APUSH Period 4 (1824-1841)

Politics during 1824-1840

Marked by the rise of Jacksonian Democracy, emphasizing the power of the "common man" and opposing elitism. Andrew Jackson's Democratic Party advocated for limited federal government and states' rights, while the opposing Whig Party, led by figures like Henry Clay, promoted a stronger federal government to support infrastructure, the national bank, and protective tariffs. This period also saw intense sectional tensions, especially around issues like tariffs and states' rights, highlighted by events such as the Nullification Crisis and debates over the national bank.

JQA (major issues/events of his presidency)

John Quincy Adams, elected in 1824 through what his opponents called the “Corrupt Bargain” with Henry Clay, faced a contentious presidency. His administration focused on promoting federal investment in national infrastructure and scientific advancements, but his ambitious projects, like funding for roads and canals, faced opposition from those who favored limited government. Adams’s presidency struggled with partisan division and rising sectionalism, with little support for his agenda, which would later inspire the Whig Party's economic platform.

Treatment and Views of Natives

Native Americans faced increasing hostility and forced displacement due to American westward expansion. The Indian Removal Act of 1830, signed by President Andrew Jackson, initiated the relocation of many Native tribes from their ancestral lands in the Southeast to territories west of the Mississippi, leading to the tragic Trail of Tears for the Cherokee and other tribes. Many Americans of the time justified these actions with a belief in Manifest Destiny, viewing Native populations as obstacles to progress, though some, especially in religious and reform circles, protested these policies as unjust and inhumane.

Webster Hayne Debate

The Senate debates between Whig Senator Daniel Webster of Massachusetts and Democrat Senator Robert Y. Hayne of South Carolina. Started out as a disagreement over the sale of Western lands, but during the course of the debates, the senators touched on pressing political issues of the day—the tariff, Western lands, internal improvements—because behind these and others were two very different understandings of the origin and nature of the American Union.

Webster argued that the American people had created the Union to promote the good of the whole and that federal law expressed the will of the American people and could not be nullified by a minority of the people in a state.

Hayne argued that the sovereign and independent states had created the Union to promote their particular interests and that the states retained the authority to nullify federal law.

Supreme Court Cases 1819-1840

Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819) - confirmed that the U.S. Constitution's contract clause prohibits states from impairing a contract.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) - the government of individual states cannot impose laws on the functioning of the federal government.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824) - the federal government has exclusive power over interstate commerce.

Worcester v. Georgia (1832) - only the federal government could deal with Native American tribes, not individual states, and Georgia’s laws did not apply within Cherokee lands. (ignored by Jackson, leading to the continued forced removal of natives)

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831) - ruled that Native American tribes were "domestic dependent nations" and not foreign nations with the right to sue in federal court, left the Cherokee with limited legal recourse to defend their lands.

Jacksonian Democracy (and views)

A political doctrine chiefly associated with Andrew Jackson that proclaimed the equality of all adult white males—the “common man”—and disapproved of anything that resembled special privilege, such as chartered banks. Focused on promoting legislation beneficial to the common man, emphasizing the will of the majority and distrust of the privileged. Jackson's actions aimed at dismantling elitist structures like the national bank reflected his commitment to these ideals.

A government for the people, by the people

Jackson’s presidency

(1829-1837) was marked by his populist appeal as a champion of the "common man" and his commitment to expanding democratic participation. He exercised strong executive power, vetoing the recharter of the Second Bank of the United States and asserting federal authority during the Nullification Crisis against South Carolina. His policies toward Native Americans, especially the Indian Removal Act of 1830, led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native people, culminating in the tragic Trail of Tears.

Tariff Issues (1828)

The tariff of 1828 was intended to protect domestic industries by inflating the cost of imported goods by as much as 50 percent thus reducing foreign competition with American manufacturing. Southerners, arguing that the tariff enhanced the interests of the Northern manufacturing industry at their expense, referred to it as the Tariff of Abominations.

Tariff Issues (1832)

In response to the looming political battle and in an effort to appease Southerners, Congress passed the Tariff of 1832, lowering the 1828 rates but maintaining a rate that was still highly protectionist. The newly elected South Carolina legislature was still not satisfied and responded by calling for a state nullification convention.

