Election of 1828 14.2

• 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 the rich. The rich and well-born were not so sure Jackson was the best person to be president

14.3

• 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

14.4

• Jackson 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

14.5

• Tariffs were 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 Carolina were outraged. They believed the federal government had gone too far, and they threatened to secede. John C. Calhoun was a champion of South Carolina’s states’ rights position. He tried to have the tariffs repealed, and argued in favor of nullification. Jackson threatened to send in federal troops, and the crisis ended.

14.6

• The Bank of the United States was 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.

 

14.7

• 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 theCherokees—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 Hawk in Illinois, resisted with arms. Their resistance did not work. They were forced to march in the Trail of Tears to Indian territory. Many died. Only the Florida Seminoles had any luck resisting removal.

Focus:label these statements fact or opinion and give supporting

evidence for each fact and tell why you agree or disagree with each opinion

• The election of 1824 was decided by a corrupt bargain.

• The 1828 election was filled with personal attacks and name calling.

• Andrew Jackson’s election in 1828 was a victory for the common people.

• During the election of 1828 the US experienced a growth of democracy.

Focus:

• List the qualities that made Jackson popular

Focus:

• Explain the spoil system

• Why did Jackson want to get rid of the National Bank?

• Does Jackson deserve the nickname King Andrew? Explain

• Why was Jackson called a self-made man?