Chapter 8-9American NationalismJacksonian Democracy

James Monroe1817-1825

John Quincy Adams1825-1829

Andrew Jackson1829-1837

James Monroe• 5th U.S. President• Secretary of State & War under President

James Madison• Part of the negotiations that led to the

purchase of the Louisiana Territory• Virginia Governor• Served as Minister to France under

President Washington during the French Revolution

• A Revolutionary War soldier that took part in the Battle of Trenton & camped at Valley Forge

Never did a government commence under auspices so favorable, nor ever was success so complete. If we look to the history of other nations, ancient or modern, we find no example of a growth so rapid, so gigantic, of a

people so prosperous and happy. In contemplating what we have still to perform, the heart of every citizen

must expand with joy when he reflects how near our Government has approached to perfection.

- James MonroeFirst Inaugural Address

March 4, 1817

“Era of Good Feelings”• The time period after the war had ended, symbolized

by James Monroe, that was without the bitter partisanship (political division) of the early republic.

• A period of one-party rule.• Not everyone enjoyed the “good feelings” especially

Native & African-Americans.

Native Americans• Monroe first proposed the removal of Native American tribes

West of the Mississippi River.• The Spanish & British encouraged emigration of Native

Americans & runaway slaves to Florida. The Spanish wanted them to provide a buffer between them & the English/Americans, while the British recruited them to fight on their side in the War of 1812.

Native Americans• After the war, President Monroe directed General Andrew

Jackson to attack their settlement called the “Negro Fort”. Although they resisted, the former slaves were returned to slavery & the natives sent to reservations in the West.

Spanish Florida• This led to a wider campaign against tribes such as the Creek

& Seminoles led by Andrew Jackson. This effort led to the capture of Florida from Spain.

• The Adams-Onis Treaty (1819) with Spain turned Florida over to the United States where Jackson was named military governor.

• Monroe stated that the Seminoles “should be removed . . . or concentrated within narrower limits”.

“The Indian Fighter”• It is during this time that Andrew Jackson gains his reputation

as a fierce Indian fighter. • Consider this angle: By removing the power of the

southeastern native tribes, Jackson & Monroe paved the way for the Cotton Kingdom to flourish & with it SLAVERY

Missouri Compromise• Missouri petitioned for statehood in 1817• The compromise, crafted by Henry Clay of Kentucky, was

finalized in 1820 but it was more of a political deal than a compromise.

• Missouri would be admitted as a slave state, but slavery would not be allowed in any Western territory above Missouri’s southern border. As part of the deal, Maine was admitted as a free state.

Missouri Compromise• Monroe did not approve of the

compromise, he thought Congress did not have the power to ban slavery in the territories, but feared a civil war. Sectional lines were being drawn that would lead the nation to a civil war eventually.

• Monroe favored gradual emancipation with repatriation or sending freed slaves to a colony in Africa. The American Colonization Society formed in 1816 & used government grants to purchase land in Africa near present-day Liberia. Ultimately the idea did not catch on.

Missouri Compromise• “This momentous question, like a fire bell in the night,

awakened and filled me with terror. I considered it at once as the knell of the Union.”

- Thomas Jefferson on the Compromise• The Missouri Compromise proved to be a temporary solution.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

• “It is impossible that the allied powers should extend their political system to any portion of either continent without endangering our peace and happiness . . . “

-James Monroe December 2, 1823• The document was actually written by Secretary of State John

Quincy Adams, but bears Monroe’s name.• Through the threat of war It simply stated that the United States

would not tolerate intervention in the Americas by European nations & signified the rise of the U.S. on the world stage.

• By 1822, the U.S. recognized the independent republics of Mexico, Brazil, Chile, & Argentina. Europe was losing its foothold in America that they had enjoyed since the Age of Exploration.

Monroe Doctrine

Rise of the Democrats• Before the end of Monroe’s second term, political divisions

returned.

• Between 1820 and 1840, U.S. politics experienced major changes. Direct methods of selecting presidential electors, county officials, state judges, and governors replaced indirect methods. The common people became more involved as voter participation skyrocketed.

Rise of the Democrats• The most significant political innovation of the

early nineteenth century was the abolition of property qualifications for voting and office holding.

• By 1840, universal white manhood suffrage had largely become a reality.

