Age of Jackson
The Events
The Nullification Crisis
• Tariff of 1828 (“Tariff of Abominations”).
• John C. Calhoun of S. Carolina (V.P.)
• Nullification = States have the right to declare
federal laws unconstitutional.
• Based on the theory that the union is a compact
created by the states (Kentucky and Virginia
Resolutions).
Hayne-Webster Debate
• Robert Hayne—S.
Carolina
• Daniel Webster—
Mass.
• 1830—Debate nature
of the Union, “States’
Rights,” and
Nullification.
Tariff of 1832
• S. Carolina nullifies it.
• AJ believes that this is treason and gets
Congress to pass a Force Bill in 1833.
• Clay proposes compromise—Gradually lowering
the tariff and S.C. rescinds its nullification.
• S.C. then, though, nullifies the Force Bill.
Jackson as Nationalist
• Nullification crisis shows that AJ believes
in the supremacy of the national govt.
• But still for limited govt.
• Vetoes Maysville Rd. bill in 1830
Indian Removal
• Most whites want Native Americans to
move west of the Mississippi.
• Congress passes the Indian Removal Act
in 1830.
• Conflicts with Supreme Court rulings of
Marshall court, but Jackson does not
enforce.
• Some tribes resist or don’t recognize the legality
of treaties.
• 1831—Black Hawk War in Illinois.
• 1835—minority of Cherokee agree to move west
for $5-mill.
• 1838—those that are left are forced to go to
Indian Territory (Oklahoma). Forced march is
known as “The Trail of Tears.”
• Only tribe that successfully resists removal are
the Seminoles of Florida (Seminole War18351842).
Trail of Tears
The Bank War
Birth of the Whigs
• AJ’s use of vetoes
seems king-like.
• Opponents start to
organize and call
themselves the
“Whigs.” (name is
from anti-monarch
party in England.)