The Age of Jackson

Andrew Jackson The Common Man! Born in S. Carolina to poor Irish Parents-Father died in a logging accident. Raised by mother with two brothers. (brother died in Revolutionary war) Andrew and his brother captured by British and forced to work-struck by sword. Orphaned at 14. Military leader-Native American Creek Wars, War of Lawyer, politician, land prospector, slave owner, brawler! Married Rachel Robards, no children-adopted 1 son

Election of 1828 Bad Politics!!! Dirty Politics!!! Andrew Jackson: Murderer! Adulterer! John Quincy Adams: Gambler! Use of U.S. Funds John C. Calhoun: Incapable! Adams political party=National Republicans Jackson’s political party=The Democratic Party Campaigners: Jackson was a war hero, born poor and rose to success! Supported Majority rule and benefited from expansion

After Jackson takes the Oath Andrew Jackson's victory in the election of 1828 was viewed as a triumph for the common man and for popular democracy. During his two terms of office, just about anyone could come to Jackson's parties and just about everyone did! At his last public reception, a wheel of cheddar cheese weighing 1,400 pounds was devoured by a rowdy crowd in two hours. After that, the White House smelled of cheddar cheese for weeks!

Jackson’s Presidential Administration Sectionalism at work: different regions different opinions. Three Regions Emerge: See page 289

Do You Remember? 1. What did Jackson think was wrong with the US Bank? 2. What did he do about it? (name 3 things)

The Rights of the States Problems with Tariffs VP John C. Calhoun supported the south! 1.Calhoun said states power greater than federal power because states had formed the actual Fed. Government. 2.States should nullify, or reject law judged unconstitutional. This produced the Nullification crisis.

The Rights of Federal Government Daniel Webster argued against Calhoun’s theory stating the Federal Government was one nation, not a pact among independent states. Jackson urged Congress to pass a lower tariff rate in South Carolina enacted the Nullification Act. Jackson opposed the Act and threatened to send military to enforce Federal Government rule. Eventually lower tariffs were issued, but the South never forgot!

Nullification Crisis States’ Rights South opinion: Abominable (horrible) States’ Rights: State power should be greater than federal power. Nullification: States’ have a right to nullify federal laws with which they disagree. Supporter: John C. Calhoun Federal Authority Supporter: Daniel Webster promoted national unity over states’ rights. President Jackson’s opinion: opposed nullification. Action/Results: Jackson threatened to send troops to enforce tariffs VS.

Jackson Attacks the Bank Jackson did not always support federal law. He opposed the 2 nd Bank of the United States. South opposed the bank because they believed it only helped the rich! In McCulloch v. Maryland Supreme Court ruled the national bank was constitutional. –McCulloch was a cashier at the Bank’s branch in Maryland who refused to pay the tax that was designed to limit the bank’s operations. Jackson vetoed the renewal of the Bank’s charter in 1832.

Jackson Attacks the Bank Jackson took funds out of the U.S. Bank and put them into state banks. State banks used funds to give credit to land buyers. –Helped land expansion but caused inflation. –Jackson ordered Americans to use only gold and silver to buy land but it still didn’t help the economy. –New economic troubles began. State banks

New Elections Jackson chose not to run in 1836; democrat VP Martin Van Buren won the election. An economic depression called the Panic of 1837 followed the election. People blamed Van Buren even though it was Jackson’s policies. Nickname “Martin Van Ruin” Van Buren did too little too late to help the nation.

Quick Notes Jackson didn’t always support fed. power South states believed U.S. Bank only helped rich. McCulloch v. Maryland ruled bank constitutional-Jackson vetoed bank renewal. Jackson took $ and put in state banks. Banks used $ to give credit to land buyers. Economic problems began. Panic of 1837

Indian Removal-Choctaw 1.Chocktaw-1 st Indians sent to new Indian Territory. They were forced to sign the treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek. The U.S. received 7.5 million acres of their land. 2.Forced to move on foot without enough food, supplies-horrible winter conditions. 1/4 th died of cold, disease or starvation.

Indian Removal-The Chicksaw 1. The Chicksaw experienced many of the same hardships the Choctaw did, however they negotiated treaty for more food and supplies. Many still died.

The Creek Indians Creeks resisted removal and 14,500 were captured and led in chains to new Indian territory.

Chickasaw From upper Mississippi After learning of horrible conditions and treatment, they negotiated treaties for food and shelter, but many still died.

Indian Removal-