The 2nd American System

Andrew Jackson is viewed as a larger-than-life figure in American history.
The presidency of Jackson is marked by a notable increase in executive power, referenced colloquially as the "Bank War."
The origins of the "Bank War" trace back to the Panic of 1819 and the subsequent adverse effects of the Second Bank of the United States on the economy.

The Second Bank of the United States was chartered after the War of 1812.
Initially, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison believed a central bank was not needed, but eventually acknowledged its necessity due to economic challenges.
The Panic of 1819 led to widespread discontent among citizens, with many Americans, including Jackson, blaming the Bank's practices for financial hardships.

Andrew Jackson, a wealthy slave owner from Tennessee, presented himself as a self-made man and a champion of the common man.
He won the presidency in 1828 after initially losing in 1824, which was referred to as the corrupt bargain, leading many to rally around Jackson due to his populist appeal.
Important policies enacted during Jackson's first term included the spoil system, drastic land price cuts, and the controversial Indian Removal Policy.

Jackson faced fierce criticism from political opponents who accused him of acting more like a king than a president.
The narrative of his presidency is characterized by increasing presidential powers, culminating in the Bank War.
His political enemies, including Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, sought to defeat him in the upcoming 1832 election, largely focusing on the rechartering of the national bank as their strategy.

In 1832, Congress sought to recharter the Second Bank of the United States, set to expire in 1836.
Jackson was expected to veto the recharter, which would then allow his opponents to argue that he was against a necessary institution for the American economy.
Jackson followed through on expectations by vetoing the bill and issuing a veto message outlining his grievances against the Bank:
- He called it a quasi-public, quasi-private institution, revealing conflicts between private interests and public good.
- Jackson criticized the bank for benefiting mostly the wealthy, failing to serve the broader American economy and rural areas.

Jackson’s veto message resonated with voters, helping him secure reelection in 1832.
He interpreted his victory as a public mandate to dismantle the national bank, famously declaring his intention to slay the "monster" bank.
Following his re-election, he ordered an investigation into the bank and, when Congress found no wrongdoing, proposed to withdraw federal funds from it.

After struggling to get his Treasury Secretaries to withdraw funds from the Bank, Jackson appointed a loyal ally who complied.
Jackson’s actions ultimately led to the collapse of the Second Bank of the United States by withdrawing government funds, leading to a massive economic crisis known as the Panic of 1837.

This economic downturn was more severe and long-lasting than the earlier Panic of 1819, aggravating the financial burdens on American citizens.
Jackson's actions and policies were central to this crisis, which his successors would have to handle.

John C. Calhoun, a political figure from South Carolina, introduced the idea of nullification as a response to the Tariff of Abominations which South Carolinians opposed.
Nullification drew upon concepts from the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, arguing that states could invalidate federal legislation they deemed unconstitutional.
A confrontation emerged as South Carolina attempted to nullify federal tariffs, with Jackson responding fiercely against this notion, asserting federal authority and readiness to use military force if necessary.

Despite the confrontation escalating, both sides eventually sought a compromise with Congress enacting a reduced tariff rate, averting potential civil war.
South Carolina later repealed its nullification of the tariffs but nullified the Force Bill enabling Jackson to use military force, marking a complex interaction between state and federal powers.

Jackson’s presidency solidified the emergence of a second party system in U.S. politics, leading to the establishment of the Democratic Party centered around Jackson and the Whig Party in opposition.
The Whigs labeled Jackson as a monarch for his exercise of presidential power, making the parties inherently reactive to the figure of Jackson.
Martin Van Buren served as a critical founder of the Democratic infrastructure, focusing on the political mechanisms supporting Jackson’s agenda.

In the election of 1836, despite attempts by the Whigs to split the vote among multiple candidates, Martin Van Buren, as Jackson's vice president, succeeded in securing a win.
Van Buren entered a presidency colored by the Panic of 1837, hampering his ability to initiate needed reforms. His association with Jackson limited his political latitude, leading to ineffective governance.

The 1840 election marked a significant shift in American political campaigning, centering around the Whigs' log cabin campaign to portray William Henry Harrison as a rustic hero.
Harrison’s portrayal as an outsider appealed widely to voters, leading to a record turnout, with 78% of eligible voters participating in the election by physically traveling to the polls.

William Henry Harrison’s inauguration was marked by inclement weather, and he famously delivered the longest inaugural address in history without adequately safeguarding against illness.
He succumbed to pneumonia shortly after the address, resulting in John Tyler, his vice president, assuming the presidency.

Tyler’s tenure was marked by conflicting interests with the Whig Party, leading to his expulsion from the party due to vetoing key legislation proposed by the Whigs.
His presidency was rendered ineffective as he failed to build consensus and support within Congress, navigating a tenuous political landscape.

This period was characterized by significant westward migration fueled by the ideology of Manifest Destiny, suggesting American expansion across the continent.
Tensions arose as American settlers moved into Texas, leading to conflict with the Mexican government under Dictator Santa Anna who opposed their residency and rights.

Tensions intensified when Texas settlers revolted against Santa Anna’s regime, leading to the Battle of the Alamo, where Texan defenders, though vastly outnumbered, fought valiantly.
The battle became a rallying point for Texan independence, guiding future victories against Santa Anna’s forces at San Jacinto.
Santa Anna’s subsequent capture resulted in Texas seeking annexation into the United States, creating further political conflict over the issue, particularly under John Tyler’s administration.