CH.9

1. CH.9 The Jacksonian Era

2. We love Jackson Expanding democracy • Andrew Jackson was inaugurated March 4, 1829 • The people were very happy about Jackson being president and Amos Kendall called it “a proud day for the people” • The “age of Jackson” did not advance the economy or change the distribution of wealth and property in America • He extended to new groups the right to vote • Until 1820s few Americans had been allowed to vote • Changes came first in Ohio and other new states in the west , which, on joining the union adopted constitutions that guaranteed all adult males the right to vote and gave all voters the right to hold public office • The older states were concerned about loosing population in the west so they began to grant similar political rights • Massachusetts held its constitutional convention in 1820 • Reform-minded delegates complained that in the Massachusetts government the rich were better represented • Daniel Webster opposed democratic changes on the grounds that power naturally and necessarily follows property and that “property as such have its weight and influence in political arrangement • Webster could not prevent the reform of the rules for representation in the state senate or the property requirement for voting • The new constitution required that every voter be a tax payer and that the governor be the owner of considerable real estate • In the New york convention of 1821 conservatives led by James Kent insisted that taxpaying requirement for suffrage was not enough • The wave of reforms was peaceful but in Rhode island democratization efforts created instability • The Rhode Island constitution barred more than half the adult males of the state from voting. The conservative legislature blocked all efforts at reform. • In 1840 Thomas Dorr and his “people party” drafted a new constitution that was refused by the Legislature

3. Dorrites • The dorrites had begun to setup a new government under their own constitution with Dorr as governor • In 1842 two governments were claiming legitimacy in Rhode Islands • The old state called the Dorrites were rebels and began to imprison them • The dorrites made an effort to capture the state arsenal • The Dorr rebellion quickly failed. Dorr surrendered and was imprisoned • But this episode helped pressure the old guard to draft a new constitution which greatly expanded the suffrage • Slaves had no legal or political rights and free blacks could vote nowhere in the south and hardly anywhere in the north • Pennsylvania amended its state constitution in 1838 to strip African Americans of the right to vote • In no state could women vote • In 1800 the legislature had chosen the presidential electors in ten of the states and the people in only 6 • In 1828 electors were chosen by popular vote in every state but south Carolina less than 27% of adult white males had voted • In the election of 1828 the figure rose to 58 and in 1840 80 percent

4. Tocqueville= toco vele = Tocqueville and democracy in America • As right to vote spread it was known as the mark of freedom/democracy • Alexis de Tocqueville (French aristocrat) wrote a book on American life titled Democracy in America. He spent 2 years in the U.S. • He examined the politics and daily life of Americans and their cultures and visions on democracy • He realized • Traditional aristocracies are fading in American • The rising democracy of American had little limits • His book helped spread the idea of American democracy into France and other European nations Alexis

5. Lol ok You're as dumb as a donkey The legitimization of party • The rising level of voter participation was caused by an expanded electorate and a growing interest in politics of party organization and loyalty • In the 1820s and 30s gave way for the view that permanent, institutionalized parties were essential to democracy • Martin Van Buren led a dissident political faction known as the “bucktails” or the Albany Regency • This group began to challenge the established political leadership that had dominated the state for years (new york) • They proposed ideological commitments would be less important than loyalty to the party itself • By late 1820s this new idea of party was spreading beyond NY • The election of Jackson in 1828 was a result of a popular movement that seemed to stand apart from the usual political elites, seemed further to legitimize the idea of party as a popular democratic institution • In 1830 a fully formed two party system began to operate at the national level with each party committed to its own existence as an institution • The anti-Jackson forces called themselves the Whigs • Jacksons followers called themselves democrats

6. The president of the Common Man • Unlike Jefferson, Jackson's party embraced no clear ideological position • His only theory was that the government should offer “equal protection and equal benefits” to all its white male citizens • He subjugated Indians, blacks and women • He felt that keeping these people away form the government was necessary to keep it running properly • The Spoils System was a system that rewarded Jackson supporters with positions in office

7. Calhoun and nullification • By the 1820s most SC came to the belief that the “tariff of abominations” had contributed to the stagnation of the states economy (even though it was a result of the exhaustion of the farm land) • Some SC residents were considering secession • He developed a theory derived from the ideas of Madison and Jefferson and their Virginia and Kentucky resolutions of 1798-99 • He argued that since the federal government was a creation of the states, the states were the final arbiters of federal law and if they felt the state had accepted an unconstitutional law than it could hold a special convention and declare the federal law null and void within the state (nullification)

