Louisiana Purchase (1803)
The United States acquired roughly 828,000 square miles of territory from France, effectively doubling the size of the nation. This deal was negotiated by President Thomas Jefferson and facilitated westward expansion.
Embargo Act (1807)
Enacted by President Jefferson, this law prohibited American ships from trading with foreign nations in response to British and French interference with American merchant vessels. The act aimed to protect U.S. interests but eventually harmed the American economy.
Hartford Convention (1814)
A meeting of New England Federalists during the War of 1812, where grievances were expressed over the war and the federal government. Some delegates discussed secession, leading to the decline of the Federalist Party when the war ended favorably for the U.S.
American System (1816)
Proposed by Henry Clay, it aimed at economic development through a national bank, tariffs to protect emerging American industries, and internal improvements (like roads and canals) to facilitate trade.
Missouri Compromise (1820)
A critical agreement that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state to maintain the balance of power in Congress. It also established a line (36°30') to determine slave and free state boundaries in the Louisiana Purchase territory.
Corrupt Bargain (1824)
Refers to the controversial election where none of the candidates won a majority, leading to the House of Representatives deciding the outcome. John Quincy Adams was elected president, and it was alleged that he made a deal with Henry Clay, which angered supporters of Andrew Jackson and led to political strife.
Indian Removal Act (1830)
Signed by President Andrew Jackson, this act facilitated the forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the Southeast to designated "Indian Territory" west of the Mississippi River, leading to the infamous Trail of Tears.
Hayne-Webster Debate (1830)
A series of debates in the Senate between Senator Robert Hayne of South Carolina and Senator Daniel Webster of Massachusetts. It focused on states' rights versus federal authority, especially concerning tariff legislation and nullification.
Nullification Crisis (1833)
A confrontation between South Carolina and the federal government over tariffs. South Carolina attempted to nullify federal tariffs, leading to a significant test of federal power versus states' rights. Eventually, a compromise led to the reduction of tariffs.
Great Migration (1840s)
A period marked by the mass movement of millions of Americans, particularly African Americans escaping from the rural South to northern cities and to the west, driven by a quest for economic opportunities and escaping the institution of slavery.
War of 1812 (1812-1815)
A conflict between the United States and Great Britain over maritime rights and issues related to trade, impressment of American sailors, and British support of Native American attacks. This war fostered a sense of national unity and identity, as the U.S. successfully defended itself against foreign threats.
Second Great Awakening (1790s-1840s)
A widespread religious revival movement that emphasized individual piety, emotional experience, and personal salvation. It significantly influenced American culture and politics, contributing to social reforms and the rise of various reform movements, including abolitionism and women's rights.
Seneca Falls Convention (1848)
The first women's rights convention, held in Seneca Falls, New York, where activists like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott discussed the social, civil, and religious rights of women. The event produced the "Declaration of Sentiments," outlining demands for women's suffrage and equality.
Manifest Destiny (1840s)
The belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the American continents was both justified and inevitable. This idea shaped the national identity and drove territorial expansion, contributing to significant events like the annexation of Texas and the Oregon Trail migration.
Mexican-American War (1846-1848)
A conflict between the United States and Mexico that stemmed from U.S. annexation of Texas and territorial disputes. The war resulted in a significant territorial gain for the U.S., including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and more, shaping American identity through the lens of expansionism.
Abolition Movement (1830s-1850s)
A social movement aimed at ending slavery in the United States, led by notable figures such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman. This movement was pivotal in shaping American moral and political landscapes and set the stage for the Civil War.
Transcendentalism (1830s-1850s)
A philosophical movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, emphasizing individualism, self-reliance, and a deep connection to nature. Prominent figures included Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, who influenced American thought and culture with their ideas about morality, society, and the human experience.
Market Revolution (1820s-1840s)
A period of rapid economic transformation marked by the growth of factories, transportation improvements, and the rise of a capitalist economy. This revolution reshaped American society and contributed to the emergence of a distinct American identity, characterized by increased consumerism and changing labor dynamics.
Panic of 1837 (1837)
A financial crisis that led to a severe economic depression, impacting farmers, merchants, and laborers. The panic highlighted the vulnerabilities of the American economy, fostering discussions about banking reform and economic policy that shaped future political debates.