Unit 3: Expansion & the Antebellum Period (1800-1848)

“Revolution” of 1800*

The election of 1800 marked the peaceful transfer of power from the Federalists (Adams) to the Democratic-Republicans (Jefferson). Jefferson called it a “Revolution” because it represented a shift toward limited government, states’ rights, and agrarian ideals. It was the first time in modern history that a government changed hands peacefully through an election.

Thomas Jefferson

As the 3rd president (1801–1809), Jefferson promoted Republican values, reduced the size of the federal government, and believed in strict construction of the Constitution. Ironically, he expanded federal power with the Louisiana Purchase. He also faced foreign policy challenges like the Embargo Act and tensions with Britain and France.

Midnight Judges/Appointments

In the final hours of his presidency, John Adams appointed several Federalist judges to federal courts, known as the “Midnight Judges.” This was part of an effort to keep Federalist influence in the judiciary. It led to Marbury v. Madison, a landmark case defining judicial power.

John Marshall*

As Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (1801–1835), Marshall strengthened the power of the federal government and the judiciary. A staunch Federalist, he presided over landmark cases like Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch v. Maryland, and Gibbons v. Ogden. His decisions promoted national supremacy and judicial independence.

Marbury v. Madison*

Decided in 1803, this case established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional. Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that part of the Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional. This decision significantly increased the power of the judiciary.

Louisiana Purchase*

In 1803, Jefferson bought the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million, doubling the size of the U.S. Though Jefferson had strict constructionist beliefs, he used implied powers to make the deal. It opened vast new lands for exploration and settlement.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

Commissioned by Jefferson after the Louisiana Purchase, this expedition (1804–1806) explored the newly acquired western lands. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, it gathered scientific data, mapped the territory, and established relations with Native tribes. Sacagawea assisted as a guide and translator.

Embargo Act (1807)*

In response to British and French interference with American trade, Jefferson enacted the Embargo Act, banning all U.S. exports. It was meant to pressure Britain and France but ended up hurting American merchants and farmers. It was highly unpopular and was repealed in 1809.

Orders in Council (Britain)

These were British trade restrictions issued in the early 1800s, requiring neutral countries (like the U.S.) to stop at British ports before trading with France. They were part of Britain’s economic warfare with Napoleon. The Orders were one cause of American frustration that led to the War of 1812.

Chesapeake Affair

In 1807, a British warship attacked the American USS Chesapeake, killing and impressing American sailors. This violation of U.S. sovereignty outraged the public and escalated tensions with Britain. It helped push Jefferson toward the Embargo Act.

Barbary Pirates

In the early 1800s, North African pirates demanded tribute from U.S. ships in the Mediterranean. Jefferson refused to keep paying, leading to the First Barbary War (1801–1805). It was an early test of American naval power and the U.S. asserting its independence abroad.

War Hawks

A group of young Democratic-Republicans in Congress, like Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, who pushed for war with Britain around 1811. They were motivated by British impressment, interference with trade, and support for Native resistance. Their pressure helped lead to the War of 1812.

James Madison*

Madison, the 4th president (1809–1817) and “Father of the Constitution,” led the nation during the War of 1812. He was a Democratic-Republican and faced intense pressure from War Hawks and threats to U.S. neutrality. Though the war was inconclusive, it boosted U.S. nationalism and independence.

Tecumseh

A powerful Shawnee leader, Tecumseh tried to unite Native tribes in resistance to U.S. expansion. He opposed U.S. land treaties and aligned with Britain during the War of 1812. He died at the Battle of the Thames (1813), and his movement collapsed soon after.

War of 1812*

Fought between the U.S. and Britain (1812–1815), the war was caused by impressment, British interference with trade, and Native American resistance (often British-supported). It had inconclusive military results but boosted nationalism and confirmed American independence. The war ended with the Treaty of Ghent, restoring pre-war conditions.

Battle of New Orleans

Fought after the peace treaty had been signed, this 1815 battle was a major American victory led by Andrew Jackson. It crushed British forces and made Jackson a national hero. The battle boosted American morale and gave the impression the U.S. had “won” the war.

