7.4 Study Notes on Andrew Jackson and Controversial Policies

Trail of Tears and Andrew Jackson's Political Career

  • Main Idea: Overview of Andrew Jackson's presidency and key events, including his controversial policies leading to the Trail of Tears.

  • Create a Timeline: Outline significant milestones related to Jackson's political career.

    • Reflect on whether Jackson was an effective leader, discussing both positives and negatives.

  • Critical Thinking Questions:

    1. If you were a U.S. citizen in the 1828 presidential election, would you vote for John Quincy Adams or Andrew Jackson? Consider:

    • Candidates' backgrounds and political experience.

    • Views of the national bank and tariffs.

    • Geographic implications based on living in the South, West, or New England.

    1. Analyzing Factors Leading to the Indian Removal Act:

    • Attitudes of white settlers towards Native Americans.

    • Jackson's justifications for the Indian Removal Act.

    • Disregard for the Supreme Court ruling in Worcester v. Georgia.

States' Rights and the National Bank

  • Key Issues during Jackson's Presidency:

    • Conflicts surrounding states' rights and federal government power.

    • Role of key figures:

    • John C. Calhoun - Advocate for states' rights.

    • Daniel Webster - Advocate for federal authority.

  • Historical Context:

    • The post-War of 1812 economic landscape.

    • Protectionist tariffs introduced to foster American industries, notably:

    • The Tariff of Abominations (1828) increased tensions.

  • Calhoun's Nullification Theory:

    • Defined as the state's right to reject federal laws deemed unconstitutional.

    • Note: Calhoun's background shifts - supported earlier tariffs but adjusted his stance due to pressures in South Carolina.

The Nullification Crisis

  • South Carolina's Reaction:

    • Declared tariffs of 1828 and 1832 null and void.

    • Threatened to secede from the Union in direct defiance of federal authority.

  • Jackson's Response:

    • Strongly opposed South Carolina's actions, declaring them treasonous.

    • Vowed to use military force if necessary.

    • Introduced the Force Bill of 1833 to allow federal intervention.

  • Henry Clay's Compromise:

    • Proposed a gradual reduction of tariffs over the next ten years.

    • This compromise temporarily eased tensions.

  • Long-term Implications:

    • The ongoing debate over states' rights and federal authority set foundational issues leading to the Civil War.

Opposition to the National Bank

  • Jackson's War on the Bank of the United States (BUS):

    • Considered BUS a "monster" hindering democracy and supporting elite interests.

    • Vetoed the recharter of BUS in 1832 preemptively during an election cycle.

  • Public Sentiments:

    • General public backlash against the BUS; viewed as corrupt and benefiting only a few.

    • Allegations against Nicholas Biddle, the president of BUS, for preferential treatment of congressional loans.

  • Implementation of Pet Banks:

    • Jackson shifted federal funds to loyal state banks known as "pet banks."

    • Resulted in a depletion of BUS's influence and effectively ended its charter upon expiration in 1836.

Political Turbulence and the Rise of the Whig Party

  • Formation of the Whig Party (1834):

    • Arising from dissatisfaction with Jackson's presidency, including figures like Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams.

    • Focused on:

    • Protective tariffs.

    • Federal support for internal improvements and a stable banking system.

  • Van Buren's Presidency:

    • Following Jackson's decision not to seek a third term, Van Buren became president amidst economic turmoil.

    • Deal with issues stemming from Jackson's aggressive banking policies and decisions leading to a financial crisis.

  • Economic Consequences of Jackson’s Policies:

    • The collapse of wildcat banks led to financial disarray, extensive bankruptcies, and a significant depression (panic of 1837).

John Tyler’s Presidency

  • Aftermath of the Harrison Election (1840):

    • Harrison's victory represented a turnaround for Whig policies.

    • Harrison died shortly after taking office, leading to John Tyler's ascent, who ultimately disagreed with many key Whig initiatives.

  • Political Campaign Styles:

    • Comparison of early political advertisements with contemporary methodologies, highlighting shifts in campaign strategies.

  • Conclusion:

    • The era markers laid the groundwork for future political alignments and tensions that would shape American governance leading into the 19th century.