Election of 1824 and John Quincy Adams

• The election of 1824 included Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, William H. Crawford, and John Quincy Adams, all Republicans.
• Jackson received the most popular and electoral votes but not a majority.
• The 12th Amendment dictated that the House of Representatives would vote on the top three candidates.
• As Speaker of the House, Clay influenced the election's outcome.
• Clay supported Adams after Crawford's stroke, resulting in Adams becoming president.
• Jackson alleged a "corrupt bargain" between Clay and Adams but no evidence was discovered.

John Quincy Adams' Presidency

• Adams was known for his strong principles rather than for being popular.
• He struggled to connect with the public and removed few officeholders.
• His administration prioritized infrastructure and education.
• Southerners resisted due to concerns about tax increases.

Jackson's Campaign and Victory in 1828

• Jackson campaigned on popular rule, claiming Adams and Clay had cheated the people.
• Despite Adams' good reputation, Jackson's supporters attacked him personally.
• Jackson won decisively, signaling a shift in presidential support.

Andrew Jackson's Character

• Jackson had health issues when he became president.
• He embodied the rugged individualism of the West.
• Jackson was a judge, congressman, and a man of the people.
• He held prejudices and owned slaves.
• He strongly believed in federal power and was willing to defy the Supreme Court.

The Spoils System

• Jackson implemented the spoils system to reward loyal supporters with government jobs.
• He wanted to refresh the government but only replaced a small number of positions initially.
• The system became entrenched and led to corruption.
• Samuel Swartwout's embezzlement exemplified the corruption.

Tariff of Abominations and Nullification

• The Tariff of 1828 raised duties, angering Southerners.
• Southerners felt it unfairly taxed their products.
• John Calhoun's "South Carolina Exposition" denounced the tariff and called for nullification.
• South Carolina couldn't achieve the two-thirds majority needed to nullify the tariff.
• The Tariff of 1832 lowered rates but Southern opposition remained.
• A compromise by Henry Clay eventually resolved the crisis.

Trail of Tears

• Federal policy aimed to acquire Native American lands through treaties, often deceitfully.
• The Cherokee tried to assimilate but were removed under the Indian Removal Act.
• Thousands died during the forced relocation known as the Trail of Tears.

Bank War

• Jackson distrusted the Bank of the United States, seeing it as a tool for the wealthy.
• He vetoed its re-charter, stating that it was unconstitutional.
• This intensified the divide between the West and East.
• The Bank eventually collapsed.

Election of 1832

• The first party conventions were held.
• Jackson ran as a Democrat against Clay and others.
• Jackson won decisively.

Demise of the Bank

• Jackson withdrew funds from the Bank of the US to weaken it.
• This led to a financial panic.
• The Bank's collapse caused economic hardship for the West, which had relied on it.

Two-Party System

• Opposition to Jackson led to the formation of the Whig Party.
• Democrats advocated individual liberty and states' rights.
• Whigs favored national harmony and economic development.

Election of 1836

• Jackson endorsed Martin Van Buren as his successor.
• The Whig Party was disorganized and failed to unite.
• Van Buren won the election.

Martin Van Buren's Challenges

• Van Buren faced challenges including a rebellion in Canada and an economic depression stemming from the Bank War.
• The Panic of 1837 led to widespread bank failures.
• His rejection of Whig proposals for economic recovery led to further discontent.

Texas Independence

• Settlers in Texas, led by figures like Sam Houston, resisted Mexican authority.
• Texas declared independence.
• Jackson hesitated to recognize Texas due to the slavery issue.

Election of 1840

• The Whigs nominated William Henry Harrison.
• Harrison won the election, marking a protest against Van Buren's economic hardships.

New Democracy

• The era of New Democracy emphasized universal white male suffrage.
• Politicians needed to appeal to the masses.
• Jacksonian democracy promoted the idea that governance should be by the people.
• Reflecting a shift in American political culture