Glossary
Battle of New Orleans
A major American victory in the War of 1812, fought after the Treaty of Ghent had been signed, solidifying Andrew Jackson's reputation as a war hero.
Example:
Despite being fought after the official end of hostilities, the Battle of New Orleans was a significant morale booster for the young United States.
Cherokee Nation v. Georgia
A 1831 Supreme Court case in which the Cherokee Nation sought to prevent Georgia from seizing their lands, but the Court ruled it lacked jurisdiction.
Example:
In Cherokee Nation v. Georgia, Chief Justice John Marshall described the Cherokee as a 'domestic dependent nation,' but the ruling did not prevent their removal.
Compromise Tariff of 1833
A tariff proposed by Henry Clay that gradually lowered the protective tariffs over several years, helping to resolve the Nullification Crisis.
Example:
The Compromise Tariff of 1833 provided a peaceful resolution to the Nullification Crisis, preventing a direct confrontation between South Carolina and the federal government.
Corrupt Bargain
The accusation made by Andrew Jackson's supporters that Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams conspired to make Adams president in the 1824 election.
Example:
Jackson's followers believed the appointment of Henry Clay as Secretary of State after Clay's support for Adams in the House was evidence of a Corrupt Bargain.
Democratic Party
One of the two major political parties in the United States, formed in the 1820s under Andrew Jackson, advocating for states' rights and limited federal government.
Example:
The Democratic Party emerged as the dominant political force during the Age of Jackson, championing the cause of the 'common man'.
Election of 1824
A presidential election where no candidate won an electoral majority, leading to the House of Representatives deciding the outcome.
Example:
The controversial Election of 1824 is often remembered for the 'Corrupt Bargain' that brought John Quincy Adams to the presidency.
Election of 1828
A pivotal presidential election that saw Andrew Jackson win a decisive victory, marking a shift towards greater popular participation in politics.
Example:
The Election of 1828 was characterized by intense mudslinging and a significant increase in voter turnout, ushering in the Age of Jackson.
Expanded Suffrage
The broadening of voting rights to a larger portion of the population, particularly the removal of property qualifications for white men in the early 19th century.
Example:
The era of Jacksonian Democracy saw significant Expanded Suffrage, allowing more 'common men' to participate in the political process.
Force Bill
A bill passed by Congress during the Nullification Crisis, authorizing President Jackson to use military force to enforce federal tariffs.
Example:
Jackson's determination to uphold federal law was evident when he pushed for the Force Bill in response to South Carolina's nullification.
Henry Clay
A prominent American statesman from Kentucky, known for his role in the 'Corrupt Bargain' and his promotion of the American System.
Example:
Henry Clay was a key figure in the House of Representatives during the 1824 election, ultimately throwing his support behind John Quincy Adams.
Indian Removal Act
A law passed in 1830 authorizing the president to negotiate with Native American tribes for their removal from ancestral lands in the southeastern United States.
Example:
The Indian Removal Act paved the way for the forced displacement of thousands of Native Americans, despite Supreme Court rulings.
John C. Calhoun
A leading Southern politician and political theorist who served as Vice President and was a strong advocate for states' rights and nullification.
Example:
John C. Calhoun developed the doctrine of nullification, arguing that states could reject federal laws they deemed unconstitutional.
John Quincy Adams
The sixth U.S. President, whose election in 1824 was controversial and who faced significant opposition from Jacksonian Democrats.
Example:
John Quincy Adams' presidency was largely hampered by the lingering accusations of the 'Corrupt Bargain' and a lack of popular mandate.
Kitchen Cabinet
An informal group of trusted advisors to President Andrew Jackson, who met in the White House kitchen, often bypassing his official cabinet.
Example:
Jackson's reliance on his Kitchen Cabinet demonstrated his distrust of established political figures and his preference for loyal, informal counsel.
Martin Van Buren
The eighth U.S. President, who served after Andrew Jackson and inherited the economic crisis of the Panic of 1837.
Example:
Martin Van Buren's presidency was largely defined by the severe economic depression that began shortly after he took office.
Mudslinging Campaign
A political campaign strategy characterized by personal attacks, insults, and accusations against an opponent rather than focusing on policy issues.
Example:
The 1828 presidential race was notorious for its Mudslinging Campaign, with both Jackson and Adams facing harsh personal attacks.
