Andrew Jackson Marking the Text
Essential Question: What were Andrew Jackson’s greatest accomplishments?
Introduction
Andrew Jackson grew up in poverty. He was truly a self-made man. He became a lawyer, then a planter, then a military hero, and, finally, the president of the United States. Jackson was well known for his victory in the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson lost the election of 1824 in the so-called “corrupt bargain” when Henry Clay was accused of trading his support for Adams for a job as secretary of state. Jackson’s supporters founded a new Democratic Party to represent the common people. In 1828, Jackson was elected president.
The Inauguration of Andrew Jacksonof Andrew Jackson
During the election of 1828, the United States experienced a growth in democracy. In this election, the common people could vote for the first time. Before this, only white property owners could vote. Many people wildly celebrated Jackson’s inauguration at the White House. They believed he was the champion of the common people. They also believed that Jackson would reduce the power of monied interests. The rich and well-bornwere not so sure Jackson was the best person to be president.
Jackson’s Approach to Governing
Jackson’s approach to governing was controversial. He relied more on his friends in the “kitchen cabinet”than he did on the regular cabinet. He also tried to reform the government. He believed that government workers should “go back to making a living as other people do.” He replaced about 10 percent of civil servants. Jackson rewarded his followers in the Democratic Party with government jobs. His opponents called this the “spoils system,”from the saying “to the victor belong the spoils of war.”
The Nullification Crisis
Tariffswere a source of unhappiness and hardship in some states and a source of joy in others. Southern states suffered because of tariffs. When a high tariff was passed in 1828, citizens in South Carolinawere outraged. They believed the federal government had gone too far, and they threatened to secede. John C. Calhounwas a champion of South Carolina’s states’ rightsposition. He tried to have the tariffs repealed, and argued in favor of nullification. Jackson threatened to send in federal troops, and the crisis ended.
Jackson Battles the Bank of the United States
The Bank of the United Stateswas a controversial institution during Jackson’s time. Jackson believed that the Bank served only the rich. The Bank’s director, Nicholas Biddle, represented everything that Jackson hated. He was not only rich, but well-born. The government had large deposits in the Bank. Henry Clay, one of Jackson’s chief political opponents, tried to use the Bank controversy to defeat Jackson in 1832. With the support of poor farmers, Jackson defeated Clay and killed the Bank.
Jacksons’ Indian Policy
Jackson believed that the Indians should move west to make room for white settlers. He urged Congress to pass the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Even Native Americans such as the Cherokees—who adopted white ways, passed a constitution, and learned to read and write—were forced to move west. Some groups, like those led by Black Hawkin Illinois, resis- ted with arms. Their resistance did not work. They were forced to march in the Trail of Tearsto Indian territory. Many died. Only the Florida Seminoles had any luck resisting removal.