Democracy and Jackson's Election

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Questions and Answers

What significant change in voting rights occurred by 1830?

Voting rights were extended to virtually all white males. (correct)

Voting rights were granted to women for the first time.

Voting rights were limited to landowners.

Voting rights were restricted to tax-paying citizens.

What criticism did Jackson and his supporters level against the election of 1824?

They claimed it promoted democracy effectively.

They believed it was decided through fair competition.

They referred to it as the 'Corrupt Bargain.' (correct)

They argued it favored the common man.

What was a key strategy used by Jackson during his campaign for the 1828 election?

Limiting campaigning to small gatherings.

Focusing solely on elite endorsements.

A focus on strict traditional campaign methods.

High-energy rallies, songs, and slogans. (correct)

What was Andrew Jackson's self-portrayal during his election campaigns?

A champion of the common man. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Jackson's beliefs regarding the role of the President?

The President was the protector of common people against elite influence. Signup and view all the answers

What practice was initiated during Jackson's administration that involved rewarding supporters?

Spoils system Signup and view all the answers

What event significantly raised Andrew Jackson's national profile before his presidency?

The Battle of New Orleans Signup and view all the answers

What was a characteristic aspect of Jackson's approach to governance?

Using veto power against anything he deemed inappropriate. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant reason for the U.S. victory in the War of 1812?

Desire to eliminate Indians from frontier Signup and view all the answers

Which tribe was considered one of the 'civilized' tribes due to having a written language?

Cherokee Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court case Worcester v. Georgia?

Georgia had no authority over the Cherokee Signup and view all the answers

What did the Indian Removal Act entail?

Voluntary exchange of land for other territories Signup and view all the answers

During the Trail of Tears, how many Cherokees are estimated to have died?

4,000 Signup and view all the answers

What led Northerners to support tariffs after 1816?

Protection of Northern manufacturing Signup and view all the answers

Which term did Southerners use to describe the 1828 tariff that they opposed?

Tariff of Abominations Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the spread of cotton production?

Spread of slavery in the South Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason for the opposition to the Bank of the United States?

It was perceived to benefit the wealthy at the expense of the common people. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Andrew Jackson veto the re-chartering of the Bank of the United States in 1832?

He viewed it as a semi-private institution beyond government control. Signup and view all the answers

What event contributed to the increasing distrust of the Bank of the United States among the people?

The Panic of 1819. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Jackson's decision to withdraw government funds from the Bank?

It resulted in massive inflation due to 'pet banks' printing money. Signup and view all the answers

What was one economic consequence resulting from Jackson's policies towards the Bank of the United States?

The Panic of 1837. Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did Henry Clay employ to make the Bank an election issue in 1832?

He attempted to re-charter the Bank early. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Specie Circular issued by Jackson affect land purchases?

It mandated all land purchases be made with gold or silver. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Jackson's main beliefs regarding personal loyalty?

It should be prioritized over party loyalty. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main beliefs of the Second Great Awakening regarding salvation?

Salvation was accessible to everyone. Signup and view all the answers

Which group emerged as a result of the Second Great Awakening's focus on social reform?

The Shakers Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant characteristic of the religious revivals during the Second Great Awakening?

They included extensive social gatherings. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason the Mormons, led by Joseph Smith, moved repeatedly between states?

To escape religious persecution. Signup and view all the answers

Which community was founded by Robert Owen as a socialist experiment?

New Harmony Signup and view all the answers

Which belief system emphasized the combination of the Bible and reason to uncover truth?

Unitarianism Signup and view all the answers

What was a shared practice of the Oneida Community?

Complex marriage and communal child-rearing. Signup and view all the answers

What societal issue did the Second Great Awakening primarily address concerning women?

Increased status and purpose through reform. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Democratic Party believe regarding the federal government?

It should be weak while emphasizing state governments. Signup and view all the answers

Which candidate was associated with the Democratic Party in the 1836 election?

Martin van Buren Signup and view all the answers

What was the main platform strategy of the Whigs in the 1836 election?

To divide the Democrats by running regional candidates. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key reason for William Henry Harrison's victory in the 1840 election?

His military hero status and portrayal as a common man. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred shortly after Harrison took office?

He died only 31 days after taking office. Signup and view all the answers

What action did John Tyler take that caused a rift with the Whig party?

He vetoed key legislation passed by Congress. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept was part of the Democratic Party's platform in the mid-19th century?

Strict interpretation of the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What event contributed to the disenchantment of voters towards the economic policies of Jackson and van Buren?

The Panic of 1837. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of slave rebellions in the South?

Many states expelled their free black populations Signup and view all the answers

What argument was made in favor of slavery regarding the condition of slaves?

Slaves were better off in America due to being Christianized and civilized Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the North's industrialization during the mid-19th century?

