APUSH Semester 1 Final
Unit 1: Europeans Makes Claims in the Americas
The natives of the American continent were diverse people that had diverse societies based on the kinds od environments they lived in
Pueblo
Were a group of farmers that
Spent their time planting and harvesting crops
beans , squash, and maize
Had advanced technology
UTE
Hunted buffalo
Had small bands
Chumash
participated in regional trade networks
Chinook
Similar to the Chumas people
They built plank houses
Iriquo
Lived in long houses
From timber
Cahokia
Were farmers
Had a central government
* Europeans couldn’t trade with Asia along the silk roads as they belonged to Muslims so they had to find another way to trade with them*
This led to sea based routes
Protugal was the first looking to trade with Asia
Establised trading post-empires
Used astrolabed
New ship designs
Lateen sail
Stern rudder
1.4-1.5
The Columbian Exchange refers to the widespread transfer of plants, animals, foods, cultures, technologies, and diseases between the Americas, Europe, and Africa after Christopher Columbus's voyages to the New World in 1492. It had profound impacts on global populations, economies, and ecosystems.
European diseases devastated Native populations, as they had no immunity to Old World pathogens.
Specifics:
Smallpox: Killed millions, wiping out entire villages.
Measles and Influenza: Spread rapidly, causing widespread death.
Mortality Rates: Native populations declined by 90% in some areas within a century of European contact.
Societal Impacts: Loss of leaders, disruption of social structures, and weakened resistance to European conquest.
From the Americas (New World) To the Americas (Old World) |
Maize (corn) Wheat |
|
Tomatoes Coffee |
Tobacco Sugarcane |
Cacao (chocolate) Bananas |
Peppers Grapes |
Turkey Horses |
Squash Cattle |
Beans Pigs |
Vanilla Sheep |
Pumpkin Diseases (smallpox, measles) |
The influx of wealth from the Americas significantly changed European societies:
Economic Impact: Increased trade and the rise of a capitalist economy. Nations like Spain gained wealth through silver and gold, funding wars and expanding their empires.
Social Changes: Created greater class divides; wealthy elites benefited while peasants often remained impoverished.
Cultural Impact: Renaissance and scientific advancements were funded by New World wealth.
Inflation: The "Price Revolution" occurred due to the influx of silver and gold, leading to rising prices in Europe.
Definition: A Spanish labor system that granted colonists the right to demand tribute and forced labor from Indigenous people in exchange for supposed protection and Christianization.
Purpose: To exploit Native labor for economic gain, particularly in mining and agriculture. It allowed Spain to control its colonies' labor forces.
Mexico: Conquered the Aztec Empire under Hernán Cortés (1521).
Peru: Conquered the Inca Empire under Francisco Pizarro (1533).
Caribbean: Established sugar plantations and enslaved Indigenous peoples.
Florida: Explored and colonized by Ponce de León and others for gold and as a defensive territory.
Southwest (U.S.): Coronado explored regions such as present-day New Mexico and Arizona in search of mythical cities of gold.
Philippines: Colonized to expand Spanish influence in the Pacific and promote trade.
Development: The caste system evolved as a result of the mixing of European, Indigenous, and African populations in the Spanish colonies. It was a social hierarchy that reinforced Spanish dominance.
Structure:
Peninsulares: Spaniards born in Spain; held top political and religious positions.
Creoles: Spaniards born in the Americas; often wealthy landowners but excluded from top positions.
Mestizos: Mixed European and Native ancestry; worked as artisans, merchants, or farmers.
Mulattos: Mixed European and African ancestry.
Native Americans: Often subjected to forced labor under systems like encomienda.
Africans: Enslaved peoples at the bottom of the hierarchy.
2.3-2.5
Complaints Against the Catholic Church: Corruption (e.g., selling indulgences), abuses of power, lack of biblical authority.
Martin Luther: Posted the 95 Theses (1517), criticizing the Catholic Church and promoting salvation by faith alone; sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Anglican Church: Formed when Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church (1534) to establish the Church of England. Later, under Elizabeth I, the church retained many Protestant and Catholic elements.
Causes: Power struggle between King Charles I (absolutist policies) and Parliament, religious tensions (Puritans vs. Anglicans).
Impact in Colonies: Led to political instability in England, fostering colonial independence. Oliver Cromwell’s rule disrupted colonial trade due to strict policies.
Puritan leader who ruled as Lord Protector after Charles I’s execution. Enforced strict Puritan rule and heavily influenced colonial Puritan attitudes.
