Andrew Jackson and the “Common Man” 1824-1861

Who wrote the Declaration of Rights? Warm-up Who wrote the Declaration of Rights? What happened at the Alamo, and what conflict was it a part of? What was the Trail of Tears?

Objectives Today I will analyze Andrew Jackson’s biography so that I can understand how he affect the American presidency. I’ll know I have it when I can successfully relate his upbringing to his temperament as leader.

Characteristics of the “Age of the Common Man” Heightened emphasis on equality in the political process for adult white males The rise of interest group politics and sectional bias A changing style of campaigning to appeal to the “common man” Increased voter participation at the state and national level

Election of 1824 & the Corrupt Bargain Andrew Jackson won the popular vote among 4 candidates. There was no winner of a majority of electoral college votes. Henry Clay withdrew from the election, allowing John Quincy Adams to be chosen by the House of Representatives. In return, Quincy Adams made Henry Clay Secretary of State.

Election of 1828 Reflected greater suffrage and political activism. Delegates worked through nominating conventions. Americans were equal at the ballot box. Andrew Jackson won!

“Age of the Common Man” After being elected president in 1828, Andrew Jackson reigned in an era of American politics that centered around the “common man.” Andrew Jackson represented the “common man,” which was the everyday free, adult male, regardless of how much land or money he owned. In the past, only white, adult males who owned land could participate in many democratic activities.

A New Democratic Spirit The election of Andrew Jackson came at a time when the vast majority of American men participated in the electoral process. Suffrage (the right to vote) was being extended. This replaced the previous aristocratic (ruled by the rich) government of the United States, as the distinction between aristocrats and the common man were disappearing. average citizens at the White House with Andrew Jackson

Jackson’s Spoils System Jackson hired political supporters to fill government jobs. “To the victor goes the spoils.” Effects: Increased involvement in government by ordinary people but did lead to more levels of corruption. People like Jackson literally gave their closest friends high-ranking positions in the government with great responsibility. Is this ethical? How could this go wrong?

Indian Removal Jackson wished to force Indians to reservations farther west across the Mississippi. A Georgia eviction law was overturned by the Marshall Court. Jackson refused to enforce the decision, which led to the “Trail of Tears” which forced tribes like the Cherokee out of Georgia. Many died! Jackson’s refusal to enforce a court ruling could have caused his impeachment, but he actually became MORE popular!

The Democratic Party Andrew Jackson founded the Democratic Party, which believed in extending political powers (suffrage). opposition to the National Bank. Jackson HATED the National Bank. Jackson vetoed the National Bank A LOT—he was one of the first truly powerful presidents supporting Indian Removal and expansion.

Federalists disappeared, but new parties opposed the Democrats! Whigs: strongly opposed Jackson as a “tyrant” who took too much power by opposing the national bank and by removing the Indians. Notable members were Henry Clay and Daniel Webster. Know-Nothings: formed in the 1850s, opposed Jackson, strongly opposed to immigrants, anti-slavery Is this the same as today? Democrats? Whigs & Know Nothings?

Jackson’s Legacy Extension of democratic participation--suffrage and the Spoils System Strengthening of PRESIDENTIAL power using public opinion Use of the VETO forces Congress to consider President’s views and powers when passing laws Removal of Indians to reservations Economic crisis caused by Jackson’s banking policies

Andrew Jackson Campaign Posters With a group of 3 or alone, create a campaign poster for Andrew Jackson in one of his presidential elections. Include on your campaign poster the many improvements to America that Andrew Jackson brought. Keep in mind: Andrew Jackson viewed things like Indian Removal and the presidential veto as “good” things, even though we know today stuff like the Trail of Tears was bad. Add an image to your poster to inspire people to support Jackson. Examples: voting ballot, national bank (opposition to it)

Objectives Today I will analyze Andrew Jackson’s biography so that I can understand how his background affected his presidency. I’ll know I have it when I can successfully relate his upbringing to his temperament as leader.