Notes on the Jacksonian Era and Related Events

Characterized by the presidency of Andrew Jackson and significant political, economic, and social changes in the United States.

Maryland attempted to tax a branch of the Second Bank of the United States.
The Supreme Court ruled the Maryland tax unconstitutional, asserting the authority of the federal government under the Necessary and Proper Clause.

In 1819, Missouri sought admission as a slave state.
The potential admission risked disrupting the balance of power between free and slave states.
Compromise:
- Missouri admitted as a slave state.
- Maine admitted as a free state.
- Established the imaginary line at the 36°30′ parallel to delineate free and slave territories.

Supported the independence movements in Latin America.
Declared North and South America off-limits to new colonization efforts by European powers.
Asserted U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere.

In the election of 1824, four candidates identified as Democratic-Republicans.
Jackson won the popular and electoral vote but lacked a majority.
The House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams as president, which led to accusations of a corrupt bargain.

Elected in 1828 after an active campaign with public banquets and publicity committees.
The inaugural celebration included a massive party at the White House.
Implemented the Spoils System: rewarded supporters by appointing them to government positions.

In 1828, a federal tariff on imports, referred to as the "Tariff of Abominations," sparked controversy.
Vice President John Calhoun argued that South Carolina could nullify the federal tariff.
The Force Bill allowed the president to use military force to ensure tariff collection.

Following the discovery of gold on Cherokee land in 1828, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 was enacted, allowing Jackson to exchange Indian lands for territories west of the Mississippi.
Supreme Court cases, including Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1830) and Worcester v. Georgia (1832), affirmed certain rights of Native American tribes.
Jackson ignored the Supreme Court's decisions, resulting in the Trail of Tears, a forced relocation that led to the deaths of thousands of Cherokee.

Congress renewed the charter for the Second Bank of the United States, which Jackson opposed.
His veto of the bank charter built his popularity among his supporters.
Jackson declared, "The bank is trying to kill me, but I will kill it!" this determination solidified his reputation.

The Specie Circular Act of 1836 required hard currency for federal land purchases.
A rise in interest rates by the Bank of England caused domestic panic.
Many customers rushed to redeem banknotes for hard currency, leading to economic turmoil.
Jackson was widely blamed for the ensuing panic.

A showdown between William Henry Harrison (Whig) and Martin Van Buren (Democrat).
Van Buren led an organized campaign, while the Whigs united to counteract the Democrats.
Harrison won but died only a month after taking office.

Democrats (Jackson's supporters):
- Comprised of small farmers, workers, and planters.
- Opposed banks, valued private property, and championed states' rights.
- Skeptical of centralized governance.
Whigs (opponents of Jackson):
- Advocated for the American System, which promoted industry, tariffs, and funding for infrastructure.
- Supported a strong central government and had regional factions regarding slavery.