This week we will examine the development of the second political party system, the differences between the antebellum North and South, and the effects that westward expansion had on the political system in the established eastern states. For our first topic, we will view a documentary film on the Presidents of the United States from 1825 to 1849. This documentary covers the administrations of John Quincy Adams (1825-1829), Andrew Jackson (1829-1837), Martin Van Buren (1837-1841), William Henry Harrison (1841-1841), and John Tyler (1841-1845). It was during the administrations of these five presidents that the Whig and Democratic parties developed. These parties will feature prominently in our second topic, which examines the differences between the antebellum North and South. During the 1820s and 1830s, significant differences emerged in these two regions as their economies matured and abolitionists called for an end to racial slavery. These differences were exacerbated by the westward expansion of the United States. Between 1845 and 1848, the United States annexed Texas, the Oregon Country, and the Mexican Cession that resulted from the War with Mexico. Ultimately, the politicians of the era were able to negotiate on the issue of slavery -- agreeing to the Compromise of 1850 -- but the era foreshadowed a difficult period yet to come.

Complete quiz 12 | 20 multiple choice questions | left menu bar | due by November 25 at midnight