Beginnings of Modern American Democracy

1824-1844

1824 Election- John Quincy Adams ◦ Marks a major turning point for elections. ◦ Candidates typically picked by:

State legislatures Voters (1824) Congressional Caucuses (congress men)

Conflict of interests….

Friends nominating friends- Challenged Demise of caucuses John Quincy Adams wins Jackson determined to take 1828

Politics and Society

Presidency slowed down by opposing Congress.

Federalist background Federalist tendencies

◦ Favored strong central government◦ Congress (including Jackson) grew extremely

suspicious of Adams and turned down many of his proposals.

Continued…John Quincy Adams

Very temperamental- nicknamed “Old Hickory” Violent tendencies, killed two men in a duel. “Father” of the Democratic Party. Dissatisfied with how the 1824 election turned out

(“abuse of power”), he was determined to win the 1828 election.

Favored stronger states- state’s rights. Many controversial events surrounded Jackson.

◦ Wanted a “smaller” central government yet used his power as president (veto) several times.

◦ On the other hand, also sets precedent for a stronger role as president.

Andrew Jackson &Road to the 1828 election

On the road to the 1828 elections, Jackson had a very devout group of followers.

From political officials to newspaper publishers, Jackson had a various array of supporters- became known as today’s Democratic Party.

Campaigning during this time. 1828 Campaign: Adams v Jackson

◦ Accusations- Coffin Handbill

Continued…

Wins by a very large margin◦ First President NOT from Virginia or an Adams

Wins by a very large margin People’s President (Commoner- Self made)

◦ On the day of his inauguration, he opened the doors of the white house for all to come.

Interests of the West Replaces certain government officials with

those more than likely to favor his ideals. ◦ Spoils system

Winning the 1828 election

Replaces Jeffersonian Republicanism ◦ REMEMBER!!! The Republican party we know today won’t exist

until Lincoln. Although Jackson admired Jefferson’s ideals, unlike

Jefferson’s presidency, Jackson’s presidency was not a vision of how a government should function.

Jefferson: middle/ upper class- educated-property holders.

Jackson: Universal white man-hood suffrage (not only limited to white who owned property. Not as a great of a thinker as Jefferson.

Both: favored a nation with yeomen farmers , limiting power of central government, agrarian economy and distrust of banks.

Jacksonian Democracy

Strong presidency ◦ Sets precedent for future presidents when he used his

power to veto. Not the first president to actually use this power but the first to do so for political purposes.

◦ Strengthens the power of the presidency. Challenged Congress AND Supreme Court

which in turn strengthened his popularity. Champions of liberty- HOWEVER- very

controversial in this topic (trail of tears) . His way or no way (shuts down the 2nd B.U.S).

Continued…

Jackson’s most criticized policy. Natives considered “foreign nations”.- Rhetoric started

with the British but continued after U.S independence. HOWEVER: Jefferson (amongst other Americans) believed

that assimilation was the best option (we will see this take place post Civil War).

Cherokees- considered one of the “Five Civilized Tribes”- (east of the Mississippi River)◦ Written language◦ Practiced Christianity◦ Owned slaves ◦ Constitution- Government

Gold discovered on Cherokee land (cause of enforcement although proposed during Monroe)

Indian Removal Act

Marshall ruled in favor of the Native Americans. Cherokees sue in the Supreme Court (they try to

sue as a “foreign nation”. Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831)- John Marshall

ruled that- not a foreign state, therefore, cannot sue- relationship between Native Americans to the U.S is like that of a “ward to it’s guardian.” ◦ Yet, Supreme Court suggested had this been a proper case,

it would more than likely support the Cherokees. Worcester v. Georgia (1832) Jackson refuses to comply with Supreme Court.

◦ “John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it.”

Continued….Challenging Supreme Court

Removed the Indians west of the Mississippi (Cherokees)

4,000 walked to Oklahoma Many didn’t make it One of the many times Native Americans had

been mistreated and removed from their territories. We will see this trend happen again after the Civil War when many Southerners move west. Native Americans will then be placed on reservations. This continues until the 1960s-70s during all the “rights revolutions”.

Trail of Tears

Major issue during Jackson’s presidency States are allowed to “disobey” state laws if found

unconstitutional. ◦ Virginia/ Kentucky resolution (last week)

Wins by a very large margin Almost turns into a national crisis.

◦ Tariff of 1828- Tariff of Abominations Protective Tariffs on Northern production.

V.P John C. Calhoun publishes “The South Carolina Exposition and Protest”

Jackson opposed nullification only because he believed it would endanger the Union.

Tariff of 1832 attempted to reduce taxes but not sufficiently South Carolina nullifies Force Bill CAUSE-EFFECT: Precursor to the Civil War.

Nullifications

Jackson distrusted strong federal governments and banks.

