Old Hickory

Jackson was nicknamed "Old Hickory" because of his toughness and aggressive personality; he fought in duels, some fatal to his opponents. He was a rich slaveholder, who appealed to the common men of the United States, and fought politically against what he denounced as a closed, undemocratic aristocracy. He expanded the spoils system during his presidency to strengthen his political base.

Jackson’s childhood home

Jackson’s home in Nashville, TN – The Hermitage

In the Nashville capitol.At the battle of New Orleans

Dickinson fired the first shot, which broke two of Jackson's ribs and lodged two inches from his heart. Dickinson then had to stand at the mark as Jackson, clutching his chest, aimed slowly and shot him fatally.

On January 30, 1835, the 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, became the first to have an attempt made on his life. Elected in 1828 and serving his first of two terms “Old Hickory” as he was affectionately known, made many enemies for this stand on reform of the banking system and civil service patronage appointments.

South Caroline representative William R. Davis has just died. The president and most of the cabinet were attending the funeral of Davis which was being held in the Capitol building.

Andrew Jackson at 67 years of age was suffering from respiratory aliments and showing his age. After the service Jackson was walking through the Capitol Rotunda. Suddenly a man separated himself from the crowd and approached the president. He got to within three paces of the president, raised a small pistol, and pulled the trigger at virtually point-blank range. There was a loud bang, but nothing happened. The percussion cap had detonated, but the gunpowder failed to ignite. Immediately he pulled a second pistol from his coat, aimed at the president and pulled the trigger, but it too misfired. No harm was done to Jackson.

By this time the crowd had been alerted by the noise of the first misfire that something was wrong. Jackson, outraged that someone was actually trying to harm him, charged the assassin. The president began savagely beating him with his cane. With the assassin now on the ground and Jackson still assailing him, others rushed to assist him. Lawrence was taken away for interrogation.

The would- be assassin was Richard Lawrence, a former house painter. Lawrence had been stalking the President for several days.

Richard Lawrence had asked the Jackson Administration for a civil service appointment and was denied. He also believed that the United States government owed him a substantial sum of money.  Lawrence told authorities that this money would enable him to assume his rightful place as the King of England. He was enraged because the President would not authorize this payment.  Finally Lawrence was convinced that Jackson had killed his father. These were the reasons for Richard Lawrence’s attempt to assassinate the president.

Lawrence was brought to trial.  During the one-day trial he repeatedly interrupted the proceedings, proclaiming that he was the King of England and Rome.  The jury acquitted him by reason of insanity.  Their deliberation lasted only five minutes. He was held at various hospitals and mental institutions for 26 years until his death in 1861. 

There was speculation that Lawrence was part of a conspiracy and even Jackson believed that Lawrence had been hired by his enemies to kill him, but there was never any evidence found to prove this.   After his behavior at trial it was obvious that he had acted alone.                       Smithsonian Institute researchers did a study on Lawrence’s derringers a century after the assassination attempt. Both guns discharge properly on the test’s first try. It was found the odds of both guns misfiring during the assassination attempt were one in 125,000.

On January 30, 1835, the 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, became the first to have an attempt made on his life. Elected in 1828 and serving his first of two terms “Old Hickory” as he was affectionately known, made many enemies for this stand on reform of the banking system and civil service patronage appointments.

South Caroline representative William R. Davis has just died. The president and most of the cabinet were attending the funeral of Davis which was being held in the Capitol building.

Andrew Jackson at 67 years of age was suffering from respiratory aliments and showing his age. After the service Jackson was walking through the Capitol Rotunda. Suddenly a man separated himself from the crowd and approached the president. He got to within three paces of the president, raised a small pistol, and pulled the trigger at virtually point-blank range. There was a loud bang, but nothing happened. The percussion cap had detonated, but the gunpowder failed to ignite. Immediately he pulled a second pistol from his coat, aimed at the president and pulled the trigger, but it too misfired. No harm was done to Jackson.

By this time the crowd had been alerted by the noise of the first misfire that something was wrong. Jackson, outraged that someone was actually trying to harm him, charged the assassin. The president began savagely beating him with his cane. With the assassin now on the ground and Jackson still assailing him, others rushed to assist him. Lawrence was taken away for interrogation.

The would- be assassin was Richard Lawrence, a former house painter. Lawrence had been stalking the President for several days.

Richard Lawrence had asked the Jackson Administration for a civil service appointment and was denied. He also believed that the United States government owed him a substantial sum of money.  Lawrence told authorities that this money would enable him to assume his rightful place as the King of England. He was enraged because the President would not authorize this payment.  Finally Lawrence was convinced that Jackson had killed his father. These were the reasons for Richard Lawrence’s attempt to assassinate the president.

