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U.S. History I - Jacksonian Democracy

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    Study Guide U.S. History I – Jacksonian Democracy 1. Jackson as President When Andrew Jackson became president in 1829 , his inauguration was unlike any before. A rowdy crowd filled the White House , shocking Washington society. Many attendees were looking for government jobs , and Jackson’s speech mentioned “rotation in office” , meaning the replacement of some officeholders with political supporters. • Critics called this the “spoils system.” • Jackson didn’t completely replace all officials, and most turnover during his two terms was modest. • He relied heavily on friends, newspaper editors, and political allies for advice, forming an informal advisory group called the Kitchen Cabinet . Only Martin Van Buren , Secretary of State, was a government official in this group. 1.1 Van Buren and Internal Improvements Van Buren worked to strengthen his political influence and weaken Vice President John Calhoun , especially over issues like internal improvements (roads, canals, etc.). • Van Buren drafted Jackson’s veto message on the Maysville Road bill , which would have funded a road entirely within Kentucky. • Jackson argued the federal government shouldn’t fund projects benefiting just one state. • Despite the veto, federal spending on infrastructure was higher under Jackson than under Adams . 1.2 The Eaton Affair Jackson’s conflict with Calhoun became personal over social snubs in Washington: • Peggy Eaton , wife of Jackson’s Secretary of War, was shunned by other cabinet wives. • Jackson, still grieving the death of his wife Rachel, took the snubs personally. • This feud escalated, contributing to the growing rift between Jackson and Calhoun, especially during the nullification crisis .

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    Study Guide 1.3 The Nullification Controversy The Tariff of 1828 angered Southerners, who felt it unfairly benefited Northern industries. • Calhoun argued states could nullify (refuse to obey) federal laws they considered unconstitutional. • In 1832, South Carolina passed an ordinance refusing to collect tariffs in its ports. • Jackson responded firmly: o Nullification was unconstitutional. o The Constitution created a single nation , not separate states. o He threatened military force to enforce tariffs. Henry Clay’s compromise helped avoid war: 1. Compromise Tariff – reduced duties gradually over 10 years. 2. Force Bill – authorized Jackson to enforce federal law with military action. South Carolina backed down, and both Jackson and Calhoun claimed victory. 1.4 The Bank Crisis Jackson hated banks and paper money , especially the Second Bank of the United States : • The bank was privately controlled but held federal deposits and lent money to state banks. • Nicholas Biddle , the bank’s president, tried to recharter it early in 1832, supported by Henry Clay. • Jackson vetoed the recharter bill , calling the bank a privileged monopoly . During his second term: • Jackson removed federal deposits from the Second Bank and put them into selected state “pet” banks loyal to the Democratic Party. • The pet banks lent money and issued paper notes, fueling speculation in public lands . • To curb speculation, Jackson issued the Specie Circular (1836) , requiring land to be bought with gold or silver , not paper money.

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    Study Guide Results: • Speculation slowed, but western settlers criticized the policy , as hard currency was scarce. • Jackson’s bank policies contributed to a serious economic crisis , which his chosen successor inherited. Jackson’s presidency was marked by: • Expanding presidential power . • Using the spoils system to reward allies. • Firmly confronting states’ rights challenges (nullification). • Taking on the Second Bank of the United States and reshaping the nation’s financial system. 2. Van Buren and New Political Alignments By 1834 , a new political group called the Whigs had formed to oppose President Andrew Jackson. • Leaders included Daniel Webster of Massachusetts and Henry Clay of Virginia. • They nicknamed Jackson “King Andrew I” because they felt he was abusing presidential power. • Whigs drew support from New England, the mid - Atlantic, the upper Midwest, and some southern planters who disagreed with Jackson on issues like nullification, internal improvements, and tariffs. • Their economic ideas appealed to industrialists, successful farmers, and reformers who wanted better public education and social change. Meanwhile, the Democrats were strongest in the South and West , especially among middle - class people, small farmers, and recent immigrants. Many Democrats supported Jackson’s fight against the Second Bank of the United States , which they saw as a tool of monopoly and privilege. Key difference: • Whigs wanted an active national government . • Democrats wanted more power for states and local governments .

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