Andrew Jackson: A Study Guide

Investigating Jackson's Legacy

  • Impossible to definitively label Andrew Jackson as either one of the greatest presidents or as a major villain in history. Critical examination of his actions and decisions needed to understand his impact.

Station 1 - The Elections

Part 1: The Election of 1824 and the Corrupt Bargain

  • Overview of Election:

    • Electoral College Results: Andrew Jackson received 99 votes, John Quincy Adams secured 84 votes, and William Crawford obtained 41 votes.

    • Popular Vote: Jackson received 43% of the popular vote, while Adams received 30%.

    • No Majority: No candidate achieved a majority in the Electoral College, necessitating a decision by the House of Representatives.

    • Henry Clay's Role: As Speaker of the House, Clay facilitated a coalition that elected Adams in exchange for being named Secretary of State, which led to accusations of a "Corrupt Bargain" from Jackson's supporters.

  • Key Players:

    • Andrew Jackson

    • John Quincy Adams

    • Henry Clay

Part 2: The Election of 1828

  • Popular Vote and Electoral Vote: In this election, Jackson mobilized support effectively against Adams, leading to a substantial victory:

    • Electoral Vote: Jackson received a total of 261 votes, while Adams faced a decline.

    • Popular Vote: Jackson garnered 647,286 votes (approximately 56%) compared to Adams' 508,064 votes (approximately 44%).

Station 2 - Spoils System

Part 1: The Spoils System

  • Definition and Mechanism: The Spoils System operated under the principle that new leaders can appoint loyal supporters to positions of power.

    • Positions granted included roles such as postmasters and customs officers.

  • Ethics: It raised concerns regarding qualifications and meritocracy, favoring political loyalty.

  • Famous Quote: “To the victor go the spoils!”

Part 2: The Spoils System in Real Life

  • Scenario Hypothesis: If chosen as the president of a club responsible for selecting a treasurer, the decision should reflect merit, as the treasurer manages the club’s finances.

Station 3 - The Common Man

Part 1: The Inauguration of Andrew Jackson

  • Significance of Jackson's Presidency: Aimed to represent the common man’s interests.

Part 2: The Expansion of Suffrage

  • Quote from Jackson: “Democracy shows not only its power in reforming governments, but in regenerating a race of men… men who love liberty and desire nothing but equal rights and equal laws.”

Station 4 - Tariff of Abominations

Part 1: The Tariff of Abominations - The Jackson Crisis

  • Definition of Tariff: A tariff is a tax on imported goods to protect domestic industries.

  • Historical Context: Tariff raised in 1824 and doubled in 1828, leading to widespread disapproval, particularly in the South, where it was termed the "Tariff of Abominations."

  • House of Representatives Vote on Tariff 1828

    • Votes For: 105 (New England 16; Middle-Atlantic 57; West 17; South 3; Southwest 12)

    • Votes Against: 94 (New England 23; Middle-Atlantic 11; West 1; South 50; Southwest 9)

Station 5 - The National Bank War

Part 1: The Bank War

  • Jackson's Veto of the National Bank:

    • Jackson argued that the bank's powers were unconstitutional and detrimental to state rights.

    • He claimed it created divisions among Americans by favoring a wealthy elite.

    • Quote from Jackson: "…we can at least take a stand against all new grants of monopolies…"

Part 2: The Bank War Political Cartoon

  • A political cartoon depicted Jackson as a heroic figure combating a monstrous bank-like entity, showcasing public sentiment about his fight against the National Bank.

Station 6 - Indian Removal Act

Part 1: The Indian Removal Act

  • Background Information: Jackson pursued policies to open land for settlers, particularly after gold was discovered in Cherokee lands in Georgia.

  • Letter to Cherokee Leaders: Jackson expressed the need for removal to avoid conflicts and promised prosperity in the West, stating:

    • “…you have but one remedy within your reach…”

  • Impact: Led to the forced relocation of Native Americans.

Part 2: Worcester v. Georgia

  • Supreme Court Decision: The court ruled that Georgia had no rights to impose its laws on the Cherokee nation, affirming their sovereignty.

  • Quote from John Marshall: “The Cherokee nation…with boundaries accurately described…"

  • Conflict with Jackson: Although the ruling was in favor of the Cherokees, it was not enforced by Jackson.

Part 3: The Trail of Tears

  • Aftermath of Removal: Cherokees, including others, forcefully marched hundreds of miles under harsh conditions, leading to significant loss of life.

Station 7 - Nullification Crisis

Part 1: State’s Rights

  • Concept Explored: Tensions between state sovereignty versus federal authority.

  • Key Quotes:

    • Jackson stated, “The United States is one nation, not a pact among independent states.”

    • Contrarily, advocates for state power claimed the right to nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional.

  • Tariff Impact: The Tariff of Abominations provoked South Carolina to threaten nullification, emphasizing regional economic dependencies.

Part 2: The Force Bill

  • Response to Nullification Threat: Jackson signed The Force Bill to authorize military action against states rejecting federal laws, underscoring federal power.

Closing

  • Organizational Notes: Reflect on Jackson's decisions and their long-term impacts on American history, including democratic ideals and systemic inequalities.