Puritans: Wanted to reform the Church of England.
Separatists: Radical Puritans who left the Church entirely.
Pilgrims: A Separatist group that founded Plymouth Plantation in 1620.
Background: Established by Pilgrims fleeing religious persecution.
Early Challenges: Harsh winters, food shortages, disease.
Mayflower Compact: First governing document in New England; established self-governance.
William Bradford: Governor of Plymouth; focused on community and survival.
Goals: Religious freedom and a tight-knit Christian community.
Squanto and Samoset: Natives who helped the settlers adapt to New England.
Less ethnically diverse than the Middle or Southern Colonies but had a variety of Protestant sects (Congregationalists, Separatists).
Emphasized hard work, discipline, and a sense of duty, shaping the economic and cultural foundation of New England.
Background: Founded by Puritans fleeing persecution under James I and Charles I.
John Winthrop: Led the Puritans, delivered the famous “Model of Christian Charity” sermon, calling for a “city upon a hill.”
Calvinism: Belief in predestination; influenced Puritan discipline and focus on morality.
Women were subordinate to men; roles were domestic. Society emphasized marriage, childbearing, and religion.
Challenged Puritan leaders by questioning religious doctrines. Banished and settled in Rhode Island.
Advocated for religious freedom and separation of church and state. Founded Rhode Island as a haven for dissenters.
A government based on religious principles. New England colonies often combined church and state governance.
Consolidation of New England colonies under royal control. Disbanded after the Glorious Revolution.
Bloodless overthrow of King James II. Restored Protestant monarchy and colonial self-governance.
Mass hysteria in 1692; accusations of witchcraft caused panic and executions.
Define: Colonies established during the reign of Charles II after the monarchy was restored.
List: Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware.
Challenges: Political instability, ineffective leadership, reliance on enslaved labor, and an economy based on rice and indigo.
Anthony Ashley Cooper: Key proprietor who struggled to unify the colony.
Founding: Originally Dutch (New Netherland), taken over by the English in 1664 and renamed.
Background: Quaker, received a royal land grant as repayment for debt.
Quaker Beliefs: Pacifism, equality, religious tolerance.
Foundational Ideas: "Holy Experiment" promoting religious freedom and fair treatment of Natives.
Legacy: Model for religious liberty and democratic principles.
Triangular Trade: Exchange of goods, slaves, and raw materials between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Navigation Acts: English laws limiting colonial trade to benefit the mother country; stifled colonial industries.
Initially cooperative but deteriorated due to land disputes and cultural clashes.
Pequot War (1636-37): Colonists and Native allies vs. Pequots; resulted in Pequot subjugation.
Metacom’s War (King Philip’s War, 1675-76): Devastating conflict; colonists ultimately triumphed but faced heavy losses.
Tuscarora War (1711-13): Fought in North Carolina; Tuscaroras defeated and fled north.
Yamasee War (1715-17): Uprising in South Carolina; settlers allied with other tribes to defeat the Yamasee.
King William’s War (1689-97): Part of European conflict; involved Native alliances.
Queen Anne’s War (1702-13): Second of the French and Indian Wars; led to English territorial gains.
King George’s War (1744-48): Third conflict; New England forces captured Louisbourg.
Leader of the Powhatan Confederacy in Virginia. Initially allied with Jamestown settlers but later fought them in a series of conflicts.
Unit 3
Second Continental Congress
Initially divided over whether to seek reconciliation with Britain or push for independence.
Some wanted peace (Olive Branch Petition), others, like John Adams, leaned toward war.
Olive Branch Petition
A final attempt by the Continental Congress to avoid war with Britain. It expressed loyalty to the crown but sought to prevent further hostilities.
Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms
Asserted that Americans had no choice but to take up arms in self-defense after Britain’s actions but stopped short of calling for independence.
Thomas Paine - Common Sense
A powerful pamphlet that argued for complete independence from Britain, emphasizing the absurdity of a small island ruling a continent.
Dunmore's Proclamation
Issued by the Royal Governor of Virginia, offering freedom to enslaved people who joined the British army, creating fear of rebellion among southern colonists.
Declaration of Independence
Controversial in terms of timing and necessity but ultimately a unifying document. Its effects reached beyond the U.S., inspiring movements globally.
British Advantages
A well-trained army, a strong navy, and more resources.
Challenges of War for Americans
Lack of resources, poorly trained militia, no established central government, and internal divisions.
