Unit 3 Outline
The Growth of Nationalism and Representative Government, 1801-1848
To what extent did the reforms of the Jacksonian Era (1824-1848)
amount to a victory for the “common” man?
To what extent did U.S. foreign policy shape American economic,
political, and territorial expansion in the 1815-1848 period?
Quick Look
A peaceful transition of power from Federalist to Democratic-Republican in 1800, and
the expansion of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase (1803) was followed by an
era of nationalism and a second war with Britain in 1812. After the war, the United States went
through an “Era of Good Feelings” where only one political party exerted national political
power. The United States under President Monroe will declare a bold stand against European
colonization in Latin America in 1823. In addition, the Supreme Court will exert its right to
judicially review laws in Marbury v. Madison in 1803. Chief Justice John Marshall and his court
will consistently rule in favor of federal power over states’ rights until his death in 1835.
After a controversial “corrupt
bargain” between Henry Clay and John
Quincy Adams that awarded the
presidency to J. Q. Adams in 1824,
Andrew Jackson forms a political party to
oppose the Republicans; the Democratic
Party. The Era of Good Feelings ends.
Jackson wins the election of 1828 in part
because of his appeal to the “common
man” and the increase in suffrage to white
men. Jackson asserts executive power as
supreme during his presidency by ignoring
Supreme Court rulings, evicting the
Cherokee Nation from the South, and
effectively destroying the Bank of the
United States. His presidency is followed
by an economic depression, which was a
direct result of his handling of the
economy. This catastrophe develops and
is inherited by his former Vice-president
Van Buren, who becomes more commonly
known as “Van Ruin”.
The Whig political party (made up
of former republicans) is formed to oppose
the king-like powers of Jackson.
The Whigs win the election of 1840, but
their victorious president dies after only
one month in office.
Unit 3 Schedule
Week #11
Nationalism
Due Date
Content Reading: The American Pageant
Chapter 11: Pgs 218-225, 225-231
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Chapter 12: Pgs 237-240, 240-251
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Essential Documents: The American Spirit
Marshall asserts Supremacy (1803), pg 219
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Marshall sanctions the Bank (1819), pg 216
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President Madison’s Fateful War (1812), pg 240
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The Hartford Convention (1814), pg 246
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James Monroe Warns Europe (1823), pg 255
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Week #12
Jacksonian Democracy
Content Reading: The American Pageant
Chapter 13: Pgs 256-263
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Essential Documents: American Spirit
A plea for Nonproperty Suffrage (1841), pg 261
______
Jackson Vetoes the Maysville Road (1830), pg 266
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Daniel Webster Pleads for Union (1830), pg 272
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Week #12
Jacksonian Democracy
Content Reading: The American Pageant
Chapter 13: Pgs 263-275
______
Essential Documents:
Andrew Jackson Denounces Nullification (1832), pg 275
______
Jackson Vetoes the Bank Re-charter (1832), pg 277
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Essential content Questions
A. Who was John Marshall?
As chief justice from 1801 to 1835, John Marshall handed down decisions that strengthened
the federal government and the Supreme Court. Marshall’s decisions strongly supported
private property and helped establish the American free market system.
B. How did the United States gain Louisiana?
President Jefferson, compromising his principle of following a strict interpretation of the
Constitution, purchased Louisiana from France. This purchase doubled the size of the nation
and gave the U.S. full control of the Mississippi River.
C. Why did the US go to war in 1812?
In 1810, a new generation of political leaders, know as War Hawks, were elected to
Congress. These new leaders pressured President Madison to go to war with England. The
causes of the war included England’s violation of freedom of the seas (impressment), the
problems Americans had with the Indians in the Northwest, and the desire to annex Canada.
The war ended with a treaty that restored conditions as they were before the war.
D. What was the Era of Good Feelings?
The Era of Good Feelings was a period following the War of 1812 that was characterized by
strong nationalism and only one major political party.
E. What was the American System?
During the Era of Good Feelings, Henry Clay introduced the American System, a proposal
to make the U.S. economically self-sufficient. His plan included a Second Bank of the
United States, protective tariffs, and internal improvements at federal expense.
