Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the primary purpose of the Specie Circular issued by Jackson?
What was the primary purpose of the Specie Circular issued by Jackson?
- To encourage speculative investment in western lands
- To stabilize land prices by requiring purchases in gold and silver (correct)
- To promote federal involvement in economic policies
- To increase the use of paper banknotes for land purchases
Which factor contributed to the popularity of William Henry Harrison in the 1840 election?
Which factor contributed to the popularity of William Henry Harrison in the 1840 election?
- His emphasis on states' rights
- His radical economic reforms
- His foreign policy experience
- His military background as a war hero (correct)
After Harrison’s death, who became president, and what was his relationship to the Whig party?
After Harrison’s death, who became president, and what was his relationship to the Whig party?
- Martin Van Buren; he was a staunch Whig supporter
- Henry Clay; he was elected as a compromise candidate
- William Henry Harrison; he continued the Whig agenda
- John Tyler; he was not fully aligned with the Whigs (correct)
Who was the dark horse candidate chosen by the Democrats in the 1844 election?
Who was the dark horse candidate chosen by the Democrats in the 1844 election?
What incident did Polk use to justify declaring war on Mexico?
What incident did Polk use to justify declaring war on Mexico?
What was the outcome of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?
What was the outcome of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?
What was the Gadsden Purchase primarily intended to facilitate?
What was the Gadsden Purchase primarily intended to facilitate?
Which phrase became the slogan associated with Polk's expansionist agenda?
Which phrase became the slogan associated with Polk's expansionist agenda?
What was one reason Northern Whigs opposed the war with Mexico?
What was one reason Northern Whigs opposed the war with Mexico?
The Bear Flag Republic was proclaimed during which event?
The Bear Flag Republic was proclaimed during which event?
Study Notes
Specie Circular
- Jackson's financial policies and land speculation led to inflation.
- The Specie Circular mandated federal land purchases be made with gold and silver coins.
- The policy caused paper money to lose value and land sales to decrease.
Financial Panic of 1837
- Occurred shortly after Jackson left office, plunging the nation into a depression.
- This was caused by banks closing and a lack of money in circulation.
The "Log Cabin and Hard Cider" Campaign of 1840
- Whigs used marketing strategies and symbolism to appeal to voters.
- They used common imagery like log cabins to highlight Harrison's humble origins.
- Harrison was a popular war hero and the Whigs successfully appealed to voters unhappy with Van Buren and the Democrats who were blamed for the economic struggles.
Annexation of Texas and the 1844 Election
- The potential annexation of Texas split the Democratic party.
- The Democrats nominated James K. Polk, an expansionist who supported the annexation of Texas.
- Polk's slogan of "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!" appealed to expansionists and helped propel him to victory.
- Whigs lost the support of some voters in New York due to their ambiguous stance on Texas annexation.
Conflict with Mexico
- Polk sought to acquire California and New Mexico from Mexico, but the Mexican government refused.
- Polk ordered troops into disputed territory, leading to conflict that escalated into war.
The War with Mexico
- The war was fueled by the Mexican government's refusal to concede the territorial claims and Polk's desire to expand U.S. territory.
- General Stephen Kearny captured New Mexico and southern California.
- John C. Fremont helped establish the "Bear Flag Republic" in California.
- Zachary Taylor won a major victory at Buena Vista.
- General Winfield Scott captured Mexico City, pushing the Mexican government to concede to U.S. terms.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
- Mexico ceded California and New Mexico to the United States.
- The U.S. paid $15 million for the territories and assumed responsibility for claims against Mexico.
Gadsden Purchase
- In 1853, the U.S. purchased a strip of land from Mexico to secure a railroad route.
- The land forms parts of present-day Arizona and New Mexico.
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Description
This quiz examines key events and policies during the 1830s and 1840s in U.S. history, including Jackson's Specie Circular and its economic implications, the Financial Panic of 1837, and the Whig campaign strategies in the 1840 election. Explore how these factors influenced American politics and society during this turbulent period.
