CHAPTER 3: THE GROWTH
OF A YOUNG NATION
AMERICA EXPANDS IN
THE FIRST HALF OF
THE 19TH CENTURY
THE AGE OF JACKSON: SECTION 2

During a time of
growing
Sectionalism,
Andrew Jackson’s
election in 1828,
ushered in a new
era of popular
democracy
Review

The Age of Jefferson – 1800-1824
–

Presidencies of Jefferson, Madison & Monroe
The Age of Jackson – 1824-1840
–
Presidencies of John Q. Adams, Jackson, & Van
Buren
REGIONAL ECONOMIES CREATE
DIFFERENCES




The Northeast continued to
develop industry while the
South and West continued
to be more agricultural
The Industrial Revolution
reached America by the
early-mid 19th century
New England first to
embrace factory system
Especially in textile (fabric)
mills
SOUTH REMAINS AGRICULTURAL




Meanwhile, the South
continued to grow as an
agricultural power
Eli Whitney’s invention of
the Cotton Gin (1793) made
producing cotton even more
profitable
The South became a
“Cotton Kingdom”
More labor was needed –
1790 = 700,000 slaves
1820 = 1,500,000 slaves
Cotton Gin quickly separated
cotton fiber from seeds
BALANCING NATIONALISM AND
SECTIONALISM



Economic differences
created political tension
between North & South
As the regions moved apart,
politicians attempted to keep
nation together
House Speaker Henry
Clay’s American Plan called
for a protective tariff, a
National Bank, and an
improved infrastructure to
help travel
The American System




America still relied heavily on Brit. Trade;
American industry still weak.
Brits dumping cheap products on US.
Trans-Appalachian region only weakly tied to
east.
Tariff of 1816
–
Protective tariff opposed by the South & West
THE AMERICAN SYSTEM


Henry Clay proposes the American
System to strengthen America
Economically.
Three Parts
–
–
–

Congress passes the first two parts,
but President Monroe vetoes the
money for roads and canals.
–

Bank of the US
Protective Tariffs
Roads and Canals built by National
Government to tie together East and
West.
WHY?
Ultimately many of the roads and
canals are built by the states
Growing Pains Of The West

Between 1791 and 1819 nine frontier states had
joined the original 13
–




(Louisiana, 1812; Indiana, 1816; Mississippi, 1817;
Illinois, 1818; Alabama, 1819)
Admitted alternately, free or slave
Reasons for growing westward expansion?
West nevertheless weak politically and
economically frustrated.
Demands of Westerners?
Slavery And The Sectional Balance






Slave and Free states equal at 11 each.
North’s advantage?
Power in House v. Power in Senate.
Why South fears new “free” states.
Missouri: first state from the La. Purchase to
seek admission.
Tallmadge Amendment
–
–
–
What it said
What happened to it
Impact on politics
THE MISSOURI COMPROMISE




In 1818 settlers in Missouri
applied for statehood
Northerners and
Southerners disagreed on
whether Missouri should be
admitted as a “free” state
Henry Clay organized a
compromise in which
Missouri was “slave” but
Maine would be “free”
Also Louisiana Territory split
at 36 30’ north latitude
HENRY CLAY: THE GREAT
COMPROMISER
Missouri Compromise



Missouri Compromise - 1820
Henry Clay (Great Compromiser) plays a key role
Terms:
–
–
–

Missouri in as slave state
Maine carved from Mass and in as free state
Future states from La. Purchase north of 36’ 30’ come in
free
Set the precedent that Congress could control slave
status in states as a condition of admission.
Missouri Compromise
MISSOURI COMPROMISE 1820
RISE OF MASS
DEMOCRACY
Politics Of The People




By the 1820s democracy of all the people was
no longer considered something to be feared.
People wanted to be more involved
Asset to be seen as man of the people, and not
of the elite.
Politicians had to find a way to appeal to the
common man
Jacksonian Democracy

