The Age of Jackson and Early American Change (1789-1845)

Flashcards covering the transformation of America between 1789 and 1845, focusing on the presidencies of John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson, the rise of Jacksonian Democracy, and key crises regarding Native American removal and federal tariffs.

Corrupt Bargain of 1824

The alleged deal between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay where Clay used his influence in the House of Representatives to secure Adams the presidency in exchange for the office of Secretary of State.

Plurality

The circumstance in which a candidate wins the most votes in an election but does not achieve a majority (more than $50\%$).

Fourth Estate

A term referring to the press/media.

Old Hickory

A nickname given to Andrew Jackson for being a tough character, originating from his military service in the War of 1812.

Jacksonian Democracy

An era characterized as the 'Era of the Common Man,' where property restrictions for voting were removed, leading to a massive increase in white male suffrage.

The Whig Party

A political party formed by characters like Henry Clay and Abraham Lincoln in opposition to 'King Andrew' Jackson, modeled after the English party that opposed the king and supported parliament.

Spoil System

Andrew Jackson's practice of replacing long-term politicians in Washington with his own trusted supporters and people who favored him in elections.

Populist

A political approach, pioneered by Jackson, where the president appeals directly to the common people for support rather than the elite.

Indian Removal Act of 1830

Legislation signed by Jackson that moved approximately $100,000$ Native Americans from the East to federal land west of the Mississippi, primarily in Oklahoma.

Worcester v. Georgia (1832)

A Supreme Court case where Chief Justice John Marshall ruled $5\text{-}1$ that states did not have the right to impose regulations on Native American land, as they were distinct, independent political communities.

Trail of Tears (1838-1839)

The forced $800\text{ mile}$ march of $16,000\text{-}20,000$ Cherokees to Indian territory, during which approximately $4,000$ people ($20\text{-}25\%$) died.

Petticoat Affair

A social and political scandal involving Peggy Eaton, the wife of Secretary of War John Eaton, which led to a cabinet reset engineered by Martin Van Buren.

Tariff of Abominations

An inherited $38\%$ tariff that protected Northern factories but was viewed as punitive by the South because it made necessary European imports too expensive.

Doctrine of Nullification

The theory led by John C. Calhoun suggesting that because states created the Constitution, they have the right to void federal laws within their borders.

Force Bill of 1833

Legislation approved by Congress that authorized Jackson to use the military and navy to enforce federal laws and collect tariffs in defiant states like South Carolina.

Pet Banks

Favorite state banks where Andrew Jackson deposited U.S. government money after breaking the Second Bank of the United States (BUS).

Specie

Hard currency consisting of gold or silver used to back paper bank notes.

Fiat Money

Paper money that is not backed by physical commodities like gold or silver but is legal tender by government decree.

Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819

A treaty negotiated by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams that resulted in the United States acquiring Florida from Spain.

Anarchy

A situation of confusion and wild behavior not controlled by rule or law, which the social establishment feared would result from pure direct democracy.