Election of 1824• The 2nd election to be decided by the House of

Representatives• 5 candidates – Henry Clay of Kentucky, William Crawford of

Georgia, John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts, Andrew Jackson of Tennessee, John C. Calhoun of South Carolina

• Sectionalism, the division of the country into geographic areas with their own agendas that replaced party loyalty, fueled a ruthless & bitter campaign

“Corrupt Bargain”• No candidate won a majority of

the electoral votes. Jackson though received the most electoral votes & had won the popular vote

• Henry Clay, who finished fourth & was ineligible in the house vote, threw his support behind Adams & was later named as Adams’ Secretary of State. Jackson & his supporters claimed a “corrupt bargain” had been made.

Election of 1824• John Quincy Adams was selected by the House.• Adams never recovered from the controversy & his presidency

suffered. Jackson & his supporters immediately launched his campaign for a presidential run in 1828

John Quincy Adams• 6th U.S. President• Secretary of State under President Monroe• U.S. senator & rep from Massachusetts (served after the war

where he became an outspoken critic of slavery)• U.S. minister to several European countries

John Quincy Adams Legacy• He won a major victory for abolition while arguing in front of

the Supreme Court in the Amistad Case where a group of slaves had revolted on a Spanish Slave Ship & ultimately were set free.

• He worked for & was successful in eliminating the “gag rule” that prevented the discussion of slavery in Congress.

John Quincy Adams Legacy• Adams pushed an ambitious national program of road & canal

building as suggested by Henry Clay’s “American System” like the Erie Canal linking Lake Erie to New York completed in 1824.

The Economy & Westward Expansion

• Manufacturing replaced shipbuilding as the leading industry.• The Industrial Revolution was in its early stages.• Westward expansion created a demand to expand and

improve the nation's roads and canals.• A single turnpike, the National Road & a toll road, was created

stretching from Maryland to West Virginia, but much later extending westward from Baltimore through Ohio and Indiana to Illinois.

The Growth of Political Participation• A shift in selecting candidates for political office was taking

place in which political power of the few was being replaced by the many

• Americans begin to have organized public meetings to discuss their government.

• Newspapers provided news from various parts of the nation. Stories address local to national issues.

• Entertainment shows are widely attended by politicians which allows them to talk to the public.

The Growth of Political Participation

• New Western states constitutions do not have property requirements for voting or holding office

• Western local government offices require elections as opposed to appointments

• This causes office holders to appeal more to the people and openly speak to their constituents

Extending the Right to Vote• After the revolution it was believed that those

who owned property,wealth and were educated should govern because they were not dependent on anyone

• The differences of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson exposed that the nation indeed had many interests

• This sparked the desire to expand suffrage (right to vote) to all males. Egalitarianism is the belief in equality for all men

Mass Politics and Campaigns• Mudslinging is the act of

using rumors or half truths to discredit one’s political candidate

• The use of parades, political rallies and “name recognition” are used to appeal to the everyone.

• Drinks and food are served at the polls. Fights break out at polling stations.

The County Election by Caleb Bingham

The Rise of Jackson• People identified with

Jackson’s “self-made man” image

• Those that supported Jackson were men with little money but big dreams

• The Age of Jackson is a period when political supporters are rewarded with government jobs this the spoils system

The Spoils System

• Spoils system is a Jacksonian idea, he believes that changing government workers is a good thing

• It is a system that basically rewards political supporters with government jobs

• He believes that ordinary citizens can do government jobs

“What about me?”

• Women, Blacks and Native Americans are not given the right to vote

• Hispanics are considered less than equals

• Jacksonian Democracy was a celebration of egalitarian ideals for white males only!

The Rise of Jackson

• He was not really a champion for the “common man” in fact he was a slave owner with a large plantation

• He may have acted like a frontiersman but he was more like a refined Southern gentleman.

• He was paternalist and a man of opportunity

The Nasty Things You Say!• The 1828 campaign is

known for its mudslinging or personal attacks

• The Democrats accused Adams of: – trying to procure a American

girl for the tsar of Russia– making the White House a

gambling den

• The Republicans accuse Jackson of: – living in sin with a married

woman– being a murderer – Jackson

was known for military executions, dueling, & for his treatment of Native Americans

Jackson and Democracy• The Democratic Party is born

through Jackson and Martin Van Buren.

