jackson age

Discussion of Political Landscape During the Time of Andrew Jackson

• Andrew Jackson as a favorite of the current administration

• Importance of understanding the context of the North and South during Jackson's time

• Reference to the Industrial and Market Revolutions happening in the US

Federalists and Election of 1816

• Federalists were publicly shamed, especially after the Hartford Convention aiming to end the war with Britain

• They proposed demands to the federal government but were overshadowed by the success of the war

• Federalists lost significant power and did not field a candidate in the 1820 election

• Andrew Jackson emerging as a significant player in future elections

The Missouri Compromise (1820)

• Missouri applies for statehood as a slave state, raising concerns in the North about the balance of power

• The issue of slave states gaining more power leads to tensions amongst North and South

• Maine applies for statehood, leading to a compromise that allows Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state

• The 36°30' parallel was established to determine the future boundaries of slavery

• Thomas Jefferson's foresight on the growing divisions within the nation

Candidates of the Election of 1824

• Key Names: Andrew Jackson, William Crawford, Henry Clay, John Quincy Adams

  • Andrew Jackson: Popular for his victory at New Orleans

  • William Crawford: Advocated strict constitutionality

  • Henry Clay: Supported infrastructure improvements, associated with Missouri Compromise

  • John Quincy Adams: Focused on internal improvements and building infrastructure

• Election ended with no majority winner, leading to the corrupt bargain

The 'Corrupt Bargain' of 1824

• John Quincy Adams' election backed by Henry Clay in exchange for the Secretary of State position

• This agreement leads to discontent within the political party, shaming the process

• Jackson’s supporters grow resentful leading to further political divisions

John Quincy Adams’ Presidency

• Adams' presidency marked by persistent backlash from the supporters of Jackson

• Accusations targeting Jackson’s wife, Rachel, during the election of 1828

• Jackson portrayed as a common man; appealing to voters' feelings of connection

Jackson's Ideology and Policies

• Jackson's campaign positions included expanding executive power, reducing federal spending, and focusing on states' rights

• Replaced a significant portion of federal officials with supporters, criticizing career politicians

The Nullification Crisis

• The Doctrine of Nullification highlights state sovereignty over federal laws

• The Tariff of Abominations (1828) prompted South Carolina to declare the tariff null and void, leading to confrontation with the federal government led by Jackson

• Jackson's Proclamation asserts the supremacy of federal law, leads to South Carolina rescinding their ordinance

Jackson’s Approach to Native American Relations

• Push for the Indian Removal Act driven by land acquisition and gold rushes

• Originally aim for negotiation with tribes but led to forced relocations, ignored treaties

• Supreme Court case involving Samuel Worcester affirming Cherokee sovereignty, which Jackson defies

• Responses from Native American tribes like the Choctaw and Seminole leading to significant displacement and conflict

Consequences of Jackson's Policies

• The outcomes of Jackson's presidency included intensifying sectional tensions and altering the political landscape

• Jackson’s legacy is mixed, viewed as a champion of the common man while implementing policies harmful to Native Americans and exacerbating North-South divisions.