Nullification Crisis

Nullification: A doctrine forcefully articulated by John C. Calhoun in 1828, asserting that a state could invalidate, within its own boundaries, federal legislation the state regarded as unconstitutional.

Crisis: South Carolina adopted the Ordinance of Nullification, declaring the tariffs null, void, and nonbinding in the state. U.S. President Andrew Jackson responded in December 1832 by issuing a proclamation that asserted the supremacy of the federal government.

Van Buren (accomplishments, problems)

A key architect of the Democratic Party, became the 8th U.S. President in 1837 and faced the immediate challenge of the Panic of 1837, a severe economic depression triggered by speculative lending and Jackson’s hard-money policies. His administration responded by advocating for an independent treasury system to keep government funds separate from private banks, which he believed would stabilize the economy in the long term. However, Van Buren’s response to the depression and his adherence to Jacksonian policies made him unpopular, and his presidency struggled with economic recovery, ultimately contributing to his defeat in the 1840 election.

Whigs (platform and leaders)

Formed in opposition to Andrew Jackson, advocated for a strong federal government to support economic modernization, industrial growth, and infrastructure improvements. Their platform emphasized Henry Clay's American System, which called for protective tariffs, a national bank, and federally funded internal improvements to promote national unity and economic development.

Key leaders of the party included Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, and William Henry Harrison, who rallied diverse regional and economic interests against what they saw as Jackson's "executive tyranny."

Transportation

Advancements revolutionized travel and commerce in the United States, supporting rapid economic and territorial expansion. The construction of canals, most notably the Erie Canal (completed in 1825), significantly reduced transportation costs and connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, boosting trade and settlement in the Midwest. Meanwhile, the growth of railroads and steam-powered boats allowed for faster, more reliable movement of people and goods across longer distances, linking previously isolated regions and fueling westward expansion.

Character of the Workforce

Between 1824 and 1841, it began shifting from agricultural labor to factory and industrial jobs, particularly in the Northeast. The rise of textile mills, such as those in Lowell, Massachusetts, employed young women and children, marking the early stages of the factory-based labor force. This period also saw the emergence of labor movements and worker strikes, as employees began to organize for shorter hours, better wages, and improved working conditions in response to often harsh and demanding industrial work environments.

Panic of 1837

When Jackson was president, many state banks received government money that had been withdrawn from the Bank of the US. These banks issued paper money and financed wild speculation, especially in federal lands. Jackson issued the specie circular to force the payment for federal lands with gold or silver. Many state banks collapsed and as a result, a panic ensued. The bank of the U.S. failed, cotton prices fell, businesses went bankrupt, and there was widespread unemployment and distress

Bank War

The political dispute over whether to renew the charter of the Second Bank of the United States. In 1832, Congress voted to recharter the bank, but President Andrew Jackson vetoed the measure so the charter expired in 1836. He argued that the bank was unconstitutional, a dangerous monopoly, and vulnerable to control by foreign investors.

Groups supporting Jackson

Supporters of Andrew Jackson, known as Jacksonians, primarily included small farmers, urban workers, and frontier settlers who were drawn to his populist message and advocacy for the "common man." The Democratic Party, which Jackson helped to shape, appealed to those who felt disenfranchised by the political elite and championed policies favoring states' rights, westward expansion, and a limited federal government. Additionally, Jackson's supporters were often aligned with the interests of Southern plantation owners who valued his opposition to centralized banking and tariff policies that they believed harmed their agricultural economy.

Texas Issues

Between 1824 and 1841, Texas experienced significant tension over its status as a Mexican territory and the increasing influx of American settlers, which led to cultural and political conflicts. The Texas Revolution in 1835-1836 culminated in the independence of Texas from Mexico, with pivotal events such as the Battle of the Alamo galvanizing support for Texan independence among American settlers. Following its independence, the issue of whether to annex Texas into the United States became a contentious political topic, as it raised concerns about the expansion of slavery and the balance of power between free and slave states.

