Webster-Hayne Debate Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who was Thomas Hart Benton?

A zealous supporter of western interests and a senator from Missouri who opposed slavery.

What does graduation refer to in the context of land sales?

Lowering of land prices gradually for lands that go unsold on the market.

Who was George McDuffie?

A congressman from South Carolina who was an extreme advocate for states' rights.

What is cession in the context of land distribution?

Federally controlled lands given to individual states to distribute and manage. Signup and view all the answers

Who was John Randolph?

Leader of the Old Republicans who proposed the idea of cession. Signup and view all the answers

What was Edward Livingston's contribution to the Webster-Hayne debate?

He proposed a middle ground between Webster and Hayne concerning divided sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Robert Y. Hayne?

An extreme states' rights advocate from South Carolina in the Webster-Hayne debate. Signup and view all the answers

What did Daniel Webster represent in the debate?

An ultranationalist vision. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Denmark Vesey?

A free black man who attempted to start a slave rebellion and was executed. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Webster-Hayne debate?

It highlighted the conflict over control of western lands and the power balance between states and the federal government. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Foote Resolution?

A proposal to limit the sale of public lands in the West to new settlers. Signup and view all the answers

What was the difference between the tariff of 1828 and the tariff of 1832?

The tariff of 1828 was very high, while the tariff of 1832 reduced it to 1816 levels. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the force bill?

To give the president power to use military force to collect tariffs if necessary. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jackson oppose nullification?

He viewed nullification as a potential precursor to secession and opposed anything that might threaten the Union. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Figures and Concepts in the Webster-Hayne Debate

Thomas Hart Benton: Senator from Missouri; advocated for western interests and proposed the graduation act; opposed slavery; viewed the Foote Resolution as a threat to westward migration.
Graduation: A policy aimed at gradually lowering the prices of unsold lands, making them more accessible to settlers.
George McDuffie: Congress member from South Carolina; an extreme proponent of states' rights; faced personal injury in a duel and later died.
Cession: The concept of transferring federally controlled lands to individual states for distribution and management.
John Randolph: Leader of the "Old Republicans" party; introduced the idea of cession, emphasizing strict interpretations of states' rights.
Edward Livingston: Formulated a compromise between Webster and Hayne; proposed the idea of divided sovereignty, echoing Jackson's views.
Robert Y. Hayne: Vocal advocate for states' rights from South Carolina, representing southern interests during the Webster-Hayne debate.
Daniel Webster: Promoted an ultranationalist agenda during the debate, focusing on preserving the Union and strengthening federal authority.
Denmark Vesey: A free black man who attempted to orchestrate a slave rebellion in Charleston; his execution heightened southern fears of northern influence on slavery.

Significance of the Webster-Hayne Debate

Regional Tensions: The North aimed to limit westward land sales, while the South opposed these efforts, believing it would enhance federal control and weaken state rights.
Control of Western Development: Debate centered around whether revenues from land sales should go to the federal government or the states.
Foote Resolution: Proposed by Samuel A. Foote to halt public land sales to new settlers; spurred a critical response from Daniel Webster, warning of the dangers of state autonomy in interpreting laws, which could lead to civil conflict.

Tariffs and Federal Authority

Tariff of 1828 vs 1832: The 1828 tariff was excessively high; the 1832 tariff lowered rates to 1816 levels but still dissatisfied the South, prompting further reductions by Jackson in 1833.
Force Bill: Authorized the president to deploy military force to ensure tariff collection, reflecting the growing tensions between state and federal powers.

Jackson's Stance on Nullification

Opposition to Nullification: Although Jackson supported states' rights, he viewed nullification as a threat to national unity, considering it a step toward potential secession.

Description

Explore key figures and terms from the Webster-Hayne debate with this set of flashcards. Learn about important historical figures like Thomas Hart Benton and concepts such as the graduation act. Perfect for students of American history and political discourse.