Extensive use of the power to veto. 2nd BUS- vetoed congress’s attempt to re-charter

the bank. (Bank War)◦ Nicholas Biddle (President of the BUS applies for the re-

charter of the bank early (1832, set to expire 1836). ◦ Jackson’s vetoes the re-charter ◦ Jackson withdraws federal money and places in state

banks. Also distrusted use of paper money. Preferred use

of specie. ◦ Specie Circular (eventually overturned) Money Shortage

Panic of 1837

Second B.U.S

Northern abolition continues to grow stronger

Many slave revolts in the South Nat Turner Rebellion

◦ Vision from God for rebellion (black liberation)◦ Killed 60 whites◦ 200 slaves killed

Black Codes- prohibits education (this changes later in the South- paternal)

Issues with Slavery

Since Jackson couldn’t satisfy everyone’s interests, an opposition party (Whigs) was formed. ◦ Strong federal government (government activism) ◦ Religious◦ Most important characteristic: disliked Democrats

Martin Van Buren wins (Jackson’s V.P)◦ Country entered economic turmoil inherited by Van Buren

(Panic of 1837)◦ Continued hard money policy money shortage

deregulation of banks risky loans banks closing unemployment high cost of food

◦ Popularity declines◦ Doesn’t win two terms

1836 ElectionRise of the Whigs

Harrison (1841) first Whig President. Dies month after inauguration contracted pneumonia ◦ It has been said this is because he didn’t cover up

sufficiently during his inauguration. John Tyler (Whig but former Democrat)

◦ Had Democratic ideologies and executed them state’s rights v. strong federal government.

◦ Vetoed several Whig bills◦ “President without a party”

William Henry Harrison- John Tyler Presidencies

Road to Civil War Characteristic of Country’s Regional Needs Social Issues

Economic History 1800-1860

War of 1812 caused the U.S to rely on itself for manufactured items/ goods v. being so reliant on imports stronger domestic economy (cause-effect)

Market economy begins to develop – trade their labor/ goods for cash purchase other people’s goods/ labor.◦ Dependent on just one cash crop which is seen as

better than producing multi-culture. Benefits v. Downside Boom-and-bust cycle

Market Economy

“First Industrial Revolution” Eli Whitney develops the

◦ Cotton Gin causes the south to rely heavily on slave labor.

◦ Interchangeable parts machine-tool industry assembly line (Henry Ford).

Immediately benefit the textile industry.

Continued…

War of 1812 (focusing on foreign economy) influenced the development of textile mills in the New England states.

Invention of Power Loom eliminates the need for the “middle man” (women) produce and finish fabric within the factory, no need to out source.

Women begin to buy cloth v. making them at home for themselves.

North and the Textile Industry

Rapid growth leads to labor shortages To attract laborers Lowell System (housing, cash

wages, etc…)◦ 1830s-40s strong wave of Irish immigration which made

labor plentiful (in other words, no need to provide housing and other luxuries and possibly higher wages to non-immigrant laborers)

◦ Racial riots◦ Labor unions Gilded Age◦ Types of conditions Gilded Age/ Progressive Era

Leads to the creation of other industries: clothing manufactures retailers brokers commercial banks transportation industry (need)

Continued…

Highways ◦ National Road (transportation east-west more plausible)

Erie Canal (1825): Funded by NY ◦ Center of commerce ◦ Needed to be doubled ◦ Copied◦ Hello railroads, good bye canals (1850s)

Steamships ◦ Made travel a lot quicker

NY to England: 10 days v. Month(s)◦ Negative “side-effects”

Railroads◦ Issues with connectors slow process $$ incentive from government

encourages faster railroad expansion/ building.

Leads to invention of the telegraph blue print for the phone.

Transportation

Still, most common force of livelihood Farming revolutionized by mechanization Growth of market economy changes farming

◦ Markets acted as the “middle men” in order for farmers to gain better profit for their food.

◦ Also leads to the eventual “farmers complaints” during the farmers boom. Due to soil exhaustion and the minimal space available for

farming, it slowly dies down in the N.E anti-slavery ideologies, economy had no need for slaves.

Banks lend out to farmers (expected to pay back by profit made with crops)◦ Eventually make farmers high risk for loans◦ Many economic crisis lead banks to close (Panic of 1837)◦ Leads to poverty

Mid-West: Grains and Corn (bread basket) South: tobacco and cotton (50% of WORLDS supply)

Farming

Manifest Destiny; God given right to expand territories. (Cause-effect/ prior knowledge- early notion of imperialism?)

Canada, Mexico, all of the Americas would potentially be owned by the U.S.

Western settlement dangerous ◦ Terrain◦ Climate◦ Native Americans

Westward Expansion

Mexico declares independence from Spain. How is Mexico going to entice settlers to

move to their territories? ◦ Land for citizenship

Wins by a very large margin Tensions with Mexico

◦ Alamo ◦ Republic of Texas◦ Slavery admittance to Union?

