Chapter #13: The Rise of a Mass Democracy – Big Picture Themes 1. Andrew Jackson felt he’d been robbed the presidency in 1824. This motivated the regular folks to political action. He vowed to win for the people’s sake, and did so.
2. A conflict started to brew between the north and the south. The issue was the tariff (import tax) and whether the south had the right to “nullify” or wipe it out. The trouble was worked out, but it foreshadowed bigger trouble to come, over slavery.
3. Jackson distrusted banks—he thought they were tools for the rich to milk money off the poor. He killed the National Bank and threw the whole banking system into chaos.
4. By the time William Henry Harrison ran for president in 1840, popular, mass politics had grown into the circus-like monster that it’s known as today.
IDENTIFICATIONS: American System
A system created by Henry Clay. It called for a strong banking system, a protective tariff, and a network of roads and canals. Corrupt Bargain
The Corrupt Bargain was between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay during the Election of 1824. Henry Clay gave John Quincy Adams his support in the House of Representatives so that Adams could become president. In exchange Clay became Secretary of State.
Tariff of Abominations
The Tariff of Abomination was created in 1828 to please the north. It was not expected to pass, but it did. It raised the tariff. It made the south angry.
Nullification
Nullification is to cancel something. In South Carolina they nullified the tariff.
Force Bill
A bill made to save face. It was also known as the Bloody Bill. It gave the president the ability to use the army and navy to collect taxes.
Five Civilized Tribes
The Five Civilized Tribes were the Cherokee, Creeks, Choctaws, Chickasaws, and Seminoles. These civilized tribes tried to assimilate into society.
Trail of Tears
A trail the Indians were forced to walk to the Indian Territory. It was the result of the Indian Removal Act. Many people died.
Nicholas Biddle
The president of the Bank of the United States. He was also known as Czar Nicholas I. He held lots of power over the government’s financial concerns.
Democrats vs. Whigs
The Democrats glorified individual liberty and guarded the inroads of privilege into government. They were strong supporters of states’ rights. They were more humble in general. The Whigs celebrated natural harmony and valued community. They favored banks, tariffs, internal improvements, schools, and moral reforms. They were more prosperous in general.
South Carolina Exposition and Protest
The South Carolina Exposition was created by John. C. Calhoun. It denounced the tariff as unfair and unconstitutional.
Martin Van Buren
Jackson’s successor and the winner of the election of 1836. He was unpopular though.
Specie Circular
Specie circular is demanding gold and silver instead of paper money. It started because Jackson took the money from the federal banks and put them into pet banks.
Hayne-Webster Debate
A debate between Daniel Webster and Robert Hayne about states’ rights versus national power.
The Alamo
Located in San Antonio, the Alamo was where a battle took place. Texas was able to get its independence.
GUIDED READING QUESTIONS:
The "Corrupt Bargain” or 1824
Know: Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, John Quincy Adams, King Caucus, Corrupt Bargain
1. What was unusual about John Quincy Adams's victory in the presidential election of 1824?
In the election of 1824 John Quincy Adams ran against Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, and William Crawford. Nobody was able to get a majority of electoral votes so the vote was sent to the House of Representatives. Henry Clay was dropped from the running, but he was still Speaker of the House. With his influence Henry Clay was able to make John Quincy Adams president. Henry Clay then became Secretary of State. This became to be known as the corrupt bargain. It is strange because before these kinds of deals were okay, but now they are condemned. There would be no more King Caucus. It foreshadowed a change.
A Yankee Misfit in the White House
Know: John Quincy Adams
2. Was John Quincy Adams well suited to be president? Explain.
John Quincy Adams was not very suited to be president. He did not have much popularity among the people. He even lost some of his supporters. He was very nationalistic and went against the times. He wanted to use federal funds for roads and canals, a national university, and an astromonical observatory. He also tried to deal with the Indians fairly. All of this was disliked by the people.
