Age of Jackson, 1828-1848

Rise of the “Common Man” Politically not economically Property owning restrictions for voting begin to fall (especially in the west) Least complete in the South Party politics

% of Eligible Voters in Presidential Elections Brinkley, 10th Edition

The Common Man’s President

Revival of Two-Party System Democrats Gov’t should prevent problems for the average white males not create them Rapid westward expansion Whigs (Northeast predominantly) One united national economy West was a destabilizing influence Industry is the future

Nullification Crisis SC considered the Tariff of 1828 to be a “tariff of abominations”: raised $s on imported manufactured goods SC considered secession VP Calhoun tries to compromise with nullification

Calhoun’s Theory of Nullification States decide constitutionality of laws not courts or Congress Only if part of Constitution would state have to obey or secede SC could refuse tariff

Jackson and Calhoun Timeline Nullification causes rift Calhoun resigns as VP; elected to Senate SC nullifies tariff Jackson sends warships to SC Clay comes up with compromise Crisis averted

Indian Removal Jackson thought NA impediments to white settlement Black Hawk War Trail of Tears

Trail of Tears

Removal Routes

The Bank War Jackson thought Bank was a machine for the elite Earlier veto of Maysville Road in KY Jackson took on Bank’s considerable power and its president Biddle Weakened bank and waited for its charter to expire in 1836

Would be Assassin

Martin Van Buren Democrat; Jackson’s choice Defeated divided Whig ticket Surplus when elected Not as popular as Jackson

Panic of 1837 Started by Jackson’s “specie circular” Lasted 5 years Complicated causes Independent Treasury created Private banks can’t speculate with gov’t $