Andrew Jackson the panic

The discussion revolves around Andrew Jackson's policies and their implications on various aspects, including the national bank and Native American relations.

Students have completed tasks and are managing their schedules; will handle remaining tasks during lunch.
Concerns about test performance: average scores around 14.3 out of 20, with many students scoring poorly on multiple-choice questions.
Noted that if consistent low scores occur (like less than 80 average across tests), it's time for a change.

Jackson's opposition to the recharter of the bank was based on principles of constitutionalism, and he believed it mainly benefited the wealthy elite at the expense of the common man.
Decision to not just veto the bank's extension but also to bankrupt it rather than allow it to continue until its contractual end in 1836.
Jackson's actions reflect his belief that the bank harmful to ordinary citizens and his desire to act against it.

Jackson instructed his Secretary of the Treasury to withdraw all funds from the national bank to ensure its bankruptcy.
The secretary refused and was subsequently dismissed, highlighting Jackson's resolve.

Jackson appointed Roger Taney as the new Secretary of Treasury, who complied with his orders.
Taney's later appointment as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court foreshadows controversial rulings, particularly in the Dred Scott case, which deemed black individuals not to possess rights.

Funds from the national bank were redirected to state-operated banks that were effectively Jackson's political allies, referred to as "pet banks."
This practice established a patronage system amidst claims of democratizing government by involving new individuals in power instead of seasoned politicians.

Enforced a species circular law requiring payment for federal lands in hard currency (gold/silver), which impeded land sales and caused economic downturns.
The withdrawal of funds from the national bank led to diminished public trust, resulting in widespread bank runs.

Actions contributed to the Panic of 1837, a severe economic crisis leading to widespread hardship and homelessness, especially in New York.
Jackson's supposed efforts to combat inflation ironically made the economy worse.

Jackson's complex relationship with Native Americans, including adopting Native children whose parents had died during conflict.
In his first State of the Union address (1829), he proposed setting aside lands west of the Mississippi for Native Americans as a new policy.

Jackson cited failure of previous policies to integrate Native Americans into state laws, arguing that they should either conform or relocate.
Acknowledged the emotional difficulty of relocation, where ties to ancestral lands were strong, yet emphasized the necessity of compliance with state laws for remaining in their lands.
Proposed a bilateral benefit: Native Americans would receive land to govern while opening up southeastern territories for American settlers.

Discussion in the following class to involve a significant change in Jackson's Native American policy one year later, indicative of evolving attitudes.