Keys to Victory for Americans
Alliance with France, strategic leadership, guerrilla tactics, and British underestimation of American resolve.
Loyalists
Remained loyal due to economic ties, fear of change, or belief in British governance. Many faced harassment during the war and had to flee post-war, often to Canada.
Native Americans
Divided loyalties; some sided with the British to protect their lands, but the war's outcome weakened their position, as treaties often ignored Native interests.
Women during the War
Took on greater roles at home and in supporting the war effort. Some even fought or served as spies. The war led to some discussions about women's rights.
Impact on African Americans
The revolution sparked ideas of freedom and equality, leading to gradual abolition in northern states, though slavery persisted in the South.
John Adams
Played a key role in advocating for independence and drafting early governing documents.
Judith Sargent Murray
Advocated for women’s education, arguing that women were intellectually equal to men.
Battle of Saratoga
A turning point, leading to France formally allying with the Americans.
Battle of Yorktown
The final major battle, where British General Cornwallis surrendered to American and French forces, effectively ending the war.
Benedict Arnold
Once a hero of the revolution, his betrayal to the British tarnished his legacy.
Sir William Howe
A British general whose indecisiveness allowed the American rebellion to continue.
Nathanael Greene
A key American general, known for his strategy of attrition in the southern campaign.
Prohibitory Act
Britain’s declaration that the colonies were in open rebellion, cutting them off from trade.
State Governments Challenges
Post-war, states struggled with debt, governance, and balancing central authority with state independence.
Statute of Religious Freedom
Authored by Thomas Jefferson, it separated church and state in Virginia, setting a precedent for religious freedom in the U.S.
States Ceding Western Land to Continental Congress
States with western claims ceded them to the national government, allowing for organized western settlement.
Articles of Confederation
Created a weak central government with limited powers, especially in taxation and enforcement.
Ongoing Economic Challenges
The war left the new nation in debt, with inflation and lack of central authority to address trade and economic issues.
Northwest Ordinances
Established a method for admitting new states and outlawed slavery in the Northwest Territory, one of the few successes under the Articles.
Shays' Rebellion
An armed uprising by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic hardships, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
The Founding Fathers were initially divided between those seeking reconciliation with Britain (e.g., John Dickinson) and those pushing for independence (e.g., John Adams). The idea of independence gained majority support after Britain rejected peaceful overtures (like the Olive Branch Petition) and continued military aggression. Influential works like Thomas Paine’s Common Sense galvanized public and political support for a complete break from Britain.
Despite facing a well-funded and trained British army, the Americans won through several factors: French military and financial support, the strategic leadership of George Washington and Nathanael Greene, guerrilla tactics, and British miscalculations. The British also faced logistical challenges, and the long war sapped public support in Britain.
Domestically, the Declaration united the colonies under a common cause and set the ideological foundation for the new nation, based on principles of equality and rights. Internationally, it inspired revolutions and independence movements around the world, particularly in Latin America and France, by promoting the ideas of self-determination and the overthrow of tyrannical rule.
The Founding Fathers feared a strong central authority after their experience with British rule. The Articles of Confederation reflected this fear by limiting the central government’s powers, particularly in taxation and regulating commerce. This led to weaknesses, such as the inability to raise revenue, enforce laws, or maintain a standing army, leaving the government ill-equipped to handle post-war economic and political challenges.
Native Americans were divided, with some siding with the British, hoping to limit colonial expansion, while others aligned with the Americans. Post-war, Native Americans were largely excluded from peace treaties, and the American victory led to increased westward expansion, resulting in the loss of lands and autonomy for many tribes. The war marked the beginning of a more aggressive U.S. policy toward Native peoples.
