Jackson denounces the result as a corrupt bargain

Jackson denounces the result as a “corrupt bargain”
- Jackson argues that since he was a frontrunner, the people will had been denied. He forms a
movement called “The Democracy” around himself and storms to victory over Adams in 1828
Andrew Jackson as the first “Jacksonian American”
- Individualism (Orphan)
- Mobility (from Carolina to Tennessee)
- Economic Opportunities (from rags to riches)
- Economic Dangers (from riches to rags)
- Romanticism - Man of Action (Jackson’s duels)
Jackson in office (1829 - 1837)
- Most powerful President so far
- Motto: “The voice of the people is the supreme Law”
- Issues more vetoes in his eight years, than his predecessors did in 40
- “To the victor belongs the spoils” (political spoils system - patronage)
- Jackson’s Political Logic - The President’s job is to protect the people from dangers that
threaten their freedom
The Bank War
- Charter of the 2nd Bank of the US due to expire in 1836
- Bank’s director and political allies decide to bring it up early thinking AJ won’t dare veto it in the
middle of his election bid
- His “Bank Veto Message’ encapsulates his economic and political philosophy
Jackson’s Bank Veto Message
- presented to Jackson on 4th July
- a lot of investors in the bank are foreigners
- “it is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their
selfish purposes”
- “There are no necessary evils in government, its evil exists only in its abuses”
- “In the act before me there seems to be a wide and unnecessary departure from these just
principals”
- banks play favorites, would benefit some people more than the other
Indian Removal
- Indian Removal Act, 1830
- All Indians removed to west of Mississippi (Okla)

- Worcester v. Georgia, 1832
- Marshall upheld Indian treaties (land rights)
- Georgia, with Jackson’s approval ignored the ruling
- Chief Justice Marshall declared but not able to enforce it
- “Five Civilized Tribes”
- forcibly dispossessed and transported to Indian Territory (Oklahoma)
- Trail of Tears
Nullification Crisis
- JQ Adams raises tariff on imports (highest until 1930s)
- South feels economically oppressed by the “tariff of abominations” (tax on the south)
- Jackson reduces tariff, but it was too little too late for South Carolina radicals
- 1832, South Carolina (Calhoun) declares the tariff “null and void”
- Showdown with Jackson - “Force Bill” S.C. alone, retreats - Lesson?
- Military force to enforce the tariff
- Federal government > state government
Second Party System: Democrats vs. Whigs (1833 - 1854)
- The “Whig” Party - Opposed to “King Andrew the First”
- Northern Wing: (Activists, “Federalist,” Pro-Bank)
- opposes Jackson’s acts more than his methods
- Southern Wing: (Passive, States’ rights, Anti-Bank)
- opposes Jackson’s method more than his acts
11/18
Religion, Revival and Reform
Irreligion in the New Republic
- 1790-1820, Percent of Americans who are “unChurched” (not members of any church) highest
level in all of American history - approx. 90% (versus c. 40% today)
- Causes:
- Disestablishment of Religion (no tax support)
- Enlightenment Skepticism (example: Jefferson’s “Bible”)
- Lack of Churches on the Frontier
- “Old Theology” - Predestination (man is a hopeless sinner), is not very attractive or appealing