American History Notes (PDF)

Land Colonial Era: o No land was available west of the Appalachian Mountains. Post-Revolution: o Expansion allowed to the Mississippi River. Early 1800s: o Louisiana Purchase (1803) included large territories. Florida: o Ac...

Land Colonial Era: o No land was available west of the Appalachian Mountains. Post-Revolution: o Expansion allowed to the Mississippi River. Early 1800s: o Louisiana Purchase (1803) included large territories. Florida: o Acquired after Louisiana. Territorial Claims: o Northwest Coast claimed by Great Britain. o Southwest Coast claimed by Mexico. Faith Puritans: o Emphasized purity and strict religious adherence. Religious Choice: o Some colonies established for freedom of religion. Governance: o Dominated by white Christian men. Manifest Destiny: o Belief in the inevitable expansion of the U.S. Economics South: o Reliant on cotton and cash crops. North: o Focused on industry, with canals, factories, and urban development. Government British Rule: o Colonists subjected to king's taxes. Revolutionary Change:  o Shift towards people being in charge rather than monarchy. Political Parties: o Hamilton led Federalists; Jefferson represented Democratic-Republicans. o Andrew Jackson: champion for the poor within the Democratic Party. o Wealthy supported John Adams and Henry Clay (Whigs). Political Developments Election of 1824: o Marked a pivotal change in American politics due to the absence of Federalist candidates. o Resulted in multiple Democratic-Republican candidates. o End of the Congressional Caucus system and emergence of a new two-party system. Jackson’s Campaigning: o Four-year effort culminated in 1828 victory over Adams. o Established a tradition of personal campaigning for the presidency. This framework encapsulates the evolution of land acquisition, religious influences, economic structures, government changes, and significant political shifts in early American history. Notes on the New Two-Party System and the Election of 1824 Overview Watershed Moment: The presidential election of 1824 is a critical turning point in American politics, signaling the shift to a new political landscape. Collapse of the Federalist Party The Federalist Party lost influence and eventually collapsed, changing the political dynamics. Democratic-Republicans' Situation The "official candidate" of the Democratic-Republicans suffered from illness, leading to a slate of candidates that were all from the same party. End of the Congressional Caucus System The election marked the decline of the Congressional Caucus system, which had been used for nominating candidates. Emergence of a New Two-Party System The political environment shifted towards the formation of a new two-party system in the United States. The Democratic Party Election of 1828: o The Democratic Party won the presidency by a significant margin. Campaign Strategy: o Attacks on Opponent: John Quincy Adams was portrayed as an elitist figure, disconnected from common citizens. o Self-Portrayal: Andrew Jackson presented himself as humble, despite being a wealthy plantation owner. This transition laid the groundwork for future political contests and shaped the evolution of American democracy, establishing a framework for campaigning and political party dynamics. Notes on Andrew Jackson and Jacksonian Democracy Andrew Jackson First President to Benefit from Universal White Male Suffrage: o His presidency marked a significant shift in voting rights, as property requirements for voting were eliminated. Personification of the Democratic Spirit: o Challenging the Economic Elite: ▪ Notably engaged in a conflict with the Bank of the United States, which he viewed as a tool for the wealthy. o Spoils System: ▪ Rewarded political supporters with public office positions, promoting loyalty over merit.  o Use of Veto Power: ▪ Frequently exercised veto power, asserting presidential authority and influence. Jacksonian Democracy Characterization of American Politics: o The era was defined by several key developments: ▪ Emphasis on Equality: Increase in political equality for adult white males, broadening the democratic base. ▪ Rise of Interest Group Politics: Heightened focus on sectional issues and the interests of specific groups. ▪ Changing Style of Campaigning: Campaigns became more populist, engaging directly with voters. ▪ Increased Voter Participation: Dramatic increase in electoral engagement, with voter turnout tripling by 1828 compared to earlier elections. Summary Jacksonian Democracy represented a transformative era in American politics, emphasizing broader political participation and challenging existing economic and political structures. This period laid the foundation for modern democratic practices and highlighted the importance of the average citizen's voice in governance. Notes on the "Age of the Common Man" Overview "Age of the Common Man": o Characterized by increased political participation and the rise of the average white male voter. Universal