Lesson 21: A New Democratic Era

Jacksonian Democracy

Expanded political participation and economic opportunity; promoted equal rights and laws for the “common man.”

“Common Man”

Jackson’s political base; ordinary citizens whose rights and participation he sought to expand.

“King Mob”

Criticism of Jackson after rowdy inauguration celebrations damaged the White House, symbolizing fear of mob rule.

Spoils System

Jackson’s practice of replacing career officials with loyal supporters to reward political allies.

Indian Removal

Jackson’s policy of relocating Native Americans west of the Mississippi “for their protection,” opening land for white settlement.

Henry Clay

Critic of Jackson; argued Native Americans were “destined for extinction” and not “worth preserving”; later negotiated tariff to defuse Nullification Crisis.

Cherokee Removal

Georgia seized Cherokee land despite the tribe adopting white customs (farming, Christianity, intermarriage, owning slaves); Jackson ignored Supreme Court ruling protecting them.

Trail of Tears

Forced removal of 17,000 Cherokees who marched 800 miles to Oklahoma; around 4,000 died from exposure, disease, and starvation.

John Calhoun

Jackson’s vice president; leading advocate of states’ rights; opposed Tariff of 1828 and argued states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws.

Tariffs of Ambitions (1828)

High tariff that hurt Southern cotton exports; caused SC outrage and rise of nullification movement.

South Carolina Exposition and Protest

Calhoun’s document arguing that states could nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional.

Nullification

Theory that states can void federal laws; central issue in the conflict between South Carolina and Jackson’s administration.

Webster-Hayne Debate (1830)

Senate debate on federal power vs. states’ rights: Hayne argued Union was created by states, Webster argued it was created by the people.

Robert Hayne

South Carolina senator who defended nullification and states’ rights; claimed states created the Union.

Daniel Webster

Massachusetts senator who opposed nullification; argued Union was permanent and created by the people.

“Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable”

Webster’s famous declaration defending federal supremacy and the perpetual Union.

Jefferson Day Dinner (1830)

Political showdown where Jackson and Calhoun publicly split over Union vs. states’ rights.

Andrew Jackson

President who expanded democracy, enforced Indian Removal, used the spoils system, paid off national debt, and opposed nullification; declared Union must be preserved.

“Our Union– it must be preserved”

Jackson’s toast at Jefferson Day Dinner, rejecting nullification and stressing national unity.

“The Union, next to our liberty the most dear”

Calhoun’s response toast, signaling support for liberty and states’ rights over federal authority.

Ordinance of Nullification (1832)

South Carolina’s act declaring federal tariffs null and void within the state; threatened secession.

Force Bill (1833)

Authorized Jackson to use military force to enforce federal tariff laws in South Carolina.

Whig Party

Formed from National Republicans and Federalists; supported economic nationalism, internal improvements, modernization, and opposed Jackson’s executive power.

Martin Vin Buren

Jackson’s handpicked successor; won 1836 election but lost in 1840 during economic struggles.

William Henry Harrison

Whig candidate who won the 1840 election; portrayed as a humble war hero of the people.

“Log cabin and apple cider” campaign

Whig propaganda promoting Harrison as a simple, relatable frontiersman; used to counter Van Buren’s elite image.