President Andrew Jackson Chapter 10: A Democratic Revolution: 1800—1844 During the presidency of Andrew Jackson the power of the presidency increased despite American society becoming more democratic. Assess the validity of this statement. President Andrew Jackson “King”Andrew?
What is the American Democratic Revolution? What are the characteristics of this revolution? How are things changing? What are the effects of this revolution on the U.S.
Voting Requirements in the Early 19c
Voter Turnout:1820 - 1860
Why Increased Democratization? White male suffrage increased – new states introduce universal male suffrage. Party nominating committees. Begun by a third party. Voters chose their state’s Presidential electors. Spoils system. Rise of Third Parties. Popular campaigning (parades, rallies, floats, etc.) Two-party system returned in the 1832 election: Dem-Reps Natl. Reps.(1828) Whigs (1832) Republicans (1854) Democrats (1828)
What were the key issues in 1828?
Rachel Jackson Final Divorce Decree
Jackson in Mourning for His Wife
1828 Election Results
The New “Jackson Coalition” The Planter Elite in the South People on the Frontier State Politicians – spoils system “Turn the rascals out, put our rascals in.” Immigrants in the cities.
Jackson’s Faith in the “Common Man” Intense distrust of Eastern “establishment,” monopolies, & special privilege. Notables His heart & soul was with the “plain folk.” Belief that the common man was capable of uncommon achievements.
The Reign of “King Mob” The Inaugural Brawl!
Andrew Jackson as President
The “Peggy Eaton Affair” Eaton was the wife of Sec. of War and other wives thought she was an adulteress, so they refused to sit with her at dinner. Jackson demanded, and the cabinet resigned, Calhoun then fell out of favor with Jackson. Van Buren befriended Eaton and thus Jackson “chose” Van Buren to succeed him as president.
The Tariff Issue
1832 Tariff Conflict 1828 “Tariff of Abomination” reenactment signed in 1832 South Carolina’s reaction? – Nullification (The South Carolina Exposition and Protest, by V.P. Calhoun) Jackson’s response? Military Force Bill Clay’s “Compromise” Tariff? Gradual reduction (1832-42)
The Nullification Issue
“The Nullies” v Jackson John C Calhoun (VP Under Adams and Jackson) wrote South Carolina Exposition (1828) a federal law that is harmful to states can be declared null and void via a convention of the people. (Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions-Jefferson/Madison) Jackson’s Response – Threatened military force and “Force Bill” What steps were taken to avoid a military conflict?
Jackson's Native-American Policy
Jackson and The Native Americans 1828 The Cherokee Tribes of Georgia wrote and adopted a constitution with 3 branch government. Georgia declared the Cherokee Assembly illegal (SC ruled in favor of Indians) Cherokee Nation v Georgia – state has no authority in tribal legislation Worcester v Georgia – same ruling by John Marshall Jackson’s Response: “John Marshall had made his decision, now let him enforce it.” How does this quote from Jackson show his increasing strength as President?
The Cherokee Nation After 1820
Indian Removal
Trail of Tears (1838-1839)
Indian Removal Act of 1830 100,000 Indians moved from east of Mississippi 1832 – Black Hawk War 1835-42 Osceola and Florida Seminoles 1838-39 “Trail of Tears” 14,000 Cherokees, 116 days – 3,000 deaths (25%) 100 million acres given up $68 million paid out, 32 million acres in West
Jackson’s Professed “Love” for Native Americans
Jacksonians on States’ Rights Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge (1837) States, not federal government, had power to enter into contracts regarding infrastructure, transportation. Maysville Road Veto - I am not able to view [the Maysville Road Bill] in any other light than as a measure of purely local character.... It has no connection with any established system of improvements; [and] is exclusively within the limits of a State [Kentucky]....
Jackson’s Use of Federal Power VETO 1830 Maysville Road project in KY [state of his political rival, Henry Clay]
Renewing the Charter of the Second Bank of the United States
The National Bank Debate President Jackson Nicholas Biddle
“The Hydra of Corruption” – The Bank Wars Nicholas Biddle – President of Bank of US Functions – print stable currency, keep federal money, control gold and silver, source of credit 1832 – Clay and Webster wanted to use the renewal of the charter to embarrass the President – if he passed the charter he would anger his followers, if he vetoed it the wealthy would be upset. How did the veto increase the power of President?
Opposition to the 2nd B.U.S. “Soft” (paper) $ “Hard” (specie) $ state bankers felt it restrained their banks from issuing bank notes freely. supported rapid economic growth & speculation. felt that coin was the only safe currency. didn‘t like any bank that issued bank notes. suspicious of expansion & speculation.
“The Moneyed Monster” The Bank War 1833 Jackson removed most Federal money from Bank of US Effect – Contributed to the Panic of 1837 “Pet Banks” Specie Circular – US Treasury required all new land purchased be secured with gold or silver. (1836)
The “Monster” Is Destroyed! “pet banks”? 1832 Jackson vetoed the extension of the 2nd National Bank of the United States. 1836 the charter expired. 1841 the bank went bankrupt!
The Downfall of “Mother Bank”
Hydra of Corruption
An 1832 Cartoon: “King Andrew”?
1832 Election Results Main Issue?
The Specie Circular (1836) “wildcat banks.” buy future federal land only with gold or silver. Jackson’s goal?
Results of the Specie Circular Banknotes lose their value. Land sales plummeted. Credit not available. Businesses began to fail. Unemployment rose. The Panic of 1837!
The Panic of 1837 Spreads Quickly!
Andrew Jackson in Retirement
Photo of Andrew Jackson in 1844 (one year before his death) 1767 - 1845
“The Era of the Common Man” Social mixture Universal Male Suffrage Popular Campaigning Increased Power of President (through veto) Kitchen Cabinet Roger Taney in Supreme Court
Thesis Statement During the presidency of Andrew Jackson the power of the presidency increased despite American society becoming more democratic. Assess the validity of this statement.