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Learning objectives-11. Rise of Democracy. Equality and opportunity. Belief that there should be “equality in opportunity” Democratic spirit- classless society Does opportunity create inequality of wealth- yes!. New Democratic Political System.
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Learning objectives-11 Rise of Democracy
Equality and opportunity • Belief that there should be “equality in opportunity” • Democratic spirit- classless society • Does opportunity create inequality of wealth- yes!
New Democratic Political System • National Republicans (Whigs)- Henry Clay and John Q Adams • Democrats-Jackson supporters • Freemasons • Moral commitment to temperance, charity and hard work • Anti-masonic movement • Threat to equality and opportunity • Due to secrecy and interests only in “brotherhood”
People look to government to relived distress and prosperity • Politicians offer change not independent from society • Democratic reform • State eliminate property voting qualifications • Presidential electors voted in by people and party candidates • Life-long politicians • Limitations • Women and slaves can’t vote
Jacksonian era (Era of the Common Man) • John Q- National Republican, no support • Andrew Jackson- Democrat (new party) • Beginning of modern politics • Spoils system • Indian removal, the tariff, and banking were the three major problems Jackson confronted as president. • Democracy and Race • Push Native Americans off land- Trail of Tears • Southern land for Cotton • Races were different due to environment vs. “inferior”
Trail of Tears • Worcester v Georgia- Marshall rules with Cherokee, had authority over their lands (protecting property) • Jackson ignored court and wen on with Indian Removal • Cherokee – held off the longest • Chief Ross held captive- released but could not negotiate, and leave by 1838 • No guilt- pushed off to other lands (uninhabitable) as a way to “protect” them.
African Americans during Jacksonian era • Democrats- pro-slavery • Voting rights taken away from the free • Kept in inferior position-segregation, denied civil rights, discrimination in occupations • Set up own ethnic communities • Minstrel show- racial stereotyping, ridicule • Made low classes feel superior
What is the relationship between racism and democratic politics? • Heightened fears of failure= racism • Equality remain the cry but it was not social reality • Democracy strengthened racism • excluded from the new democratic system, African-Americans and Indians found their position and rights seriously deteriorating • Democracy and racism were linked, • racism offered whites a refuge from the uncertainties of living in a market-oriented, supposedly egalitarian society.
Nullification crisis • John C. Calhoun • Rights of minority vs. political system of majority • People of states could nullify federal law that exceeded powers granted to congress • Law be null and void in that state • Congress could repeal law or create amendment • State then could accept or secede from union • unfinished