Going "Whole Hog" for Jackson in 1828
Know: Old Hickory, Mudslinging, Rachel Robards
3. Describe the tone and tactics used in the 1828 election.
In the election of 1828 there was a lot of mudslinging and campaigning. Jackson became to be known as Old Hickory while Adams took the symbol of the oak. They exaggerated things to make themselves look good. They stretched the truth to make their opponents look bad. Even Jackson’s wife, Rachel Robards, became a target of the mudslinging.
“Old Hickory” as President
Know: Inaugural Brawl, King Mob
4. What was there about Andrew Jackson which made him a man of the people?
Jackson had humble upbringings. He was orphaned early. He was from the West. He did not have a college education. He shared many of the common people’s prejudices. In the Inaugural Brawl the common people were able to enter the White House to celebrate Jackson’s presidency. He began to become known as King Mob.
The Spoils System
Know: Spoils System, Rotation in Office
5. Defend Andrew Jackson's use of the Spoils System.
With the Spoils System Jackson was able to reward his followers with positions in office. This allowed a rotation in office. It also encouraged people to pick a side and stay loyal. In addition Jackson believed that “Every man is as good as his neighbor”. Any person is capable of holding office.
The Tricky “Tariff of Abominations”
Know: Tariff of Abominations (of 1828), Denmark Vesey
6. What circumstances led to the passage of the Tariff of Abominations?
The Tariff of Abomination of 1828 was created to please the North. It was never expected to pass. However once it was, the South felt threatened and discriminated. They feared the abolition of slavery. There were many slave rebellions such as the one Denmark Vesey led.
"Nullies" in South Carolina
Know: Nullies, Henry Clay, Tariff of 1833, Force Bill
5. Describe the nullification crisis.
The Nullification Crisis started with the Nullies in South Carolina who were against the Tariff of 1828. The Nullies were able to nullify the tariff in South Carolina. Jackson wanted to forcibly collect the tariff from them. However, Henry Clay created the compromise Tariff of 1833 to prevent that. It reduced the Tariff of 1832 by 10% over the course of eight years. Congress also passed the Force Bill which was later repealed.
The Trail of Tears
Know: Cherokees, Five Civilized Tribes, Indian Removal Act, Trail of Tears, Indian Territory, The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Seminoles
8. What was particularly unfair about the treatment of the Cherokee Tribe?
The Cherokee Tribe was one of the Five Civilized Tribes. They tried to assimilate into society. However, due to the Indian Removal Act, they were forced off their lands. They then went on the Trail of Tears to the Indian Territory where they were to be permanently free. The Bureau of Indian Affair kept in touch with the Indians. Later the permanent territory was taken from the Indians. The Seminoles fought against the Americans in a war for seven years. Eventually their leader made a truce, ending the dispute.
The Bank War
Know: Bank of the United States, Nicholas Biddle
9. Do you agree or disagree with Nicholas Biddle’s nickname, “Czar Nicholas I?” Explain.
I agree with Nicholas Biddle’s nickname, Czar Nicholas I. Nicholas Biddle was the president of the Bank of the United States. Being president, he controlled power over the financial affairs of the nation.
"Old Hickory" Wallops Clay in 1832
Know: Anti-Masonic Party
10. What two things were unique about the election of 1832?
One thing unique about the election of 1832 was the emergence of a third political party, the Anti-Masonic Party. They were against the influence and secrecy of the Masonic Order and also Anti-Jackson. Another unique thing was the calling of national nominating convention to name the candidates
Burying Biddle’s Bank
Know: Mandate, Pet Banks, Specie Circular
11. "Andrew Jackson's killing of the BUS forced him to issue the Specie Circular." Assess.
Andrew Jackson believed he had a mandate to destroy the Bank of the United States. He withdrew the money and inserted it into Pet Banks. This lead to Wildcat currency which was unreliable. Thus Jackson issued Specie Circular. This way people did not have to worry about payment.
The Birth of the Whigs
Know: Democrats, Whigs
12. What is so alluring about being associated with “the common man?”
By being associated with the common man you get many people to come to your side. The Democrats, Jackson’s party, was once defender of the common man. However, it is the Whigs who now claim to be defenders of the common man. The Democrats were filled with cronyism and corruption.
