Heimler's History: Andrew Jackson and Federal Power
Political Context
Post-Federalist collapse, Democratic Republicans were the sole party.
Two factions emerged:
Democrats: Led by Andrew Jackson, inspired by Thomas Jefferson.
Values: Limited federal power, local rule, free trade.
Opposed corporate monopolies, national bank, high tariffs.
Whigs: Led by Henry Clay, inspired by Alexander Hamilton.
Values: Strong central government, supported American System.
Favored national bank, protective tariffs, federally funded improvements.
Key Debates Over Federal Power
Tariffs
Tariff of 1828: Raised import duties by 35-45%.
Benefited Northern manufacturers, Western farmers.
Disadvantaged Southerners reliant on imports (called "Tariff of Abominations").
Doctrine of Nullification: Proposed by John C. Calhoun.
States could nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional.
Jackson's response: Passed Force Bill to assert federal authority.
National Bank
Second Bank of the U.S.: Stabilized economy, but faced criticism.
State banks failed, leaving citizens with worthless money.
Jackson opposed the bank, viewed it as unconstitutional and elitist.
Vetoed recharter bill in 1832, terming it "hydra of corruption."
Internal Improvements
American System: Called for federally funded infrastructure.
Whigs supported it as necessary for national coherence.
Democrats saw it as unconstitutional federal overreach.
Indian Removal
Indian Removal Act of 1830: Mandated relocation of Indians to Oklahoma Territory.
Georgia wanted Cherokee land after gold discovery.
Worcester v. Georgia: Supreme Court sided with Cherokees, against Georgia.
Treaty of New Echota (1835): Exchanged Cherokee land for western territory.
Trail of Tears (1838): Forced relocation, high mortality due to harsh conditions.
Some Cherokees resisted, established Eastern Band in North Carolina.
Conclusion
The lecture covered the contentious debates on federal power during Andrew Jackson's presidency, focusing on tariffs, the national bank, internal improvements, and Indian removal.
These debates highlight the broader struggle between state and federal authority during this period of U.S. history.