Introduction: President Andrew Jackson was hosting guests when John Eaton offered condolences for Jackson's deceased wife, Rachel. Jackson then asks John Eaton to be his Secretary of War.
Eaton's Response: John Eaton declines the offer as he is set to marry Peggy O’Neil.
Background on Andrew Jackson's Marriage:
Jackson, originally a lawyer, met Rachel Donelson while they were both young. She was a devout Baptist, and her father opposed their marriage.
Years later, the couple reunites, and Rachel marries Jackson. However, they did not wait the legally required year post Rachel’s divorce, leading to claims that they were not technically married.
John Quincy Adams’s supporters discovered this, using it to tarnish Rachel's reputation.
When Rachel learns of this, she faints and dies a week later.
Advice to Eaton: Jackson tells Eaton to marry Peggy O'Neil despite being labeled a prostitute; Jackson expresses that her past should not deter love.
Social Dynamics: With Rachel’s passing, Adelia Calhoun, wife of Vice President John C. Calhoun, takes over the First Lady duties, while Peggy is ostracized from social events.
Crawford Letter
Context: Martin Van Buren, Secretary of State, seeks to undermine John C. Calhoun.
Crawford Letter Details:
Written by Bill Crawford, a former Secretary of State under Monroe, discussing actions against Jackson.
During a horseback ride, Van Buren hands Jackson the letter.
After reading it, Jackson becomes infuriated with Calhoun, who later admits to voting for disciplinary action against Jackson.
After this incident, Jackson and Calhoun cease communication.
Jackson's Second Term (1832)
Election Victory: Jackson wins re-election in a landslide and nominates Martin Van Buren as his Vice President.
Calhoun's Career Shift: Following the election, Calhoun returns to South Carolina to become a senator.
Lame Duck Period: The time between Jackson's election victory and inauguration is referred to as the “Lame Duck” period.
Nullification Crisis:
The crisis centers around tariffs on foreign products, which disproportionately affected the southern states who imported more from Europe.
South Carolina threatens to secede, declaring intentions to hang members of the state legislature, including Governor Calhoun.
Henry Clay's Compromise: Known as “The Great Compromiser,” Henry Clay proposes a new tariff that is lower than those currently in place but still higher than original tariffs.
Bank of the United States (BUS)
Jackson's Stance: Jackson opposes the BUS, led by Nicholas Biddle, who is wealthy and educated at Harvard.
Recharter Attempt: Clay attempts to recharter the BUS ahead of schedule; the bill is passed by Congress but Jackson vetoes it.
Federal Funds Removal:
Jackson instructs his treasurers to remove federal funds from the BUS.
This leads to multiple secretaries of treasury being fired until Roger Taney is settled upon.
Taney successfully moves the funds to state banks, now known as "Pet Banks."
Senate Confirmation Issues: Taney initially faces challenges being confirmed by the Senate but ultimately becomes confirmed as Chief Justice following John Marshall's death in 1835.
Indian Removal Act and Trail of Tears
Cherokee Background:
Cherokees, having signed a treaty with George Washington, face removal from their lands in Georgia after gold is discovered.
Legal battles ensue as Cherokees oppose eviction militarily and in court, but Jackson pushes for the Indian Removal Act, authorizing their forced relocation.
Impact: Thousands of Indians are forcibly removed and relocated to Oklahoma.
Texas Revolution
Settling Tejas:
Stephen F. Austin leads settlers to Texas under Spanish rule, but after Mexico's independence, complications arise with slavery, leading to tensions.
In 1836, president Santa Anna threatens military action against Texan rebels, resulting in an attack on the Alamo where 115 Texans battle against his 5,000 troops.
Aftermath of the Alamo:
Following a swift victory by Santa Anna, significant outrage erupts from the massacre, leading to the recruitment of troops under Sam Houston.
Houston successfully defeats Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto, establishing Texas independence.
Jackson’s Foreign Policy and Recognition of Texas
Recognition Denied: Jackson, concerned about slavery in Texas, denies diplomatic recognition despite pending requests from Houston.
Election of 1836: Martin Van Buren, a Democrat, wins the presidency following Jackson, with controversies surrounding his Vice President, Richard M. Johnson.
Van Buren’s Term
Economic Troubles: During Van Buren’s presidency, he faces high unemployment at 40% following Jackson’s policies.
Election of 1840
Candidates and Outcomes: Van Buren (Democrat) faces William Henry Harrison (Whig) and loses.
Harrison, who had a notable “Log Cabin Campaign,” gives an extremely lengthy inauguration speech and falls ill shortly after.
Harrison and Tyler’s Joint Presidency
Policy Limitations: John Tyler, Harrison’s Vice President, struggled to enact his goals, particularly regarding Texas annexation.
Inciting Incident: Following disagreements, Tyler's Secretary of State, Daniel Webster, resigns, and after a tragic incident with USS Princeton, Calhoun becomes the new secretary.
Elections and Territorial Expansion
Election of 1844: James Polk (Democrat) gains the presidency after a contentious race with Whig Henry Clay.
Domestic Policy Goals: Polk promises territorial expansion and lower tariffs, famously adopting the slogan “54-40 or fight” connected to Oregon's border disputes.
The Mexican-American War
Causes: Disagreements over borders between Texas and Mexico lead to escalating tensions.
Military Campaigns: Polk sends military forces, igniting the conflict with shocking speed.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Negotiations: Although Nicholas Trist is fired for delaying treaty talks, he still negotiates the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on favorable terms for the U.S., securing large territories in exchange for $13 million.
Election of 1848 and the Rise of Compromise
Outcomes: Zachary Taylor wins but dies shortly after from food poisoning; Millard Fillmore takes over. The Compromise of 1850 includes bold measures on both slavery and territorial rights.
Significant Events Leading to the Civil War
Rise of Confederate Tensions: Critical moments like the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the Dred Scott case highlight growing sectional tensions over slavery.
Election of 1860: Lincoln wins amid increasing tensions and secession threats from southern states, beginning the lead-up to the Civil War.
Lincoln's Promises and Actions: His presidency faces immediate challenges, such as southern states seceding and the establishment of the Confederacy.
Civil War Dynamics and Conclusion
Key Battles and Strategy: The war sees significant battles and shifts in military leadership, such as Gettysburg and Vicksburg.
Emancipation Proclamation: Announced by Lincoln in 1863, this pivotal decree aims to free slaves in rebellious states while gaining support from radical Republicans and British sympathizers.
End of the War: The Civil War concludes with Lee’s surrender to Grant in April 1865, followed by Lincoln's tragic assassination and its implications for Reconstruction.