Ch. 14: Andrew Jackson and the Growth of American Democracy

Compare the following two images: The first image is from the Federalist Period and shows President George Washington. The second image is from the Jacksonian Era and shows President Andrew Jackson. What are the major differences between the people shown in the pictures?

As the first image shows, the country was run by the rich and well-born during the Federalist Period, because they were the only ones who could vote. As the second image shows, the common man (ordinary Americans) had more power during the Jacksonian Era. This is because the 1828 election (when Andrew Jackson became president) was the first presidential election that allowed most ordinary American men to vote. However, voting rights still didn’t extend to African Americans, Native Americans, or women at this time.

The Jacksonian Era The period from the 1820s to the 1840s was a time of great political change. During this time, more and more people became involved in the democratic process. President Andrew Jackson was at the center of the political changes of the 1820s to the 1840s, which is why the entire era (or time period) is named after him – the Jacksonian Era.

Do you remember the War of 1812? The War of 1812 was fought between America and Britain. One of the greatest American victories during the war was the Battle of New Orleans. General Andrew Jackson’s men killed or wounded about 2,000 British soldiers, while only about 20 American soldiers were killed or wounded. The victory made Jackson a war hero, which would later aid him when he ran for the presidency.

Graphic Organizer on pg. 185 The man in the upper-right represents common people. Jackson was very popular with common Americans, those without a lot of money or power. The man in the upper-left represents rich and well-born people (planters, merchants, bankers, and lawyers). They didn’t trust Jackson and most voted for Adams. Graphic Organizer on pg. 185 The man in the bottom-right represents supporters of states’ rights, those who believed that the states didn’t have to listen to the national government on matters in which they disagreed. Andrew Jackson The woman in the bottom-left represents Native Americans. Jackson’s presidency would prove very harmful to them.

The Inauguration of Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson is being sworn in as President of the United States.

The Inauguration of Andrew Jackson More than 10,000 people came to Washington, D.C. to witness Jackson’s inauguration on March 4, 1829. Until the 1820s, the right to vote had been limited to the rich and well-born. It was said that only white men with property had the education and experience to vote wisely. As new states formed out west on the frontier, all men were given the same rights, including the right to vote. This led to other states changing voting laws to give the “common man” the right to vote. However, African Americans, Native Americans, and women still weren’t allowed to vote. More than three times as many people voted in 1828 than in 1824.

The Inauguration of Andrew Jackson continued Many of the new voters believed that they could rescue the country from disaster. They believed that the country had been taken over by the corrupt rich. Jackson had promised to return the government to “the people.” His election reflected a shift in power to the West and to the farmers, shopkeepers, and small business owners who supported him.

The Inauguration of Andrew Jackson Continued After Jackson was sworn in as president, a huge crowd followed him to the White House. The celebration turned into a near riot as everyone surged into the White House at once. Jackson was nearly pressed to death before escaping out a back door. “It was the people’s day, and the people’s president, . . . and the people would rule.”

The Election of 1828

The common man and the wealthy

From the Frontier to the White House Andrew Jackson was born in this cabin in a small, rural South Carolina town on March 15, 1767.

From the Frontier to the White House Jackson was a self-made man, achieving his wealth through his own efforts not by being born into a privileged (wealthy) family. His father died before he was born, leaving Jackson, his mother, and his brothers poor. As a young boy, Jackson loved sports but had a hot temper and often would pick fights.

From the Frontier to the White House When the American Revolution began, Jackson was only 13 years old. He joined a local militia and was captured by the British. One day, a British officer ordered Jackson to polish his boots. Jackson responded, “Sir, I am a prisoner of war and demand to be treated as such.” The outraged officer lashed out with his sword, slicing Jackson’s head and hand.

From the Frontier to the White House After the war, Jackson decided to become a lawyer and chose to practice law in Nashville, Tennessee. Jackson soon earned enough money to buy land and slaves and become a gentleman planter.

From the Frontier to the White House Jackson almost died after challenging a slave trader named Charles Dickinson to a pistol duel because Dickinson had insulted Jackson’s wife. Jackson’s shot killed Dickinson, but Dickinson’s shot was so close to Jackson’s heart that doctors were not able to remove it.

From the Frontier to the White House

From the Frontier to the White House In 1824, Jackson ran for president against Henry Clay, William Crawford, and John Quincy Adams. Jackson won the popular votes, and the most electoral votes as well. However, he did not have a majority of the electoral votes, so the decision went to the House of Representatives who chose from the three leading candidates.

From the Frontier to the White House Clay, who had come in fourth, urged his supporters in the House to back Adams. Adams won as a result and chose Clay to be his secretary of state. Jackson’s supporters accused Adams and Clay of making a “corrupt bargain” to rob Jackson of the presidency, vowing revenge in the 1828 election. John Quincy Adams Henry Clay

From the Frontier to the White House Jackson’s supporters used the time between elections to build a new political organization that came to be called the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party still exists today and it is the party of Barack Obama. This new party promised to represent ordinary farmers, workers, and the poor, not the rich and well-born.

Origin of the Democratic Donkey When Andrew Jackson ran for president in 1828, his opponents tried to label him a "jackass" for his populist views and his slogan, "Let the people rule." Jackson, however, picked up on their name calling and turned it to his own advantage by using the donkey on his campaign posters. During his presidency, the donkey was used to represent Jackson's stubbornness when he vetoed re-chartering the National Bank.

From the Frontier to the White House Jackson’s supporters organized huge parades, picnics, and rallies. At these events, supporters sang “The Hunters of Kentucky,” the nation’s first campaign song. These efforts helped get him elected in 1828.

The common man and the wealthy