Hartford Convention

In 1814–1815, Federalists from New England met to express opposition to the War of 1812 and proposed constitutional changes to limit Republican power. Some delegates hinted at secession, which made them appear unpatriotic after the victory at New Orleans. The event helped kill the Federalist Party.

Treaty of Ghent

Signed in 1814, this treaty ended the War of 1812 and restored territorial boundaries to the status quo ante bellum (pre-war state). It didn’t address the original causes of the war (like impressment), but both sides agreed to stop fighting. It marked the beginning of improved U.S.–British relations.

Era of Good Feelings*

This term describes the period during James Monroe’s presidency (1817–1825), marked by a sense of national unity and the collapse of the Federalist Party. Though it seemed peaceful, the era saw rising sectional tensions, economic instability (Panic of 1819), and debates over slavery. The name reflects the surface-level harmony.

Henry Clay*

A powerful statesman from Kentucky, Clay was known as the “Great Compromiser.” He promoted the American System and helped engineer key agreements like the Missouri Compromise. He was a War Hawk, Speaker of the House, and later a leading Whig.

American System*

Proposed by Henry Clay, the American System aimed to promote national economic growth through three parts: a national bank, protective tariffs, and internal improvements (roads and canals). It reflected a belief in federal support for the economy. It was popular in the North, but opposed in the South and West.

Panic of 1819

The first major economic depression in U.S. history, caused by overspeculation, risky lending from wildcat banks, and a decline in cotton prices. It led to widespread foreclosures, unemployment, and distrust of banks and the Second Bank of the U.S. The crisis hit the West especially hard.

“Wildcat” banks

These were unregulated, state-chartered banks that sprang up during the early 1800s, especially in the West. They issued risky paper money not backed by hard currency, fueling land speculation and contributing to the Panic of 1819. Many failed when people tried to redeem their banknotes.

Missouri Compromise*

Passed in 1820, this agreement allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining balance in the Senate. It banned slavery north of the 36°30’ line in the rest of the Louisiana Territory. It temporarily calmed sectional tensions over slavery.

Tallmadge Amendment

Proposed during Missouri’s application for statehood, it would have banned the expansion of slavery into Missouri and required gradual emancipation. It passed the House but failed in the Senate. The fierce debate revealed deepening sectional divides over slavery.

Peculiar institution

This was a euphemism used by Southerners to refer to slavery without using the term itself. It highlighted the unique and controversial nature of slavery in a country founded on liberty. The phrase became more common as sectional tensions over slavery grew.

James Monroe

The 5th president (1817–1825), Monroe presided over the Era of Good Feelings and supported national unity. His presidency saw the Missouri Compromise, Panic of 1819, and the Monroe Doctrine. He was the last of the Virginia dynasty presidents.

Monroe Doctrine*

Announced in 1823, it declared that the Western Hemisphere was closed to further European colonization or interference. It promised the U.S. would stay out of European affairs in return. Though not immediately enforceable, it became a long-term cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.

John C. Calhoun*

A Southern politician from South Carolina, Calhoun was a War Hawk, Vice President, and later a leading pro-slavery and states’ rights advocate. He supported nullification and the idea that states could void federal laws. He played a key role in sectional debates leading to the Civil War.

Adams-Onís Treaty

In 1819, this treaty between the U.S. and Spain gave Florida to the U.S. and defined the western boundary of the Louisiana Territory. In exchange, the U.S. gave up claims to Texas. It reflected growing American expansionism and diplomatic assertiveness.

Marshall Court Decisions (All strengthened federal power):

McCulloch v. Maryland*

In 1819, the Supreme Court ruled that states could not tax the national bank, reinforcing the supremacy of federal laws. It also upheld the constitutionality of the Bank of the U.S. using the Necessary and Proper Clause. It confirmed implied powers for the federal government.

Cohens v. Virginia

In 1821, the Supreme Court reaffirmed its power to review state court decisions in cases involving federal law. It upheld a conviction but emphasized federal judicial supremacy. It was another assertion of the Supreme Court’s authority over the states.

Dartmouth College v. Woodward

In 1819, the Court protected private contracts by ruling that New Hampshire could not alter Dartmouth’s charter. It emphasized the sanctity of contracts under the Constitution’s Contract Clause. This decision limited state interference in private business affairs.

