War of 1812 Overview

A group of young, aggressive members of Congress, primarily from the South and West, who emerged in the early 19th century. They were most prominent in the period leading up to the War of 1812. Key figures included Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun.

This treaty ended the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain. It restored pre-war boundaries, ended fighting, and ignored issues like British impressment and trade restrictions, as they were no longer relevant. Though Native American concerns were mentioned, they were largely disregarded. The treaty marked a stalemate but fostered improved U.S.-British relations and boosted American national pride.

The Battle of New Orleans (January 8, 1815) was a major U.S. victory in the War of 1812, led by Andrew Jackson against the British. Despite the Treaty of Ghent already being signed, the battle boosted American morale, made Jackson a national hero, and symbolized U.S. resilience, even though it had no effect on the war's outcome.

The canals and National Road improved transportation, boosted trade, and supported westward expansion. Canals, like the Erie Canal, reduced shipping costs and connected markets, while the National Road linked eastern states to western territories, promoting migration and economic growth. These developments unified the nation and spurred 19th-century economic development.

Proposed by Henry Clay, the American System aimed to strengthen the U.S. economy through protective tariffs, a national bank, and federally funded infrastructure improvements. Its goals were to promote self-sufficiency, connect regions, and support westward expansion, but it also increased sectional tensions over federal policies.

This period was named for its sense of national unity and optimism following the War of 1812 and as the country was expanding westward and engaging in economic growth. Though some sectional disagreements and political divisions existed, the overall atmosphere was one of consensus and national pride.

A system where political positions are given to people who supported the winning candidate in an election, regardless of their qualifications.

A tax on goods imported from other countries, passed in 1828. It made imported goods more expensive for Americans, especially in the South, making it unpopular.

State banks chosen by President Andrew Jackson to hold the US government's money, replacing the national bank. They were called "pet banks" because they were favored by Jackson. This caused issues with the country's finances later on.

This term refers to the unfair way President Andrew Jackson gave jobs to his supporters, without considering their qualifications, after he became President.

A common practice in the early 19th century, where a political party gave government jobs to its supporters, regardless of their skills or experience, as rewards for their loyalty.

A treaty signed in 1817 between the U.S. and Britain to limit the number of warships on the Great Lakes. This agreement aimed to maintain peace and prevent military buildup in the region.

An agreement reached in 1819 between the United States and Spain. Spain ceded Florida to the U.S., while the U.S. promised to not claim any Spanish territories. This treaty expanded the U.S. and fostered peaceful relations.

A foreign policy declaration issued by President James Monroe in 1823. It warned European powers against colonizing or interfering in the affairs of the Americas. This message demonstrated U.S. commitment to protecting its hemisphere.

A compromise reached in 1820 to settle the debate over expanding slavery. Missouri was admitted as a slave state, Maine as a free state, and future states north of a certain line were to be free while those south could have slavery. This temporary solution preserved unity but didn't address the core issue.

The 1824 presidential election resulted in no candidate receiving a majority of electoral votes. The House of Representatives chose John Quincy Adams as President, even though Andrew Jackson had more popular votes.

The 7th President of the United States, known for his strong personality and expansionist policies. His presidency was marked by tension over internal and external issues, influencing the course of America.

A period in the United States following the War of 1812, characterized by national unity, economic prosperity, and an expansionist spirit. It was marked by a sense of optimism and progress but also by underlying tensions over issues like slavery and westward expansion.

The process of adding new states to the United States. Westward expansion was a significant theme of the early American republic, leading to conflict over issues like slavery and land ownership.