Jackson and Federal Power

Key Concept 4.7 Expanding Democracy 4.8 Jackson and Federal Power Define Universal White Male Suffrage (Remember 5 Ws here) Expansion of the Public Sphere/Suffrage 4.7 Universal White Male Suffrage is the idea of enfranchisement of all white men in the United States regardless of property and class in the United States. It was an idea that was pushed for ever since the American Revolution and was passed through all state legislators in the 1860s. Many newly established western states were the first to eliminate property requirements and the movement’s ideas and values gradually spread eastward. It was pushed for by the growing class of propertyless wage earners as well as the individualism that started to define the era. Phasing out Property Qualifications When American Revolution-1860s Who White men and wage laborers. Western states were the first states to phase out property qualifications and the last states to phase out property qualifications were North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Virginia slaveholders held out until 1850. Why Expansion of industry and commercial agriculture increased the number of wage earners in cities and rural areas. These wage laborers argued that they had the right to vote like any other property-owning white man. Effects It emphasized the idea that personal independence rested not on ownership of property, but on ownership of one’s self. Reflected developing individualism. allowed for all white men to vote. Voting for president rose sevenfold over 16 years and political offices could be held by people in the lower and middle ranks of society. The Dorr War Who Propertyless wage earners in Rhode Island led by Thomas Dorr. What Two different state constitutions and two different governors were in place. Governor King declared martial law. President Tyler dispatched federal troops to Rhode Island and imprisoned Thomas Dorr for two years because of treason. When 1841 Where Rhode Island Why Wage earners who did meet property qualifications attempted to earn the right to vote and voting suffrages for all. In October 1841, proponents of democratic reform organized a People’s Convention to draft a new state constitution. It enfranchised all adult white men while eliminating all black men. The reformers ratified the constitution in an extralegal referendum and inaugurated Thomas Dorr as governor. Significance of Dorr War Showed that the expansion of white freedom went hand in hand with restrictions on non-whites because black men were disenfranchised in the People’s Convention. Demonstrated the passions aroused by excluding white men from voting. The legislature eventually eliminated the property qualification for native-born men, black as well as white, but retained restrictions on immigrants until 1888. Groups that did not participate in the expansion of democracy: Black Americans, Women, Minorities in general Why did these groups not get to participate in the expansion of democracy? Women were always disenfranchised and unable to vote because of traditional gender roles. These roles were further established in the Cult of Domesticity. On the other hand, African Americans who were enslaved were unable to participate. Free African American men were able to vote if they met property requirements in the past, but new constitutions restricted them and only all white men could vote. Because African Americans and women were unable to participate in government, they had no voice in the expansion of democracy as well. Many states that allowed some of these groups to vote (New Jersey, etc) barred these groups in new state constitutions. Election of 1828 4.7 & 4.8 Candidates John Quincy Adams (National Republican) Andrew Jackson (Democrat) Outcome Andrew Jackson wins electoral college and popular vote. Years in the Presidency 1829-1837 Define Spoils System Define Common Man Define Tariff of Abominations Role of Martin Van Buren Martin Van Buren established the political apparatus of the Democratic Party. He organized local and state party units, a national committee, and a network of newspapers for the party. Argued that national political parties formed a bond of unity in a divided nation. Andrew Jackson as President 4.8 Political Party National Republican Party Significance/Effects The first election that showed how the advent of white male voting organized by national political parties transformed American politics entirely. One of the most vicious and savagely run campaigns as each candidate attacked and criticized their opponents using ad hominems and personality attacks as opposed to disagreements over politics. Major Events as President Peggy Eaton Affair, Tariff of Abominations (South Carolina secession), Indian Removal Act, Trail of Tears, Nullification Crisis, BUS Veto, Assassination Attempt, Panic of 1837, Arkansas and Michigan admission to Union The principle of rotation in office and the principal where individuals loyal to the president’s political party gain federal government posts through appointment. The concept was introduced by Jackson and made loyalty to the party the main qualification