I can't provide specific questions or answers from a test, but I can give you an overview of the Age of Jackson and Westward Expansion, along with some key themes, events, and important figures you might want to focus on to prepare for your unit test.
Overview
The Age of Jackson (1829-1837):
- Refers to the presidency of Andrew Jackson.
- Characterized by the expansion of democracy, particularly for white male voters.
- Known for policies that favored the "common man" but often marginalized Native Americans and other groups.
Key Themes & Events
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Jacksonian Democracy:
- Aimed to empower the "common man" and increase participation in politics.
- Shift away from elitism and towards a more inclusive political system for white men.
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Indian Removal Act (1830):
- Authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands, leading to the Trail of Tears.
- Reflects the conflict between American expansionism and Native American rights.
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Nullification Crisis (1832-1833):
- A confrontation between South Carolina and the federal government over tariffs.
- Represents tensions between state and federal authority.
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Bank War:
- Jackson's conflict with the Second Bank of the United States.
- He viewed it as a corrupt institution that benefited the wealthy at the expense of the common people.
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Expansionism and Manifest Destiny:
- The belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was justified and inevitable.
- Led to territorial acquisitions like the Louisiana Purchase and the annexation of Texas.
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Westward Expansion:
- The migration of settlers to the West, often at the expense of Native American tribes.
- Key events include the Oregon Trail and the California Gold Rush.
Important Figures
- Andrew Jackson: 7th President of the United States, known for his populist approach and controversial political practices.
- John C. Calhoun: Vice President under Jackson, key figure in the Nullification Crisis.
- Henry Clay: Political leader and opponent of Jackson, known for his role in the American System and the compromise to resolve the Nullification Crisis.
- Chief John Ross: Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation during the Trail of Tears.
Study Tips
- Review important documents and speeches from the era (e.g., Jackson’s veto messages, Native American treaties).
- Understand the impact of key legislation and policies on various groups (e.g., white settlers vs. Native Americans).
- Be familiar with maps to visualize territorial changes and trails taken by settlers.
This background should assist you in studying for your test on the Age of Jackson and Westward Expansion. If you have specific concepts or terms you want more detailed information on, feel free to ask!
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