Jacksonian Era Overview

Major Ideas

• Jackson's presidency involved South Carolina's tariff nullification and Indian Removal.
• Growing social tensions and rebellions were prevalent.
• The Second Great Awakening influenced the temperance movement.
• Westward expansion impacted American society, views, and the Mexican-American War.
• This expansion connected to racial tensions.

Jacksonian Era

• Andrew Jackson was president from 1829 to 1837.
• The Jacksonian Era lasted roughly from 1829 to 1854.
• The percentage of eligible white men who could vote increased significantly in 16 years.
• Jackson was often portrayed as a champion of the common man, though primarily benefiting entrepreneurs.
• Jackson was a successful military leader and officer.
• Visual representations (lithographs) of Jackson were widespread, making his image recognizable.
• Presidential candidates were previously chosen by caucuses, but Jackson introduced conventions for broader public involvement.
• Campaigning techniques evolved during this era, with Martin Van Buren developing a model of regional campaigning.
• Jackson's presidency coincided with significant Western expansion, impacting priorities in different regions.
• Jackson's inauguration was notable for an aggressive mob at the White House, largely due to his open invitations.
• This event was compared to the French Revolution, highlighting the era's anxieties.

Nullification, Jackson, and South Carolina

• Tensions arose between the North and South during the 1820s and 1830s.
• Tariffs of 1828 harmed Southern states, particularly South Carolina.
• John C. Calhoun, Jackson's vice-president, promoted nullification, arguing that states had ultimate power over the national government.
• Nullifiers desired a government structure similar to the Articles of Confederation, with states retaining significant autonomy.
• This was partially motivated by concerns about future federal measures that might limit slavery.
• Jackson used the Constitution to justify his opposition to South Carolina's actions, calling them treason.
• Henry Clay created a compromise to gradually lower tariffs, resolving the issue.

Indian Removal

• The Cherokee Nation sought to maintain its own culture, but faced insurmountable forces.
• White settlers pressured the government to remove Native Americans from the Southeast.
• Removal was often portrayed as a benevolent act, with the belief that Native Americans could be better off in other territories.
• This action was highly controversial, as it disregarded Indigenous rights and resulted in tragic consequences for Native American populations.
• This event was criticized for its hypocrisy and immorality when juxtaposed with the government's other policies.

Other Key Aspects

• Expansionism during this era led to significant social change and anxieties, especially pertaining to the potential expansion of slavery.
• Manifest destiny played a part in the belief that the United States had a right to expand, justified by divine ordination.
• The acquisition of Texas and territory from Mexico during the Mexican-American War further exacerbated tensions over slavery.
• People opposed the annexation of Texas because it would increase the Southern states' influence through the expansion of slavery.