THE AGE OF JACKSONIAN DEMOCRACY

1824-1840

Andrew Jackson – 7th President

Jackson was President from 1829-1837 He had lost in 1824 because of the “Corrupt

Bargain” between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay

Jacksonian Democracy

Expands suffrage (right to vote)—all white men over 21 can vote

The common man gains more influence

How did Jackson help the common man?

By 1830s, most states allowed the popular vote to determine who wins their electoral vote

Creates the Spoils System Loyal supporters get rewarded with

government jobs

Bank WarJackson vetoes the Bank of the US Says National Bank is

unconstitutional Says it helps the rich at the expense

of the common man

Nullification Crisis 1832 South Carolina wanted to

nullify (ignore) a new protective tariff

Thought North would benefit from tariff; South would pay higher prices for goods

S.C. also threatens to secede (leave the Union) if tariff is not repealed

Jackson threatens S.C. with force ends the crisis peacefully

Impact 1. Jackson avoids war

2. South to use secession as a threat to protect their states’ rights

Indian Removal

Jackson wants Indians to move out of the South to allow westward expansion

Open up Georgia, Alabama,

Mississippi to settlement (cotton plantations) This would allow for the

expansion of slavery Creates the Indian

Territory (later Oklahoma)

Indian Removal Indian Removal Act (1830) allows the

federal government to make treaties with Indians They could “exchange” their homelands for

lands in Indian Territory (Oklahoma) 1831—Worcester v. Georgia—the Supreme

Court said that the states can’t force the Indians to move Jackson ignores the decision, begins removal

of 60,000 Indians 1837Cherokees forced to march to Indian

Territory in winter. Becomes known as the Trail of Tears (4,000 out of 16,000 die along the trail)

Closure 1. Give several

examples of how Jackson helped out the average American during his time.

Which action taken by Jackson do you think would be most criticized by historians today?

3. Why do you think some people would say it’s ironic that Jackson is on the $20 bill?