Texas

G.B, Native American and Russian presence in the area◦ G.B and U.S see Russia as a threat

U.S draws up a treaty: divides territories at 49th Parallel G.B disapproves

Polk (President) focuses on War with Mexico instead (doesn’t want to fight two wars at once).

Eventually treaty signed with G.B which states the Oregon belongs to the U.S up until the 49th parallel.

Oregon Territory

Also former Mexican territory. 1848- Gold Rush 100,000+ people flock to

the “Golden State” (Forty-Niners) ◦ Also discover amazing climate- great for

agriculture. ◦ Access to the Pacific Ocean Trade centers = $$

California

Road to Civil War? North South West Different economical needs lead to further

stands on slavery and eventually one of the tenets of the Civil War.

Regional Conflicts and Sectional Strife

Economic growth leads to social change Cotton Gin heavily influences the South’s

strong dependence on slavery Industrialization creates a new center of

commerce in our nation, but- also creates impoverished/ immigrant neighborhoods that later produce the need for social reform (Gilded Age- Progressive Era)

Westward Expansion- new frontiers also expansion of territory for the U.S

Society 1800-1860

Nation’s industrial and commercial center Benefits:

◦ Jobs- many moved to cities in search of work. ◦ Opportunities for social advancement- school,

labor unions. ◦ Middle- Higher class; asserted more influence in

government (cause and effect for the political machines/ big business owners during the S.I.R)

◦ Leisure- just as established during the colonial times communal, social

The North (Cities)

Elite: very few. Led lives of power and comfort. Middle class: professionals. Make enough

money for women to be able to stay at home cult of domesticity (Republican Motherhood?) 1950s. Luxury goods.

Working class: low paying jobs, women worked at home.

Poverty: recent immigrants (Germans-West), (Irish- North). Often faced hostility job competition religion

Need for municipal police

Continued…Social Classes in the North

Few urban centers rural, isolated areas. Family- Church- everything else. Little infrastructure or travel routes. Elite: Aristocratic Plantation Owners

◦ Less than 1% owned more than 100 slaves shows how much political power they had.

◦ Paternalism towards the slaves church/ education. ◦ Slave living conditions and revolts.

Yeomen: Mostly Scottish/ Irish- working small land with family-possibly a slave.

Landless Whites: tenant farmers Free Blacks: Black code limitations- prejiduce-

mulattoes- some lived in luxury

The Southern Society

Boundaries constantly changing. (1800-1840s) Government encouraged western settlement. Sold

land for reduced prices. ◦ Squatters

Grain and dairy farming (breadbasket) & transportation makes it easier to trade.

Fur trading (mountain men) made first government in Oregon Territory

Cattle Ranchers- miners Hard to survive but still offered many opportunities. Women working on the field (men’s work)

acceptable.

Western Society and Frontier Living.

Second Great Awakening- produces many social reforms. ◦ Revival mainly within Methodists, Presbyterian and

Baptist religions. ◦ Another Enlightenment◦ Burned-over districts- revivals◦ Ideology of saving humanity from themselves.

Women’s movement Temperance Societies. ◦ Drinking- gambling- lotteries become illegal and so

does prostitution. ◦ 18th-19th Amendment ◦ Penitentiaries, asylums and orphanages.

Religious and Social Movements

Shakers; Quakers. ◦ Neglectful of afterlives◦ Some lived on communes ◦ Granted equal rights- women◦ Celibacy ◦ Helps bring movement to an end.

Brook Farm (1841); Very notable writers ◦ Transcendentalists (European romanticism) had

faith in the perfectibility of humans. ◦ Nathaniel Hawthorne◦ Ralph Waldo Emerson◦ Henry David Thoreau

Reform Movements of the Era

Mormons- Joseph Smith – Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 1830◦ Polygamy ◦ Illinois ◦ Moved to Salt Lake Valley (desert to farm) ◦ Utah- Mitt Romney!

Women Suffrage: ◦ Many women active part of abolition movement yet denied

access to participate at a world-wide anti-slavery movement (cause for women to hold first women’t right convention (1848) Seneca Falls.

◦ Declaration of Rights and Sentiments of Women ◦ Susan B. Anthony National Women Suffrage Association.

Education : Horace Mann◦ Educational reform- standardized books, lengthened school

year, teacher training.

Continued….

Moderates: slow abolition Immediatists: emancipation immediately.

◦ William Lloyd Garrison: Liberator (1831)◦ American Antislavery Society (1833)- newspaper caught up

to the white abolitionists. ◦ Sending blacks back to Africa was wrong. ◦ Discussion becomes very heated Gag rule (automatically

suppressed discussion of the slavery issue) Congress unable to pass laws regarding slavery upsets northerners convinced to join movement.

◦ Abolitionist supported fugitive slaves Frederick Douglas (The North Star) Harriet Tubman Sojourner Truth (emancipation & women’s rights)

Social Movements + Westward Expansion= Civil War

Abolition Movement

Pg. 146-147

Assessment & Reflection