Fletcher v. Peck

This 1810 case was the first time the Supreme Court struck down a state law as unconstitutional. It involved a corrupt land deal in Georgia but upheld the sanctity of contracts, even if fraud was involved. It marked a precedent for judicial review of state laws.

Gibbons v. Ogden

In 1824, the Court ruled that only Congress could regulate interstate commerce, not individual states. It invalidated a New York monopoly on steamboat traffic. This ruling strengthened federal control of the economy.

John Quincy Adams

The 6th U.S. president (1825–1829), Adams was elected in the controversial Election of 1824 through the alleged Corrupt Bargain with Henry Clay. His presidency focused on internal improvements and a strong national government, but he faced major opposition from Jacksonian Democrats. He later became a strong anti-slavery advocate in Congress.

Andrew Jackson*

The 7th U.S. president (1829–1837), Jackson was a champion of the “common man” and a fierce opponent of elite institutions. His presidency was marked by the Indian Removal Act, the Nullification Crisis, the Bank War, and the expansion of executive power. He founded the modern Democratic Party and changed American politics through Jacksonian Democracy.

Corrupt Bargain

Refers to the 1824 election in which Henry Clay allegedly used his influence in the House to secure John Quincy Adams’s victory over Andrew Jackson, in exchange for being named Secretary of State. Jackson supporters viewed it as a betrayal of the popular will. It haunted Adams’ presidency and helped Jackson win in 1828.

Spoils System*

Jackson’s practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs after his 1828 victory. It was meant to democratize government but led to widespread patronage and corruption. It reflected Jackson’s belief in rotating officeholders to prevent entrenchment.

Tariff of 1828 (Abominations)

A high protective tariff passed during Adams’ presidency that angered the South, especially South Carolina, which saw it as economically harmful. It led to the Nullification Crisis and helped Jackson win Southern support in 1828. The South called it the “Tariff of Abominations.”

Nullification Crisis (1832)*

Sparked by South Carolina’s refusal to enforce the Tariff of 1832, claiming states had the right to nullify federal laws. John C. Calhoun led the movement, but Jackson responded firmly, asserting federal supremacy. The crisis was defused with the Compromise Tariff of 1833, but tensions over states’ rights remained.

Force Bill of 1833

Passed during the Nullification Crisis, it authorized President Jackson to use the military to enforce federal tariffs in South Carolina. It was a strong assertion of federal authority over the states. It was passed alongside the Compromise Tariff to resolve the crisis peacefully.

Indian Removal Act*

Passed in 1830, this law authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes living east of the Mississippi to lands west of it. Jackson claimed it would protect Native culture, but it led to violent removals and loss of Native land. It resulted in the Trail of Tears.

Worcester v. Georgia*

In this 1832 Supreme Court case, the Court ruled that Georgia had no authority over Cherokee lands, affirming tribal sovereignty. However, Jackson refused to enforce the decision, reportedly saying, “John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it.” It exposed limits of judicial power against executive authority.

Trail of Tears

The forced march of Cherokee and other tribes from their ancestral lands to present-day Oklahoma during the 1830s. Thousands died from disease, starvation, and exposure along the route. It was a direct result of the Indian Removal Act and Jackson’s policies.

The Bank War*

Jackson’s campaign to destroy the Second Bank of the United States, which he viewed as elitist and unconstitutional. He vetoed the recharter bill and withdrew federal funds, placing them in pet banks. The move destabilized the economy and contributed to the Panic of 1837.

Specie Circular

Issued by Jackson in 1836, it required that public land be purchased with gold or silver (specie) instead of paper money. Intended to curb land speculation, it led to a sharp drop in land sales and a credit crunch. It was one cause of the Panic of 1837.

Panic of 1837

A major economic depression triggered by the Specie Circular, bank failures, and the collapse of land speculation. It hit just after Van Buren took office, dooming his presidency. The depression led to widespread unemployment and poverty.

Daniel Webster*

A leading Whig senator and orator from Massachusetts, Webster was a fierce defender of federal authority and the Union. He clashed with Calhoun over nullification and helped negotiate compromises on slavery and tariffs. His speeches shaped nationalism and constitutional interpretation.