8. The rise of van buren/Webster-Hayne debate • Vann Buren was appointed Secretary of State 1829 by Jackson, also member of president’s of unofficial circle of allies in “Kitchen Cabinet”( a group of the presidents political allies) . After supporting Peggy Eaton in affair over acceptance into cabinet wife social circle gained favor w/ President • By 1831 Jackson had chosen Van Buren to succeed him in WH, Calhoun’s presidential dream ended • The Webster-Hayne Debate • January 1830 proposal to temporarily stop western land sales led SC Sen. Robert Hayne to claim slowing down W growth means for east to retain political and economic power. Hinted at uniting S + W against “tyranny” • Nationalist and Whig Sen. Daniel Webster attacked Hayne + Calhoun for challenging integrity of the Union. Debate ensued over issue of states rights vs. national power • Jackson announced at Democratic Party banquet “Our Federal Union-It must be preserved”, lines drawn between Jackson and Calhoun • The Nullification Crisis • 1832 tariff bill in Congress gave SC no relief from “tariff of abominations”, state convention held- voted for nullification of tariffs of 1828 & 1832, duties collection within state. Calhoun resigned VP became Sen., Hayne now Gov. • Jackson insisted nullification treason, strengthened federal forts in SC. 1833 Pres. proposed bill to authorize use of military to see acts of Congress obeyed • No states supported SC, state itself divided. Senator Henry Clay offered compromise that tariff would be gradually lowered so that by 1842 it would be at same level as in 1816. Compromise (that would lower the tariff gradually) + force bill passed March 1833 • SC state convention met and repealed its nullification of the tariffs, but also nullified the force act (symbolic of null. legitimacy)

9. White attitudes toward the tribes/ blackhawk war/ 5 tribes • In 18th century many whites considered Indians “noble savages” who had inherent dignity, by 19th century more hostile attitude especially among whites in W and territories, simply “savages” • White westerners wanted removal b/c feared continued contact + expanding white settlements would lead to endless violence, & Indian lands valuable • Only fed govt had power to deal w/ Indians after Sup. Court decisions. Indians created new large political entities to deal w/ whites • b)The Black Hawk War • In Old Northwest Black Hawk War 1831-1832 to expel last of Indians there • Conflict notable for violence of white military efforts, attacked even when Chief Black Hawk was surrendering and killed Indians fleeing battle • c)The “Five Civilized Tribes” • 1830s govt worried about remaining “Five Civilized Tribes” in South- successful agricultural society, Constitution forming Cherokee Nation 1827 • Fed govt worked in early 19th century thru treaties to remove tribes to West and open lands to white settlement. Negotiation process unsatisfying + slow • Congress passed Removal Act 1830 to finance def negotiations w/ tribes in order to relocate them West, pressure from state govts to move as well • In GA Sup. Court decisions of Cherokee Nation v Georgia (1831) and Worcester v Georgia (1832) seemed to protect tribal lands • 1835 treaty signed with minority tribe in Cherokee nation ceding all land to GA, but majority of Cherokees refused to recognize its legitimacy. Jackson sent army under General Winfield Scott to drive them westward to reservation  • d)Trails of Tears • Forced trek to “Indian Territory” began winter 1838. Thousands died before destination, dubbed “Trail of Tears” • Cherokees not alone: btwn 1830-1838 nearly all “Five Civilized Tribes” expelled from Southern states & relocated to Indian Territory created by Congress in Indian Intercourse Act of 1834. Undesirable land far from whites • Only Seminoles in Florida resisted relocation. Under pressure had agreed to cede land and move to Ind. Territory, many members of tribe moved • (1)But 1835 minority led by chief Osceola staged uprising. Jackson sent army, conducted campaign of systematic extermination but successful guerilla warfare forced govt to abandon war in 1842

10. The meaning of removal • By end of 1830s almost all major Indian societies relocated to far less hospitable lands west of Mississippi on reservations surrounded by forts • White movement west impossible to have stopped, but alternative to removal could have been some form of co-existence like in NW trading posts, TX • BY mid-19th century Americans believed western lands had no pre-existing civilization. Natives could not be equal partners, were obstacles to be removed, “lacked intelligence, industry and moral habits for improvement” • Jackson and the Bank War/Biddle’s Institution • Bank of United States in 1830s had HQ in Philadelphia, branches in 19 cities, by law only place govt could deposit its funds • Conducted private business issuing credit, bank notes used throughout country, restrained less well-managed state banks. Pres Nicholas Biddle had made bank sound + prosperous. Regardless, Jackson wanted to destroy it • Opposition came from “soft-money” faction who wanted more currency in circulation. Made up of state banks, resisted Bank of US’s efforts to restrain free issue of notes from state banks • “Hard money” faction wanted gold and silver to back currency, suspicious of expansion and speculation. Jackson supported hard-money • Jackson did not favor renewal of bank charter after 1836 expiration. Biddle tried to save bank by granting financial favors to influential men, named Daniel Webster made legal counsel (gained Clay’s support). Recommended renewal bill 1832 to make bank issue in 1832 elections. • Bill passed Congress but Jackson vetoed it, could not be overridden. In 1832 Jackson + Van Buren elected despite opposition to bank over opposition Clay

