The Age of Jackson

“Old Hickory”

Bell Ringer: Discussion QuestionsHow much of a disparity exists between poor and

wealthy people in America today?

In what ways is it easy to distinguish between poor and wealthy Americans?

In what ways is it difficult to distinguish between poor and wealthy Americans?

American is known as the “land of opportunity”, how accurate is that term today?

Questions to PonderHow democratic was Andrew Jackson?

What group of people did Jackson represent?

In what ways did Jackson change the government?

Why was Jackson loved by many people and should he have been?

Who really was the most interesting man in the world?

Vs.

Strong LeaderSymbol of the working and middle classBorn on the frontierFamed Indian fighterWealthy planter and slave ownerChewed tobacco, fought in duels, and was temperamental No college education

Jackson’s main impacts…Changes in the FranchisePeggy Eaton AffairIndian Removal ActReaction to Worcester v. GeorgiaNullification CrisisBank VetoPet banksSpecie Circular

DisenfranchisedBeing a part of the franchise meant that you could vote. Had been only white land-owning males.

Changes made:1)Newly added states allowed all white males to vote and

hold office. 2) Party nominations could be influenced by common

people.3)New ways to choose the presidential electors.4) Two & Three party system5) More elected officials6) Popular campaigning

Government changes under Jackson

Spoils System Rotation of OfficeAppoint people to federal jobs

because they helped you campaign. (party loyalty)

“No man, has any more intrinsic claim to office than another.”

Jackson the President Vetoed more bills than the total of the last 6

presidents. Considered the common president

Advised from an unofficial cabinet group called the “kitchen cabinet”

Peggy Eaton Affair Peggy O’Neale Eaton was the wife of the

secretary of war. She was attacked of having an affair.Jackson forced cabinet wives' to accept her

socially.Martin Van Buren respected Jackson’s wishes. John Calhoun did not.

INDIAN REMOVAL ACT 1830 Jackson disliked Natives and Slaves.Wanted democracy but not for them. Passed this act in order to move Natives past the

Mississippi.1836- Bureau of Indian Affairs created to assist the

resettled tribes. 1838- Trail of Tears- US army forced the Natives to

resettle.

INDIAN RESPONSE TO THE Indian Removal Act

Black Hawk War- Native resistance to white settlers

Seminole War- Many Seminole Indians resisted the Indian Removal Act.

Jackson spent $20 million and consumed tons of time trying to get them to leave.

Nullification CrisisJohn C. Calhoun came up with the nullification

theory-States had the right to obey federal law or declare null and

void.

1828- South Carolina argued that the tariff of 1828( Tariff of Abominations) was unconstitutional.

1830- Daniel Webster debated Robert Hayne Webster-Hayne Debate- On the nature of the federal union.-Webster favored Federal Hayne- Favored States

Jackson’s reaction…“Our federal Union, it must be preserved.”

-South Carolina held a convention to nullify the tariff. -Jackson told them that nullification and disunion was TREASON!

*Jackson compromised by lowering the tariff rates if South Carolina would void its nullification.*

Bank WarJackson felt the Bank of the US was unconstitutional

Henry Clay running against Jackson persuaded Congress to pass a bank-recharter bill.

Jackson vetoed the bill. Supreme Court

John Marshall diesJackson replaces him twice before he finds someone

that will do what he wants. Roger B. Taney

Taney and the Supreme CourtCharles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge

Taney sides with company that wanted to build a competing bridge

Taney stated the object of government is to promote general happiness and the well-being of the community.

Two-Party SystemJackson supportersDemocrats

Henry Clay supportersWhigs (Name from those who opposed the king of England)

Jackson wins reelection in 1832

Jackson’s Next 4 Years…Pet Banks- Jackson had vetoed the recharter of the banks and cut

all federal funds.

Jackson had the funds transferred to various state banks (called “pet banks”)

Jackson’s financial policies caused inflation for land and goods.

Specie Circular- Order that future land purchases be made with silver and gold, not banknotes. Doesn’t help…

*Banknotes lose their value and the Panic of 1837 caused an economic depression.*

Election of 1836Jackson pushed for his vice president Martin

Van Buren to run for President.Van Buren won

Distribution Act- Give the states surplus federal funds.

Panic of 1837- Many banks closed and led to a economic depression.

Campaign of 1840“Log Cabin & Hard Cider”-William Henry Harrison v. Martin Van Buren

Whigs win the election and become a national party.

-Harrison died of pneumonia and John Tyler became

The president.