A developed transportation network, including canals and railroads Signup and view all the answers

How did the Dred Scott decision impact slave ownership?

It allowed masters to take slaves anywhere, regardless of state laws Signup and view all the answers

What was a major economic characteristic of the South in the mid-19th century?

A reliance on cotton export agriculture Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes transportation developments in the North?

The canal system became obsolete by mid-century Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the rights of slaves following slave rebellions?

Slave freedoms were curtailed and rights diminished Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the reasons for the lack of industrialization in the South?

The focus on export agricultural economy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

I. Democracy Spreads

Democratically, rule by the people increased significantly from 1800 to 1830
States removed property and tax qualifications for voting, incentivizing political participation
State political parties chose presidential candidates, voters directly elected presidential electors, and political campaigns targeted average voters
Spoils system: elected officials rewarded supporters with jobs, promoting participation in campaigns
By 1830, voting rights extended to virtually all white men, signifying widespread popular participation.

II. Election of Andrew Jackson

Personal Background: Grew up as a poor orphan; became a national hero after the Battle of New Orleans. Briefly headed the Tennessee militia during battles against Native Americans
Election of 1824: Jackson won most popular and electoral votes but not a majority. The House decided the election in favor of John Quincy Adams after Henry Clay's support. Jackson and supporters believed this was a corrupt bargain.
Election of 1828: Jackson ran a highly energized campaign with rallies, songs, and slogans portrayed as the "Common Man", contrasting him with John Quincy Adams. His campaign resonated with the public, and he was elected president.
Jackson's Philosophy: The president as a protector of the common people against wealthy elites. He used the veto power, against any policy thought unjust, not just unconstitutional. Favored a spoils system. His administration replaced government officials with his supporters. Personal loyalty was crucial. He believed in the sacredness of the Union.

III. Jackson vs. the Bank of the United States

History and Purpose of the Bank of the United States (BUS): Established in 1791, the BUS (Bank of the United States) managed credit and finances. It printed paper money and made loans.
Opposition to the BUS: Many people distrusted the Bank of the United States due to its size and influence in elite hands, perceived as favoring wealthy.
Re-Chartering the Bank (1832): Henry Clay pushed for re-chartering; Jackson vetoed, solidifying his image as a protector of the common man.
Jackson vs. Biddle: Biddle (Bank President) deliberately caused a financial crisis to demonstrate the Bank's necessity, but Jackson withdrew US government funds, effectively killing the BUS.
Panic of 1837: Jackson's policies, particularly the issuance of the Specie Circular, contributed to the economic instability and banking crisis.

IV. Indian Removal

Tribes in the Southeast (Georgia, Alabama etc.) faced intense pressure to give up land
Jackson was committed to Indian removal
The Cherokee: Played a key role in the crisis, they claimed extensive land rights and were considered a "civilized" tribe.
These tribes were moved west in what became known as the Trail of Tears

V. Growing Sectionalism

Slavery: Tension between slave and free states grew with westward expansion.
Tariffs: Northerners supported tariffs to protect their industries, while southerners opposed tariffs as this made their purchases more expensive.
Nullification Crisis (1828): Congress passed the Tariff of Abominations. This tariff was deeply resented in the South, especially in South Carolina who threatened to seceed unless the tariff was abolished. Jackson viewed this as an assault on the authority of the Union.

VII. The Nullification Crisis

The Nullification Crisis of 1832 arose due to heightened sectional tensions in the United States. Southern states largely opposed the tariff. South Carolina declared the tariff null and void within its borders, leading to significant conflict between Jackson and the state in a standoff.

VIII. Rise of a New Two Party System

Whig Party: Took their name from a British party, a party opposed to the power of a king. This party consisted of diverse members, from National Republicans, Northeastern manufacturers to states' rights southerners. National Republicans were opposed to Jackson and favored a stronger national government, support of Henry Clay's 'American System' and the national bank
Democratic Party: This party wanted a weaker federal government. The party's ideals were traced back to the ideals of Thomas Jefferson. Believed in the principles of democracy and had a common sense view of the citizen.

IX. Mid-Century Elections

1836 and 1840 elections: Highlights the growing political divide between the Democrats (and their candidate, Martin Van Buren) and the Whigs (and candidates, William Henry Harrison and others)
Each platform reflects the deep-seated issues of the time, like slavery, national banks and the federal versus the state rights.

X. The Strange Presidency of John Tyler

John Tyler became president after the death of William Henry Harrison.
Tyler's actions and policies alienated members of the Whig Party.

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Description

Explore the growth of democracy from 1800 to 1830, focusing on key developments such as voting rights for all white men and the impact of the spoils system. Delve into Andrew Jackson's personal background and the contentious election of 1824 where he faced off against John Quincy Adams.