The Jacksonian Era: Politics, Conflict, and the Second Generation

The era marks the end of the revolutionary generation, which included figures such as Washington, Jefferson, and Madison.
The election of 1824 signifies the rise of the "second generation" of American leaders.
Key figures of this new generation include: - John Quincy Adams. - Andrew Jackson. - William H. Crawford: Described as an "also ran" for the presidency. - Martin Van Buren: Referred to as Jackson's "right hand." - Henry Clay. - John C. Calhoun. - Daniel Webster: Identified as the last of this specific generation.
This generation will dominate U.S. politics for approximately 25 to 30 years, leading the country toward the Civil War.
The deaths of Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun occurred at nearly the same time, coinciding with the Compromise of 1850.
This period eventually gives way to the Lincoln-Douglas generation.

The election of 1824 is significant due to its lack of a clear majority.
Current standing in 1824: - There were essentially five candidates, but four main contenders. - Andrew Jackson had the most popular and electoral votes but did not have a majority. - Because no candidate secured a majority, extensive mudslinging ensued.
Jackson eventually wins (in 1828) and implements the Spoils System.
Definition of the Spoils System: The practice of giving government jobs to one’s friends and supporters.
Historical Evolution: In the late 1800s, this practice became known as "patronage."
Rationale for the Spoils System: - Presidents want to be surrounded by people they trust. - It serves as a way to reward political supporters (e.g., appointing a major fundraiser as an ambassador to Japan, even if they do not speak the language).
Comparison to the "Ohio Gang": Similar to President Warren G. Harding bringing his friends from Ohio to D.C., though not all of Harding's associates held official posts.

Jackson’s nickname was "Old Hickory."
Political Cartoons: - Frequently appear on the AP exam. - Generally critical of Jackson. - Portray him as acting without Congressional authority. - Use metaphors like "wasting hands with the purse" to critique his fiscal or executive actions.

The Peggy Eaton affair caused a significant rift between President Jackson and Vice President John C. Calhoun.
Background on Rachel Jackson: - Jackson's wife, Rachel, died shortly after he came into office (around the time of his inauguration). - Rumors had persisted for years that she were married to Jackson before her divorce from her first husband was finalized. - Jackson maintained the divorce was legal; others whispered doubts, which deeply angered Jackson.
Role of the First Lady: - With Rachel Jackson's death, there was no First Lady in D.C. - The job of the First Lady included hosting White House dinners and supporting charitable causes. - Floride Calhoun (wife of John C. Calhoun) became the "standard bearer" of D.C. society.
The Conflict: - Peggy Eaton was the wife of a cabinet member (John Eaton). - D.C. society, led by Mrs. Calhoun, refused to accept or socialize with Peggy Eaton. - Jackson, sensitive about social ostracization due to his late wife's experience, demanded Peggy be accepted. - Calhoun refused to comply.
Outcome: This social rift eventually led to Calhoun's resignation and exacerbated the future fight over Nullification.

This was the highest tariff in U.S. history up to that time.
Legislative History: - Passed on 05/19/1828. - Passed before Jackson took office as an electoral tactic by John Quincy Adams' supporters. - The goal was to split southern support away from Jackson to aid Adams' re-election bid in November 1828.
Jackson’s Enforcement Policy: - Jackson believed the tariff was "too high and stupid." - However, he viewed it as federal law and insisted on enforcing it regardless of personal opinion.
Historical Parallels for Federal Law Enforcement: - George Washington: Enforcing federal law during the Whiskey Rebellion. - Dwight D. Eisenhower: Enforcing civil rights and integration for the Little Rock Nine despite being "late to civil rights."

Popularity: The Indian Removal Act was popular among the general American voting public.
Relocation Geography: - Native Americans were moved to "Indian Territory," which is modern-day Oklahoma. - Under T. Jefferson, some tribes had previously been given territory in Missouri.
Significant Court Cases: - Cherokee Nation v. Georgia: Established that the Cherokee were a "sovereign nation." - Worcester v. Georgia: Focused on the Indian Removal Act. The court ruled the Cherokee were a sovereign nation with a right to their property.
Jackson’s Response to Chief Justice Marshall: Jackson essentially said, "Marshall… you can enforce your ruling," effectively ignoring the Supreme Court's decision.
Second Seminole War: This conflict resulted in the U.S. gaining control of Florida through occupation and eventual treaty.

There were two primary routes used to forcedly relocate tribes to Indian territory: - The "Blue Route": Relocation by water (the better route). - The "Red Route": Relocation by land (the worst route). - Note: A "yellow route" did not exist because of the mountains.
Hardships of the Red Route: - Forced to walk through approximately five different states. - No established roads (referenced as "no I-80"). - Required traversing through mountain ranges.

The Bank War: - Outcome: Jackson won the political battle against the National Bank. - Consequence: America lost economically as the bank's destruction led to a financial panic.
Specie Circular: An executive order by Jackson that significantly impacted the economy.
Economic Competence: The speaker suggests Jackson understood as little about economics as Thomas Jefferson did.
Timeline of the Panic of 1837: - Jackson's term ended in 1836, so he did not deal with the fallout. - Management of the panic fell to Martin Van Buren, effectively destroying his presidency.

Van Buren's term was defined by the Panic of 1837.
The Amistad Case: - Involved a slave ship landing in the United States. - It was a major issue that further divided the country along sectional lines.

Question: Is the practice of the Spoils System similar to what happened with the "Ohio Gang" under another president?
Response: It is a little different. President Harding brought the "Ohio Gang" to D.C., and while many were not assigned to official government posts, the practice of surrounding oneself with friends/associates reflects some similarities with the Spoils System/patronage.
Question: Can you repeat the question regarding the slave ship?
Response: The ship was the Amistad. It is something students should be aware of as it was a major event that divided the country and is relevant for upcoming studies.