Market Revolution

Transformed the American economy from a subsistence-based system to one increasingly driven by commerce and industrialization. Advances in transportation, such as the expansion of canals, railroads, and roads, facilitated the movement of goods and people, while innovations in manufacturing, including the use of interchangeable parts, boosted productivity and spurred the growth of factories. Altered social dynamics, leading to the rise of a wage labor force, the growth of cities, and the emergence of new social classes.

Second American Party System

A term for the political contention between the Democratic Party, as rejuvenated by Andrew Jackson in 1828, and the Whigs, who emerged in response to Jackson.

Specie Circular

An edict issued by President Andrew Jackson in 1836 obliging purchasers of public land to do so with gold coins rather than the paper currency issued by state banks; it caused the speculative boom in real estate to collapse and exacerbated a financial panic the following year.

Spoils System

A term, usually mocking, of the practice of newly elected officeholders appointing loyal members of their own party to public office.

Trail of Tears

The name for the 1838 forced removal of Cherokee and other Indians from Georgia and the western Appalachians to Indian Territory in Oklahoma and nearby regions.

Whig Party

Originally a reference to British politicians who sought to exclude the Catholic Duke of York from succession to the throne in the 1760s; in the United States after the 1830s, it referred to a political party that opposed the Jacksonian Democrats and favored a strong role for the national government, especially in promoting economic growth. Held many of the same beliefs as federalists.

Democratic Party

Under the leadership of Andrew Jackson, emerged as a powerful political force advocating for the rights of the "common man" against what they perceived as elitist interests. The party emphasized principles of Jacksonian Democracy, promoting a limited federal government, states' rights, and opposition to the national bank, which they believed concentrated too much power in the hands of a few. During this period, they faced significant challenges, including sectional tensions over issues like slavery and tariffs, but they maintained a strong base of support among farmers, laborers, and those seeking to expand westward.

Indian Removal Act

Passed by Congress in 1830 and signed into law by President Andrew Jackson, authorizing the president to grant land west of the Mississippi River to Indian tribes that agreed to give up their homelands within existing state borders. A few tribes went peacefully, but many resisted the relocation policy.

Seminole War

Three conflicts between the United States and the Seminole Indians of Florida in the period before the American Civil War that ultimately resulted in the opening of the Seminole's desirable land for white exploitation and settlement. The First Seminole War, conflict between U.S. armed forces and the Seminole Indians of Florida is generally dated to 1817–18 and that led Spain to cede Florida to the United States.

John C. Calhoun

Was vice president to both John Q. Adams and Andrew Jackson, resigned as vice president and changed from being a unionist to a strong southern sectionalist, was a champion of states’ rights, including the right for states to nullify federal laws (specifically the tariff of 1828/tariff of abominations), from South Carolinan who authored “The South Carolina Exposition and Protest” advocating nullification.

Universal White Male Suffrage

The expansion of voting rights to all white males, even if they did not own property (was the work of state legislatures but Jackson ended up benefitting from it, helping him become president)

Second Bank of the United States

Chartered in 1816, played a crucial role in stabilizing the American economy by regulating currency and providing credit to both the government and private enterprises. However, it faced intense opposition, particularly from President Andrew Jackson, who viewed it as a symbol of elite power and corruption, leading to his decision to veto its recharter in 1832. The bank's eventual closure and the withdrawal of federal deposits contributed to a period of economic instability and speculation known as the Panic of 1837, illustrating the contentious relationship between government and banking during this era.

William Henry Harrison

A prominent figure in the Whig Party, gained national fame as a military hero during the War of 1812, particularly for his victory at the Battle of Tippecanoe. He ran for president in 1840, capitalizing on the popularity of his military background and portraying himself as a man of the people, famously using the slogan "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" to rally support. He won the election but served only 31 days in office before dying of pneumonia, making his presidency one of the shortest in American history and leading to questions about the succession of power and the role of the vice presidency.

John Tyler

Served as vice president under William Henry Harrison and ascended to the presidency in 1841 following Harrison's death, becoming the first vice president to assume the office due to a president's passing. His presidency was marked by political turmoil, as he faced opposition from the Whig Party, which had expected him to align with their policies, but he prioritized his own beliefs and often vetoed Whig-sponsored legislation, including attempts to establish a new national bank. His administration also dealt with significant foreign policy issues, such as the annexation of Texas.