for jobs such as the postmaster and customs official. These would change every presidency if the ruling party changed as any previous holder of the office who wasn’t part of the president’s political party would be replaced with a new one that was part of their party. Party machines provided jobs to constituents and party functionaries were rewarded with political offices. Limiting a person to one term in office made sure that the president could appoint some other deserving party member to that position, ensuring people’s loyalty. Affirmed the democratic ideal that any person was as good as another and that ordinary Americans could hold office. The common man was the everyday, working class man who wasn’t a wealthy landowner or man of power. This term became popularized in the US in the 19th century as the middle class started to grow and wage laborers became more common. Andrew Jackson became known as the president of the common man and similar presidents who were relatable as “common men” became elected such as Harrison. In 1828, Andrew Jackson introduced a tariff that raised taxes on imported manufactured goods made of well and on raw materials like Iron. This was met with opposition in the South, especially in South Carolina where it was deemed the Tariff of Abominations. This was because the state’s leaders believed it wasn’t possible to compete with the North in industrial development and thus benefited the North because the South had to pay more. the legislature threatened to nullify it in their state. Nullification Crisis Who Andrew Jackson, South Carolina, John Calhoun When 1828-1832 Identify South Carolina Exposition and Protest and include a description of its significance (Remember the 5 Ws) Causes The Tariff of 1828 disgruntled South Carolina and nullified the tariff in their state. Calhoun supported states’ rights and nullification, but Jackson viewed it as disunion and treason. After a new tariff in 1832, South Carolina nullified it as well. What Calhoun and Jackson were both proponents of states’ rights, but Calhoun viewed nullification as reasonable whereas Jackson viewed it as treason. Jackson enacted a Force Bill which allowed him to use the army and navy to collect customs duties. In response, Clay made a new tariff in 1833 that was less strict to which South Carolina rescinded their nullification. Effects Calhoun joins Whigs. Jackson and Calhoun have a falling out. Sent the message that Jackson was willing to preserve the national government’s legitimate powers and his commitment to the sovereignty of the nation. Emphasized federal rights over state rights. The South Carolina Exposition and Protest was a document written in 1828 by John Calhoun in reaction to the Tariff of 1828. Calhoun was a strong supporter of southern sectionalism and nullification, drawing on the arguments of the Virginia and Kentucky resolutions as well as states’ rights. In the document, it detailed southern grievances over the tariff, Calhoun’s nullification theory, and that the tariff was unconstitutional. This resulted in the start of Calhoun’s waning influence under Jackson’s administration and eventual resignation to Martin van Buren. Jackson, Indian Removal, and the Supreme Court \ When: 1830 What: The Indian Removal Act provided funds for uprooting the Five Civilized Tribes in the Southern United States in order to make room for the expansion of cotton cultivation. Indian Removal Act Whom did it affect: Five Civilized Tribes - Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole (60,000 in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi). these tribes made great efforts to become republican citizens including establishing schools, adopting written laws, and becoming slave-owning farmers. Results: Free citizens of the Cherokee nation petitioned Congress for aid in remaining in their territory and also went to court to protect their rights guaranteed in federal treaties. Their appeals forced the SCOTUS to clarify the status of American Indians. Eventually led to Trail of Tears Johnson v. M’Intosh In 1823, the Court proclaimed that Indians weren’t owners of their land and only had the right to occupancy. Tribes had a right to their land that preceded American law, so only the federal government could buy the land and sell the land. Leaders of Illinois and Pinakeshaw tribes previously sold land to white settlers (one was Johnson) but later ceded the land to the federal government. The government granted new homestead rights to new white settlers (McIntosh) Court Cases and Indian Removal (Remember 5 Ws) Cherokee Nation v. Georgia In 1831, the Cherokee Nation seeked an injunction from the Supreme Court to preserve their rights that were guaranteed by federal treaties as well as not get pushed off their land. They described themselves as a foreign nation. The Court ruled that the Cherokees were a ward of the federal government and not a foreign nation. They deserved paternal regard and protection, but lacked standing as citizens that would allow SCOTUS to enforce their rights. They ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to block Georgia’s effort to extend