Quiz Review 3.8-3.11 (209-236)
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
No power to tax: the Federal government could not levy taxes, leading to financial issues
No national army: difficult to protect the nation or maintain order
Lack national central leadership: No executive branch to enforce laws or counts to interpret them
Difficult passing laws: 9 out of 13 states needed to agree, leading to gridlock
No regulation of commerce: Interstate trade was difficult to manage
Constitutional Convention (traditional and critical)
Traditional View: The convention was necessary to the Articles and create a stronger, more unified government
Critical View: It was a reactionary move by the elite to protect their own interests from democratic excesses
Two Views of the Constitution
Federalist: Saw the Constitution as a framework for a strong national government
Anti-Federalists: Feared the loss of states sovereignty and individual rights
Virginia vs New Jersey Plans
Virginia Plan: Representative based on popular ( favored LARGER states)
New Jersey Plan: Equal representation for all states ( favored SMALLER states)
Great Compromise
Created a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation from each state
A compromise of the Virginia Plan and New Jersey
3/5 Compromise
Slaves would count as ⅗ of a person for representation and tax purposes
Separation of Powers
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches: To prevent any one branch from gaining too much power
Madison's Philosophical Contributions (Sovereignty/ Authority)
Sovereignty: Believed in popular sovereignty--power derives from the people
Authority: Advocated for checks and balances to prevent tyranny
Hamilton's Philosophy of Government
Supported a strong central government with a focus on commerce and industry
Hamilton's Economic Plan (National Debt/ State Debt/National Bank/ Taxes) (effects)
National Dept: Wanted to assume state debts to centralize and strengthen a national credit
National Bank: Established to regulate currency and establish the economy
Taxes: introduced excise taxes (like on whiskey) to fund the government
Limits of Democracy Under the new Constitution
Only property--owning white men could vote, and the Senate and President were indirectlu elected
Anti-federalists/ Federalists
Anit-Federalists: Opposed the Constituion, fearing central government power and the lack of a bill of rights
Federalists: Supported the Constitution as it created a strong framework for governance
The federalist Papers
Essays by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay promoting the ratification of the Constitution
National vs Federal System of Government
National System: Centralized authority
Federal System: Power shared between states and national governments
Bill of rights (how/ why it was added)
Added to appease Anti-Federalists, protecting individual liberties and limiting government power
Tenth amendment
Reverses powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people
Judiciary Act of 1789
Established the federal judiciary and created the Supreme Court
Whiskey Rebellion (significance of how it was put down)
Demonstrated the new government’s ability to suppress internal dissent ( significant use of federal power)
Jay's Treaty
Resolved tension with Britain but angered France and many Americans
Pinckney's Treaty
Established friendly relations with Spain, securing access to the Mississippi River
Washington's Farewell Address
Warned against political parties foreign alliances
Naturalization Act
Naturalization Act: Made it harder for immigrants to become citizens
Alien and Sedition Acts
Alien and Sedition Acts: Targeted immigrants and dissents, stifling criticism of the government
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
States’ rights arguments against the Alien and Sedition Acts, asserting that states could nullify federal laws
Birth of Two Party System (Differences between Federalists and Republicans)
Federalists: Led by Hamilton, favored a strong central government
Republicans ( Democratic-Republicans): Led by Jefferson, favored states’s rights and agrarian interests
Successes of Federalists
Strengthened the national government, stabilized the economy, and kept peace with foreign powers ( Jay’s Treaty)
Election of 1796(controversy)
A divided election, leading to a Federalist President ( Adams) and a Republican Vice President ( Jefferson)
XYZ Affair
A diplomatic conflict with France that led to anti-French sentiment and an undeclared Quasi- War
Jefferson's Philosophy of Government
Emphasized limited government, individual freedom, and agrarian
Struggles of Adams
Faced opposition over the Alien and Sedition Acts, foreign policy with France, and the emergence of political factions
Quasi War with France
An undeclared naval conflict sparked by the XYZ Affair
Election of 1800 (Controversy)
A peaceful transfer of power from Federalist to Republican, though the process revealed flaws in the electoral system
Judiciary Act of 1801 (Midnight appointments)
Adams’ last-minute attempt to fill the judiciary with Federalist judges before leaving office
American Identity (women/ art/education/ literature/ language)
Definitions of national identity began forming, though often excluding women, Black Americans, and Native Americans
Role of Native Americans in American Identity
Both groups were marginalized i the formation of American national identity, often depicted negatively or excluded together
Depictions of Black Ameicans in American Identity
Big Questions:
-What were the main questions and debates during the writing of the constitution?
-In what ways did the founding fathers disagree about the meaning of the Constitution?
-How did divisions in the nation form regarding the role of government?
-What did the Federalists do to strengthen the new nation?
-How did the Federal, altists' actionshough successful, create an opposition party?
Explain the difference between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
Describe the main elements of Hamilton’s financial plan and their impact on the early United States.
What was the significance of the Election of 1800, and why is it considered a turning point in American history?
Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution? Which group pushed for it and why?
How did the 3/5 Compromise affect the balance of power between northern and southern states?
Unit 4
4.1-4.4
4.5-4.8
Recruiting Workers: Factories, like Waltham and Lowell, recruited entire families and young girls (Lowell Mill Girls) to work in textile mills.
