Industry Takes Root
What country did the Industrial Revolution begin in, and what industry was affected first?
It began in Great Britain in the mid-1700s and first affected the textile (cloth) industry.
What happens if no candidate wins a majority of electoral votes?
The election goes to the House of Representatives to decide the winner.
What was the Spoils System?
The practice of giving government jobs to loyal political supporters after winning an election.
How did the steam engine change where factories could be built?
Before steam engines, factories had to be built near rivers for water power. Steam engines allowed factories to be built almost anywhere. This helped industry expand into cities and grow faster.
Why was Andrew Jackson angry about the election of 1824?
He won the most popular and electoral votes but did not win a majority. The House chose John Quincy Adams instead. Jackson believed the system ignored the will of the people.
What was Jackson’s “Kitchen Cabinet”?
An unofficial group of advisors Jackson relied on instead of his formal cabinet members.
Why did Great Britain try to prevent people from leaving the country with knowledge of factory machinery?
Britain wanted to keep its industrial advantage and economic power. If other countries learned how to build factories, they could compete. Keeping it secret helped Britain dominate world trade.
What was the “Corrupt Bargain”?
Jackson believed Henry Clay made a secret deal with John Quincy Adams. Clay supported Adams in the House vote, and Adams later made Clay Secretary of State. Jackson and his supporters saw this as political corruption.
Why did critics oppose Jackson’s Kitchen Cabinet?
Congress did not approve the members. Critics believed it avoided traditional government processes. They thought it gave Jackson too much personal power.
Explain how industrialization changed working conditions for women and children.
Women and children made up a large percentage of factory workers because they could be paid less. They often worked 12–14 hours a day in unsafe conditions. Industrialization created jobs but also led to exploitation and harsh labor environments.
How did the Corrupt Bargain lead to the creation of new political parties?
Jackson broke away from the Democratic-Republican Party. His supporters formed the Democratic Party. Adams and Clay’s supporters became National Republicans. The split reshaped American politics.
Why did Jackson oppose the Bank of the United States?
He believed it favored wealthy elites and hurt farmers and workers. He saw it as unconstitutional and corrupt. He viewed it as a symbol of special privilege.
Who was able to escape Britain to bring the idea of machines to the U.S. AND how did he do it?
Samuel Slater. Memorized the design of the machine and escaped Britain by wearing a disguise.
How did expanded voting rights in the 1820s help Andrew Jackson win in 1828?
More white men gained the right to vote, especially in western states. Jackson appealed to small farmers and working-class voters. His image as a “self-made man” helped him win in a landslide.
How did Henry Clay try to use the Bank against Jackson in 1832, and why did it backfire?
Clay pushed for an early renewal of the Bank’s charter, hoping Jackson would lose supporters. Jackson vetoed the bill. This strengthened his image as a defender of the common people and helped him win reelection.