Martin Van Buren

The 8th president (1837–1841), Van Buren inherited the Panic of 1837 and stuck to laissez-faire economics, refusing major federal intervention. A skilled politician, he had helped organize the Democratic Party and had been Jackson’s vice president. His presidency was marred by economic turmoil.

William Henry Harrison

A Whig and war hero from the Battle of Tippecanoe, he won the 1840 election using the slogan “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too.” He gave the longest inaugural address in history and died just one month into his term, making him the shortest-serving president.

Jacksonian Democracy*

This political movement expanded voting rights to all white men, emphasized the power of the “common man,” and supported limited federal government. Jacksonian Democrats opposed monopolies, the national bank, and elites. It marked a shift toward more popular participation in politics.

John Tyler

Elected vice president in 1840, he became president after Harrison’s death. Though technically a Whig, Tyler held Democratic values and often clashed with his own party. He vetoed many Whig bills and was eventually abandoned by both sides.

Second Party System*

Refers to the rivalry between Democrats (Jackson supporters) and Whigs (opponents) from the 1830s to the 1850s. It featured expanded voter turnout, strong party organization, and regional divides. Key issues included banks, tariffs, internal improvements, and the role of federal power.

Whig Party*

Formed in opposition to Andrew Jackson, the Whigs supported Congressional supremacy, internal improvements, protective tariffs, and a national bank. Their leaders included Henry Clay and Daniel Webster. The party attracted Northern business interests and Southern planters but collapsed over the issue of slavery by the 1850s.

Commonwealth v. Hunt

An important Massachusetts Supreme Court case (1842) that legalized labor unions and the right to strike. The ruling stated that unions were not conspiracies and that workers had the right to organize for better wages and conditions. It marked a significant victory for labor rights during the early industrial period.

Cult of Domesticity*

A prevailing belief in the 19th century that a woman’s place was in the home, focusing on her roles as wife and mother. It emphasized qualities like piety, purity, domesticity, and submission. It reinforced the separation between the public and private spheres, restricting women’s involvement in the workforce and politics.

McCormick’s Reaper

An invention by Cyrus McCormick in 1831 that revolutionized grain harvesting. The mechanical reaper dramatically increased the efficiency of farming by enabling one worker to cut and gather grain much faster than manual methods. It played a key role in transforming agriculture and promoting large-scale farming in the North.

Morse’s Telegraph

Invented by Samuel Morse in the 1830s, this communication device used electrical signals to send messages over long distances. The telegraph transformed business, journalism, and personal communication, as it allowed for near-instantaneous transmission of information across vast distances, becoming the precursor to modern communication networks.

Singer’s Sewing Machine

Invented by Isaac Singer in 1851, this machine revolutionized the textile industry by greatly increasing the speed and efficiency of garment production. Singer’s machine made it possible to mass-produce clothing, leading to the rise of the ready-made clothing industry. It also made sewing more accessible to households, with Singer introducing installment payments to increase accessibility.

Whitney’s Cotton Gin

Invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, the cotton gin made cotton processing much faster by separating seeds from cotton fibers. It greatly increased cotton production, especially in the South, and helped solidify the region’s economy based on slavery. The cotton gin led to the rise of “King Cotton” and contributed to the expansion of the slavery system.

Deere’s Steel Plow

Invented by John Deere in 1837, the steel plow allowed farmers to break through the tough, sticky soil of the Midwest with greater ease. It played a pivotal role in the expansion of agriculture, particularly in the Great Plains, enabling farmers to cultivate large tracts of land and contribute to the nation’s agricultural output.

Fulton’s Steamboat

Developed by Robert Fulton in 1807, the steamboat was a breakthrough in transportation, enabling ships to travel faster and against the current. It transformed river and waterway transport, reducing travel time and costs, and played a critical role in opening up trade routes along the Mississippi River and other American rivers.

Erie Canal

Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal was a man-made waterway that connected Lake Erie to the Hudson River, facilitating trade between the Midwest and the East Coast. It played a central role in the Transportation Revolution, reducing the cost of shipping goods, expanding markets, and helping New York City become the nation’s commercial hub.

