The Triumph of Democracy Growing dominance of the common people in society and politics

I. The Hotel: Symbol of the Age Demonstrated geographic and social mobility “American Plan” menus Sign of “greater equality” to many foreign visitors Also illustrated the worst of American democracy Site of new style democratic politicking

II. The Democratic Impulse: The Spirit of the Age Change in attitude toward the idea of democracy Strong surge of political and social leveling By 1820’s, most states had universal manhood suffrage for white males New style of campaigning became prevalent Appearance of statewide political organizations

II. The Democratic Impulse (cont.) By 1828, presidential electors were chosen by the people Popular participation in elections increased dramatically during this era election = 78% turnout Strong loyalties to political parties developed during this era Important political issues debated at this time

III. Growing Equality: The Culture of the Age

A. Society Distaste for being seen as a servant Decline in aristocratic dress Attack on professional societies The reality of equality became ever more evasive The “American” game of baseball is “invented” in 1839

B. Literature and Art Growing Literacy The common man became the target for writers Some pander to the tastes of the common man --The “Penny Press” --Lurid, Sentimental Novels Some writers attempt to improve popular tastes

B. Literature and Art (cont.) Fascination with death and horror Other popular and not- so popular American writers of the time Theater for the common man Truly American art and architecture

IV. Popular Campaigns: The Politics of the Age The Election of The “Corrupt Bargain” Adams’ Presidency The Election of 1828 New and Old Campaign Techniques Rise of the Democratic Party

V. Andrew Jackson: A Man for His Age ( )

A. The Man Forceful, obstinate, proud and unforgiving Violent temper Self-reliant “Old Hickory” A Man of Contradictions: a democratic aristocrat

B. His Presidency Death of his wife, Rachel Endorses the “Spoils System” Reduces the influence of the cabinet The “Peggy Eaton” Affair (1829)

C. Indian Removal The president as ex-Indian fighter Georgia seeks Cherokee removal The Supreme Court weighs in --Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831) Indian Intercourse Act (1834) “Trail of Tears” (1838)

D. The Nullification Crisis Tariffs as a test case Jackson’s growing personal feud with Calhoun The “Tariff of Abominations” (1828) South Carolina’s Nullification (1832) The Force Bill (1833) Resolution of the Crisis

E. The Bank War Problems with the image of the National Bank Nicholas Biddle as president (1823) Objections to the Bank Re-charter attempt in 1832 “The Bank is trying to kill me, but I will kill it.” US deposits in “pet” banks National Bank began to call in loans

F. Emergence of the Whig Party Formation and naming of this new party Some southerners joined temporarily Characteristics of the Whig Party Specie Circular (1836) The Panic of 1837

VI. The Rise and Fall of Martin Van Buren: Victim of His Age Van Buren’s background Economic issues dominate his presidency --Independent Treasury (1840) The Election of 1840