John Murrin, et al

Liberty, Equality, PowerA History of the American People

Chapter 11

“Democrats and Whigs”

Rise of the Age of Jackson

• Democratic-Republican Rule– President Monroe

• Missouri Compromise

– Competition between executive & legislative• Constitutional guidelines• Expressions of power• Desire to reflect the will of the people

Election of 1824

• Candidates– John Quincy Adams– Andrew Jackson– Henry Clay– William Crawford

• No Electoral Majority

• House of Representatives

Corrupt Bargain

• Speaker of the House = Henry Clay

• House votes for JQA defying popular vote

• President Adams names Henry Clay Secretary of State

• Andrew Jackson response = 4 year campaign for White House

• Acceptable? Ethical? Legal?

Democratic-Republicans

Andrew Jackson

• Biographical Information– Humble Beginnings– “Colorful” and controversial military career– “Self-made” wealth– Family & Loyalty

Election of 1828

• Four year campaign

• Personal Attacks

• Death of wife

President Jackson

• Spoils System

• Kitchen Cabinet

• Eaton Scandal

• John C. Calhoun

• Martin Van Buren

Nullification

• Tariff & Sectionalism

• How does a state protest?

• SC Exposition– VP Calhoun

• Nullification Vote

• Jackson response

• Win / Loss Analysis

Indian Removal

• Worchester v Georgia– Devolution of Federal Power– Repudiation of GW’s Indian policy– Let John Marshall enforce it

• Indian Removal Act– Trail of Tears

• Opened Land for Expansion and “PROGRESS”

Bank Wars

• 2nd Bank of the US• Nicholas Biddle

– Perceived Power

• Clay’s Re-charter Scheme • Extra-constitutional power• King Andrew’s Veto• 1832 Re-election• Federal Deposits & Pet Banks

Currency

• Paper v. Gold Currency Debate– Inflationary v. Stability– Borrower v. Lender

• Wildcat Banks & Over Speculation– Panic of 1837

Specie Circular

• Specie Circular– Gold for Government Land– Drastic Measure = deflationary– Reality tempering ideology

• Balanced Budget & No Debt

• Panic of 1837

• Divorce Bill (Van Buren)

• Independent Treasury

Democratic Reforms

• 3rd Parties– Purpose– 1832 = Anti-Masonic Party

• Whig Party– Anti-Jackson– Pro-America System– Election of 1836

Democratic Reforms

• Suffrage Extension – All white males– “Era of the Common Man’– Modern Campaigning

• Party Platforms & Conventions