The Election of 1836
Know: Favorite Son, William Henry Harrison, Martin Van Buren
13. Describe the development of the second party system from 1828-1836.
The second party system started with the election of 1836 when Martin Van Buren ran against the Whig favorite sons. By having many different favorite sons it would divide the vote so it would be taken to the House. William Henry Harrison was the lead favorite, the hero of the Battle of Tippecanoe.
Big Woes for the "Little Magician"
Know: Martin Van Buren
14. Why was Martin Van Buren unpopular?
Martin Van Buren was the president after Jackson and had big shoes to fill. Many people felt let down. He also inherited Jackson’s enemies. The issues of slavery and the start of the depression made him unpopular.
Depression Doldrums and the Independent Treasury
Know: Panic of 1837, Speculation, Divorce Bill, Independent Treasury
15. What caused the Panic of 1837, and what was done by the president to try and end it?
The Panice of 1837 was caused by speculation, Jacksonian finance, and failing crops. In response to the panic Van Buren created the Divorce Bill which separated the government from banking. It would create an independent treasury where the government were to keep their surplus money.
Gone to Texas
Know: Stephen Austin, Davy Crockett
16. What made Texas so appealing to Americans?
Americans were greedy for land. Stephen Austin brought immigrants to Texas. There were also many explorers like Davy Crockett.
The Lone Star Rebellion
Know: Sam Houston, Santa Anna, Alamo, W. B. Travis, Goliad, Lone Star Republic, San Jacinto
17. How did Texas, a part of Mexico settled by Americans, become independent of both?
Sam Houston was the commander in chief during Texans battle for independence. Santa Anna fought against the Texans in the Alamo, lead by W. B. Travis. The Texans screamed “Remember Goliard!”. At San Jacinto the Texans were able to free themselves of Mexico and become the Lone Star Republic.
Makers of America: Mexican or Texan?
Know: Moses Austin, Stephen Austin, Anglos
18. Did Texans ever really intend to become Mexican citizens, or did they feign allegiance to get land?
Texans feigned allegiance to get land. One example is Moses Austin. He aimed to create a colony with three hundred families. After Moses Austin’s death his brother, Stephen Austin, continued and completed his dream. Many of these settlers were Anglo.
The Log Cabins and Hard Cider of 1840
Know: Log Cabin, Hard Cider, "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too"
19. What does the election of 1840 tell you about politics and voters in America at that time?
Propoganda started playing a bigger role. William Henry Harrison was advertised as a poor farmer who lived in a log cabin and drank hard cider. This got the common people’s support. They had catchy slogans like “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too”.
The Two-Party System
20. Who were the Democrats and what did they believe? The Whigs?
The Democrats glorified individual liberty and guarded the inroads of privilege into government. They were strong supporters of states’ rights. They were more humble in general. The Whigs celebrated natural harmony and valued community. They favored banks, tariffs, internal improvements, schools, and moral reforms. They were more prosperous in general.
2. A conflict started to brew between the north and the south. The issue was the tariff (import tax) and whether the south had the right to “nullify” or wipe it out. The trouble was worked out, but it foreshadowed bigger trouble to come, over slavery.
3. Jackson distrusted banks—he thought they were tools for the rich to milk money off the poor. He killed the National Bank and threw the whole banking system into chaos.
4. By the time William Henry Harrison ran for president in 1840, popular, mass politics had grown into the circus-like monster that it’s known as today.
IDENTIFICATIONS: American System
A system created by Henry Clay. It called for a strong banking system, a protective tariff, and a network of roads and canals. Corrupt Bargain
The Corrupt Bargain was between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay during the Election of 1824. Henry Clay gave John Quincy Adams his support in the House of Representatives so that Adams could become president. In exchange Clay became Secretary of State.
Tariff of Abominations
The Tariff of Abomination was created in 1828 to please the north. It was not expected to pass, but it did. It raised the tariff. It made the south angry.
Nullification
Nullification is to cancel something. In South Carolina they nullified the tariff.
Force Bill
A bill made to save face. It was also known as the Bloody Bill. It gave the president the ability to use the army and navy to collect taxes.