Lawrence was brought to trial.  During the one-day trial he repeatedly interrupted the proceedings, proclaiming that he was the King of England and Rome.  The jury acquitted him by reason of insanity.  Their deliberation lasted only five minutes. He was held at various hospitals and mental institutions for 26 years until his death in 1861. 

There was speculation that Lawrence was part of a conspiracy and even Jackson believed that Lawrence had been hired by his enemies to kill him, but there was never any evidence found to prove this.   After his behavior at trial it was obvious that he had acted alone.                       Smithsonian Institute researchers did a study on Lawrence’s derringers a century after the assassination attempt. Both guns discharge properly on the test’s first try. It was found the odds of both guns misfiring during the assassination attempt were one in 125,000.

First Assassination Attempt on a President

Painting of the assassination attempt.

The “Corrupt Bargain”The “Corrupt Bargain”The “Corrupt Bargain”The “Corrupt Bargain”

The CandidatesThe Candidates

• Andrew Jackson- Andrew Jackson-

•John Quincy Adams- John Quincy Adams-

•Henry Clay- Henry Clay-

•William Crawford-William Crawford-

The CandidatesThe Candidates

• Andrew Jackson- Andrew Jackson-

•John Quincy Adams- John Quincy Adams-

•Henry Clay- Henry Clay-

•William Crawford-William Crawford-

JacksonJackson won the popular won the popular vote, but no candidate won vote, but no candidate won

the electoral vote.the electoral vote.

JacksonJackson won the popular won the popular vote, but no candidate won vote, but no candidate won

the electoral vote.the electoral vote.

The vote went to the The vote went to the House House of Representativesof Representatives who who

picked from the top three- picked from the top three- Jackson, Adams, and Jackson, Adams, and

Crawford.Crawford.

The vote went to the The vote went to the House House of Representativesof Representatives who who

picked from the top three- picked from the top three- Jackson, Adams, and Jackson, Adams, and

Crawford.Crawford.

Clay used his position as Clay used his position as Speaker of the House to Speaker of the House to

persuade representatives to persuade representatives to vote for Adams, who won.vote for Adams, who won.

Clay used his position as Clay used his position as Speaker of the House to Speaker of the House to

persuade representatives to persuade representatives to vote for Adams, who won.vote for Adams, who won.

Who will you vote for?

Adams!

Adams appointed Clay Secretary of State.Adams appointed Clay Secretary of State.Adams appointed Clay Secretary of State.Adams appointed Clay Secretary of State.

Jackson called the Jackson called the election a election a

“Corrupt Bargain.”“Corrupt Bargain.”

Jackson called the Jackson called the election a election a

“Corrupt Bargain.”“Corrupt Bargain.”

Why did he feel this Why did he feel this was a “Corrupt was a “Corrupt

Bargain”?Bargain”?

He felt cheatedHe felt cheated

Why did he feel this Why did he feel this was a “Corrupt was a “Corrupt

Bargain”?Bargain”?

He felt cheatedHe felt cheated

Secretary of StateSecretary of State Henry ClayHenry Clay

Secretary of StateSecretary of State Henry ClayHenry Clay

The Democratic-Republicans split….. the supporters of Jackson called themselves “Democrats”

His opponents were called the “Whigs”

To the victor belongs

the spoils!

John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson faced each other again in the 1828 election.faced each other again in the 1828 election.John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson

faced each other again in the 1828 election.faced each other again in the 1828 election.

Jackson won by a Jackson won by a landslidelandslide..Jackson won by a Jackson won by a landslidelandslide..

Jackson’s Inauguration CelebrationJackson’s Inauguration CelebrationJackson’s Inauguration CelebrationJackson’s Inauguration Celebration

Spoils - benefits Spoils - benefits gained by the gained by the

winnerwinner

Spoils - benefits Spoils - benefits gained by the gained by the

winnerwinner

After taking office, Jackson After taking office, Jackson replaces many Federalist replaces many Federalist

officials.officials.

After taking office, Jackson After taking office, Jackson replaces many Federalist replaces many Federalist

officials.officials.

He gave their jobs to his He gave their jobs to his loyal supporters.loyal supporters.

He gave their jobs to his He gave their jobs to his loyal supporters.loyal supporters.

The Spoils System is The Spoils System is giving political jobs to giving political jobs to

loyal supporters.loyal supporters.

The Spoils System is The Spoils System is giving political jobs to giving political jobs to

loyal supporters.loyal supporters.

OUT!!!

Thomas Nast depicts a statue

of President Andrew Jackson riding a pig, on a

pedestal that reads, "To the

victors belong the spoils." Jackson's

"spoils system," in which loyal

party members were rewarded with appointive

offices, was attacked for its

corrupt and fraudulent

implications.

The idea of spreading political power to all people and ensuring majority rule, this became known as Jacksonian Democracy. The expansion of voting rights helped Jackson win the presidency, the common man now had a voice in the government.