• Called the “Little Magician” because he introduces mudslinging and patronage

• The party is focused on the belief of “offering opportunity” to all white males and rewarding party loyalty.

Election of 1828

• Candidates:– John Quincy Adams - Republican

Candidate– Andrew Jackson – Democratic

Candidate• Andrew Jackson, the “Common

Man’s President”, was elected as our 7th U.S. President

“The Reign of King ‘Mob’ seemed triumphant”

• After his inaugural address, hundreds of well-wishers stormed the white house & ransacked the place.

• President Jackson had to be evacuated through a window to escape to safety.

• Jackson’s critics used this event as the example of what this “new democracy” would bring to the United States.

“Mob Rule at the White House”

John C. Calhoun

• Called the “Cast Iron Man” because of dedication to his beliefs

• Professional politician, served as Vice-President to Andrew Jackson

• Calhoun wrote the South Carolina Exposition which introduces the idea of nullification

John C Calhoun• Calhoun desired the

presidency and he truly disliked Jackson. It was a battle of personalities.

• They strongly disagreed over the idea of nullification

• Both strongly supported the idea of internal improvements and the growth of the South

The Nullification Issue

“Our Union – it must be preserved”

- Andrew Jackson

“The Union, next to our liberty most dear!”

- John C. Calhoun

The Nullification Issue• South Carolina passes a law outlawing the

enforcement of the 1828 “tariff of abominations” that was passed to protect northern factories.

• Jackson believes that if states are allowed to nullify federal law then the Union is in danger of collapsing.– Nullify – to get rid of; void– This issue highlighted the growing rift between

the Northern & Southern states.• Calhoun believes that he is the defender of the

Southern way of life and is determined to stand his ground.

The Nullification Issue• Because the Southern states

purchased many of their goods from foreign nations, these goods were very expensive as a result of the tariff.

• The Northern states are not plagued by the tariffs or a depressed economy.

• John C. Calhoun argues that states can nullify a federal law and have the right to secede

The Webster-Hayne Debate (1830)

• On the floor of the Senate, Robert Hayne of SC argued that the Union was made up of the states and states could nullify laws and secede from the Union.

• Daniel Webster of MA argued the people created the Constitution and laws not states and therefore the federal government was the law of the land

The Force Bill• Jackson responds to South

Carolina’s threats by encouraging congress to reduce tariffs (1832).

• Congress also passed the Force Bill, which authorized the President to use the military to enforce acts of Congress.

The Force Bill

• Congress, led by Henry Clay, reaches a compromise to avoid a potential civil war. The compromise reduces tariffs.

• South Carolina backs down on its threat to secede but, turns around and nullifies the Force Bill.

Racism Towards Indians

• Settlers & the United States had a history of violating treaties and forcibly removing Indians from their land.

• The U.S. debated 2 views of dealing with Indians:– assimilate them into American society– forcibly remove them and relocate them

to lands west of the Mississippi• A growing number of Americans view Indians

as an inferior who blocked progress

The Cherokee• The Cherokee represented

the success of assimilation.• They developed an alphabet

and published a bilingual newspaper called the Cherokee Phoenix

• Many of their children were sent to American schools established by white missionaries.

• Some were wealthy planters who owned slaves and made their living from cotton.

Why Georgia?

• Georgia is desired because it possesses fertile soil and is the next area of expansion

• Gold is discovered in 1828 in Georgia

• Land lotteries of Cherokee land take place even though Cherokees live there

The Indian Removal Act, 1830

• Indian Removal Act, offered Native Americans money and new lands west of Mississippi in return for their land in the southeastern states.

• Some Cherokees accepted the offer and sell their land while other Cherokee tribes refuse

• Americans view Native Americans as blocking the advancement of civilization.

Worcester v. Georgia, 1832• The Cherokee hire lawyers and their case

eventually is appealed to the Supreme Court.• The Supreme Court under John Marshall ruled

that Georgia could not remove the Cherokee from their land because they were a recognized nation with their own recognized boundaries

• President Jackson refuses to follow the Supreme Court’s ruling and sides with the state of Georgia. Jackson is strongly supported by the planter elite.