11. The monster destroyed • Jackson determined to destroy “monster” Bank quickly. To weaken it removed govt deposits (two Tres. Secretaries fired b/c feared financial destabilization, third Roget Taney complied) • When administration transferred funds from Bank to pet banks, Biddle called in loans and raised interest rates- hoped would cause financial distress and recession that would persuade Congress to recharter Bank • Financial conditions worsened winter 1833/1834, two sides blamed it on each other. Finally Biddle contracted credit too far for his own allies in the business community, began to fear his efforts to save ban threatening their own • Biddle forced to grant credit in abundance on reasonable terms, tactics ended change of re-charter. End in 1836 empowered unstable bank system • The Taney Court • Jackson moved against economic nationalism support of Supreme Court, after Marshall died 1835 named Roger Taney chief justice • Charles River Bridge v Warren Bridge (1837) btwn company chartered by state for toll bridge monopoly and company applying to legislature to pay for toll-free bridge. Taney ruled that govt’s goal to promote general happiness took precedence over right of contract and property, therefore state had right to amend contract o advance well-being of community • Reflected Jacksonian ideal that key to democracy expansion of economic opportunity that could not occur if corporations maintained monopolies and choked off competition from newer companies

12. Democrats & whigs • Democrats in 1830s envisioned expanding economic and political opportunity for white males, limited govt but one that removed obstacles to opportunity, defense of Union, attacking corruption, radical branch called Locofocos • Whigs favored expanding power of fed govt, industrial and commercial development, knit country into consolidated economic system, cautious westward expansion b/c feared territorial growth would produce instability, embraced industrial future and commercial and manufacturing greatness • Whigs supported by merchants and manufactures of NE, wealthy Southern planters, western commercialists. Democrats supported by smaller merchants and workingmen of NE, S planters suspicious of industry, agrarian westerners • Above all wanted to win elections: Whigs connected w/ Anti-Masons to resent “undemocratic” Freemasons (such as Jackson and Van Buren). Irish and German Catholic immigrants supported Democrats b/c aversion to commercial development, Evangelical Protestants supported Whigs • Whigs led by “Great Triumvirate” of Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, John Calhoun. 1836 election Dems united behind Jackson’s choice of Van Buren for candidate, but Whigs could not agree on single candidate. Clay, White, and William Henry Harrison ran for regional interests, defeated by Van Buren • Van Buren and the Panic of 1837 • Van Buren elected on economic boom that reached height 1836- canals and railroads being built, easy credit, land business booming, govt revenues from sales + 1833 tariff created surpluses that allowed reduction of nat’l debt • Congress passed 1836 “distribution” act to return surplus to states, used to fund highways, railroads, canals, created economic boom • Withdrawal of fed funds strained state “pet” banks, forced to call in loans. Jackson issued “specie circular” that required payment for public land sales be in gold or silver or currency backed by them b/c feared rampant speculation • Circular produced financial panic during Van Buren’s presidency banks and business failed, food riots- largest depression in American history to that point • Both parties responsible for panic- surplus redistribution a Whig measure, Jackson’s circular, but also panics in England and W. Eur that caused those investors to withdraw funds from American banks, also crop failures • Panic of 1837 led Democrats + Van Buren administration to pay price for no govt intervention. Only success of VB creation of “sub treasury system” to replace Bank of US- govt funds placed in independent treasury in Washington, no private banks could use money to fund loans and speculation

13. The log cabin campaign • To win 1840 election Whigs supported only one candidate- William Henry Harrison for pres and John Tyler for VP • 1840 campaign first in which “penny press” carried news of candidates to larger audience of workers and tradespeople. Whigs, although represented affluent elements of pop, presented themselves as party of the common people • Whig campaign effective at portraying the wealthy Harrison as a simple log cabin and cider man and VB as an aloof aristocrat--- Harrison won election • The Frustration of the Whigs • Harrison died of pneumonia 1 month after inauguration, new President Tyler was a former Democrat who refused to let Clay and Webster control policy • Pressupported bills abolishing independent treasury system and raising tariff rate, but refused Clay’s attempt to recharter Bank and vetoed internal improvement bills sponsored by Whigs. • Whigs kicked Tyler out of party, entire cabinet resigned. Tyler and some conservative southern Whigs who supported slavery and states rights prepared to join the Democratic Party • Whig Diplomacy • Canada uprising caused tension leading to burning of an American steamship carrying arms and the subsequent arrest of a British citizen for burning 1837. Tension over Canada-Maine boundary led to small “Aroostook War” 1838 • Finally negotiations to reduce all tensions occurred btwn Sec of State Webster and British Lord Ashburton. 1842 Webster Ashburton treaty established new Maine border, GB refused to interfere w/ American ships-- relations improved • Tyler administration established first diplomatic relations with China, Americans received same privileges as British such as “extraterritoriality” and port use • Whigs lost White House in 1844 elections