Sure! Although I don't have access to specific tests or lesson plans from Connexus, I can certainly help you review the key concepts related to "The Age of Jackson" and "Westward Expansion." Here are some important topics and key points that might be relevant:
The Age of Jackson (1829-1837)
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Andrew Jackson's Presidency:
- Jackson was known for his populist approach and was seen as a champion of the "common man."
- His presidency marked a shift towards greater democracy and broadened suffrage, allowing more white males to vote.
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Indian Removal Act (1830):
- This act authorized the forced removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands in the southeastern U.S. to designated "Indian Territory" west of the Mississippi River.
- The Trail of Tears was a devastating result of this policy, particularly affecting the Cherokee Nation.
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Nullification Crisis:
- A confrontation between South Carolina and the federal government over tariffs. South Carolina attempted to nullify federal tariffs, leading to a significant debate over states' rights versus federal authority.
- Jackson firmly opposed nullification and threatened to use military force if necessary.
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Bank War:
- Jackson opposed the Second Bank of the United States, viewing it as a corrupt institution that favored elites at the expense of the common people.
- He eventually vetoed the recharter of the bank and removed federal deposits from it.
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Political Changes:
- The rise of the Democratic Party, with Jackson as a key figure, contrasted with the formation of the Whig Party as opposition to Jackson’s policies.
Westward Expansion (1800-1860)
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Manifest Destiny:
- The belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. This idea fueled westward expansion and justified the displacement of Native Americans.
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Louisiana Purchase (1803):
- The acquisition of a vast territory from France, which doubled the size of the United States and opened up land for exploration and settlement.
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Oregon Trail and California Gold Rush:
- The Oregon Trail facilitated settlement in the Pacific Northwest.
- The California Gold Rush (1849) attracted thousands to the West in search of fortune, accelerating westward migration and settlement.
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Texas Independence and Annexation:
- Texas fought for independence from Mexico in 1836 and was later annexed by the U.S. in 1845, leading to tensions that contributed to the Mexican-American War.
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Mexican-American War (1846-1848):
- Resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S. including California and New Mexico. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war.
Important Figures
- Andrew Jackson (President)
- John C. Calhoun (Vice President and supporter of nullification)
- Sam Houston (Leader during Texas Independence)
- James K. Polk (President during the Mexican-American War)
Key Terms
- Suffrage, Jacksonian Democracy, Trail of Tears, Nullification, Manifest Destiny.
If you are preparing for a test, make sure to review these concepts, and it might be helpful to look at specific events or legislation and their impact on American society. Let me know if there's anything specific you would like to dive deeper into!