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Panic of 1837

United States history

Quick Summary

The Panic of 1837 was a severe financial crisis in the United States that began in the spring of that year. It was characterized by widespread bank failures, a stock market crash, and a general climate of economic fear. This panic was largely a consequence of President Andrew Jackson's financial policies, particularly his dismantling of the Second Bank of the United States (BUS) and his issuance of the "Specie Circular".1

Jackson's removal of federal deposits from the BUS and their placement in state-chartered "pet banks" led to irresponsible lending and rampant land speculation. The Specie Circular, which required land purchases to be made with gold or silver, caused many banks to fail due to insufficient specie reserves. These actions, combined with economic downturns, contributed to the panic, which significantly impacted various industries, including the clock industry. The Panic of 1837 marked the end of a period of economic expansion and ushered in a severe decline in the business cycle.123

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