Agricultural Revolution: Mechanization in farming meant fewer laborers were needed in agriculture, freeing workers for industrial jobs.
Waltham and Lowell Factory Systems: These were models for early American industrialization, employing young women in controlled environments to work in textile mills.
Immigration (1830s-1850s): Large waves of immigrants, especially from Ireland (due to the Potato Famine) and Germany (due to political unrest), settled in urban areas like New York and Boston.
Piecework: Workers were paid per piece they produced, rather than for time worked, leading to a focus on output.
Deskilling: As machines took over skilled labor tasks, workers became less specialized and more easily replaceable.
Mutual Aid Societies: These groups helped immigrant workers and others with financial and social support.
Response of Skilled Artisans: Artisans formed craft unions to protect their jobs and maintain control over their trades as factories took over production.
Express Contract: Workers could legally contract themselves out for specific periods, often limiting their rights.
Craft Unions: Unions were created by skilled artisans to fight for better wages and conditions.
Commonwealth v. Hunt (1842): A landmark court case in which the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that labor unions were not illegal conspiracies.
Labor unions struggled due to hostility from employers, weak worker solidarity, and legal restrictions on collective action.
Causes: Overspeculation in land, unstable banks, and Andrew Jackson's banking policies (like the Specie Circular).
Effects: Economic depression, high unemployment, and bankruptcies.
Movement to Cities: As industries grew, people moved to urban centers for work.
Movement West: Settlers moved west for land and opportunity, encouraged by government policies like the Homestead Act.
Population Growth: Fueled by immigration and high birth rates in the early 19th century.
Nativism: Hostility toward immigrants, particularly Catholics, leading to the formation of secret societies like the Know-Nothing Party.
Irish Immigrants: Fleeing famine, many settled in urban areas, often working in manual labor.
German Immigrants: Settled in the Midwest and rural areas, many were farmers and craftsmen.
Ways Democracy Expanded:
Universal white male suffrage.
The rise of popular campaigning and political rallies.
Expansion of the electorate as property requirements were dropped.
In the 1820s, the Democratic-Republican Party split, leading to the formation of the Democrats (supporting Andrew Jackson) and the Whigs (opposing Jackson).
Election of 1824 (Corrupt Bargain): No candidate won a majority, so the House chose John Quincy Adams, sparking controversy over a supposed deal with Henry Clay.
Election of 1828: Andrew Jackson won, and his opponents mockingly called him a “jackass” (which became the symbol of the Democratic Party).
Philosophy of Government: Jackson supported states' rights but opposed secession. He promoted the “common man” but exercised strong executive power.
Indian Removal Act: Led to the forced relocation of Native Americans, culminating in the Trail of Tears.
Jackson and the Bank: Jackson opposed the Second Bank of the U.S., believing it was too powerful and vetoed its renewal.
Spoils System: Jackson rewarded political supporters with government positions.
National Convention System: Replaced the congressional caucus system for nominating presidential candidates.
Nullification Crisis: South Carolina’s threat to nullify the Tariff of Abominations led to a standoff with Jackson, who asserted federal authority.
Cherokee Nation v. Georgia: The Supreme Court ruled that Native American nations were "domestic dependent nations" under U.S. control.
Mexico and American Settlers: Mexico invited Americans into Texas to develop the area, but tensions over slavery and governance led to conflict.
Adding Texas: The annexation of Texas raised concerns about slavery’s expansion and the balance of power between free and slave states.
Recruiting Workers:
Factories recruited entire families and young girls (e.g., Lowell Mill Girls), providing dormitories and strict rules to maintain order and productivity.
Agricultural Revolution’s Impact:
Innovations like the cotton gin and mechanical reaper reduced the need for farm labor, prompting many workers to seek factory jobs.
Waltham and Lowell Factory Systems:
These textile factories in New England integrated spinning and weaving under one roof, creating efficient production while employing young women.
Origins and Settlement:
Irish: Fleeing the Potato Famine, many settled in cities like Boston and New York, working in low-wage, manual labor jobs.
Germans: Many were political refugees or farmers, settling in the Midwest (e.g., Ohio, Wisconsin) and bringing skilled trades and agriculture.
Piecework:
Workers were paid based on output rather than time, promoting competition but leading to fatigue and job insecurity.
Deskilling:
Machines replaced skilled labor, transforming craftsmen into unskilled factory workers, limiting their independence and bargaining power.
