U.S. Historical Events and Key Figures (1800-1840)

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and events in early 19th century U.S. history.

Bank War

A political struggle in the 1830s between President Andrew Jackson and the Second Bank of the United States.

Maysville Road

A proposed road construction in Kentucky that faced opposition from President Jackson.

John C. Calhoun

An American statesman and political theorist from South Carolina, known for his defense of states' rights.

Trail of Tears

The forced relocation of Native American nations from southeastern U.S. following the Indian Removal Act.

Tariffs of 1816, 1828, & 1832

Taxes on imports designed to protect American industry; controversial leading to sectional tensions.

Andrew Jackson

The seventh President of the United States, known for his populist style and policies like Indian removal.

Black Hawk

A leader of the Sauk tribe who resisted removal from Illinois.

Osceola

Leader of the Seminole in Florida during the Second Seminole War.

John Ross

Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation who opposed the Indian Removal Act.

Major Ridge

A Cherokee leader who supported the Treaty of New Echota, leading to the Trail of Tears.

Tecumseh

A Shawnee chief who sought to unite Native American tribes against American expansion.

Eaton Affair

A political scandal involving members of President Jackson's Cabinet and their spouses.

Indian Removal Act

A law passed in 1830 that authorized the removal of Native Americans from land east of the Mississippi River.

Force Bill

Authorized the president to use military force to enforce tariffs.

William Henry Harrison

The ninth President of the United States, known for his short presidency and military leadership.

Presidential Elections of 1800, 1820, 1824, 1832, and 1840

Key elections that reflect the evolving political landscape in early 19th century America.

Nullification Crisis

A confrontation between South Carolina and the federal government over tariffs.

Whig Party

A political party formed in opposition to the Democratic Party in the 1830s.

Specie Circular

An executive order that required payment for government land to be in gold or silver.

Cherokee issues from 1827 to 1839

Legal and political conflicts concerning Cherokee land and rights.

Seminole issues from 1817 to 1842

Conflicts related to the Seminole Wars and the resistance to removal.

Jacksonian democracy

A 19th-century political philosophy that expanded democracy to more white male citizens.

Henry Clay

A prominent politician known for his role in compromises regarding slavery and national policy.

Diplomatic issues/achievements under James Monroe

Key foreign relations events during Monroe's presidency, including the Monroe Doctrine.

Missouri Compromise

An 1820 agreement to balance slave and free states that admitted Missouri as a slave state.

Panic of 1819

The first major financial crisis in the U.S., marked by bank failures and foreclosures.

John Q. Adams

The sixth President of the United States and later a prominent anti-slavery advocate.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

A Supreme Court case that reinforced federal control over interstate commerce.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

The landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review.

John Marshall

Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, known for establishing a strong federal judiciary.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Legislation that established a framework for governing the Northwest Territory.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Problems related to governance and lack of federal authority under the Articles.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual freedoms.

Constitutional Convention

The 1787 meeting to address issues with the Articles of Confederation, resulting in the U.S. Constitution.

Pinckney’s Treaty

An agreement between the U.S. and Spain that defined the boundaries and guaranteed navigation rights.

Alexander Hamilton

The first Secretary of the Treasury, known for establishing a sound financial system.

Judiciary Act of 1801

A law that reorganized the federal court system and created new judgeships.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays promoting the ratification of the Constitution.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident between the U.S. and France that led to an undeclared war.

First Barbary War

A conflict between the U.S. and North African states over piracy.

Sedition Act of 1798

A law that made it a crime to publish false statements against the government.

Anti-Federalists vs. Federalists (1780s)

The debate between those who supported and opposed the ratification of the Constitution.

Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans (1790s)

The political rivalry between the two parties over governance and policy.

Embargo Act

A law that prohibited American ships from trading in foreign ports.

Reasons for War of 1812

Conflicts over maritime rights and expansionist desires.

Battle of Baltimore (significance)

A pivotal battle that inspired the national anthem of the United States.

Battle of New Orleans

A significant victory for the U.S. in the War of 1812, fought after the peace treaty.

Treaty of Ghent

The agreement that ended the War of 1812, restoring pre-war boundaries.

Lewis & Clark

Explorers commissioned to survey the newly acquired Louisiana Territory.

Louisiana Purchase

The acquisition of territory from France that doubled the size of the United States.

Jefferson’s economic policy

Policies aimed at reducing the national debt and simplifying government.

Foreign Slave Trade Ban

Legislation that prohibited the importation of slaves into the U.S. starting in 1808.

Transportation and communication development in early-to-mid 1800s

Advancements such as railroads and telegraphs that transformed American society.

Irish and German immigration issues (including nativism)

The social and political challenges posed by high levels of immigration and rising nativism.

Theater

Cultural entertainment that grew in popularity during the 19th century.

Cyrus McCormick

Inventor of the mechanical reaper, revolutionizing farming.

Cotton Gin

A machine that revolutionized the cotton industry by efficiently separating cotton fibers.

Lowell System

A labor system that employed young women in textile mills with a focus on decent living conditions.