Democracy and Andrew Jackson From the War of 1812 to Pre-Civil War America

Theme of Today: What does it mean to be Democratic? 3 Aspects of Democracy: 1. Acting in the best interest of all 1. Acting in the best interest of all People 2. Promoting equality of all people 3. Respecting the 3. Respecting the U.S. Constitution

The War of 1812 United States vs. GREAT BRITAIN -Why are they fighting? -GB and France at war; US won’t take sides -GB IMPRESSMENT of American sailors -US declares war on GB even though we were completely unprepared -US gets stomped; loses many battles, White House gets burned down -War ends with no real GAINS for either side

So where does Jackson fit in? The Battle of The Battle of NEW ORLEANS NEW ORLEANS Jackson leads U.S. troops in “the greatest U.S. victory of the war”, Problem: The war had been over for two weeks Jackson seen as war hero "Gentlemen, the British are below the city! We must fight them tonight.“ Gen. Andrew Jackson

Jackson’s rise to Power Jackson’s victory makes him extremely popular, but he loses the election of Jackson’s victory makes him extremely popular, but he loses the election of Actually, Jackson won the POPULAR vote, but didn’t get a majority of electoral college votes. When the vote went to the House of Representatives, he lost to John Quincy Adams. -Actually, Jackson won the POPULAR vote, but didn’t get a majority of electoral college votes. When the vote went to the House of Representatives, he lost to John Quincy Adams. -Jackson begins campaigning immediately after the vote. He campaigns for 4 years and wins the election of 1828.

Jackson: the “Common Man’s President” #1: SPOILS SYSTEM - After election, Jackson immediately removes 10 percent of all officeholders under his power and appoints his friends and supporters...known as “The Spoils System.” #2 NATIVE AMERICAN Policies. Congress then passes Jackson’s Indian Removal Act, allowing Jackson to move Native Americans off their land and to reservations west of the Mississippi River. #3 THE BANK War. Jackson vetoes legislation that would continue the Bank of the U.S. because he felt it was a “corrupt institution” of the rich northeasterners. Three Problem Areas Three Problem Areas

So was Jackson Democratic? The Spoils System The Spoils System - -Jackson removed 690 people from office and replaced them with friends and supporters - “to the VICTOR goes the spoils” - Made decisions for personal GAIN!

So was Jackson Democratic? Indian Removal Act Indian Removal Act -Defying the SUPREME COURT, Jackson forced Native Americans from their homes and made them walk hundreds of miles. -Thousands died on this “TRAIL of Tears”. - He claimed he was freeing up land for the American CITIZENS.

So was Jackson Democratic? The Bank War The Bank War -Jackson felt the Bank was a “privileged institution” that served only the interests of the WEALTHY and did nothing for the common man…”too much power, too few hands.” -Jackson VETOES the bank’s charter in 1836, and asked the Secretary of the Treasury to stop putting government money in the bank. When he refused, Jackson fired him and selected someone who would put money in state Banks (“Pet banks”) -Results: New political party, the WHIGS, is created to oppose Jackson; Nation goes into a depression; Jackson ignores Checks and Balances; Constitutional problems. -Results: New political party, the WHIGS, is created to oppose Jackson; Nation goes into a depression; Jackson ignores Checks and Balances; Constitutional problems.

Jacksonian Democracy Democratic or not? Democratic or not? - Jackson’s goal was to help the COMMON man and take the government away from the rich elite. In many ways, he did that. However, in doing so he contradicted many of the basic ideas of the CONSTITUTION and challenged long-held beliefs about the makeup of American democracy. So the question remains, “Was Andrew Jackson democratic?” You must decide that for yourself. Quote describing Andrew Jackson: “No one likes him, except the people." “No one likes him, except the people."

Theme of Today: What does it mean to be Democratic? 3 Aspects of Democracy: 1. Acting in the best interest of all people. 2. Promoting equality of all people 3. Respecting the Constitution

Using the information from the Power Point… Answer the following open response question…