Complex social and economic changes were
taking place in America
–
The Rise of a Democratic Society



Informal manners and democratic (equality) attitudes
Little in terms of outward dress/appearance to
distinguish social classes
Equality of opportunity (for white males)
Jacksonian Democracy
–
Politics of the Common Man


Politics began to move out of the homes of the rich and
famous
White males of the lower and middle classes began to
vote in large numbers
– Votes for president
 1824 – 350,000
 1840 – 2.4 million
– Improved education
– Growth in newspaper circulation
Jacksonian Democracy
–
Politics of the Common Man



Universal male suffrage became the norm
Party nominating conventions – politicians and voters
picked the candidates
Popular election of the president
– Electors (for the Electoral College) were chosen by
the voters
– Presidential campaigns now had to be conducted on
a national scale
 Large political parties are needed
Jacksonian Democracy
–
Politics of the Common Man



Rise of third parties
More elected offices (instead of appoinments)
Popular campaigning
– Focus on the interests and prejudices of the
common people
– Floats, marching bands, rallies, free food
– More personal attacks
Jacksonian Democracy


Jacksonian Democracy--politics of
the masses and for the masses.
Logical extension of Jeffersonian
Democracy.
–
–


Jefferson—people should be
governed as little as possible.
Jackson—governing should be done
directly by the people.
Jackson believed in small
government although believed in
strong President.
Catalyst: universal white male
suffrage.
Voting Requirements
in the Early 1800s
Factors Leading To The New
Democracy





Outgrowth of egalitarian republican ideals of the
revolution
Growth of market economy—Why?
Panic of 1819—Why?
Missouri Comprise of 1820—Why?
Consequences:
–
–
–
Voter turnout much higher
Campaigning much more aggressive and overt
Nominating conventions replaced Congressional Caucus
so that presidential candidates are selected more
democratically
Election of 1824


Jackson is very popular war hero
and runs as candidate of the west
and common man.
Has three opponents:
–
–
–
John Quincy Adams--Monroe’s
Sec. of State. Candidate of
Easterners and establishment.
Henry Clay -Also a westerner and
natural regional rival of Jackson. But
much different view of role of national
government.
William Crawford--Southerner
Election of 1824




All four Democratic-Republicans
But, clear factions
Jackson: benefit common man; limited national
government.
Clay and Adams: strong activist federal
government.
–

Federalists-light
Calhoun VP on both Adams and Jackson tickets.
Electoral College Deadlock





Jackson wins the most popular votes (42%) and
electoral votes, but does not get a majority of the
electoral votes.
Thus, House must choose between the top
three.
Clay finished fourth and is eliminated.
Crawford has a stroke
Thus, between Adams and Jackson
Corrupt Bargain?




Why does Clay have the
power to influence the vote?
Why does Clay back
Adams?
Adams wins the presidency;
Clay becomes Sec. of State.
Jacksons’ supporters
scream “corrupt bargain”
A
“Corrupt
Bargain?”
John Quincy Adams






Austere.
Short, bald, stiff and frosty. Loner.
Very successful Sec. of State, but
was not well suited to the
presidency.
How he won made things worse
Was first minority President
He refused to play the spoils game;
made supporters grumpy
Adams’ Unpopular Policies


Adams Nationalistic policies went against the
tide of opinion.
Advocated national roads, canals, universities,
observatories
–
–


South objected. Why?
West objected. Why?
Land policies also a bust with West
Tried to protect Indians in Georgia.
Going “Whole Hog” For Jackson
In 1828


Jackson v. Adams, again.
Democratic-Republican party splits into two.
–
National Republicans, led by Adams.

–
Policies?
Democratic-Republicans, led by Jackson. Become
the Democrats.

