The Age of Jackson

Jacksonian Democracy Early 1800s: voting rights extended Nominating Conventions— parties select presidential candidates Allowed more voter input

Jacksonian Democracy John Quincy Adams Andrew Jackson National Republicans vs. Andrew Jackson Democratic Party Election of 1828

Who was Andrew Jackson? Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States. Born poor; orphaned as a child Military commander in the Battle of New Orleans Strongest support came from the West and South. Was seen as the first presidential candidate to rise from the masses.

Jackson’s Victory Victory for the common man Jackson first ran for Presidency in 1824. Jackson won Presidency in 1828, running against John Q. Adams’ reelection. By 1828, most states had dropped the land requirement to vote. New voters mainly voted for Jackson, the “people’s champion.”

Spoils System The Spoils System is when campaign supporters are awarded with government posts. Jackson justified this position saying it brought new blood in. Some scandals with this system on appointing of offices, party loyalties became stronger. Jackson’s Cabinet was mostly composed of friends and supporters.

Conflict over Tariffs Regional conflicts over tariffs North—wanted high tariffs to protect industries South—imported most manufactured goods

Conflict over Tariffs 1828: Northern manufacturers pressure Congress to pass high tariffs “Tariff of Abominations” protected northern goods from foreign competition. Abuse of federal power over the states Southern states were harmed economically by tariff Felt that national government abused the rights of southerners.

Nullification Crisis John C. Calhoun States’ Rights—belief that state power should be greater than federal power VP John C. Calhoun led the opposition John C. Calhoun

Nullification Crisis Nullification—states had the right to nullify federal laws with which they disagreed “Tariff of Abomination,” 1828 South believed that this showed favoritism towards the North. Jackson did not repeal it when he took office South then began to take action, especially the state of South Carolina. SC: declares law null and void

The South Carolina Exposition Published in 1828, and written anonymously by John C. Calhoun Calhoun resigns Suggests that South Carolina should not obey tariff, and that all southern states should consider it illegal within in their states: null.

Jackson’s Reaction Issued Nullification Proclamation: states did not have the power to nullify federal laws. Force Bill – stipulated that force might be used to collect tariffs from offenders. SC threatens to secede if troops are sent Force Bill repealed by Compromise Tariff of 1833.

The Trail of Tears The expansion of cotton and slavery forced the relocation of Indians Indian Removal Act of 1830 More than 100,000 Indians The Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, Cherokee, and Seminole tribes. Violates previous treaties with the Indians concerning land. Cherokees resist, forced onto the Trail of Tears

Second Bank of the United States Jackson against Bank of the United States States opposed the bank Maryland passes law taxing branches of the national bank James McCulloch refuses to pay taxes McCulloch v. Maryland

Second Bank of the United States Bank charter due to expire in 1836 Nicholas Biddle pushes for renewal of charter in 1832 Jackson vetoes Nicholas Biddle

Second Bank of the United States Not enough votes to override veto Transferred money to state banks Inflation increased Debt paid down

Van Buren’s Presidency Jackson angered members of Congress 1834: Jackson opponents form the Whig Party Whig Party—political party that supported the idea of a weak president and a strong legislature

Van Buren’s Presidency 1836: Whigs nominate four candidates to run against VP Martin Van Buren Democrat Martin Van Buren wins

Van Buren’s Presidency Panic of 1837 leads to economic depression Result of Jackson’s bank policies Van Buren blamed and defeated in election of 1840

Van Buren’s Presidency William Henry Harrison and John Tyler win election of 1840 “Tippecanoe and Tyler too” War record and log cabin roots William Henry Harrison