History 135 (Jacksonian Democracy)

Jacksonian Democracy

(Roughly 1828–1840) A political movement expanding political power to the “common man,” especially white male voters. Focused on greater democracy through expanded suffrage (ending property requirements), stronger presidential power, and suspicion of elites.

Understanding of Democracy in This Era (vs. Jeffersonian Democracy)

(Shift occurred mainly 1820s–1830s)

• Jeffersonian democracy (1790s–1820s): Favored rule by educated, property-owning farmers; limited government; republican virtue.

• Jacksonian democracy (1820s–1840s): Celebrated common white men as politically capable; expanded voting rights; stronger executive branch; more mass politics.

Indian Removal

(Indian Removal Act: 1830, Major forced removals: 1831–1838) Government policy forcing Native American tribes east of the Mississippi to relocate west. Jackson supported removal to open land for white settlement. The policy led to the Trail of Tears for the Cherokee and other nations.

Nullification Crisis

(1832–1833)A political conflict over whether states could nullify (cancel) federal laws. South Carolina declared the Tariffs of 1828 and 1832 “null”; Jackson rejected this and threatened force. A compromise tariff defused the crisis.

The Bank War

(Major conflict 1832–1836) Jackson’s fight to destroy the Second Bank of the United States. Jackson believed the Bank was unconstitutional and favored elites; he vetoed its recharter and removed federal funds, placing them in state “pet banks.”