Georgia and Indian Removal• Cherokees has legal proof

that Georgia has recognized them an independent nation

• Georgia nullifies these laws & create new laws that state Cherokee land is actually Georgia’s land

• President Jackson who favored removal threatens to send federal troops who will be used to subdue some of the tribes

The Trail of Tears• The Cherokee were removed from

the Southeastern states to territory in Oklahoma in 1838

• U.S. Army forcibly removed them from their homes just before winter. The Cherokee believed that their legal victory would protect them from being removed from their land.

• Thousands will die due to not being prepared for trip

• Trail is 1,200 miles long traveled by foot

The Trail of Tears

The Trail of Tears

The National Bank Debate

NicholasBiddle

PresidentJackson

Opposition to the 2nd Bank of the United States

• President Jackson thought the 2nd Bank of the United States was one of the roots of evil in America.

• He felt it had too much influence over the nation’s economy, was unconstitutional, and too involved in political elections (i.e. loans to favored candidates).

The “Monster” Is Destroyed!• Henry Clay introduces re-chartering the BUS earlier

than necessary in effect making it a political issue in the election of 1832.

• In that year Jackson vetoed the extension of the 2nd National Bank of the United States, which infuriated led by Nicholas Biddle.

• Jackson’s veto of the Bank re-charter is one the most important vetoes in American history.

• It’s significance is that it established a vast new authority for himself and future Presidents. Since George Washington, vetoes were used as sanctions against bills deemed unconstitutional. Jackson’s action empowered Presidents to stop measures they simply didn’t like.

The “Monster” Is Destroyed!• Jackson’s veto came close to establishing a class war

and gave no hint of economic dangers approaching if there wasn’t some type of substitute financial institution.

• Jackson had wisely addressed the American soul.• The Pittsburg Manufacturer said, “With one voice, with

one arm, mighty and just as that which placed the Hero of New Orleans in the Presidential Chair, let us rise in our might and sustain his veto on this vampire of our country’s prosperity” (Beschloss, Presidential Courage)

On the Senate floor, Daniel Webster of Massachusetts rose to defy Jackson’s veto

http://www.seacoastsearch.com/nhlinks/people/danielwebster/res/danielwebster1.jpeg

“I warn that the “despotic” President is launching “experiments” that will compel a “complete change in our gov’t” with the President seizing the “power of the originating laws.”

If that happens, the Constitution will not survive to “its fiftieth year!”

Beschloss, Presidential Courage

The Downfall of “Mother Bank”• Neither the House nor the Senate could muster the

2/3rd required votes to override the President’s veto. The Bank was dead and an election loomed.

The “Monster” Is Destroyed!• Jackson vs. Henry Clay for Election of 1832• Biddle spent $2.3 million in the press to topple the

President• Pro-Clay newspapers declare; “The Constitution is

gone! It is a dead letter, and the will of a DICTATOR is the Supreme Law!”

• Jackson and his running mate Martin Van Buren saw “Hickory Clubs” organized across the nation with claims to “Stand by Our Hero” to defeat “Emperor Nicholas”

• In 1832, Jackson wins re-election & a mandate from the people that destroy the “Monster Bank” was a good move.

The Whig Party

• The party forms out of dislike towards Jackson's policies.

• Whigs believe that Jackson has overstepped his position as president

• It is made up middle-class, Protestants, business men who strongly supported national improvements

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Election of 1836Whigs Adopt Favorite Son Strategy

Martin Van Buren – Democrats

William H. Harrison - Whigs

The Rise and Fall of Van Buren

• Martin Van Buren was Jackson’s handpicked successor

• The Whig strategy in 1836 election was to run four candidates and force election to House of Representatives; it failed

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Election of 1836

Van Buren (Democratic) Harrison (Whig) White (Whig) Webster (Whig) Mangum (Independent)

Van Buren

The Panic of 1837• Term began with Panic of 1837,

which weakened Van Buren, but the panic was caused more by complex changes in the global economy than Jackson’s fiscal policy

• The laissez-faire philosophy prevented Van Buren from helping to solve the problems of economic distress.

Rise & Fall of Van Buren• Whigs fully organized by 1840• Whig candidate William Henry Harrison

– Image built of a common man who had been born in a log cabin

– Running mate John Tyler chosen to attract votes from states-rights Democrats

• Harrison and Tyler beat Van Buren because their revival of the American system seemed like a good response industries that help economic growth– Democrats supported “negative liberal state”:

government should not interfere in economy

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Election of 1840

Harrison

William H. Harrison (Whig)Martin Van Buren (Democratic)