History

American System

Henry Clay’s plan to strengthen the U.S. with roads, canals, and a national bank.

Missouri Compromise

Law in 1820 that let Missouri enter as a slave state and Maine as a free state; banned slavery north of 36°30′.

Monroe Doctrine

U.S. policy warning Europe not to make new colonies in the Americas (1823).

Erie Canal

Man-made waterway connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, helping trade and growth in New York.

Andrew Jackson

7th U.S. president known for being a 'common man’s' president and for controversial policies toward Native Americans.

Corrupt Bargain

The 1824 election deal where John Quincy Adams allegedly made Henry Clay Secretary of State in exchange for support.

Spoils System

Giving government jobs to political supporters instead of qualified people.

Pet Banks

State banks that got government money after Andrew Jackson ended the national bank.

Tariff of Abominations

1828 tariff that raised taxes on imports and angered the South.

Indian Removal Act

1830 law forcing Native Americans to move west of the Mississippi River.

Trail of Tears

The forced march of Cherokee and other tribes to Indian Territory, where many died.

Whigs

Political party that opposed Andrew Jackson and supported Congress over the president.

Manifest Destiny

Belief that the U.S. was meant to expand west across the continent.

Oregon Trail

Route pioneers took from Missouri to Oregon in the 1800s.

Santa Fe Trail

Trade route between Missouri and Santa Fe (New Mexico).

Mexican-American War

War (1846–1848) between the U.S. and Mexico over Texas and western lands.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Treaty ending the Mexican-American War; gave the U.S. land like California and New Mexico.

Gadsden Purchase

1853 deal where the U.S. bought land from Mexico for a southern railroad (in today’s Arizona and New Mexico).

Wilmot Proviso

Proposed law to ban slavery in land won from Mexico (it didn’t pass).