Mutual Aid Societies:
Immigrants and workers formed these organizations to support each other financially and socially during illness or unemployment.
Impact of Market Revolution:
Artisans lost autonomy as factory production expanded, threatening their control over trade and wages.
Response of Skilled Artisans:
They created craft unions to defend their trade, demand better wages, and resist deskilling.
Express Contract:
Contracts specifying labor terms, often used to bind workers to long hours with limited rights.
Craft Unions and Commonwealth v. Hunt (1842):
The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that labor unions were not illegal conspiracies, a win for organized labor.
Why Did Labor Unions Struggle?
Hostility from employers, lack of worker unity, legal challenges, and economic downturns limited union success.
Causes:
Speculation in land, poor banking practices, and Jackson’s Specie Circular (requiring land payments in gold/silver).
Effects:
Widespread bank failures, unemployment, and economic depression.
Movement to Cities:
Industrialization attracted rural workers to urban centers in search of jobs.
Movement West:
Settlers moved west for land and opportunity, fueled by government policies and belief in Manifest Destiny.
Population Growth:
High birth rates and immigration fueled rapid population expansion in the 19th century.
Nativism:
A movement opposing immigrants, particularly Catholics, leading to the formation of groups like the Know-Nothing Party.
Efforts to Restrict Immigrants:
Nativists advocated for immigration limits and restrictions on immigrant voting rights.
Irish and German Immigrants:
Irish laborers dominated urban jobs, while Germans often moved to the Midwest, forming tight-knit communities.
Three Ways Democracy Expanded:
Property requirements for voting were removed, expanding suffrage to most white men.
Electoral processes became more public, with conventions and rallies.
Direct election of presidential electors in many states.
Why Did Democracy Expand?
The idea of the “common man” gained traction, shifting political power away from elites.
Election of 1824 (Corrupt Bargain):
No candidate won a majority in the Electoral College, so the House of Representatives chose John Quincy Adams, allegedly in exchange for making Henry Clay his Secretary of State.
Historical Importance of Secretaries of State:
The Secretary of State was often seen as a stepping stone to the presidency (e.g., Jefferson, Madison, Monroe).
How Did the Democratic-Republican Party Change?
It split into factions, with Andrew Jackson leading the new Democratic Party and others forming the Whigs in opposition.
Election of 1828:
Andrew Jackson, criticized as a "jackass" by opponents, adopted the symbol for his party (Democrats).
Election of 1840:
William Henry Harrison won as a Whig, with a populist campaign emphasizing his frontier roots.
Jackson’s Philosophy:
Believed in a strong presidency, championed the “common man,” but exercised executive power aggressively.
Indian Removal Act and Trail of Tears:
Authorized the relocation of Native Americans west of the Mississippi, leading to the forced migration known as the Trail of Tears.
Gag Rule:
A rule that prevented Congress from discussing anti-slavery petitions to avoid sectional conflict.
Jackson and the Bank:
Jackson vetoed the recharter of the Second Bank of the U.S., seeing it as corrupt and favoring elites.
Jackson’s Use of Veto:
Used the veto more frequently than his predecessors to shape policy.
Spoils System:
Gave government jobs to political supporters, cementing loyalty but leading to corruption.
National Convention System:
Replaced the congressional caucus with national conventions for nominating presidential candidates.
Nullification Crisis:
South Carolina threatened to nullify the Tariff of Abominations (1828) and secede if forced to comply.
Webster-Hayne Debate:
Webster defended federal authority, while Hayne supported states' rights.
Jackson’s Response:
Jackson opposed nullification but also advocated for compromise by lowering the tariff.
The Supreme Court ruled that the Cherokee were a “domestic dependent nation” but lacked the legal standing to sue the U.S., undermining their sovereignty.
Formed in opposition to Jackson’s policies, the Whigs supported a strong federal government, industry, and infrastructure development.
Why Did Mexico Invite Americans into Texas?
To develop the region and buffer against Native American tribes.
Why Didn’t It Work?
Americans brought slaves, violating Mexican laws, and resisted Mexican governance, leading to conflict.
Adding Texas to the U.S.:
The annexation raised fears of war with Mexico and upset the balance between free and slave states.
Van Buren’s Election (1836):
Jackson’s successor, Van Buren, struggled with the Panic of 1837, leading to his political decline.
Virginian Dynasty:
Refers to the dominance of Virginia-born presidents (e.g., Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe) during the early years of the republic.
Unit 5