Five Civilized Tribes
The Five Civilized Tribes were the Cherokee, Creeks, Choctaws, Chickasaws, and Seminoles. These civilized tribes tried to assimilate into society.
Trail of Tears
A trail the Indians were forced to walk to the Indian Territory. It was the result of the Indian Removal Act. Many people died.
Nicholas Biddle
The president of the Bank of the United States. He was also known as Czar Nicholas I. He held lots of power over the government’s financial concerns.
Democrats vs. Whigs
The Democrats glorified individual liberty and guarded the inroads of privilege into government. They were strong supporters of states’ rights. They were more humble in general. The Whigs celebrated natural harmony and valued community. They favored banks, tariffs, internal improvements, schools, and moral reforms. They were more prosperous in general.
South Carolina Exposition and Protest
The South Carolina Exposition was created by John. C. Calhoun. It denounced the tariff as unfair and unconstitutional.
Martin Van Buren
Jackson’s successor and the winner of the election of 1836. He was unpopular though.
Specie Circular
Specie circular is demanding gold and silver instead of paper money. It started because Jackson took the money from the federal banks and put them into pet banks.
Hayne-Webster Debate
A debate between Daniel Webster and Robert Hayne about states’ rights versus national power.
The Alamo
Located in San Antonio, the Alamo was where a battle took place. Texas was able to get its independence.
GUIDED READING QUESTIONS:
The "Corrupt Bargain” or 1824
Know: Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, John Quincy Adams, King Caucus, Corrupt Bargain
1. What was unusual about John Quincy Adams's victory in the presidential election of 1824?
In the election of 1824 John Quincy Adams ran against Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, and William Crawford. Nobody was able to get a majority of electoral votes so the vote was sent to the House of Representatives. Henry Clay was dropped from the running, but he was still Speaker of the House. With his influence Henry Clay was able to make John Quincy Adams president. Henry Clay then became Secretary of State. This became to be known as the corrupt bargain. It is strange because before these kinds of deals were okay, but now they are condemned. There would be no more King Caucus. It foreshadowed a change.
A Yankee Misfit in the White House
Know: John Quincy Adams
2. Was John Quincy Adams well suited to be president? Explain.
John Quincy Adams was not very suited to be president. He did not have much popularity among the people. He even lost some of his supporters. He was very nationalistic and went against the times. He wanted to use federal funds for roads and canals, a national university, and an astromonical observatory. He also tried to deal with the Indians fairly. All of this was disliked by the people.
Going "Whole Hog" for Jackson in 1828
Know: Old Hickory, Mudslinging, Rachel Robards
3. Describe the tone and tactics used in the 1828 election.
In the election of 1828 there was a lot of mudslinging and campaigning. Jackson became to be known as Old Hickory while Adams took the symbol of the oak. They exaggerated things to make themselves look good. They stretched the truth to make their opponents look bad. Even Jackson’s wife, Rachel Robards, became a target of the mudslinging.
“Old Hickory” as President
Know: Inaugural Brawl, King Mob
4. What was there about Andrew Jackson which made him a man of the people?
Jackson had humble upbringings. He was orphaned early. He was from the West. He did not have a college education. He shared many of the common people’s prejudices. In the Inaugural Brawl the common people were able to enter the White House to celebrate Jackson’s presidency. He began to become known as King Mob.
The Spoils System
Know: Spoils System, Rotation in Office
5. Defend Andrew Jackson's use of the Spoils System.
With the Spoils System Jackson was able to reward his followers with positions in office. This allowed a rotation in office. It also encouraged people to pick a side and stay loyal. In addition Jackson believed that “Every man is as good as his neighbor”. Any person is capable of holding office.
The Tricky “Tariff of Abominations”
Know: Tariff of Abominations (of 1828), Denmark Vesey
6. What circumstances led to the passage of the Tariff of Abominations?
The Tariff of Abomination of 1828 was created to please the North. It was never expected to pass. However once it was, the South felt threatened and discriminated. They feared the abolition of slavery. There were many slave rebellions such as the one Denmark Vesey led.