Lowell System/Mills

A labor and production model used in the Lowell Mills in Massachusetts during the early 19th century. It employed young women, often from rural areas, to work in textile mills under strict conditions. The system combined workplace discipline, affordable housing, and educational opportunities, but also faced criticisms for poor labor conditions and exploitation.

Transportation Revolution*

Refers to the period of significant changes in transportation infrastructure in the early 19th century, including the construction of canals, railroads, and the advent of the steamboat. It revolutionized the way goods and people moved across the country, facilitating the growth of regional and national economies and accelerating the Market Revolution.

Market Revolution*

A transformation in the economy in the early 19th century marked by the rise of capitalism, the growth of factories, and the development of new transportation and communication networks. It led to the expansion of commercial agriculture, the growth of cities, and the rise of a wage-labor workforce. This revolution also spurred social changes, including the rise of the middle class and the development of a consumer economy.

American Temperance Society

Founded in 1826, the American Temperance Society was one of the first nationwide organizations to address the negative effects of alcohol consumption. It advocated for prohibition or moderation in drinking, arguing that alcohol was a destructive force for families and society. The movement gained significant momentum in the early 19th century, influencing laws and social attitudes toward alcohol.

Charles Finney

Charles Grandison Finney was a prominent preacher during the Second Great Awakening in the early 19th century. Known for his innovative revivalist methods, he emphasized individual salvation and the possibility of moral perfection. Finney’s teachings helped spread the social gospel and promoted the idea that human effort could reform society and end injustices like slavery.

Dorothea Dix

A 19th-century advocate for the mentally ill, Dorothea Dix campaigned for better treatment and the establishment of mental hospitals. Her work led to the reform of mental health care in the United States, with her efforts eventually leading to the creation of asylums designed to provide more humane conditions for those with mental illnesses.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

A leading figure in the early women’s rights movement, Elizabeth Cady Stanton co-organized the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. Stanton was instrumental in drafting the Declaration of Sentiments, which called for equal rights for women, including suffrage. Her work laid the groundwork for the women’s suffrage movement and broader gender equality reforms.

Horace Mann

Known as the father of American public education, Horace Mann was an advocate for universal education and played a central role in the establishment of public schools. He worked to create a state-supported education system that was accessible to all children, regardless of their background, and emphasized moral and intellectual development.

Henry David Thoreau

A central figure in the Transcendentalist movement, Henry David Thoreau is best known for his essay “Civil Disobedience”, in which he argued for nonviolent resistance to unjust laws. Thoreau’s experiment of living in isolation at Walden Pond also reflected his belief in the importance of personal reflection, nature, and the rejection of materialism.

Lucretia Mott

An early women’s rights activist and abolitionist, Lucretia Mott was one of the organizers of the Seneca Falls Convention and a co-author of the Declaration of Sentiments. Her advocacy for gender equality and social reform made her a key figure in the 19th-century movements for both women’s rights and abolition.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

A leading figure in the Transcendentalist movement, Ralph Waldo Emerson emphasized the importance of the individual, self-reliance, and a deep connection with nature. His works, such as “Self-Reliance”, called for a break from societal conventions and the exploration of personal spirituality. Emerson influenced both literature and social reform during the 19th century.

Second Great Awakening

A religious revival that began in the late 18th century and peaked in the early 19th century, the Second Great Awakening spread across the United States and emphasized individual salvation, emotional preaching, and moral reform. It encouraged a wave of reform movements, including the abolition of slavery, temperance, and women’s rights. The awakening had a profound influence on American religious life and social activism.

Seneca Falls Convention

The Seneca Falls Convention, held in 1848, was the first major women’s rights convention in the United States. Organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, it produced the Declaration of Sentiments, which demanded equal rights for women, including the right to vote. The convention marked the beginning of the formal organized women’s suffrage movement.

Susan B. Anthony

A leading suffragist and abolitionist, Susan B. Anthony was a key figure in the 19th-century fight for women’s voting rights. She co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association and worked tirelessly for women’s political and civil rights, including women’s right to vote, contributing to the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment.

