Notes on Democracy in America

I. Introduction

• Andrew Jackson had a controversial career marked by duels, tenacity, toughness, and vengefulness.
• Jackson's duel in Logan County, Kentucky in 1806 highlighted his enduring toughness; he remained a controversial figure in American politics.

II. Democracy in the Early Republic

• Early American leaders were wary of democracy; feared too much citizen participation could lead to disorder.
• Founders like Alexander Hamilton and Elbridge Gerry warned against the "vices of democracy."
• Despite elite resistance, democratic impulses grew; ordinary citizens participated in politics, voting, public demonstrations.
• Political parties had to cater to public favor.

III. The Missouri Crisis

• Sectional conflict among North, South, West emerged.
• Missouri Crisis (1819-1820) highlighted tensions over slavery and statehood.
• Missouri Compromise: Missouri admitted as a slave state, Maine as a free state, and slavery banned north of 36°30' latitude.
• Crisis indicated deep sectional divides and foreshadowed future conflicts.

IV. The Rise of Andrew Jackson

• Jackson rose from humble beginnings to prominence, exemplifying political opportunities and dangers.
• As a military leader, Jackson fought in the War of 1812, Creek War, and invaded Florida, gaining fame.
• Jackson's presidency marked by controversy, election scandals, and his portrayal as a hero of the common man.

V. The Nullification Crisis

• The crisis centered on the Tariff of 1828—hated by South Carolina as it hurt Southern economies.
• John C. Calhoun, Jackson's VP, supported nullification doctrine, asserting state sovereignty.
• Jackson opposed nullification, threatened force, leading to a compromise tariff.
• The crisis linked the ideas of secession and states' rights.

VI. The Eaton Affair and Politics of Sexuality

• The Eaton Affair highlighted scandals in Jackson's cabinet, centered on social ostracism of Margaret Eaton.
• Jackson defended Eaton due to similar personal experiences with his late wife.
• Resulted in a cabinet reshuffle and highlighted gender and morality politics.

VII. The Bank War

• Jackson opposed the Second Bank of the United States, believing it was unconstitutional and favored the elite.
• Vetoed the bank's recharter, redirected federal funds to "pet banks."
• Jackson's actions sparked controversy, shaping his supporters' democratic ideals and opponents' organization.

VIII. The Panic of 1837

• Economic boom followed by bust; Jackson's policies partially blamed.
• Speculative practices, lack of regulation led to bank failures, economic depression.
• Panic highlighted vulnerabilities in the banking system and economy.

IX. Rise of the Whigs

• Panic of 1837 created political opening for the Whigs, opposing Jacksonian Democrats.
• Whigs united diverse anti-Jackson groups, nominated William Henry Harrison in 1840.
• Harrison died shortly into his term, leading to further Whig disarray.

X. Anti-Masons, Anti-Immigrants, and the Whig Coalition

• Whig coalition included Anti-Masonic sentiments and anti-immigrant nativism.
• Distrust of Freemasonry and Catholic immigrants fueled political paranoia.
• Anti-Masonic Party eventually absorbed into the Whig Party.

XI. Race and Jacksonian Democracy

• Jacksonian democracy expanded white male suffrage but restricted Black voting rights.
• Racial inequality and discrimination increased, contrasting democratic ideals.
• Northern states enacted laws disenfranchising Black men.
• Racial tensions contributed to riots and influenced culture.
• Abolitionists and reformers protested inequalities, attempting to broaden democracy's scope.

XII. Primary Sources

• Various documents and speeches from the era, providing insights into the political and social climate.

XIII. Reference Material

• Edited by Jonathan Wilfred Wilson with contributions from various historians.
• Suggested readings include books on Jacksonian politics, economic crises, and social movements.