Chapter 10:
The Age of Jackson
McCulloch v. Maryland
The Second Bank of the United States was given a charter lasting 20 years, which entitled it to act wholly as the federal government's financial officer. The Bank held federal deposits, relocated federal funds between states, and dealt with any payments or receipts involving the government. Many states were against the Bank existing. Farmers thought that the Bank only helped wealthy business-people. Maryland tried to pass a tax act that would limit Bank's operations. The Bank's cashier of the Maryland branch, James McCulloch, refused to pay the tax. Maryland took him to court. The Bank was found constitutional in the court case.
The Trail of Tears
Many Native Americans lived in areas covering Georgia to Mississippi. President Jackson wanted American farmers to build settlements here instead. In 1830, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act, allowing the removal of Native Americans in the west. Congress set present-day Oklahoma as Indian Territory. John C. Calhoun said that removal to Indian Territory would protect Indians from further conflict with American Settlers. In 1838, U.S. troops began removing all Cherokee to Indian Territory. The 800-mile-long journey became known as the Trail of Tears. Cherokee suffered from hunger, ill health, and brutal weather. Almost one-fourth of the Cherokee died on the march.
Chapter 11:
Expanding West
Oregon Trail
Significant amounts of beaver fur in Oregon Country caught the attention of easterners in the 1840s. Many settlers followed to Oregon Trail, a 2,000-mile-long trail stretching from Missouri into Oregon Country. Traveling the trail cost about $600 for a family of four. The cost was high, as typical workers made $1.50 per day. Wagons were pulled by oxen, mules, or horses. Pioneers experienced unrelenting difficulties throughout their journey, such as an insufficiency of food, water, and supplies. Some pioneers were forced to abandon their wagons due to crossing rivers and mountains. By 1845, 5,000 Pioneers had settled in Willamette Valley, Oregon.
Bear Flag Revolt
In 1846, about 500 Americans lived in California. A small group of American settlers seized control of Sonoma on June 14. Spite developed between the two sides when the Americans stole horses which were meant for the Mexican army. The Americans declared California an independent country; this became known as the Bear Flag Revolt. The rebels raised a flag of a grizzly bear facing a red star above the town. John C . Fremont, a U.S. Army captain, heard of the possibility of a war with Mexico and joined the American settlers. His goal was to achieve Californian independence. In July, the U.S. Navy came to California and raised the United States flag. In 1847, California finally surrendered and was claimed by the United States.
