The Age of Jackson

Sectionalism Changes Politics Andrew Jackson- U.S. President from John Quincy Adams presidential candidate favored by New Englanders

Adams Defeats Jackson in 1824 Jackson won the most popular votes in the election No candidate received a majority of electoral votes When no majority of electoral votes is received who chooses the President? – The House of Representatives must choose the President according to the Constitution

Jackson Redefines “Democracy” Jacksonian Democracy- the idea of widening political power to more of the people.

Jackson Wins in 1828 Expanding the voting rights to more people helped Jackson have an overwhelming win in 1828 His election was viewed as a victory for the common people.

A New Political Era Begins Spoils System- the practice of giving government jobs to political backers

Rising Sectional Differences three major economic issues: – the sale of public lands in the West – federal spending on internal improvements, such as roads and canals – rising tariffs

Federal Government vs. the States States’ rights- the rights of the states to make decisions without interference from the federal government

The Nullification Crisis Tariff of Abominations law that significantly raised tariffs on raw materials and manufactured goods John C. Calhoun- Jackson’s vice-president Doctrine of nullification- idea that a state had the right to nullify, or reject, a federal law that it considers unconstitutional

Jackson States His Position Secede- to withdraw

Jackson’s Policy Toward Native Americans

Native Americans Forced West Sequoya- a brilliant Cherokee who invented a writing system for the Cherokee language. Literacy- the ability to read and write. Assimilate- to absorb into a culture.

Jackson’s Removal Policy

The Indian Removal Act Indian Removal Act law that called for the government to negotiate treaties requiring Native Americans to relocate west.

The Trail of Tears Indian Territory- an area to which Native Americans were moved covering what is now Oklahoma and parts of Kansas and Nebraska

Trail of Tears- the harsh journey of the Cherokee to Indian Territory

Native American Resistance Osceola- leader during the Second Seminole War

Prosperity and Panic

Jackson Targets the National Bank Martin Van Buren- elected president in 1836 after serving as Jackson’s vice-president Charter- a written grant

Jackson’s War on the Bank

Prosperity to Panic Inflation- an increase in prices and a decrease in the value of money Panic of widespread fear about the state of the economy that spread after Van Buren took office. Depression- a severe economic slump

The Birth of the Whigs Whig Party- political party formed by Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, and other Jackson opponents. William Henry Harrison- Whig presidential candidate in John Tyler- Harrison’s running mate in the 1840 presidential election.