Andrew Jackson Lecture Notes

Overview

• Focus: Jackson's killing of the bank and the development of the Whig Party.

Election of 1828

• Candidates: Andrew Jackson vs. John Quincy Adams.
• Background:
  • 1824: Single party (Democratic-Republican) with four candidates.
  • No candidate received 50% electoral votes → House of Representatives decided.
  • Henry Clay supported Adams, became Secretary of State → perceived as shady.
  • Jackson and Van Buren founded the Democratic Party.

Jackson's Background

• Born 1767 on the Carolina frontier.
• Lacked formal education, connections, or wealth.
• Self-made man: conquered British, Spanish, Native Americans.

Jackson's Support Base

• Southern planters and states' rights supporters
  • Fear of Federal Power interfering with slavery.
• Westerners: suspicious of Eastern interests and the banking system.
• Old Republicans joined Jacksonian Democrats.
• Leader: Martin Van Buren
  • Organized New York's Albany Machine: political assistance in exchange for votes.
  • Promoted political parties as a way to empower common people.
  • First modern campaign: mass mobilization techniques.

Election Campaign Tactics

• Mass Participation: Voter engagement, door-knocking, literature, political events.
• Political Barbecues: Whiskey and barbecue to attract voters (criticized as bribery).
• Exclusivity: White male democracy excluding women and people of color.

Personal Attacks

• Republicans targeted Jackson’s wife Rachel's divorce scandal (incorrect divorce papers → bigamist claims).
• Rachel's death and Jackson’s blame on political opponents.

Results

• Voter Turnout: 25% in 1824 → 55% in 1828.
• Jackson won in a landslide with 56% popular vote.
• Strong support: Southern states, west of Pennsylvania, new money individuals, and those hurt by the Panic of 1819.

Jackson's Presidency

• Political Infighting: His first term was contentious.
• Appeal: Charisma, military hero, image of a common man's champion.
• Paradox: Despite advocating Jeffersonian republican ideals, he expanded presidential power.
• Controversial: Loved and hated in his time.

Next Steps

• Viewing of two video clips with contrasting views on Jackson's presidency.