Objectives Explain how the rise of Andrew Jackson was linked to expanding democratic rights. Trace the causes and effects of Indian removal. Analyze Jackson’s policies with regard to nullification and the national bank.

Terms and People Andrew Jackson – a military hero who became President of the United States in 1828 as American democracy expanded Jacksonian democracy – a trend in which politics became increasingly democratic, with more voters spoils system – the use of political jobs to reward party loyalty Indian Removal Act – a law passed in 1830 that sought to exchange Indian lands in the South for land in present-day Oklahoma

Terms and People (continued) Trail of Tears – route taken by Cherokee forced from their land in the Southeast to Oklahoma, along which thousands died of disease and hunger John C. Calhoun – Jackson’s Vice President who championed nullification nullification – the concept that states could nullify, or void, and federal law they deemed unconstitutional Panic of 1837 – the nation’s worst economic depression to that time 3

What changes did Andrew Jackson bring to American political life? During the 1820s, there was a political shift in America toward expanded democracy. This shift resulted in the election of Andrew Jackson to the presidency, and some policies that caused long-term political conflicts.

Jackson became President in the 1820s, a time when democracy expanded, a trend called Jacksonian democracy. • States chose presidential electors by popular vote instead of state legislatures. • States abolished property requirements for voting. • Participation in elections grew, and Jackson presented himself as a common man

Jackson lost the presidential race in 1824 to John Quincy Adams despite winning the popular vote, because there was no electoral vote majority. In 1828, Jackson and the Democratic Party were very organized, and won the race. 6

This practice was called the spoils system. Once Andrew Jackson became president, he replaced hundreds of government workers with people from the Democratic Party. This practice was called the spoils system. 7

Instead, he urged Congress to pass the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Native Americans owned private property and went to court to defend their rights. In 1832, the Supreme Court ruled that Georgia’s seizure of Indian lands was unconstitutional but Jackson refused to act on the ruling. Southern voters expected Jackson to remove Indians living in the region. Instead, he urged Congress to pass the Indian Removal Act of 1830. 8

people died on this Trail of Tears. The act led to the forcible removal of Creeks, Seminoles, and Cherokee from their land. In 1838, federal troops made 15,000 Cherokee journey from the Southeast to Oklahoma. At least 4,000 people died on this Trail of Tears. 9

Native American Removal, 1830-1840

Jackson’s VP John C. Calhoun opposed it. He favored nullification, the idea states could void federal laws they deemed unconstitutional on the ruling. In 1828, Congress adopted an especially high tariff, or tax on imported goods. Despite Calhoun’s and other southerners’ objections, Jackson signed a tariff into law.

Jackson vowed “The Union will be preserved.” Calhoun resigned the vice presidency and South Carolina threatened to secede from the Union. Jackson vowed “The Union will be preserved.” The crisis passed when Congress reduced the tariff, though the question of nullification and secession had only been postponed. 12

Jackson disliked the Second Bank of the United States. Jackson vetoed the renewal of the Bank’s charter in 1832. Supporters of the Bank founded the Whig Party. Jackson won a landslide victory against the Whigs and used his public support to weaken the Bank.

There was a drop in land values and sales. Martin Van Buren was elected in 1836, and soon after the Panic of 1837 occurred. This economic depression was caused in part by Jackson’s decision to stop accepting paper money for the purchase of federal land. There was a drop in land values and sales. 14

The troubled economy led to a Whig resurgence. William Henry Harrison became President in 1841, but died a month after taking office. VP John Tyler took office and rejected Whig policies.