Jacksonian Democracy and 1820s Political Developments

Democracy in the 1820s

Democracy became widely respected and appealing.

Politician Background Emphasis

Humble, 'log cabin' origins.

Scorned Politicians in the 1820s

Aristocratic, elite, highly educated ones.

Popular Western War Heroes

Andrew Jackson, Davy Crockett, William Henry Harrison.

Jacksonian Democracy Belief

Governing should be done directly by the people.

Basis of New Democracy

Universal white male suffrage.

First State for All White Men Voting

Vermont.

Economic Development for Political Awareness

Growth of the market economy.

Financial Crisis Influencing Democratic Expansion

Panic of 1819.

Political Compromise Increasing Awareness

Missouri Compromise (1820).

Voter Turnout Change (1824 to 1828)

It doubled.

New Campaign Tactics

Banners, parades, barbecues, free drinks, baby-kissing.

Replacement for Secret Congressional Caucuses

National nominating conventions.

Candidates in the 1824 Election

Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, William H. Crawford.

Reason Election Went to House of Representatives

No candidate won an electoral majority.

Henry Clay's Support in the House

John Quincy Adams.

Position Adams Gave Clay

Secretary of State.

Jackson's Supporters' Term for Exchange

The 'Corrupt Bargain.'

Adams' Unpopularity as President

He refused to use patronage and lacked political charm.

Internal Improvements Supported by Adams

Canals, roads, a national university, and an observatory.

Westerners' Dislike of Adams' Land Policy

He tried to stop land speculation.

Goal of Jacksonians in Raising Tariff Rates

To embarrass Adams.

Region Passing the Tariff Anyway

New England.

South's Term for the Tariff

The Tariff of Abominations.

Slave Revolt Raising Southern Fears

Denmark Vesey's Rebellion (1822).

South's Economic Hatred of the Tariff

They sold cotton without protection but paid high prices for manufactured goods.

South's Political Fear of the Tariff

They worried federal power could be used to end slavery.

Author of The South Carolina Exposition

John C. Calhoun.

Argument of The South Carolina Exposition

Nullification of the tariff.

Election of 1828: Personal attacks on Jackson

Claims of bigamy and insults to his mother.

Election of 1828: Regions supporting Jackson

The South and the West.

Jacksonian Revolution: Jackson's claim

Limited government.

Jacksonian Revolution: Inauguration symbolism

Rise of the common people.

Jacksonian Revolution: Behavior at inauguration

They trashed the White House.

Jackson as President: Nickname 'Old Hickory'

Because of his toughness.

Jackson as President: View of federal government

He distrusted it and believed it favored elites.

Jackson as President: Number of vetoes issued

12.

Spoils System: Definition

Rewarding political supporters with government jobs.

Spoils System: Jackson's support reason

He believed in rotation in office and wanted 'young blood'.

Spoils System: Resulting corruption

Incompetent officials and scandals like Samuel Swartwout stealing $1M.

Eaton Affair: Cause of cabinet turmoil

Scandal surrounding Peggy Eaton.

Eaton Affair: Beneficiary of political gain

Martin Van Buren.

Eaton Affair: Jackson's relationship with Calhoun

It collapsed; Calhoun resigned as VP.

Nullification Crisis: South Carolina's action

Attempt to nullify the Tariff of 1832.

Nullification Crisis: Jackson's threat

Military force, and he issued a proclamation against nullification.

Nullification Crisis: Henry Clay's proposal

Compromise Tariff of 1833.

Nullification Crisis: Congress's additional action

The Force Bill.

Bank War: Jackson's distrust reason

He saw it as elitist, unconstitutional, and favoring the wealthy.

Bank War: Jackson's enemy

Nicholas Biddle.

Bank War: Jackson's action against the bank

Removed federal deposits (placed in 'pet banks').

Bank War: Aftermath of the bank's demise

Financial instability and unreliable 'wildcat' banks.

Election of 1832: New political party

Anti-Masonic Party.

Election of 1832: Campaign innovation

National nominating conventions.

Election of 1832: Election winner

Andrew Jackson.

Indian Removal: Law pushing Native tribes west

Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Indian Removal: Result for many tribes

Forced relocation and thousands died on the Trail of Tears.

Texas and Expansion: Leader of American settlers

Stephen Austin.

Texas and Expansion: Mexican leader suppressing Texans

Santa Anna.

Birth of the Whigs: Issues uniting the Whigs

Opposition to Jackson, support for the American System, protective tariffs, internal improvements, moral reforms.

Birth of the Whigs: Leading figures

Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun (initially).

Two-Party System: Democrats' support

Individual liberty, states' rights, limited federal government; appealed to humble, poorer folk.

Two-Party System: Whigs' support

National bank, protective tariffs, internal improvements, public schools, moral reforms; appealed to wealthier classes.