"You are a den of vipers and thieves. I intend to rout you out, and by God, I will rout you out.“ Andrew Jackson

President Andrew Jackson fights the “monster” bank. (1833)

The Bank of the U.S. The Bank of the U.S. was created by was created by

Federalist Alexander Federalist Alexander HamiltonHamilton..

The Bank of the U.S. The Bank of the U.S. was created by was created by

Federalist Alexander Federalist Alexander HamiltonHamilton..

The Bank’s purpose The Bank’s purpose was to was to regulate regulate

economic policieseconomic policies..

The Bank’s purpose The Bank’s purpose was to was to regulate regulate

economic policieseconomic policies..

Jackson thought the Jackson thought the Bank was too powerfulBank was too powerful..Jackson thought the Jackson thought the Bank was too powerfulBank was too powerful..

He thought Bank president He thought Bank president Nicholas BiddleNicholas Biddle and Bank administrators used the Bank for and Bank administrators used the Bank for

their own profit. their own profit.

He thought Bank president He thought Bank president Nicholas BiddleNicholas Biddle and Bank administrators used the Bank for and Bank administrators used the Bank for

their own profit. their own profit.

Jackson vowed, Jackson vowed, “I will kill “I will kill it!”it!”

Jackson vowed, Jackson vowed, “I will kill “I will kill it!”it!”

He He vetoed the Bankvetoed the Bank when when its charter was up for its charter was up for

renewal.renewal.

He He vetoed the Bankvetoed the Bank when when its charter was up for its charter was up for

renewal.renewal.

The Bank The Bank cut back on cut back on loans which hurt farmersloans which hurt farmers

in the West.in the West.

The Bank The Bank cut back on cut back on loans which hurt farmersloans which hurt farmers

in the West.in the West.

After his veto of the Bank of United States bill, After his veto of the Bank of United States bill, President Andrew Jackson's opponents accused President Andrew Jackson's opponents accused him of abusing his Presidential powers. This him of abusing his Presidential powers. This cartoon shows Jackson as a tyrannical king, cartoon shows Jackson as a tyrannical king, trampling on the Constitution. trampling on the Constitution.

Andrew Jackson hated the idea of the Bank of Andrew Jackson hated the idea of the Bank of the United States. He thought it wasn’t fair to the United States. He thought it wasn’t fair to the poor people. He wanted to destroy it. The the poor people. He wanted to destroy it. The many-headed monster is the states, who are many-headed monster is the states, who are fighting Jackson to keep the bank. Jackson fighting Jackson to keep the bank. Jackson raises a cane that says “veto.”raises a cane that says “veto.”

In this cartoon, President Andrew Jackson refuses to renew the charter for the Bank of the United States. Nicholas Biddle, with the head and hoofs of a demon, runs to Jackson’s left. (LIBRARY OF CONGRESS)

Tariff Bill

of 1828

Congress passed the Tariff Congress passed the Tariff Bill of 1828 which was the Bill of 1828 which was the highest import tax ever.highest import tax ever.

Congress passed the Tariff Congress passed the Tariff Bill of 1828 which was the Bill of 1828 which was the highest import tax ever.highest import tax ever.

This was a This was a “protective “protective tariff”tariff” because it was because it was

designed designed to protect U.S. to protect U.S. industry by increasing industry by increasing tariffs on goods from tariffs on goods from

Europe.Europe.

This was a This was a “protective “protective tariff”tariff” because it was because it was

designed designed to protect U.S. to protect U.S. industry by increasing industry by increasing tariffs on goods from tariffs on goods from

Europe.Europe.

This tariff This tariff hurt Southern hurt Southern plantersplanters because they because they

depended on trade with depended on trade with Europe.Europe.

This tariff This tariff hurt Southern hurt Southern plantersplanters because they because they

depended on trade with depended on trade with Europe.Europe.

The high tariff meant The high tariff meant Southerners still sold their Southerners still sold their cotton to Europe, but paid cotton to Europe, but paid

more for European imports.more for European imports.

The high tariff meant The high tariff meant Southerners still sold their Southerners still sold their cotton to Europe, but paid cotton to Europe, but paid

more for European imports.more for European imports.

Vice President Vice President John C. John C. CalhounCalhoun was from South was from South Carolina and, like most Carolina and, like most

Southerners, believed in Southerners, believed in the idea of “states’ the idea of “states’

rights”.rights”.

Vice President Vice President John C. John C. CalhounCalhoun was from South was from South Carolina and, like most Carolina and, like most

Southerners, believed in Southerners, believed in the idea of “states’ the idea of “states’

rights”.rights”.

