Textbook Terms, Chapter 9

Discusses rising manifestation of political participation by the common man.

Andrew Jackson

Seventh president of the United States who expanded executive power, promoted the spoils system, opposed the national bank, and enforced Indian removal policies

Anti-Masonry

A political movement and party in the 1820s–1830s that opposed secret societies like the Freemasons and supported greater political transparency

Aroostook War

A largely bloodless 1838–1839 border dispute between Maine and British Canada over the U.S.–Canada boundary

Bank War

The political struggle between Andrew Jackson and Nicholas Biddle over the recharter of the Second Bank of the United States, resulting in its destruction

Caroline Affair

An 1837 incident involving a Canadian rebellion and a U.S. ship destroyed by British forces, heightening tensions between the U.S. and Britain

Daniel Webster

A leading Whig senator known for defending federal authority, supporting the national bank, and debating states’ rights

Democrats

The political party led by Andrew Jackson that favored limited government, states’ rights, and expansion of white male suffrage

Dorr Rebellion

An 1841–1842 protest in Rhode Island demanding expanded suffrage and more democratic reforms

"Five Civilized Tribes"

The Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Seminole tribes who adopted some European-American customs yet were forcibly removed from the Southeast

Indian Territory

Land west of the Mississippi River designated for relocated Native American tribes following the Indian Removal Act

John C Calhoun

A South Carolina statesman who advocated nullification and states’ rights, particularly in defense of slavery

John Tyler

The tenth president who assumed office after William Henry Harrison’s death and supported states’ rights policies

Martin Van Buren

The eighth president and Jackson’s successor whose presidency was dominated by the Panic of 1837

Nicholas Biddle

The president of the Second Bank of the United States who opposed Andrew Jackson during the Bank War

Nullification

The doctrine that states could invalidate federal laws they deemed unconstitutional, asserted during the Nullification Crisis

Panic Of 1837

A severe economic depression caused by bank failures, speculation, and Jacksonian financial policies

Removal Act

The 1830 law authorizing the forced relocation of Native American tribes to Indian Territory

Roger B Taney

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court who succeeded John Marshall and later authored the Dred Scott decision

Seminole War

A series of conflicts in Florida between U.S. forces and the Seminole tribe resisting removal

Specie Circular

An 1836 executive order requiring payment for public lands in gold or silver, contributing to economic instability

Spoils System

The practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs following electoral victories

Taney Court

The Supreme Court under Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, known for decisions favoring states’ rights and limiting federal regulatory power

Trail Of Tears

The forced relocation of the Cherokee and other tribes to Indian Territory, resulting in widespread suffering and death

Webster-Ashburton Treaty

An 1842 agreement between the United States and Britain that resolved border disputes between Maine and Canada

Webster-Hayne Debate

An 1830 Senate debate between Daniel Webster and Robert Hayne over states’ rights and the nature of the Union

Whigs

A political party that opposed Andrew Jackson, supported congressional supremacy, and favored economic modernization

William Henry Harrison

A Whig president elected in 1840 who died shortly after taking office, setting the precedent for presidential succession