National Bank Battle
The political struggle between President Andrew Jackson and the Second Bank of the United States, which Jackson viewed as unconstitutional and a tool of the wealthy elite.
Example:
Jackson's National Bank Battle culminated in his veto of the bank's recharter and the withdrawal of federal deposits, leading to economic instability.
Nullification Crisis
A political confrontation between the U.S. federal government and South Carolina over the latter's attempt to declare federal tariffs null and void within the state.
Example:
The Nullification Crisis of 1832-1833 tested the limits of states' rights versus federal authority, with South Carolina threatening secession.
Panic of 1837
A severe economic depression in the United States caused by various factors, including Jackson's banking policies and speculative lending.
Example:
The Panic of 1837 led to widespread bank failures, high unemployment, and a prolonged economic downturn during Martin Van Buren's presidency.
Patronage
The power to control appointments to office or the right to privileges, often used by political leaders to reward supporters.
Example:
The Patronage system under Jackson was criticized for prioritizing political loyalty over competence in government appointments.
Peggy Eaton Affair
A social scandal involving the wife of Jackson's Secretary of War, which led to the resignation of most of Jackson's cabinet.
Example:
The Peggy Eaton Affair highlighted the social dynamics and personal loyalties within Jackson's administration, leading him to rely more on his 'Kitchen Cabinet'.
Pet Banks
State banks chosen by President Jackson to receive federal deposits removed from the Second Bank of the United States.
Example:
The influx of federal funds into Pet Banks contributed to speculative lending and an unstable financial environment.
Second Party System
The political party system in the United States from the 1820s to the 1850s, characterized by the dominance of the Democratic and Whig parties.
Example:
The emergence of the Democrats and Whigs solidified the Second Party System, shaping American politics for several decades.
Sectionalism
Loyalty to one's own region or section of the country, rather than to the country as a whole, often leading to conflicts of interest.
Example:
The debate over the Tariff of Abominations intensified Sectionalism between the industrial North and the agricultural South.
Specie Circular
An executive order issued by President Jackson requiring that all public lands be purchased with gold or silver (specie) rather than paper money.
Example:
The Specie Circular was intended to curb land speculation but instead contributed to the Panic of 1837 by tightening credit.
Spoils System
The practice of a successful political party giving public office to its supporters, regardless of their qualifications.
Example:
Jackson's implementation of the Spoils System led to many government positions being filled by loyal party members rather than experienced civil servants.
Tariff of Abominations (Tariff of 1828)
A protective tariff passed in 1828 that significantly raised duties on imported goods, angering Southern states who felt it unfairly benefited Northern industries.
Example:
Southern states vehemently opposed the Tariff of Abominations, viewing it as an economic burden that favored Northern manufacturing interests.
Texas Annexation
The process by which the Republic of Texas was incorporated into the United States as a new state.
Example:
The issue of Texas Annexation was highly controversial due to concerns over expanding slavery and potential conflict with Mexico.
Trail of Tears
The forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation and other Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) during the 1830s, resulting in thousands of deaths.
Example:
The Trail of Tears is a tragic chapter in American history, marked by immense suffering and loss of life among the forcibly removed Cherokee people.
Veto President
A nickname given to Andrew Jackson due to his unprecedented and frequent use of the presidential veto power to block legislation.
Example:
Jackson earned the moniker Veto President by using his executive power more extensively than any of his predecessors, often to block bills he deemed unconstitutional or against states' rights.
War of 1812
A conflict between the United States and Great Britain, primarily over maritime rights and territorial expansion.
Example:
Andrew Jackson gained national fame for his decisive victory at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.
Whigs
A major political party in the United States from the 1830s to the 1850s, formed in opposition to Andrew Jackson's policies and advocating for a stronger federal government, national bank, and internal improvements.
Example:
The Whigs attracted diverse groups, including businessmen, Southern planters, and evangelical Protestants, all united by their opposition to 'King Andrew I'.
Worcester v. Georgia
A 1832 Supreme Court case that ruled Georgia's laws had no jurisdiction over Cherokee lands, affirming tribal sovereignty.
Example:
Despite the Supreme Court's clear ruling in Worcester v. Georgia in favor of the Cherokee, President Jackson famously defied the decision.