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Andrew Jackson’s Presidency Background Jackson ran for president in 1824 and lost to John Q. Adams. During this time period (1824-1828), the number of voters increased by more that 3 times (new states and higher population). This helped Jackson win the election of 1828, because he was the “common man’s” president.
The Campaign Jackson inspired loyalty during his campaign for president. He started the “spoils system” in U.S. history by firing almost 10% of federal appointees. He would appoint people who shared his vision… STRONG STATES RIGHTS!
Indian Removal Act of 1830 Background Tribes of the southeast, known as the ‘5 civilized tribes’ began to assimilate the customs of their European neighbors. These tribes were: Cherokee, Choctaw, Seminole, Creek, and Chickasaw. After the War of 1812, many white settlers wanted the Indian land. • What the Act did… • Said the Federal Government could negotiate treaties to move Indian tribes West. • About 90 treaties were signed
Forcing the Act Taking the Indian Removal Act one step further, Jackson has many of the tribes that do not agree/do not have a treaty removed by force. • Cherokee • The Cherokee fight for their freedom in the American court system • Worcester vs. Georgia = the court ruled that Georgia was not entitled to regulate the Cherokee • Jackson refused to abide by the court’s ruling • Cherokee continued to fight in state courts • This takes so long and so much effort that many of the Cherokee start to favor relocation Trail of Tears October of 1838 The Cherokee are forced off their land and sent about 800 miles west. About 25% of the Cherokee people die along the way.
Jackson and the National Bank Background Tariff of 1816 was increased in 1824. In 1828, the tariff is called the Tariff of Abominations because the tariff was raised again. In 1832, another Tariff was passed. South Carolina declared the Tariffs of 1828 and 1832 unconstitutional. Henry Clay (S.C. Representative) had a compromise that would call for the Tariffs to be lowered over a 10 year period. “Free Trade”
Jackson and the National Bank Jackson disliked the BUS since it started. He vowed to destroy it! Jackson made the public believe that the BUS was a privileged institution. Nicholas Biddle (BUS President) made several bad choices that reinforced Jackson’s view. Jackson appointed a Secretary of Treasury that would put federal funds into state banks. These would be called “pet banks”. The BUS charter expired in 1836. President Jackson refused to renew it. The BUS completely failed 5 years later.
Jackson’s Legacy • The people that were angry with Jackson (his politics and his way of doing business) formed a new political party called the Whig Party. They backed the ideas of the “American System”. • The Whig’s supported policies like: • protective tariffs • using federal money to build transportation systems • a federal banking system • a national currency
Jackson’s Legacy Jackson was a poor economic planner, which lead to… Jackson’s “pet banks” were weak and often failed when people tried to withdrawal money The currency was worthless (had to use gold when buying land) Panic of 1837: Banks closed credit collapsed 1/3 of Americans unemployed Martin Van Buren (the next president) tried to get the economy under control, but he was just too late.