Transcendentalism

Transcendentalism was a philosophical and literary movement in the 19th century that emphasized the importance of individual intuition, the beauty of nature, and the potential for human goodness. Prominent figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau believed in self-reliance, nonconformity, and the spiritual connection between humans and nature. It encouraged a break from traditional institutions and fostered social reform.

Utopian Communities

In the early 19th century, a number of utopian communities were established in the United States, inspired by idealistic visions of a perfect society. These communities, such as Brook Farm and the Oneida Community, experimented with alternative social and economic systems, aiming to create harmonious, cooperative societies. Although most of these experiments eventually failed, they left a lasting influence on American social reform.

Texan Independence

Texan Independence refers to the successful revolt of settlers in Texas against Mexico in 1836, resulting in the creation of the Republic of Texas. Tensions had been rising due to disputes over slavery, governance, and cultural differences between Anglo settlers and Mexican authorities. After the Battle of San Jacinto, led by Sam Houston, Texas gained independence, but it was not immediately annexed by the United States.

Annexation of Texas

In 1845, the Annexation of Texas was the process by which the Republic of Texas became a state in the United States. The move was controversial, particularly because it would add a large territory that would likely support slavery. It also intensified tensions with Mexico, who still considered Texas part of its territory, contributing to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War.

“Fifty-four forty or fight!”

This was a slogan used during the 1844 presidential election by supporters of James K. Polk and the idea of Manifest Destiny. It referred to the northern latitude line (54° 40’) of the disputed Oregon Territory and called for American control of the entire region. The slogan captured the intense desire to expand U.S. territory and played a role in the negotiation of the Oregon Treaty with Britain.

James K. Polk

James K. Polk was the 11th president of the United States (1845–1849) and is best known for his role in fulfilling the goal of Manifest Destiny. He presided over the Mexican-American War, which resulted in the acquisition of large territories in the West through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Polk also oversaw the Oregon Territory settlement and the annexation of Texas.

Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny was the belief that it was the United States’ divinely ordained mission to expand across the North American continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This ideology drove westward expansion, including the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Trail migration, and the war with Mexico. It was central to American politics in the 1840s and 1850s and justified the forced removal of Native Americans.

Mexican War

The Mexican War (1846–1848) was a conflict between the United States and Mexico, stemming from the U.S. annexation of Texas and territorial disputes. The war ended with a decisive U.S. victory and the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which led to the acquisition of vast territories in the Southwest, including California, Nevada, and Arizona. The war was controversial, with significant opposition from Whigs and abolitionists.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in 1848, ending the Mexican-American War. In exchange for $15 million, Mexico ceded a large portion of its northern territories to the United States, including modern-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and other southwestern lands. The treaty also established the Rio Grande as the border between the U.S. and Mexico.

Oregon Trail

The Oregon Trail was a 2,000-mile route used by pioneers traveling westward to settle in the Oregon Territory during the 1840s and 1850s. It began in Missouri and ended in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. The trail was a symbol of westward expansion and was critical in fulfilling the goal of Manifest Destiny.

Sam Houston

Sam Houston was a military leader and politician who played a key role in securing Texan Independence from Mexico. He led the Texian forces to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, forcing Santa Anna to sign the Treaty of Velasco, which recognized Texan independence. Houston later became the first president of the Republic of Texas and a U.S. senator after Texas was annexed.

Peggy Eaton Affair

The Peggy Eaton Affair was a political scandal during Andrew Jackson’s presidency involving the wife of Secretary of War John Eaton, Peggy Eaton. She was socially ostracized by other cabinet wives, leading to a rift within Jackson’s administration. Jackson supported Peggy, which led to the resignation of several cabinet members and the reshuffling of his cabinet, demonstrating Jackson’s loyalty and his commitment to reforming Washington politics.

Maysville Road Veto

In 1830, President Andrew Jackson vetoed the Maysville Road Bill, which would have funded the construction of a road in Kentucky. Jackson argued that it was a local project benefiting only one state and that federal funds should not be used for state-specific internal improvements. This veto was part of Jackson’s broader opposition to federal funding for internal infrastructure projects, which he believed should be left to state governments.