Policies?
1828 Election Results
•Nasty campaign full
of mud-slinging.
•Jackson wins 178-83
in the electoral
college. Adams polls
only 44%.
•Jackson carries the
South and West and
the Eastern laborers.
•Adams carries New
England and the
moneyed class.
ELECTION OF ANDREW JACKSON




ANDREW JACKSON
IS ON THE $20 BILL
Jackson, hero of the common
man, won election in 1828 in part
because the right to vote had
been expanded to more citizens
In the 1824 election, won by John
Quincy Adams, 350,000 white
males voted
In 1828, over 1,000,000 white
males voted
Many of the new voters supported
the rugged westerner Jackson
who also won re-election in 1832
JACKSONIAN DEMOCRACY



As part of his political
philosophy, Jackson sought to
grant political power to the
common people
Called The Spoils System or
Jacksonian Democracy,
Jackson hired his own
supporters to replace the
previous administration’s staff
Jackson gave away many jobs
to his friends and political allies
Spoils system and rotation of
officeholders


Winning government jobs became the lifeblood of party organizations
Jackson believed in appointing people to
federal jobs strictly according to whether they
had actively campaigned for his party (The
Democrats)
–
–
Previous officeholders who was not a Democratic
was fired and a loyal Democratic appointed
Called the Spoils System by critics
Spoils system and rotation of
officeholders

Jackson believed in a system of rotation in
office.
–
–
Tenure in office was limited to one term; then
replaced
He had a contempt for experts and believed that
ordinary Americans were capable of holding any
government office.

The democratic ideal: one man was as good (equal) as
another
The Spoils System



Jackson’s attitude toward bureaucracy and
spoils system.
During Jackson’s 8 years only about 20% of civil
servants were dismissed, but sets a bad
precedent.
Problems with spoils system
Jackson Inauguration
First Kegger in the White House?
Jacksonian Revolution



Election of 1828 one of
most important in US
history.
Marks a major change in
American Politics.
Why was it a revolution?
The Center of Population in the
Country Moves WEST
The Advent Of “Old Hickory”
Jackson



Jackson personified the new west. He was
individualistic, rugged, versatile and a war hero.
Personal History
Jackson’s Firsts:
–
–
–
–
First president from the west
First to be nominated at a formal convention
First President without a college education (except
Washington)
First President who not part of the educated elite that
was at the heart of the revolution and the Constitution.
Jackson and the Role of the
President


He believed that he (the president) was the
representative of all the people &
The protector the common man against
abuses of power by the rich and privileged
Jackson’s Philosophy




Suspicious of the federal government because it was remote
from the people;
Believed in limited Fed. government (See Jefferson)
Hostile to the active federal econ. role of American System;
National Bank
Strong believer in the Union;
–


opposed nullification and those who did not believe that federal
power was supreme. (See Hamilton)
Very strong president. Insisted on prompt and loyal support
from his subordinates.
He was the great vetoer Vetoed more bills than
predecessors combined.
TARIFF OF “ABOMINATION”

THE NORTH

TARIFFS
THE SOUTH
In 1824 and again in
1828, Congress
increased the Import
Tariff of 1816
Southerners called the
1828 Tariff, “a Tariff of
Abominations,” and
blamed it for economic
problems in the South
Tariff of Abomination


New England and East like Tariffs. Reduces
competition.
South and West hate tariffs.
–
–



Economic concerns
Political/Sectional concern
Jackson’s supporters try to put JQ Adams in
political trap by pushing for a very high tariff.
Plan backfires, and tariff is passed.
South is outraged at Adams, and calls it “Tariff of
Abomination”
NULLIFICATION THREAT



In an attempt to free South
Carolina from the tariff, John
Calhoun (Jackson’s VP from
S.C.), developed the Theory
of Nullification
He believed if a state found
an act of Congress to be
unconstitutional, it could
declare the law void within
its borders
Tensions only relieved by a
Clay Compromise Tariff in
1833
South Carolina Exposition and
Nullification



Calhoun secretly writes,
“The South Carolina
Exposition.”
What is his thesis?
Compact theory v.
Nationalist theory.
“Nullies” In South Carolina