White Manhood Suffrage Expanded Electorate: o The introduction of universal white male suffrage significantly increased the number of eligible voters during Jackson's presidency. Democratic Expansion: o While this era enhanced democracy for white men, it simultaneously involved the marginalized treatment of other groups, notably American Indians. Jackson's Policies Toward Native Americans Indian Removal: o Andrew Jackson advocated for the relocation of Native American tribes to lands west of the Mississippi River. He believed they could not assimilate with white settlers. Treaties and Forced Migration: o Native American tribes were pressured to sign treaties with the federal government that forced them to move westward. Cherokee Nation vs. Georgia: o The Cherokee Nation attempted to protect their land by suing the state of Georgia. o Supreme Court Ruling: ▪ Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that the Supreme Court had no original jurisdiction in this matter, categorizing the Cherokees as a "dependent nation." Consequences of Removal Confined to Reservations: o The forced relocation policies resulted in Native Americans being confined to reservations, stripping them of their ancestral lands. Trail of Tears: o The infamous forced march of the Cherokee Nation to designated reservations, which resulted in significant suffering and loss of life. Summary The "Age of the Common Man" under Jackson marked a pivotal shift towards greater political inclusion for white males, but it also illuminated the contradictions of expanding democracy while disenfranchising and forcibly removing Native American populations. Jackson's policies reflect the complexities of American democracy during this period, highlighting the struggle between opportunity for one group while denying rights to another. Notes on Key Events and Concepts (1820s - 1840s) Tariff of 1828 Purpose: Congress passed a tariff (tax) on imports aimed at protecting American businesses. Impact on South: o Southern states, particularly South Carolina, were forced to buy more expensive goods from New England instead of cheaper European imports. Nullification Crisis John C. Calhoun's Doctrine: o The Vice President believed states could nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional. If the government refused, a state had the right to secede from the Union. Jackson's Stance: o President Jackson aimed to preserve the Union and was prepared to confront South Carolina if it refused to pay the tariff. South Carolina's Threat: o In 1832, South Carolina threatened to secede due to the tariff. Resolution: o Senator Henry Clay proposed a bill to gradually lower tariffs, temporarily easing tensions between federal authority and states' rights. Jackson and the Bank of the U.S. Opposition to the Bank: o Jackson viewed the Bank of the U.S. as favoring the wealthy and being unpopular among the poor.  o He vetoed the Bank's charter and transferred funds to state banks, known as "pet banks." Consequences of Pet Banks: o These banks printed money without adequate gold or silver backing, leading to currency devaluation and financial instability. Panic of 1837: o Resulted in banks closing, widespread bankruptcies, loss of savings, and unemployment affecting one-third of the population. Western Expansion Migration Patterns: o American settlers moved westward seeking land and economic opportunity in the Midwest, Southwest, and Texas. Transportation Support: o The development of railroads and canals facilitated industrial growth and settlement. Manifest Destiny Belief in Expansion: o The idea that it was America's divine right to expand from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This belief provided political support for territorial acquisitions, notably under President James K. Polk. Impact on Native Americans: o The rapid westward expansion significantly disrupted the economies and cultures of indigenous peoples, as settlers often encroached on native lands illegally. Important Events Related to Manifest Destiny Texas Rebellion: o American migration into Texas resulted in an armed revolt against Mexican control, largely driven by the desire to maintain slavery. Battle of the Alamo: o A pivotal event where Texas rebels fought against a larger Mexican force, symbolizing their struggle for independence. Texas Annexation:  o Following independence, Texas was incorporated into the U.S. after 10 years of being a republic. Mexican-American War: o Resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S. through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848). o Mexican Cession: ▪ Included present-day California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and New Mexico. Conclusion This period marks a transformative era in American history, characterized by political conflict over federal authority and state rights, significant economic changes influenced by Jackson's policies, and a strong ideological push for territorial expansion at the expense of native populations.