They called it the “Tariff of They called it the “Tariff of Abominations”. An Abominations”. An

abomination is abomination is something something hated. Hurt southern hated. Hurt southern

farmersfarmers

They called it the “Tariff of They called it the “Tariff of Abominations”. An Abominations”. An

abomination is abomination is something something hated. Hurt southern hated. Hurt southern

farmersfarmers

States’ rights is States’ rights is the right the right of states to limit the of states to limit the power of the federal power of the federal

government.government.

States’ rights is States’ rights is the right the right of states to limit the of states to limit the power of the federal power of the federal

government.government.

South Carolina passed South Carolina passed the the Nullification ActNullification Act and and declared the tariff illegal.declared the tariff illegal.

South Carolina passed South Carolina passed the the Nullification ActNullification Act and and declared the tariff illegal.declared the tariff illegal.

Nullify meansNullify means

cancel.cancel.

South Carolina threatened South Carolina threatened to to secedesecede if the tariff was if the tariff was

not lifted.not lifted.

South Carolina threatened South Carolina threatened to to secedesecede if the tariff was if the tariff was

not lifted.not lifted.

If you were Jackson, what If you were Jackson, what would you do?would you do?

If you were Jackson, what If you were Jackson, what would you do?would you do?

Secede means Secede means withdraw.withdraw.Secede means Secede means withdraw.withdraw.

What are Jackson’s What are Jackson’s options?options?

What are Jackson’s What are Jackson’s options?options?

Henry ClayHenry Clay designed a designed a

compromise that compromise that lowered the tarifflowered the tariff

but but gave the gave the president more president more power to use power to use

force if a state force if a state threatened to threatened to

secede.secede.

Henry ClayHenry Clay designed a designed a

compromise that compromise that lowered the tarifflowered the tariff

but but gave the gave the president more president more power to use power to use

force if a state force if a state threatened to threatened to

secede.secede.

Henry Clay: the “Great Compromiser”

Jackson believed he did Jackson believed he did not have the power as not have the power as president to interfere president to interfere

with Georgia’s rights and with Georgia’s rights and stop the removal.stop the removal.

Jackson believed he did Jackson believed he did not have the power as not have the power as president to interfere president to interfere

with Georgia’s rights and with Georgia’s rights and stop the removal.stop the removal.

In a desire to attract In a desire to attract more white settlers, more white settlers,

GeorgiaGeorgia began moving began moving Native Americans west.Native Americans west.

In a desire to attract In a desire to attract more white settlers, more white settlers,

GeorgiaGeorgia began moving began moving Native Americans west.Native Americans west.

One Way

"John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it!"

•Worcester v. Georgia Cherokee sued to try to keep Georgia from taking their land

•Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Cherokee Nation

•President Jackson refused to enforce the ruling

Jackson pushed the “Indian Removal Act” Jackson pushed the “Indian Removal Act” through Congress which through Congress which gave the president gave the president power to move Native Americans west of the power to move Native Americans west of the

Mississippi.Mississippi.

Jackson pushed the “Indian Removal Act” Jackson pushed the “Indian Removal Act” through Congress which through Congress which gave the president gave the president power to move Native Americans west of the power to move Native Americans west of the

Mississippi.Mississippi.

70,000 Native Americans, 70,000 Native Americans, mostly mostly CherokeeCherokee, were , were

forced to move.forced to move.

70,000 Native Americans, 70,000 Native Americans, mostly mostly CherokeeCherokee, were , were

forced to move.forced to move.

Besides losing their Besides losing their homeland,homeland, many many Native Native

Americans Americans died along the died along the way.way.

Besides losing their Besides losing their homeland,homeland, many many Native Native

Americans Americans died along the died along the way.way.

This forced removal and This forced removal and journey west became journey west became know as the “Trail of know as the “Trail of

Tears”.Tears”.

This forced removal and This forced removal and journey west became journey west became know as the “Trail of know as the “Trail of

Tears”.Tears”.

Some groups, such as the Some groups, such as the SeminolesSeminoles of Florida, of Florida,

resisted.resisted.

Some groups, such as the Some groups, such as the SeminolesSeminoles of Florida, of Florida,

resisted.resisted.

Led by Led by Chief OsceolaChief Osceola, , The Seminole Indians of The Seminole Indians of FloridaFlorida resisted removal resisted removal

by fighting the U.S. by fighting the U.S. government in what government in what

became known as the became known as the Seminole WarsSeminole Wars..

Led by Led by Chief OsceolaChief Osceola, , The Seminole Indians of The Seminole Indians of FloridaFlorida resisted removal resisted removal

by fighting the U.S. by fighting the U.S. government in what government in what

became known as the became known as the Seminole WarsSeminole Wars..

However, the Seminoles However, the Seminoles were eventually were eventually

removed. removed.

However, the Seminoles However, the Seminoles were eventually were eventually

removed. removed.

Actual photo of Andrew JacksonActual photo of Andrew Jackson