The Age of Jackson

What does this quote indicate of Jackson’s view of government? “Every man is equally entitled to protection by law; but when the laws undertake to add to these natural and just advantages artificial distinctions,... to make the rich richer and the potent more powerful, the humble members of society — the farmers, mechanics, and laborers — who have neither the time nor the means of securing like favors to themselves, have a right to complain of the injustice of their government.” Andrew Jackson, July 10, 1832

Andrew Jackson, Man of Conflict Violent Individual (“Gentleman Savage”) Frontiersman – Used to a rough and tumble life – Served in the War for Independence at the age of 11 – Fought a series of duels – Brought up with life as a struggle War Hero – Defeated the Creek in 1811 – Defeated the British at New Orleans – Defeated the Seminole in 1819

Conflicting Nature Man of the PeopleFabulously wealthy Intensely Loyal to family, friends, and soldiers Extremely Bigoted Distrusted the National GovernmentExpanded the National Government’s Power

Jacksonian Democracy Jackson brought a new style to the White House – Designed government to “restore power to the people” – Saw the government as reflecting the common man – Promoted the “Spoils System” Government positions given to political supporters

Jackson despised “Eastern Elites” Felt that the powerful held too much power Felt that the “common people” were left out Despised distinctions based on class

Decentralized Government Shift power from Washington to the states – Reduce tariffs – Restrict spending on “internal improvements” – Close the 2 nd Bank of the U.S. Restore government to the people – Expanded voting rights – “Rotation in Office”/Spoils System Age of the Common Man

The Jackson Administration Defined by handling of three issues: – The Nullification Crisis – The Bank War – Indian Removal

Grading Jackson Historians stress the following points on Jackson – Brought in a more democratic system More people voted More took part in campaigns More took part in government – Political machines brought corruption

Grading Jackson (II) Responsible for the permanent two-party system DEMOCRATSWHIGS Limited government and free trade Strong central government Saw selves as “outsiders”Saw selves as the leaders Favored agriculturePromoted economic diversity Promoted westward expansion Promoted economic development Liberty freed common man from oppression Liberty was the means to form individual character and good society Preserve white supremacyPromoted cultural uniformity

Grading Jackson (III) Economic transformation – Banking center moved to New York – Collapse of 2 nd B.U.S. sparked the Panic of 1837

Grading Jackson (IV) Stressed National Supremacy – Demonstrated role of force in preventing secession – Future presidents lacked his forceful nature

Grading Jackson (V) Drove Native Americans to the West Responsible for thousands of deaths – Transformed Native Cultures – Opened lands for cotton plantations – Expands slavery