Tariff of 1832
South Carolina votes to nullify the tariff.
–



Threatens to secede
Jackson’s reaction.
Jackson issues proclamation against nullification
and raises an army to march on SC
Things at a dangerous crisis point.
Nullification Crisis





Henry Clay is motivated to find a
compromise. Why?
Tariff Bill of 1833
As a face-saving device, Congress
passes the force bill.
South Carolina happy for this out.
Why?
SC repeals nullification.
INDIAN REMOVAL ACT - 1830






Congress, with Jackson’s support, passed the
Indian Removal Act in 1830
Under this law, the federal government funded
treaties that forced tribes west
The Cherokee Tribe in Georgia refused and were
supported by the Supreme Court
Jackson refused to abide by the Court decision
Jackson said, “John Marshall (Supreme Court
Chief Justice) has made his decision, now let him
enforce it.”
Trail of Tears followed the Court ruling as U.S.
troops rounded up the Cherokee and drove them
west, mostly on foot. . .thousands died
INDIAN REMOVAL - 1830
Transplanting The Tribes
Trail of Tears
Transplanting the Tribes




Legal status of
Indians
Attitudes of
Americans toward
Indians
Five Civilized tribes
in South East
Jackson’s attitude
toward Indians
Indian Removal Act








Indian Removal Act (1830).
“voluntary” removal of Indians from southeast to
reservations in Eastern Kansas and Oklahoma.
Forced removal of over 100,000 Indians.
Heaviest blow falls on the Five Civilized Tribes
Theory behind the policy
Trail of Tears
Bureau of Indian Affairs -1836
Black Hawk Rebellion
Trail of Tears, Robert Lindneux
1942
Map of the Trail of Tears
Indian Removal
JACKSON’S BANK WAR



Jackson opposed
National Bank so he
created Pet Banks – so
called because they
were favored by
Jackson’s Democrats
Many felt Jackson was
acting more like a King
than a president
In 1832, his opponents
formed a new party –
the Whigs
The Bank As A Political Football


Jackson and supporters hated
BUS.
Some of Jackson’s allegations
were true.
–
–
–
–
–
–
It was hostile to wildcat banks of
the west.
It did foreclose on a number of
western farms.
It was a mammoth and
monopolistic bank.
It was to some extent autocratic
and tyrannical.
It did greatly impact economy.
Was corrupt.
The Bank As A Political Football




Jackson’s veto is very
popular with rural, South
and West.
Increases Jackson’s
popularity with his core
constituency.
Antagonizes nationalists
BUS is now one prime
issues in the election of
1832.
Badgering Biddle’s Bank



Jackson believed he had a mandate to end
the BUS when its charter expired in 1836.
Jackson decides to weaken it before issue of
recharter comes up. Why?
Nicholas Biddle
Jackson’s Plan
–
–
–

Pet Banks
Biddle’s Response?
Consequences?
Specie Circular
Analysis of BUS

Many good things about the
Bank.
–
–
–
–
–
Imposed restraint on wildcat
banks.
It reduced bank failures How?
It provided a national paper
currency
It promoted economic expansion.
Allowed nations funds to be
effectively recycled back into the
economy.
Clay’s Scheme

Clay used the Bank issue to try to hurt
Jackson politically
–
–


Clay’s Scheme?
Why does it backfire?
Clay gets recharter bill passed.
Jackson vetoes and issues a scathing veto
message
–
–
Basis for veto
Significance of veto
Election of 1832


Jackson (Dem.-Rep.) v. Clay (National
Republicans)
First election with a third party.
–



Anti-Masonic Party
First election with national nominating
conventions
Clay seems to have a huge advantage.
Why?
But, Jackson wins easily. Why?
1832
Election
Results
The Birth Of The Whigs





Whig Party emerges in 1834.
Cause?
Clay and Calhoun.
Democratic-Republicans now
“Democrats.”
Primary common bond is
opposition to Jackson.
Dubbed an Organized
incompatibility:
–
Elements of Whig Party?
Election of 1836

