Overview
This lecture covers the development of democracy in America from 1815 to 1840, focusing on Andrew Jackson, political changes, the expansion of voting, and key controversies shaping the nation's democratic and economic systems.
The Age of Jackson and Democratization
- Andrew Jackson's presidency symbolized growing democracy and the rise of the "self-made man."
- Political participation expanded primarily for white men, as property requirements for voting were widely abolished.
- By 1840, over 90% of adult white males could vote; voting rights remained limited for Black men and all women.
- Mass political participation led to new campaign tactics, including slogans, parties, and vibrant print culture.
- Democracy in this era excluded women and nonwhite men, reinforcing racial and gender boundaries.
Sectionalism and the Missouri Compromise
- The Missouri Compromise (1820) admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining sectional balance.
- Slavery was banned in Louisiana Purchase territories north of latitude 36°30'.
- Sectional disputes over slavery and westward expansion threatened national unity.
Economic Policies and the American System
- The "American System" called for a national bank, protective tariffs, and federally funded internal improvements.
- The Second Bank of the United States was created but soon resented and blamed for the Panic of 1819.
- The Supreme Court upheld the Bank's constitutionality in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819).
Political Parties and Elections
- The "Era of Good Feelings" ended as the Republican Party split along sectional lines.
- The Election of 1824 saw no majority winner; John Quincy Adams was chosen by the House, prompting claims of a "corrupt bargain."
- Andrew Jackson's defeat in 1824 led to the emergence of the Democratic Party; the Whigs formed in opposition.
- The Election of 1828 saw Jackson win by appealing to ordinary Americans; campaign innovations increased voter turnout.
Jacksonian Democracy and Policy
- Jackson promoted the "Common Man," but excluded Native Americans and Black Americans from democracy.
- The spoil system ("rotation in office") distributed government jobs to loyal supporters.
- Jackson opposed the American System, favoring state over federal economic intervention.
The Nullification Crisis
- Southern states, especially South Carolina, opposed high tariffs and claimed the right to "nullify" federal laws.
- Jackson defended federal supremacy, threatening military action; a compromise tariff ended the crisis.
Indian Removal and the Trail of Tears
- The Indian Removal Act (1830) forced thousands of Native Americans west of the Mississippi.
- The Cherokee and other tribes were expelled despite attempts to assimilate and legal resistance.
- The forced migration became known as the Trail of Tears, with significant loss of life.
The Bank War and Economic Crisis
- Jackson vetoed the renewal of the Bank's charter, removed federal funds, and distributed them to "pet banks."
- Unregulated state banking led to inflation, speculation, and the Panic of 1837.
- Martin Van Buren established the Independent Treasury System to separate government and banking.
The Whig Ascendancy and Political Change
- The Whig Party, supporting federal economic intervention, won the 1840 election with William Henry Harrison.
- Harrison died after one month; Vice President John Tyler, a States' Rights Democrat, blocked Whig policies.
- Tyler was left without party support and achieved little as president.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Market Revolution — rapid economic changes transforming production and commerce in America.
- Property Qualifications — legal requirements to own property to vote, largely abolished for white men by 1840.
- American System — economic plan with a national bank, tariffs, and internal improvements.
- Spoil System — practice of replacing government officials with loyal political supporters.
- Nullification — state claims to invalidate federal laws deemed unconstitutional.
- Trail of Tears — forced migration of Native Americans from the Southeast to Indian Territory, marked by many deaths.
- Pet Banks — state banks receiving federal deposits after the removal of funds from the Second Bank.
- Panic of 1837 — severe financial crisis caused by banking policies and speculation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read the next chapter focusing on the rise and impact of slavery in the South.
- Review key Supreme Court cases mentioned (McCulloch v. Maryland).
- Prepare for discussion on how political party systems evolved in this era.