4.8+Jackson+&+Federal+Power

4.8 Jackson and Federal Power

  • Context and Overview

    • Era marked by popular politics in the 1820s and Andrew Jackson's presidency (1829-1837).

    • Known as the Age of the Common Man or the Era of Jacksonian Democracy.

1. Jackson Versus Adams

  • Election of 1824

    • Jackson received more popular and electoral votes but lost due to lack of majority.

    • Four Democratic-Republican candidates: Jackson, John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, William Crawford.

    • House of Representatives chose Adams after convincing support from Clay, leading to accusations of a "corrupt bargain."

2. The Revolution of 1828

  • Adams' Presidency and Policies

    • Adams sought funding for internal improvements, which angered Jacksonians.

    • 1828 Tariff of Abominations angered southern and western voters.

  • Jackson's Campaign

    • Utilized discontent and aggressive campaign tactics; accused Adams and retaliated mudslinging.

    • Jackson won decisively, capitalizing on his war hero status.

The Presidency of Andrew Jackson

  • Jackson's Leadership Style

    • First president without a college education, embodying the "common man" image.

    • Strong personality marked by roughness; active, temperamental leader.

  • Presidential Powers

    • Presented himself as protector of the common man.

    • Used veto power extensively, exceeding all predecessors.

    • Kitchen Cabinet played a crucial advisory role over his official cabinet.

  • Key Events and Policies

    • Peggy Eaton Affair: Scandal leading to cabinet member resignations; highlighted gender relations and cabinet dynamics.

    • Indian Removal Act of 1830: Forced relocation of Native American tribes, notably the Cherokees, culminating in the Trail of Tears.

4. Indian Removal and its Consequences

  • Legal Struggles

    • Supreme Court case:

      • Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831) ruled Cherokees not able to sue in federal court.

      • Worcester v. Georgia (1832) ruled Georgia laws did not apply in Cherokee territory, but Jackson sided with state laws leading to forced removals.

  • Trail of Tears: Forced migration resulting in harsh conditions and significant fatalities among the Cherokee.

5. Nullification Crisis and Southern Rights

  • Calhoun and Nullification

    • South Carolina asserted states could nullify federal laws (Tariff of Abominations).

    • Jackson's response: Strongly defended federal authority; prepared military action but sought compromise.

6. Opposition to Antislavery Movements

  • Jackson's support for the South led to repression of antislavery literature and movements.

7. Bank Veto and Political Shifts

  • Bank of the United States

    • Jackson vetoed the recharter of the bank, accusing it of being a wealthy elite's monopoly.

    • Shifted banking policies to "pet banks" hence fueling economic instability leading towards the Panic of 1837.

  • Formation of Two-Party System

    • Emergence of Democrats vs. Whigs, reflecting divided political ideologies.

8. Jackson's Second Term and Legacy**

  • Panic of 1837: Economic downturn following Jackson's banking policies began under Van Buren, escalating political tensions.

  • Election of 1840: Whig party utilized campaign strategies differing from Jacksonians; resulted in victory but with challenges ahead due to Harrison's early death and succession by Tyler.

9. Expansion and Impact on Native Americans

  • Westward Movement

    • Changing definitions of the West as the U.S. expanded; American Indians forcibly moved westward.

  • Life on the Great Plains

    • Introduction of horses transformed tribes' lifestyles.

  • Settler Challenges

    • White settlers faced hardships on the frontier; women played crucial roles but faced isolation and short lifespans.

  • Environmental Consequences

    • Poor practices led to deforestation and species extinction.

4.8 Jackson and Federal Power

Context and Overview: Marked by popular politics in the 1820s and the presidency of Andrew Jackson (1829-1837), known as the Age of the Common Man or Jacksonian Democracy.

  1. Jackson Versus Adams:

    • Election of 1824: Jackson had more popular and electoral votes but lost due to lack of majority; accusations of a "corrupt bargain" surfaced when Adams became president with Clay's support.

  2. The Revolution of 1828:

    • Adams' presidency angered Jacksonians, particularly with the 1828 Tariff of Abominations. Jackson's aggressive campaign tactics and war hero status led to his decisive victory.

  3. Presidency of Andrew Jackson:

    • First president without a college education, portrayed as a common man. Used veto power extensively, relying on the "Kitchen Cabinet" for advice.

    • Key policies included the Indian Removal Act (Trail of Tears) and the Peggy Eaton Affair.

  4. Nullification Crisis:

    • South Carolina attempted to nullify federal laws; Jackson defended federal authority.

  5. Opposition to Antislavery Movements:

    • Jackson's support for the South led to the repression of antislavery efforts.

  6. Bank Veto and Political Shifts:

    • Jackson vetoed the recharter of the Bank of the United States, leading to economic instability and the Panic of 1837. Resulted in the emergence of the two-party system: Democrats vs. Whigs.

  7. Jackson's Second Term and Legacy:

    • The Panic of 1837 escalated tensions, and the Election of 1840 saw the Whigs gain power but face challenges under Harrison and Tyler.

  8. Expansion and Impact on Native Americans:

    • Westward expansion forcibly displaced Native Americans; settlements resulted in environmental degradation and hardships for white settlers.