F. What were the most important issues during the Monroe presidency?
While James Monroe was president the United States obtained Florida from Spain and
issued a unilateral statement known as the Monroe Doctrine, declaring the U.S. would not
allow European colonization or interference in Latin America.
G. Who won the election of 1824?
Although Andrew Jackson won the most popular votes and the most electoral votes in 1824,
he did not have a majority of the electoral votes. John Quincy Adams was elected president
in the House of Representatives.
H. How did the election of 1824 bring the Era of Good Feelings to an end?
Jackson’s supporters charged that Adams’ election was a “corrupt bargain” in which Henry
Clay was made secretary of state in return for giving his support to Adams. This election
therefore ended the Era of Good Feelings and brought about two new political parties.
Supporters of Jackson called themselves Democrats. Supporters of Adams and Clay called
themselves Whigs.
I. What was Jacksonian Democracy?
The term “Jacksonian Democracy” refers to the general extension of democracy that
characterized U.S. politics from 1824-1828. The support for Jacksonian Democracy came
primarily from the lower classes in the form of a rebellion against aristocracy. Although
Jacksonian Democracy stressed equality, it was also pro-slavery and anti-Indian.
J. What political changes were made during the Age of Jackson?
Political changes during the Age of Jackson included allowing common men to have a voice
in choosing the Electoral College, the adoption of the spoils system at the national level, and
the beginning of national nominating conventions.
K. How did Jackson expand the powers of the presidency?
Andrew Jackson assumed more power for the presidency by using the veto extensively and
by defying Supreme Court orders. Jackson justified these actions on the grounds that the
presidency was the only office representing all the people.
L. What was Jackson’s policy toward Native Americans?
Jackson adopted a policy of “removal” in regard to American Indians. Believing that Indian
land must be open to economic development, the government forced Indians to move west
of the Mississippi River.
M. How did Jackson destroy the Bank of the United States?
Congress voted to re-charter the Second Bank of the United States in 1832. President
Jackson, however, disliked the Bank and vetoed the Re-charter Bill. He then destroyed the
bank in 1833 by withdrawing government funds and placing them in states banks or, as
some people called them, “pet” banks. This action led to a runaway inflation that Jackson
ended by issuing a Specie Circular. The issuing of Specie Circular led to the Panic of 1837.
N. Who succeeded Jackson as president?
In 1836 Martin VanBuren, a Democrat, was hand-picked by Jackson to succeed Jackson as
President. VanBuren was later blamed for the Panic of 1837 and was not reelected. The
1840 election was characterized by both political parties actively seeking votes in a way that
is often referred to as the first “modern” election. Harrison died after only one month in
office, making Tyler the first vice-president elevated to
the presidency after the death of a president.
Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Francis Scott Key, 1814: After observing the British bombardment of Ft. McHenry
1. Significant Events
17. Trail of Tears, 1838
1. Midnight Judges
18. Independent Treasury System, 1840
2.Marbury vs. Madison (1803)
19. First “modern” election, 1840
3. Louisiana Purchase (1803)
A. Important People
4. O, grab me
20. James Madison
5. Hartford Convention (1814)
21. James Monroe
6. Panic of 1819
22. John Quincy Adams
23. Andrew Jackson
7. McCulloch vs. Maryland (1819)
8. The Monroe Doctrine (1823)
24. Martin Van Buren
25. William Henry Harrison
26. John Tyler
9. Tariff of Abominations, 1828
27. Nicholas Biddle
28. Henry Clay
10. Indian Removal Act, 1830
11. Maysville Road Veto, 1830
29. Daniel Webster
B. Additional Information
30. corrupt bargain
12. South Carolina nullification crisis,
1832-33
31. Democratic Party
13. Worcester vs. Georgia, 1832
33. hard money
32. spoils system
34. cheap money
14. Recharter Bill vetoed, 1832
15. Jackson withdraws BUS funds, 1833
35. pet banks
36. Specie Circular
37. “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too”
16. Panic of 1837