Panic of 1837 · US History

Which document is most associated with the start of the financial crisis in May 1837?

  1. The Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863
  2. The notice that New York banks were suspending specie payments
  3. The Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments written in 1848
  4. The Treaty of 1818 signed between the United States and Britain
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Correct answer: The notice that New York banks were suspending specie payments

On May 10, 1837, banks in New York City ran out of gold and silver and announced they would no longer redeem their paper notes for specie. This led to a nationwide panic as people rushed to withdraw their funds from other banks.

Difficulty: Medium Question 17 of 20

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