Heimler's History: Andrew Jackson and Federal Power

Political Landscape in the 1820s-1830s

• Major Political Parties:
  • Democrats: Led by Andrew Jackson, values inspired by Thomas Jefferson.
    • Limited federal power, free trade, and local rule.
    • Opposed corporate monopolies, high tariffs, and national bank.
  • Whigs: Led by Henry Clay, values inspired by Alexander Hamilton.
    • Supported a strong central government, national bank, protective tariffs.
    • Advocated for federally funded internal improvements.
    • Concerned with crimes by immigrants.

Major Debates on Federal Power

Tariffs

• Role of Tariffs: Tax on imported goods to protect domestic industries.
  • Tariff of 1828: Raised import duties by 35-45%, beneficial to northern manufacturers and western farmers, detrimental to southern economy.
  • John C. Calhoun's Doctrine of Nullification: States could nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional.
  • Resolution:
    • Jackson passed the Force Bill allowing military action against South Carolina.
    • South Carolina agreed to a reduced tariff but nullified the Force Bill.

National Bank

• Second Bank of the United States: Established in 1816, stabilized the economy.
  • In the 1830s, some state banks failed, leaving citizens with worthless money.
  • Jackson viewed the bank as unconstitutional and harmful to lower classes.
  • Veto of Recharter Bill: Jackson vetoed the bill to recharter the bank in 1832, calling it a 'hydra of corruption.'

Internal Improvements

• Whig Perspective: Seen as essential for national connectivity.
• Democratic Perspective: Viewed as unconstitutional federal overreach.

Indian Removal

• Indian Removal Act: Forced relocation of Native Americans to lands west of the Mississippi.
  • Cherokee Nation: Declared sovereignty, opposed by Georgia, gold found on Cherokee land.
  • Supreme Court Case: Wooster v. Georgia: Court sided with Cherokees, federal protection affirmed.
  • Treaty of Nuichota: Unsanctioned Cherokee delegation exchanged lands for western territory.
  • Trail of Tears: Forced migration, significant suffering and death.
  • Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians: Some resisted removal, became North Carolina and later US citizens.

Conclusion

• Understanding Jackson's policies and conflicts over federal power is essential for grasping the complexities of this historical period.

• For further study, a review packet is available to help achieve top grades in exams.