Chapter 10

The Rise of Democratic Politics

• The 1820s witnessed significant shifts in voting rights:

  • Eased Property Requirements: Many western states did not impose property requirements for voting.

  • Voting Method Transition: Introduction of written ballots, replacing the practice of voting aloud.

  • Political Rallies: Became a common occurrence, promoting engagement among voters.

  • Political Responsiveness: Politicians became more attuned to the needs and wants of their constituents.

  • Democracy vs. Republicanism: Distinction made between the democratic ideals of participation and the republican framework emphasizing the role of notables.

The Election of 1824

• Candidates: Five candidates emerged from the same political party but represented different regional factions:

  • Andrew Jackson

  • John Quincy Adams

  • William H. Crawford

  • Henry Clay

  • John C. Calhoun (notable for his roles but focused elsewhere)

• Election Outcome: Jackson won the popular vote, but no candidate secured a majority in the electoral college:

  • House of Representatives ultimately chose Adams.

  • Allegations of a "corrupt bargain" surfaced due to suspicions surrounding the outcome.

Adams to Jackson

• President Adams supported Clay's American System, which advocated for:

  • Internal improvements

  • A national bank

  • Tariffs

• Tariff of Abominations: This particular tariff faced strong opposition from the South.

• Formation of the Democratic Party: Led by Martin Van Buren, the party centered around Andrew Jackson, who became a key political figure.

• Election of 1828: Jackson capitalized on Adams' unpopularity and garnered significant support from the "common man."

Jackson in Office

• Spoils System: Jackson appointed friends and political allies to positions while firing opponents, redefining patronage.

• Kitchen Cabinet: A term used to describe Jackson's informal group of advisors, particularly close friends, often at odds with his formal Cabinet.

• Peggy Eaton Affair: A scandal that caused tensions within Jackson's administration, revealing social and political divisions.

• Executive Power: Jackson's administration was marked by:

  • Strong belief in executive authority

  • Frequent use of veto power, leading to accusations of corruption and autocratic tendencies.

  • Criticism led to him being referred to as "King Andrew I."

The Nullification Crisis

• Tariff of Abominations: Continued resentment in the South, particularly South Carolina, leading to a constitutional dispute over tariffs.

• Calhoun’s Role: John C. Calhoun championed the nullification movement, arguing against the tariff.

• Jackson's Response: Utilized the Force Bill (1833) to gain congressional approval for military action if necessary to enforce tariff laws.

• Compromise Tariff: Passed by Congress in 1833 to ease tensions regarding tariff disputes.

The Bank War

• Jackson's Opposition to the Bank: Argued the Bank of the U.S. was unconstitutional and detrimental to ordinary Americans.

• Henry Clay's Strategy: Formulated a plan to make the bank's re-charter a pivotal campaign issue in the 1832 election.

• Re-charter Veto: Jackson vetoed the re-charter, positioning himself as a champion against financial elites.

• Election of 1832 Outcome: Jackson was re-elected decisively and subsequently withdrew government funds from the national bank, redistributing them into “pet banks.”

Indian Removal

• Indian Removal Act (1830): Aimed to relocate Native American tribes situated east of the Mississippi River.

• Resistances: Tribes that opposed removal faced violent consequences, such as during Black Hawk’s War (1832).

• Legal Battles: Certain tribes fought against removal in courts, notably the Cherokee with the case Worcester v. Georgia (1832), where the Court ruled in favor of the Cherokee, but Jackson disregarded the ruling.

• Trail of Tears (1838-39): The forced relocation of the Cherokee, resulting in significant suffering and death among the tribe.

Rise of the Whigs

• Anti-Jackson Forces: Jackson’s presidency cultivated enemies from various political factions, including:

  • Henry Clay

  • John C. Calhoun

  • Southern commercial farmers

  • Northeastern social reformers

  • Anti-Masons

• Formation of the Whig Party: These factions united under the Whig banner, advocating for:

  • A limitation of executive power

  • Expansion of banking and protective tariffs

  • Support for the American System

• Political Influence: Whigs gained traction but faced defeat with the election of Martin Van Buren in 1836, who was a Democrat.

The Panic of 1837

• Economic Crisis: Van Buren took office during a significant economic downturn caused by:

  • The Bank of England's decision to cut off monetary support to the U.S.

  • Reckless practices of pet banks led to widespread distrust.

  • A sharp decline in British demand for cotton, causing prices to fall drastically.

• Consequences: The ensuing depression resulted in:

  • Bank failures

  • Rising unemployment

  • A decline in support for labor movements and Working Men's parties.

The Election of 1840

• Impact of Economic Downturn: The depression severely affected Van Buren, leading to a shift in political fortunes.

• Whig Campaign: Chose William Henry Harrison, heralding a "party of the people" image with a “log cabin” campaign:

  • Support from women, who campaigned actively despite not having voting rights.

• Electoral Success: Whigs gained victories in both Congress and the Presidency.

Harrison and Tyler

• Harrison's Presidency: Died just one month after being inaugurated, marking the first U.S. president to die while in office.

• John Tyler’s Ascension: Tyler assumed the presidency, known as “His Accidency,” due to his lack of support for Whig initiatives:

  • Ultimately expelled from the Whig party.

• Democratic Strategy: Following these events, the Democrats regrouped to forge a new coalition encompassing workers, farmers, and immigrants.