J.Q. Adams to John Tyler Presidents II

6th President of the United States John Q. Adams of Braintree, Massachusetts Diplomat, Senator, U.S. Secretary of State Extremely intelligent and well- read Son of 2nd President John Adams 1st President who was not a “Founding Father”

Adams as President (1825-1829) Only President to date that has been chosen by the House of Representatives under the Twelfth Amendment Presidency severely damaged by the “Corrupt Bargain” Congress, led by Henry Clay, selected Adams, rather than leading vote-getter Andrew Jackson, as President in 1824 In return, Adams appoints Clay as Secretary of State Jackson and his supporters work against Adams while he is President Favored a series of internal improvements such as roads and canals Only President who actively served in government under George Washington and also worked with Abraham Lincoln (both were Congressmen)

What he accomplished… Significantly paid down the National Debt Worked to make the United States a world power Tariff of 1828 (Tariff of Abominations) Taxes on foreign goods intended to protect northern industry Caused a significant downturn in the southern economy Attacked by Jackson and his followers Only President to serve in Congress after serving as President

7th President of the United States Andrew Jackson of Nashville, Tennessee War Hero (General during the War of 1812), Senator, Congressman, Military Governor First President from the west Founder of the Democratic Party

Jackson as President (1829-1837) Rowdy Frontier-style politician Appointed people to his cabinet that he could control rather than party loyalists Campaigned against Native Americans, both as a soldier and as President Early administration marred by the “Petticoat Affair” The wife of Secretary of War John Eaton was continually attacked, and both Eatons were outcast, because of rumor that Mrs. Eaton had, at one time been a prostitute Gridlocked the cabinet and led to most of their firings by Jackson (he supported the Eatons)

What he accomplished… In spite of his belief in merit-based appointments, Jackson’s administration is generally seen to be the start of the “spoils system” in American politics Spoils system: Appointment of party loyalists to important government and cabinet positions System is still in use today Nullification Crisis South Carolina threatens to ignore the Tariff of 1828 or secede from the Union Jackson threatens military force in South Carolina to preserve the Union

8th President of the United States Martin Van Buren of Kinderhook, New York Vice President, Secretary of States, Senator, Governor Extremely civilized and polite, preferring to reason and compromise with his enemies than fight Only President for which English was a second language

Van Buren as President (1837-1841) Planned to continue all of Jackson’s policies Had to contend with and economic depression, high inflation and high unemployment beginning in 1837 Was attacked by his opponents for his luxurious appearance and lifestyle Anti-slavery, but also opposed its abolition

What he accomplished… Denied the request of Texas to join the United States Wanted to avoid a War with Mexico Didn’t want to upset the balance of free and slave states established by the Missouri Compromise. Continued domestic battles with Native Americans Presided over a significant economic recession that would cost him his reelection in 1840

9th President of the United States William H. Harrison, Sr., of Charles County, Virginia Soldier, politician, military governor At the time, he was the oldest person elected to the Presidency Shortest term of any President in history (32 days)

Harrison as President (1841) Harrison was extremely decisive, and determined to do what he believed was right Toss out the spoils system Return the Presidency to a place of prominence in the American government Rebuffed friends for jobs if they were not qualified Determined to show that his age was not a limiting factor to his Presidency Contracted pneumonia shortly after his inauguration and became very ill

What he accomplished… He died…

10th President of the United States John Tyler of Charles County, Virginia Vice President, Governor, U.S. Senator, Congressman First man to become President after the death of his predecessor Fierce defender of states rights

Tyler as President (1841-1845) “His Accidency” Was not elected to the job, but ascended to it upon the death of Harrison The Constitution was a little vague on Presidential succession at the time His political opponents never accepted him as President Made many enemies within his own party and was eventually expelled Although Tyler had great resolve and courage, all of the conflict and uncertainty made him a very ineffective President

What he accomplished… Set precedents for the behavior and actions of future Vice Presidents who were thrust unexpectedly into the job Acquired approval from Congress for the admittance of Texas to the Union