisis, 1832

Standoff when South Carolina declared federal tariffs null and void within the state, threatening secession.

Tariff of 1833

Henry Clay's compromise tariff that gradually lowered rates over ten years to resolve the Nullification Crisis.

Election of 1832

Jackson's decisive reelection over Henry Clay, largely fought over the Bank of the United States.

Anti-Masonic party

First third party in U.S. history, formed to oppose the secrecy of the Freemasons.

"Pet Bank" scheme

Jackson's tactic of destroying the National Bank by removing federal funds and placing them in state-level "pet banks."

Specie Circular

Jackson's decree requiring that all public lands be purchased with "hard" money (gold or silver).

veto of Bank of the United States

Jackson's rejection of the bill to recharter the Second Bank of the United States.

general incorporation laws

Laws allowing corporations to be formed without a charter from the legislature.

limited liability

Legal principle protecting investors from personal responsibility for a company's debts beyond their initial investment.

Charles River Bridge case

Supreme Court ruling stating that public interest overrides private contracts/monopolies.

Maysville Road veto

Jackson's veto of a bill to build a road in Kentucky, arguing federal funds shouldn't be used for intrastate projects.

Indian Removal Act, 1830

Law passed by Jackson that forced the relocation of Native American tribes living east of the Mississippi.

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Government agency created to manage relations with Native Americans.

Five Civilized Nations

Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Seminole - Native tribes in the Southeast who adopted many European-American customs.

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia, 1831

Supreme Court case that ruled the Cherokees were a "domestic dependent nation" rather than a foreign state.

Worcester v. Georgia, 1832

Supreme Court ruling that Georgia laws had no force within Cherokee territory; ignored by Jackson.

"Trail of Tears"

The brutal forced march of the Cherokee nation to Indian Territory, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Indian Territory

Area (mostly present-day Oklahoma) designated for Native Americans forced out of their eastern homelands.

Black Hawk War

Brief 1832 conflict between the U.S. and Native Americans led by Black Hawk trying to reclaim land in Illinois.

Second Seminole War

Conflict from 1835-1842 in Florida where Seminoles fiercely resisted removal.

Republic of Texas

Independent nation created after Texans declared independence from Mexico in 1836.

General Santa Anna

Mexican dictator and military leader during the Texas Revolution and Mexican-American War.

Alamo

Famous siege in 1836 where Mexican forces killed all Texan defenders, becoming a rallying cry for Texas independence.

Election of 1836

Martin Van Buren won the presidency, continuing Jackson's policies.

Whigs

Political party formed in the 1830s to oppose Andrew Jackson and support the American System.

William Henry Harrison

Whig president elected in 1840 who died just 31 days into his term.

President Martin Van Buren

8th U.S. President whose term was dominated by the economic fallout of the Panic of 1837.

Panic of 1837

Severe economic depression caused by overspeculation, the Specie Circular, and the destruction of the National Bank.

Independent Treasury System

Van Buren's plan to keep federal funds in independent government vaults rather than state banks.

Election of 1840

First modern "log cabin and hard cider" campaign resulting in a Whig victory for Harrison.

Liberty Party

Early antislavery political party formed in 1840.