Overview
This lecture covers the rise of democratization in the U.S. during the Age of Jackson, highlighting expanded voting rights, political party development, and key policies of Andrew Jackson.
Expansion of Democracy
- Between 1820 and 1850, most states removed property requirements for voting, increasing suffrage among white males.
- The idea that only landowners could vote was linked to Jeffersonian beliefs about independence.
- Wage workers remained excluded alongside women and non-white people.
The Era of Good Feelings and National Policy
- The "Era of Good Feelings" followed the War of 1812, with general political unity.
- The American System promoted infrastructure, tariffs, and a national bank.
- The Monroe Doctrine warned Europe against interfering in the Western Hemisphere and promised U.S. non-participation in European wars.
Key Political Conflicts and the Missouri Compromise
- Disagreements existed over federal funding for infrastructure, banking, and slavery.
- The Missouri Compromise allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state and Maine as a free state, with slavery banned north of the 36°30′ line except in Missouri.
Rise of Political Parties
- Martin Van Buren created the Democratic Party, realizing the importance of organized, national parties.
- Nicknames became common for political candidates to appeal to voters.
- The Whig Party formed in opposition to Jackson, supporting the American System and federal power.
Andrew Jackson's Presidency
- Jackson appealed to the "common man," focusing on lower and middle-class farmers.
- The Whigs viewed Jackson as abusing executive power.
Nullification Crisis
- The Tariff of 1828 angered the South, especially South Carolina, leading to threats of nullification.
- Jackson responded with the Force Act, showing federal authority but earning accusations of tyranny.
Indian Removal and the Trail of Tears
- The Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced tribes from the Southeast to move west, resulting in the Trail of Tears, with significant loss of life.
The Bank War and Economic Policies
- Jackson vetoed the recharter of the Second Bank of the United States, arguing it favored elites.
- He moved federal funds to "pet banks," leading to inflation and the Panic of 1837.
- The spoils system rewarded political supporters with government jobs.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Age of Jackson — Era of expanding democracy in the U.S. during Andrew Jackson's influence.
- American System — Economic plan involving infrastructure, tariffs, and a national bank.
- Monroe Doctrine — U.S. policy opposing European interference in the Americas.
- Missouri Compromise — Agreement balancing slave and free states and limiting slavery’s expansion.
- Nullification — State's claimed right to invalidate federal laws deemed unconstitutional.
- Indian Removal Act — Law requiring relocation of Native American tribes to territories west of the Mississippi.
- Spoils System — Practice of rewarding political supporters with public office.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the causes and effects of the Missouri Compromise and the Trail of Tears.
- Read about the economic consequences of Jackson’s handling of the national bank.
- Prepare questions on the development of U.S. political parties for class discussion.