History(jackson) flashcards

Key Terms:

Jacksonian Democracy: A political movement that emphasized greater democracy for the common man and was characterized by expanded suffrage, a focus on the "common people," and opposition to elitism.

Andrew Jackson: The 7th President of the United States (1829-1837), known for his populist style of leadership, his role in the Indian Removal Act, and his opposition to the national bank.

Election of 1824: A controversial presidential election where John Quincy Adams was chosen as president by the House of Representatives after no candidate secured a majority in the Electoral College, despite Andrew Jackson winning the popular vote. Known as the "Corrupt Bargain."

Spoils System: A practice initiated by Andrew Jackson in which political supporters were rewarded with government positions, promoting loyalty to the president but often criticized for encouraging corruption.

Tariff of 1828: Also known as the "Tariff of Abominations," it was a protective tariff that angered Southern states because it raised prices on imported goods, harming their economies.

Kitchen Cabinet: An informal group of advisors who were close to Andrew Jackson and influenced his decisions, bypassing the formal cabinet.

Tariff of 1832: A revised tariff intended to reduce the rates from the Tariff of 1828 but failed to satisfy Southern opposition, leading to the Nullification Crisis.

Nullification Crisis: A conflict during Jackson’s presidency in which South Carolina declared federal tariffs null and void within the state and threatened secession, leading to a showdown over states' rights versus federal authority.

Force Bill: Legislation passed in 1833 authorizing President Jackson to use military force to enforce federal tariffs, aimed at resolving the Nullification Crisis.

Compromise of 1833: A tariff compromise proposed by Henry Clay that gradually reduced tariff rates and helped end the Nullification Crisis peacefully.

Bank War: A political struggle between Andrew Jackson and supporters of the Second Bank of the United States, which Jackson viewed as a monopoly that favored the elite. He ultimately vetoed its recharter and removed federal deposits from the bank.

Indian Removal Act: A law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes to lands west of the Mississippi River, leading to widespread displacement and suffering.Trail of Tears: The

forced removal and migration of the Cherokee and other tribes from their ancestral lands, resulting in significant loss of life due to harsh conditions.

Worcester v. Georgia: A Supreme Court case in 1832 that ruled that Georgia’s laws had no authority within Cherokee territory, affirming tribal sovereignty. Jackson ignored the ruling, leading to continued Native American displacement.

Pet Banks: State banks where Andrew Jackson deposited federal funds after dismantling the Second Bank of the United States, leading to inflation and economic instability.

Panic of 1837: An economic crisis triggered by speculative lending, the collapse of the banking system, and Jackson’s financial policies, including the Specie Circular.

Whig Party: A political party formed in opposition to Andrew Jackson’s policies, advocating for a strong federal government, protective tariffs, and infrastructure improvements.

William Henry Harrison: The 9th President of the United States, a Whig candidate who won the 1840 election but died shortly after taking office, serving the shortest presidency in U.S. history.

John Tyler: The 10th President of the United States, who succeeded Harrison after his death. Though elected as a Whig, he often opposed the party’s policies.

Martin Van Buren: The 8th President of the United States and a key ally of Andrew Jackson, often blamed for the Panic of 1837 due to his continuation of Jacksonian policies.