I. Democracy in Theory and Practice

Fear that democracy would lead to anarchy wanes in the 1820s and 1830s

Equality of opportunity stressed America becomes society of winners and

losers Opening story of hotels??????????

A. Democracy and Society Egalitarian expectations despite

growing economic inequality No distinctive domestic servant class No class distinctions in dress White male equality before the law Egalitarian attack on licensed

professions-is this a good thing? Thomsonianism??

Popular press the source of information and opinion

B. Democratic Culture

Artists work for mass, democratic audience rather than for an aristocratic elite

Popular genres include Gothic horror, romantic fiction, and melodramas.

Only a few truly original, romantic artists-to be a success, one had to cater to the masses.

What’s the deal with George?

C. Democratic Political Institutions

Nearly all adult white males gain right to vote without property qualification

Appointive offices made elective Professional politicians emerged Political machines develop at state

level

Parties often serve special economic interests Parties share commitment to equality of

opportunity Parties differ on how to achieve common aims Neither party seeks to extend rights beyond

adult white male constituency Radical third parties argue the cause of

African Americans, women, working people with little success.

D. Economic Issues Interest in government economic policy

intensified after 1819-economic panic Some wanted to do away with banks,

paper money, and easy credit Others wanted more government aid Political parties took stands on the role

of the federal government in economic growth

E. Labor Radicalism and Equal Rights Working men’s parties and trade

unions emerged in the 1820s and 1830s

They advocated public education reform, a ten-hour workday, an end to debtors prison, and hard currency

They made some gains but they proved to be only temporary

The women’s rights movement and abolitionists made little progress

II. Jackson and the Politics of Democracy Jackson becomes a symbol of

democracy’s triumph Actions of Jackson and his party

refashion national politics in a democratic mold

A. The Election of 1824 and J. Q. Adams' Administration

The election of 1824- a five-way race Jackson wins popular vote Adams wins in House of Representatives

with Henry Clay’s support Clay’s appointment as Secretary of State

leads to charges Adams "bought" the presidency

Mid-term election of 1826 gives Jackson forces control of Congress

B. Jackson Comes to Power

Jacksonians organized for election of 1828 appeal to sectional self-interest make politics exciting to the average man

Jackson wins election as a man of the people

Jackson democratizes presidency fires at will officeholders he does not like defends by asserting the right of all men to a

government post link

C. Indian Removal

Indian removal policy inherited from prior administrations-Jefferson, Madison, etc.

Jackson believes that the federal government had not pushed Indians hard enough

Responds to Cherokee resistance by asking Congress for Indian Removal act of 1830

1838--U.S. Army forces Cherokees west along the Trail of Tears

Indian Removal

D. The Nullification Crisis

John C. Calhoun leads development of intellectual defense of state sovereignty

1828--tariff passed, South Carolina objects but takes no action

1832--tariff passed, South Carolina nullifies

Jackson threatens to send army Both sides retreat

South Carolina gets lower tariff Jackson demonstrates federal will

III. The Bank War and the Second Party System

"The Bank War" a symbolic defense of democratic value

Leads to two important results economic disruption a two-party system

A. Mr. Biddle's Bank

Bank of the United States unpopular Open to charges of special privileges Manager Nicholas Biddle looks and

behaves like an aristocrat Bank possesses great power and

privilege with no accountability to the public

B. The Bank Veto and the Election of 1832

Jackson vaguely threatens Bank in first term

Biddle seeks new charter four years early

Congress passes, but Jackson vetoes claims the Bank is unconstitutional defends veto as a blow for equality

Jacksonian victory in 1832 spells Bank’s doom

C. Killing the Bank

Jackson destroys Bank by federal deposits

Funds transferred to some state (“pet”) banks

Biddle uses his powers to cause recession, attempts to blame Jackson

Destruction of Bank provokes fears of dictatorship, costs Jackson support in Congress

D. The Emergence of the Whigs

Whig party a coalition of two forces opponents of Jackson Anti-Masonic party

Whigs defend activist government in economics, enforcement of “decency”

Democrats weakened by defection of working-class spokesmen depression produced by Jackson’s fiscal

policies

E. The Rise and Fall of Van Buren

Martin Van Buren succeeds Jackson in 1836

Term begins with Panic of 1837 Laissez-faire philosophy prevents

Van Buren from aiding economic distress

Van Buren attempts to save government funds with independent subtreasuries

Whigs block subtreasuries until 1840 Panic of 1837 blamed on Van Buren

The Rise and Fall of Van Buren (2)

Whigs fully organized by 1840 Whig candidate William Henry

Harrison image built as a common man who had

been born in a log cabin running mate John Tyler chosen to

attract votes from states-rights Democrats

Harrison and Tyler beat Van Buren

IV. Heyday of the Second Party System

Election of 1840 marks rise of permanent two-party system in the U.S.

Whigs and Democrats evenly divide the electorate for next two decades

Parties offer voters a clear choice Whigs support a "positive liberal state,"

community Democrats support "negative liberal state,"

individual Parties share a broad democratic ideology

Conclusion: Tocqueville’s Wisdom

Alexis de Tocqueville praises most aspects of American democracy

Warns of future disaster if white males refuse to extend liberty to women, African Americans and Indians.