Jacksonian Democracy PPT (Updated 2024)

The Age of Jackson (1824-1844)

This period is characterized by significant political changes and the democratization of American politics. It marks the rise of the common man's influence in governance and the emergence of a more participatory democratic system.

Learning Targets & Objectives

  • Understand the political changes and democratization of American politics during the Age of Jackson.

  • Explain the causes and impacts of the Second Two-Party System on American politics between 1830-1850.

Political Changes and Jacksonian Democracy

Universal White Male Suffrage

  • Early 1800s: Many Western states allowed white males to vote and hold office without property qualifications, broadening the electorate and setting a precedent for wider voting rights.

  • The popular vote was officially counted for the first time in the Election of 1824, a pivotal moment in reducing elite control over the electoral process, notably seen in the contentious battle between John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson.

Transition to Party Conventions

  • There was a critical shift from the Caucus System (where a small group would pick candidates) to Party Conventions (where larger political assemblies selected candidates) following 1828, democratizing the nomination process.

Increasing Voter Participation

  • The period saw a significant rise in voter turnout, spurred by innovative campaign tactics, including large rallies that featured enticing incentives such as free food and drinks, thereby encouraging wider public involvement in elections.

  • Campaign strategies evolved to include personal attacks on opponents, marking a shift towards more aggressive political campaigning that focused less on policies and more on character.

Jackson as a Symbol

  • Andrew Jackson's presidency (1829-1837) became emblematic of these political changes. He represented a break from the elite political culture of previous administrations, capturing the spirit of the “common man.”

  • However, it is crucial to note that while he symbolized these changes, he did not initiate them. Women and racial minorities remained largely disenfranchised during this period, highlighting the limitations of Jacksonian Democracy.

Election of 1828

  • In a highly polarizing election, Andrew Jackson decisively defeated John Quincy Adams with 178 electoral votes to 83, positioning himself as a champion of the common citizen. This election is often seen as a triumph of popular democracy.

Andrew Jackson's Presidency (1829-1837)

Background

  • Jackson was known for his tough demeanor, often reflecting the rugged individualism of his supporters. He was a figure who chewed tobacco, fought duels, and famously survived an assassination attempt, pointing to his resilience and appeal to the American public.

  • His fame skyrocketed after his victory at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, which shaped his image as the “Hero of the Common Man.”

The Second Two-Party System

Emergence of Political Parties

  • Supporters of Jackson coalesced into the Jacksonian Democrats, advocating for agrarian interests and a more democratic government structure.

  • Opponents of Jackson formed the Whig Party by 1834, spearheaded by Henry Clay, as a reaction to Jackson's policies and governance style.

Characteristics of the Parties

  • Democrats: Advocated for a limited federal government, positioned themselves against the Bank of the United States (BUS), favored policies supporting Indian removal and westward expansion, and aligned with the lower socioeconomic classes.

  • Whigs: Sought to expand the powers of the federal government, supported internal improvements, endorsed the BUS, and favored the growth of industry and commerce.

Spoils System and Patronage

  • Jackson notable utilized the Spoils System, wherein he appointed friends and political allies to government positions. While this fostered loyalty, it often came at the expense of qualified candidates, raising questions about competency in governance.

Major Events of Jackson's Presidency

Veto Power

  • Jackson wielded his veto power assertively, rejecting 12 pieces of legislation—more than all previous presidents combined. He notably vetoed the proposed Maysville Road project, arguing it was not a federal responsibility.

The Peggy Eaton Affair

  • The public scrutiny surrounding Peggy Eaton led to significant political turmoil and the resignation of several cabinet members, including Vice President John C. Calhoun, showcasing the personal nature of politics during Jackson's presidency.

Kitchen Cabinet

  • Following the Eaton Affair, Jackson increasingly relied on informal advisors—dubbed the Kitchen Cabinet—rather than his official cabinet, reflecting a distrust of the established political elite.

Indian Removal and the Trail of Tears

Jackson's Policies

  • Jackson fervently supported the removal of Native American tribes to open up lands for white settlers, enacting the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which authorized negotiations for their relocation.

Cherokee Resistance

  • The Cherokee Nation legally challenged their removal, culminating in the landmark Worcester vs. Georgia case, which ruled in favor of the Cherokee. However, Jackson infamously defied the Supreme Court ruling, leading to the tragic forced relocation known as the Trail of Tears, which resulted in the death of approximately 4,000 Cherokee.

The Nullification Crisis

Tariffs of Abominations

  • The Tariffs of Abominations raised tariffs in 1828 and again in 1832, inciting South Carolina to exercise nullification against federal laws, utilizing Calhoun's Theory of Nullification to assert state rights against federal authority.

South Carolina's Resistance

  • The South Carolina legislature declared the tariffs null and void, which led to a confrontation with the federal government, prompting Jackson's proposal of the Force Act to enforce the tariff laws.

Compromise and Aftermath

  • A compromise was reached with a new tariff in 1833, which aimed to reduce rates; however, South Carolina continued to assert its sovereignty by nullifying the Force Act, testing the limits of federal power.

Jackson’s War with the Bank of the U.S.

Opposition to the BUS

  • Jackson's long-standing skepticism towards banks and paper currency fueled his opposition to the Bank of the United States (BUS), which he perceived as a monopolistic institution that favored the wealthy elite.

1832 Election and Veto

  • In a bold move, Jackson publicly vetoed the renewal of the BUS charter on July 4, 1832, decrying it as the “hydra of corruption.”

Elimination of the BUS

  • After his electoral victory in 1832, Jackson proceeded to withdraw federal funds from the BUS, transferring them to state banks (known as Pet Banks), hastening the demise of the BUS by 1836 and leading to economic instability.

Election of 1836

  • Supported by Jackson, Martin Van Buren won the presidency, defeating multiple Whig candidates, but inherited the economic repercussions of Jackson's policies, laying the groundwork for future challenges.

Economic Crisis and Specie Circular

Depression of 1837-1841

  • Jackson's economic policies, notably the Specie Circular, which mandated that land purchases be made in hard currency rather than paper money, precipitated a nationwide panic and economic depression that severely affected banks and escalated unemployment levels.

William Henry Harrison

  • The presidency of William Henry Harrison began in 1841 but was brief; he died after just a month in office following an excessively long inaugural address. His successor, John Tyler, faced internal conflict with the Whig platform, earning him the nickname **“The Man Without a Party.”