APUSH Chapter 17 (The American Pageant)

Study Notes

William Henry Harrison

Ninth President of the United States, serving from 1841 until his death.
First president to die in office, leading to constitutional questions about presidential succession.
Notable military leader known for the Battle of Tippecanoe.

Harrison's Cabinet

Secretary of State: Daniel Webster.
Spokesman of the Senate: Henry Clay.
The administration associated with the Whig Party.

John Tyler

Vice President who succeeded Harrison as the 10th President from 1841-1845.
Known for the annexation of Texas and opposition to major parts of the Whig recovery program.

Whigs

Political party formed from the National Republican Party, ideologically conservative.
Advocated for industry, protective tariffs, and Henry Clay's American System.
Key figures included Clay and Webster.

Fiscal Bank

Proposed a national bank to address economic needs; met with opposition.
Vetoed by President Tyler on constitutional grounds, ending serious attempts for a national bank.

Third War with England

Cultural "war" characterized by scathing commentary between British and American writers.
Fueled by longstanding anti-British sentiment and ridicule from British authors like Charles Dickens.

Aroostook War

Conflict from 1839 in disputed territory over lumberjack presence in Maine.
Resolved with the Webster-Ashburton Treaty.

Republic of Texas

Established in March 1836; recognized after the Battle of San Jacinto.
Faced issues such as public debt and internal conflicts, leading to annexation by the U.S. in 1845.

Annexation of Texas

Texas became the 28th state in 1845 following a joint resolution by Congress.
A key part of John Tyler's administration.

Oregon Territory

Jointly claimed by the U.S. and Britain; incorporated parts of present-day Oregon and Washington.
Status negotiated and stabilized through the Convention of 1818.

Election of 1844

Key candidates were Henry Clay (Whig) and James Polk (Democrat).
Polk's platform favored expansion, contributing to his electoral victory, particularly in New York.

Walker Tariff of 1846

Implemented by President Polk to lower tariff rates and fulfill Manifest Destiny goals.

Polk's Goals as President

Reestablishment of the independent treasury system.
Settling the Oregon boundary dispute and acquiring California.

Compromise of Oregon Territory

Established the 49th Parallel as a boundary, avoided conflict with Britain.

Misunderstandings in Mexico

Polk's offer of $25 million for California was rejected, leading to tensions.
Dispute over U.S.-Mexico border boundaries (Nueces vs. Rio Grande).

Mexican War

Initiated in 1846 over territorial disputes, resulting in U.S. acquisition of present-day southwestern states.
Concluded with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.

"Spot Resolutions"

Proposed by Abraham Lincoln in 1846 to investigate the circumstances surrounding American casualties claimed by Polk.
Aimed to clarify the actual location of the deaths amidst disputed territory.

Stephen W. Kearny

Led American forces to capture Santa Fe during the Mexican War.
Directed actions in California during the Bear Flag Revolt.

John C. Fremont

Led expeditions to claim California as an independent nation from Mexico.

Zachary Taylor

Major general in the Mexican War; later became the 12th president.
Commanded American forces in initial conflicts against Mexico but faced a defeat.

Winfield Scott

Renowned U.S. general credited with defeating Santa Anna in the Mexican War and significant military leadership.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Signed on February 2, 1848; ceded California and New Mexico to the U.S. and established Texas's western boundary at the Rio Grande.
The U.S. compensated Mexico with $15 million amidst financial claims by new citizens.

Nicholas P. Trist

Chief clerk in the State Department; defied orders to negotiate the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo with Mexico.

Wilmot Proviso

Proposed amendment aimed at preventing slavery in any territory acquired from Mexico.
Passed the House but consistently failed in the Senate, symbolizing the contentious debate over slavery.

Mexican War and Slavery

Heightened tensions over slavery within U.S. politics; influenced perceptions and status of enslaved individuals, including Mexican practices against slavery.

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Explore key flashcards from APUSH Chapter 17 of The American Pageant. This chapter focuses on significant historical figures and events, including William Henry Harrison, and their impact on American history. Study essential concepts and definitions to enhance your understanding of this critical period.

APUSH Chapter 17 (The American Pageant)

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Questions and Answers

Who was the ninth President of the United States?

What was Harrison's role in the Battle of Tippecanoe?

Which of the following individuals was part of Harrison's Cabinet?

Who became the 10th President of the United States after Harrison's death?

What characterized the Whigs as a political party?

What was the primary outcome of the Fiscal Bank's establishment attempt?

What was the Canadian Frontier conflict at Niagara Falls primarily about?

The Aroostook War involved lumberjacks camping along the Aroostook River in Maine.

What triggered the Mexican War?

What was the Wilmot Proviso?

What was one of President Polk's goals?

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

Who led the American Army against Mexico at Rio Grande?