Lecture on Andrew Jackson

Introduction

• Resumption of the lecture series on Andrew Jackson.
• Material covered before midterm also included in the final exam.
• Lecture begins on slide one of the PowerPoint.

1824 Presidential Election

• Andrew Jackson was nominated for president against John Quincy Adams.
• Both ran on the Democratic-Republican ticket.
• Jackson was popular due to being the hero of New Orleans.
• The election was unresolved in the electoral college and went to the House of Representatives.
• Henry Clay, Speaker of the House, influenced the vote against Jackson.
• John Quincy Adams won, but it was seen as corrupt by the public.

Political Climate and Controversy

• By 1824, public trust in political fairness had eroded.
• Four candidates in the election: Jackson, Adams, Henry Crawford, and Henry Clay.
• Clay's influence was seen as a conflict of interest.
• Alleged "corrupt bargain" between Adams and Clay.

Jackson's 1828 Campaign

• Campaign for Jackson began in 1824.
• Adams' campaign criticized Jackson as bad-tempered and uneducated.
• Jackson's reputation as a duelist and fighter highlighted.
• Public perception favored Jackson's rugged image.

Personal Background

• Jackson's troubled early life: orphaned, fought in duels, and was wounded.
• Relationship with Rachel: complicated by her previous marriage.
• Jackson's protective nature over Rachel.

Jackson vs. Adams

• Pro-Jackson campaign depicted Adams as elitist and foreign-influenced.
• Accusations against Adams included immoral conduct.
• Jackson's victory in 1828 marked a shift towards populism.

Jackson's Presidency and Aftermath

• Jackson's election inspired belief in the American Dream.
• Rachel Jackson's death deeply affected Jackson.
• Impact on future political campaigns to appear non-elite.

Jackson's Policies and Native American Relations

• Jackson's presidency was marked by controversial policies on race.
• Advocated for and signed the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
• The Trail of Tears resulted from this policy under Martin Van Buren's administration.
• Native Americans were forcefully relocated, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Conclusion

• Jackson's era was complex with significant social and political shifts.
• Next lecture to focus on national changes in economy, art, and political activism during his time.
• End of lecture with a reminder to review slides for further details.