Market economy

An economic system based on free enterprise, in which businesses are privately owned, and production and prices are determined by supply and demand; people produce crops and products for cash (cash crops), not survival.

Interchangeable Parts

Popularized in America when Eli Whitney used them to assemble muskets in the first years of the 19th century, allowed relatively unskilled workers to produce large numbers of weapons quickly and at lower cost, and made repair and replacement of parts infinitely easier.

Semi-subsistence agriculture

A type of farming in which some of the crop is consumed by the farmer and his family, leaving little or nothing left to be marketed/sold to the public

Textile Machinery

Its significance grew as it revolutionized the production of cloth and garments, leading to the rise of factory-based manufacturing and the establishment of the United States as a key player in the textile industry. Major locations for textile manufacturing included Lowell, Massachusetts, which became a model for factory towns with its integrated mills, and other New England states, where water power from rivers was harnessed to operate the machinery and support rapid industrial growth.

Participatory Democracy

A form of government in which citizens participate individually and directly in political decisions and policies that affect their lives, rather than through elected representatives.

Which groups supported the Whig Party?

Drew support primarily from the middle and upper classes, including manufacturers, merchants, and professionals in the Northeast and Midwest, as well as planters in the South who favored economic modernization, infrastructure improvements, and protective tariffs to promote industrial growth.

Which groups supported the Democratic Party?

Found support among working-class individuals, small farmers, and frontier settlers, predominantly in the South and West, who valued its emphasis on agrarian interests, states' rights, and opposition to elitist policies, as well as its populist appeal to the "common man."

Henry Clay

A leading figure in the Whig Party, strongly advocated for infrastructure improvements through his American System, which called for federal funding of roads, canals, and railroads to foster economic growth and national unity. He was also a supporter of the Second Bank of the United States, believing it essential for stabilizing the economy and regulating currency, in contrast to Andrew Jackson's opposition. Additionally, he played a crucial role in tariff debates, initially supporting protective tariffs to nurture American industry while recognizing the need for compromise to address the concerns of Southern states impacted by these policies.

Steam Engine Significance

Significantly transformed transportation, facilitating the rapid development of both steam-powered ships and locomotives, which revolutionized trade and travel across the United States and Europe. This technological advancement not only boosted industrialization by enabling factories to operate more efficiently but also fostered economic growth by connecting remote areas to markets and accelerating the movement of goods and people.

Railroad System

Was pivotal in transforming the American economy by providing faster and more efficient transportation for goods and people, which stimulated trade and encouraged westward expansion. Railroads also played a crucial role in shaping regional development, connecting previously isolated areas to urban centers and facilitating the growth of industries, thereby contributing to the rise of a national market economy.

Telegraph Significance

Revolutionized communication by enabling instantaneous long-distance messaging, drastically reducing the time required to send information across vast distances. This innovation not only transformed business operations and news dissemination but also played a crucial role in shaping modern society by fostering greater connectivity and global interaction.

Jackson’s Kitchen Cabinet

A group of unofficial and informal advisers who have the ear of the President and often have more influence than the official Cabinet. The term was first used to mock President Andrew Jackson's advisers, who were said to be too unimportant to meet in the formal rooms of the White House.

Two party system

Primarily characterized by the emergence of the Democratic Party and the Whig Party. Following the contentious election of 1824, which resulted in a fragmented political landscape, these parties began to coalesce around distinct ideologies and voter bases, with Democrats advocating for agrarian interests and states' rights, while Whigs favored industrial growth and a more active federal government. This political realignment laid the groundwork for future electoral battles and established a framework for American political discourse that continues to influence the system today.

Alexis DeTocqueville

Played a significant role in shaping European perspectives on American democracy during his visit to the United States from 1831 to 1832, culminating in his influential work, Democracy in America. His observations highlighted the unique characteristics of American society, including the importance of civic engagement, individualism, and the impact of social equality on political life. Tocqueville's insights not only informed European political thought but also prompted Americans to reflect on their democratic practices and the potential challenges posed by materialism and individualism.