Jacksonian Period Did you know that Andrew Jackson is one of the few Presidents to have a time period in our history named specifically for him?

Importance of Cotton Gin and impact on slavery: The Cotton Gin made it easier to separate seeds from cotton which makes it profitable to grow cotton. More cotton will be grown Cotton growing spreads west Because Cotton spreads, MORE SLAVES are needed throughout the south.

Cotton Gins and Presses

Sectionalism Sectionalism is a loyalty to your region of the country EXAMPLES: Southerners were loyal to the south because they all shared the same way of life – a cotton planter economy Northerners were devoted to their way of life and their economy – their economy was based on manufacturing and industry

Economic Differences? North – Industry South - Agricultural

Systems of North and South Factory System VS. Plantation System

Southern Argument concerning Slavery and immigrant labor Southerners pointed out that the conditions under which many poor immigrants lived and worked was just as bad if not worse than that of slaves on plantations.

Political Differences between North, South and West Westerners and Southerners believed in states having more power, believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution, they did not trust Northerners to represent their interests in government Northerners believed in a strong central government that could enact policies that favor national commerce – meaning – they supported the government making laws that supported northern industry

Taxes on imported goods Tariffs Taxes on imported goods Purpose of tariffs? To encourage Americans to buy American made products.

Why were southerners opposed to tariffs? Southerners opposed tariffs because tariffs raised the price of manufactured goods which the south purchased. It also made countries who bought cotton from the south impose tariffs on cotton So in general, it hurt the trade relationship between southern planters and other countries.

Three Points of Clay’s System Tariffs to protect American Manufacturing Internal improvements – building roads and canals for travel and trade – improving the internal transportation system – use federal money to pay states for these improvements Renewing the Charter for the national bank – a national bank was necessary

What caused democracy to increase? More Democracy As more people moved west – they demanded an equal say in government.

How did westerners feel about eastern elites? They did not trust these people to protect their interests when holding public office or voting in Congress.

How was Andrew Jackson viewed? Jackson was viewed as a “common man” and therefore, the first President that was truly representative of most of the people. He was also a hero from the Battle of New Orleans – War of 1812.

Jackson’s views about regular people and what did he favor? Jackson believed in equal rights for western settlers, the regular people He favored “Universal Suffrage” meaning – he favored allowing all white men to vote, not just those who owned property

How did suffrage expand? As new states joined the Union, many of them did not have property rights as a condition for voting. Soon after, in the late 1820’s, most eastern states also dropped the property requirement for voting. Therefore, more people are voting and the votes of the common people are now an influence.

Who did not gain suffrage during Jackson’s era? Native Americans, Slaves and Women

What was the Spoils System? This is the practice of rewarding government jobs to friends who helped you get elected. While it is a common practice – Jackson took the idea to a new level and was criticized for it.

Why did Jackson believe in the Spoils System? Jackson felt that this was a great way to reward his supporters and also It encouraged common people to become more politically involved.

Result in later Presidencies? It would lead to corruption in government and government reform of the system would be called for and instituted.

Laissez-Faire Economics This means that the government should not be involved in business at all. In this theory, government should neither pass laws that hurt or help business. No government regulation.

Why did Jackson follow this policy for the most part? Jackson wanted larger businesses and plantations to thrive, but he also wanted to make sure that small merchants and small landowners had as much chance to succeed as rich manufacturers. He did occasionally support moderate tariffs as long as they did not hurt small farmers.

Jackson’s view of tariffs He supported them as long as they were moderate and did not hurt the businesses of small landowners/farmers.

Jackson’s View of the Constitution In theory, Jackson supported a strict interpretation. Example: When South Carolina passed the Nullification Act and stated that they would not pay high tariffs (Tariff of Abominations) Jackson threatened to use force to make SC follow the tariff laws. (See more on the Nullification Crisis by clicking on the link below) http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/nullification-crisis-of-1832- definition-summary-quiz.html#lesson However, Jackson occasionally pushed the boundaries of the Constitution by taking actions that were NOT given to the President. For example, in spite of the Supreme Court ruling in favor of the Cherokee, Jackson ordered the military to remove Natives from their land anyway. (Trail of Tears.)

The Nullification Crisis – a short video

Jackson’s View of the National Bank Like Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson viewed the National Bank as unconstitutional. When it came time for the bank to renew its charter, Jackson refused to sign the bill, and then he closed the bank and had his Secretary of the Treasury put that money in state banks. This quickly led to an economic crisis: See video link below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNzDj-EPtgQ