Age of Jackson

Andrew Jackson - The 7th president of the United States (1829–1837), known for his populist policies and expansion of presidential power.

Jacksonian Democracy - A political movement during Jackson’s presidency that promoted greater democracy for the common man and opposed aristocracy.

Spoils System - The practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs, used extensively by Jackson.

Trail of Tears - The forced relocation of Native American tribes, especially the Cherokee, from their lands to Indian Territory, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Indian Removal Act 1830 - A law passed under Jackson that authorized the forced removal of Native American tribes from their lands in the southeastern U.S. to lands west of the Mississippi River.

Cherokee v Georgia - A Supreme Court case in 1831 where the Cherokee Nation sought federal protection against Georgia's laws; the Court ruled that the Cherokee were a "domestic dependent nation" and not a foreign state.

Worcester v Georgia - A Supreme Court case in 1832 where the Court ruled that Georgia’s laws had no force over Cherokee lands; Jackson ignored the ruling.

John Marshall (Supreme Court) vs Andrew Jackson - Chief Justice John Marshall ruled in favor of Native American sovereignty, but Jackson ignored these rulings, famously saying, "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it."

Nullification Crisis - A conflict in the early 1830s between South Carolina and the federal government over the state’s attempt to nullify a federal tariff.

John C. Calhoun vs. Jackson - Calhoun, Jackson’s vice president, supported states' rights and nullification, leading to a major political rift between him and Jackson.

Tariff of Abominations 1828 - A high protective tariff that angered the South, especially South Carolina, because it harmed their economy by raising the cost of imported goods.

Force Bill - A law passed in 1833 that authorized Jackson to use the military to enforce federal tariffs in response to South Carolina’s nullification attempts.

Compromise Tariff of 1833 - A tariff designed by Henry Clay that gradually lowered rates, helping to resolve the Nullification Crisis peacefully.

Bank War - Jackson’s political struggle against the Second Bank of the United States, which he viewed as corrupt and favoring the elite.

Nicholas Biddle vs. Jackson - Biddle, the president of the Second Bank of the U.S., clashed with Jackson over the bank’s recharter; Jackson ultimately succeeded in destroying it.

Panic of 1837 - A severe economic depression caused by the collapse of the national bank, inflation, and Jackson’s financial policies.

Whig Party - A political party formed in opposition to Jackson’s policies, supporting a strong federal government and economic modernization.

Jackson’s use of the Veto - Jackson used the presidential veto power more than any previous president, often to challenge Congress and assert executive authority.

Kitchen Cabinet - An informal group of advisors who influenced Jackson’s decisions, separate from his official cabinet.

Peggy Eaton Affair - A social scandal involving the wife of Jackson’s Secretary of War, leading to political conflicts within Jackson’s administration.

Formation of the Democratic Party - Jackson and his supporters formally established the Democratic Party, emphasizing states’ rights and the interests of the common man.

Political change seen in the election of 1828 - Marked a shift toward greater voter participation and the rise of Jacksonian Democracy, appealing to the common people rather than elites.

Martin Van Buren - Jackson’s successor and the 8th U.S. president (1837–1841), who faced the economic downturn caused by Jackson’s policies.

South Carolina Exposition and Protest - A document written by John C. Calhoun arguing that states had the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional.

Pet Banks - State banks where Jackson placed federal funds after dismantling the Second Bank of the U.S., contributing to inflation and economic instability.

Expansion during the Age of Jackson - Increased U.S. territorial expansion, including Indian removal and westward migration.

Lone Star Republic - The independent Republic of Texas (1836–1845) after winning independence from Mexico before joining the U.S.

Market Economy - An economic system based on supply and demand, which expanded in the U.S. during Jackson’s era with increased trade and industrialization.