In 1836 Whigs run several regional candidates.
–
–


Why?
What is their strategy?
Jackson hand-picks Van Buren as his successor
and engineers his nomination.
Van Buren won only a narrow majority of the
popular vote, but won electoral vote, 170-124.
Woes for Van Buren


Skilled politician and very bright.
Inherited lots of political problems.
–



Party peeved at Jackson rammed
through his nomination
Inherits all Jackson’s enemies, but
not Jackson’s support from common
man.
Jackson’s economic policies (specie
circular) caused economic downturn.
Problems with Canada and Texas.
PANIC OF 1837




In 1836, Democrat Martin
Van Buren won the
Presidency
He inherited problems from
the “Bank Wars”
Jackson’s Pet Banks printed
money without Gold backing
In 1837 a panic set in and
many banks closed,
accounts went bankrupted,
and unemployment soared
MARTIN VAN BUREN 1837-1841
Depression And Independent
Treasury

Panic of 1837.
–
–


Causes?
Effects?
Whigs propose solutions involving government
action, but Van Buren vetoes. Why?
Van Buren’s Plan: Independent Treasury Bill
(Divorce Bill)
–
–
Details?
Problems with it?
Election of 1840


Van Buren nominated by the
Dems in 1840; no strong
alternative.
Whigs passed over Clay and
Webster and nom. William Henry
Harrison. Why?
–


John Tyler of Va. is his VP
Harrison platform vague.
Why Whigs win
HARRISON & TYLER


HARRISON
1841
TYLER
1841-1845

Whig William Henry
Harrison defeated
Democrat Van Buren in
the election of 1840
Harrison, known as
“Tippecanoe” for a
battle he won against
natives, died a month
into his term
His VP, John Tyler
became president
The Two Party System Emerges



Two party system began to reemerge under
Jackson and fully reemerged in the election of
1840 with the Whigs.
Both parties were big-tent parties containing
diverse elements
Were also diverse geographically, and their
presence helped retard the development of
purely sectional parties
Whigs v. Democrats







Democrats:
States rights
federal restraint in social
and economic affairs
Champion of individual and
working class.
Distrusted privileged class’
attempts to usurp
government
Strong in South and West
Opposed high tariffs as
benefiting eastern business
at expense of farmer.




Whigs: (Majority)
willing to use government
to realize their objectives
argued against using
class differences to
appeal to self interest of
one class over another.
Believed in strong gov’t
initiative such as the
BUS, tariffs, internal
improvements, public
schools and moral reform,
such as slavery.
American Settlement in Texas


1823 Mexico grants a huge
tract of land to Stephan
Austin.
Mexico’s conditions on
settlers
–
–


“Moses” Austin
No slavery
Convert to Catholicism
Why does Mexico open land
to Americans?
Americans come, but largely
ignore the two conditions.
American Settlement in Texas






1835, 30,000 Americans in
Texas.
Davy Crockett, Sam Bowie and
Sam Houston.
Tension between Mexico and
Texans
Slavery issue
Mexico’s policies to regain control
Santa Anna
Sam Houston. First
Governor of Texas
Texas Revolution






Early 1836, Texas declares its
independence with Sam Houston
as commander in chief.
Santa Anna attacks the Alamo
Goliad
Santa Anna defeated at San
Jacinto
Santa Anna captured and forced
to sign treaty under duress. Rio
Grande
Santa Anna quickly repudiated the
treaty, but doesn’t have power to
attack again.
Texas an International Derelict



Texas could not have won
its Independence without
US help. Unofficial help,
but also very tangible.
Both men and supplies.
This increased Mexico-US
tensions.
Texas causes political
tension in US. Why?
Texas an International Derelict


Texas wanted diplomatic recognition from US.
Jackson was reluctant to recognize Texas as an
independent republic.
–



Why?
On last day of office he does recognize Texas.
Texans want to be part of the US and request
annexation.
Why was annexation by US politically
complicated?