The Monroe Doctrine and Jacksonian Era Politics of the Jacksonian Era
Origins of American Neutrality and the Monroe Doctrine
President George Washington established the early standard for foreign policy with the Proclamation of Neutrality in during the war between France and Britain.
The War of increased United States confidence and international standing, despite not being a definitive victory.
President James Monroe issued the Monroe Doctrine in the and as Spanish colonies in South and Central America sought independence.
The doctrine declared that the Americas were closed to European colonization and that any attempt to colonize would be viewed as aggression toward the US.
The US pledged to remain out of internal European affairs, a policy referenced through the century by leaders including Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan.
The Jacksonian Era and Political Shifts
The election of Andrew Jackson in signaled a shift toward the "common man" and away from the Eastern elite.
Western states gained influence by offering universal male suffrage to all white males regardless of property ownership, forcing eastern states to follow.
New voters favored legislation supporting cheap land and easy loans, leading to the rise of the Democratic party.
The Bank War
Andrew Jackson opposed Federalist ideals and targeted the Second National bank upon entering office in .
Despite a Congressional consensus on the bank's constitutionality, Jackson redistributed federal funds to state banks in .
The bank was officially dismantled in after Jackson vetoed its new charter.
Jackson's actions during the Bank War were viewed as an abuse of power, resulting in a censure by Congress.