its jurisdiction over the tribe. Worcester v. Georgia In 1832, the Court ruled that Indian nations were distinct people with the right to maintain a separate political identity and must be dealt with by the federal government, not the states. The states did not have the right to impose regulations on Native American land. Georgia’s actions violated the Cherokees’ treaties with Washington. Jackson refused to recognize the validity of the Worcester ruling. What does Jackson’s reaction to the Supreme Court decision in Worcester v. Georgia imply about checks and balances of power between the branches? Jackson reacted to the Supreme Court decision by refusing to recognize the validity of the case. Despite Jackson being a strong proponent of national supremacy during the nullification crisis, he did not recognize Marshall’s decision and declared that Marshall should enforce it. It was the job of the executive branch to enforce judicial rulings, so without Jackson, this ruling meant nothing. This implied that under Jackson, the checks and balances of power were not respected either out of a lack of respect for the system or a lack of knowledge. Jackson and the Economy Define Pet Bank (Remember 5 Ws) After Jackson’s reelection in 1832, Jackson removed all federal funds from the Bank of the United States in order to attack it. Receiving help from Secretary of the Treasury Roger Taney, he transferred the money into various state banks which were known as pet banks. This was because political and personal connections determined the choice of these pet banks. Define Specie Circular The Specie Circular was a US presidential executive order issued by President Jackson in 1836 that required the payment of government land to be in hard currency — gold and silver. This was in order to keep inflation in check. Afterwards, the banknotes lost their value and land sales plummeted resulting in the Panic of 1837. Define Panic A panic is an acute financial disturbance or a small depression after widespread speculation leads to a market crash. This results in a period of widespread bankruptcy and unemployment and a corresponding atmosphere of anxiety and fear. Define Hard Currency Hard currency was currency in the form of gold and silver Define Soft Currency Soft currency was currency in the form of paper The Bank War Who Bank of the United States (B.U.S.), Jackson, Nicholas Biddle When 1832 What The Bank’s charter did not end until 1836, but Biddle’s allies in congress approved a bill extending the charter for 20 years. Jackson saw it as blackmail because if he didn’t sign it then Biddle would use his resources to oppose his reelection. However, Jackson vetoed the bill and gained widespread popular support. Why Although the expansion of banking helped to finance economic development, many Americans distrusted bankers because they issued paper money which would deteriorate and cause wage earners to lose income. Nicholas Biddle, in charge of the BUS, used its power to curb the overissuance of paper money by state banks to create a strong currency. Under Jackson’s attacks, Biddle refused to step down and said that he had the power to destroy any state bank, causing many to question if any institution should have so much power. Outcome of Bank War The public resonated with Jackson’s veto and the message that it isn’t right for one institution to have so much economic privilege and concentrated power. Banks were viewed as sources that widened the gap between the wealthy and the humble members of society. BUS was not renewed and Jackson became the first president to use the veto as a weapon and appeal directly to the public. Whigs denounced him for usurping the legislative branch and insisted that Congress represents the will of the people and the veto power. It helped Jackson win a sweeping reelection victory in 1832. Panic of 1837 Who United States, Jackson, Martin Van Buren When 1837 Causes Without government deposits, the BUS lost control over state banks which issued more paper money to finance rapid expansion of industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. Wages couldn’t match the rise in prices and many speculators bought money and sold them to new buyers. Government sold 20 million acres of federal land in 1836, so Specie Circular issued. The Specie Circular caused banknotes to lose their value and land prices to plummet. Economic downturn in England dampened demand for cotton and the Bank of England demanded merchants for hard currency. What An economic collapse occurred in 1837, and it was followed by a depression that lasted to 1843. Effects Prices fell by 25% in the first year and business failed. Farmers unable to meet mortgage payments lost their lands, tens of thousands became unemployed, labor movement collapsed, and 9 states defaulted on debts by 1842. Depression until 1843. States amended constitutions to prohibit legislatures from borrowing money, issuing charters, and buying stocks. Jacksonians succeeded in separating government and economy temporarily. Martin Van Buren was blamed for the crash and lost reelection to Whig Party candidate William Harrison in 1840.