"Nullies" in South Carolina
Know: Nullies, Henry Clay, Tariff of 1833, Force Bill
5. Describe the nullification crisis.
The Nullification Crisis started with the Nullies in South Carolina who were against the Tariff of 1828. The Nullies were able to nullify the tariff in South Carolina. Jackson wanted to forcibly collect the tariff from them. However, Henry Clay created the compromise Tariff of 1833 to prevent that. It reduced the Tariff of 1832 by 10% over the course of eight years. Congress also passed the Force Bill which was later repealed.
The Trail of Tears
Know: Cherokees, Five Civilized Tribes, Indian Removal Act, Trail of Tears, Indian Territory, The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Seminoles
8. What was particularly unfair about the treatment of the Cherokee Tribe?
The Cherokee Tribe was one of the Five Civilized Tribes. They tried to assimilate into society. However, due to the Indian Removal Act, they were forced off their lands. They then went on the Trail of Tears to the Indian Territory where they were to be permanently free. The Bureau of Indian Affair kept in touch with the Indians. Later the permanent territory was taken from the Indians. The Seminoles fought against the Americans in a war for seven years. Eventually their leader made a truce, ending the dispute.
The Bank War
Know: Bank of the United States, Nicholas Biddle
9. Do you agree or disagree with Nicholas Biddle’s nickname, “Czar Nicholas I?” Explain.
I agree with Nicholas Biddle’s nickname, Czar Nicholas I. Nicholas Biddle was the president of the Bank of the United States. Being president, he controlled power over the financial affairs of the nation.
"Old Hickory" Wallops Clay in 1832
Know: Anti-Masonic Party
10. What two things were unique about the election of 1832?
One thing unique about the election of 1832 was the emergence of a third political party, the Anti-Masonic Party. They were against the influence and secrecy of the Masonic Order and also Anti-Jackson. Another unique thing was the calling of national nominating convention to name the candidates
Burying Biddle’s Bank
Know: Mandate, Pet Banks, Specie Circular
11. "Andrew Jackson's killing of the BUS forced him to issue the Specie Circular." Assess.
Andrew Jackson believed he had a mandate to destroy the Bank of the United States. He withdrew the money and inserted it into Pet Banks. This lead to Wildcat currency which was unreliable. Thus Jackson issued Specie Circular. This way people did not have to worry about payment.
The Birth of the Whigs
Know: Democrats, Whigs
12. What is so alluring about being associated with “the common man?”
By being associated with the common man you get many people to come to your side. The Democrats, Jackson’s party, was once defender of the common man. However, it is the Whigs who now claim to be defenders of the common man. The Democrats were filled with cronyism and corruption.
The Election of 1836
Know: Favorite Son, William Henry Harrison, Martin Van Buren
13. Describe the development of the second party system from 1828-1836.
The second party system started with the election of 1836 when Martin Van Buren ran against the Whig favorite sons. By having many different favorite sons it would divide the vote so it would be taken to the House. William Henry Harrison was the lead favorite, the hero of the Battle of Tippecanoe.
Big Woes for the "Little Magician"
Know: Martin Van Buren
14. Why was Martin Van Buren unpopular?
Martin Van Buren was the president after Jackson and had big shoes to fill. Many people felt let down. He also inherited Jackson’s enemies. The issues of slavery and the start of the depression made him unpopular.
Depression Doldrums and the Independent Treasury
Know: Panic of 1837, Speculation, Divorce Bill, Independent Treasury
15. What caused the Panic of 1837, and what was done by the president to try and end it?
The Panice of 1837 was caused by speculation, Jacksonian finance, and failing crops. In response to the panic Van Buren created the Divorce Bill which separated the government from banking. It would create an independent treasury where the government were to keep their surplus money.
Gone to Texas
Know: Stephen Austin, Davy Crockett
16. What made Texas so appealing to Americans?
Americans were greedy for land. Stephen Austin brought immigrants to Texas. There were also many explorers like Davy Crockett.
The Lone Star Rebellion
Know: Sam Houston, Santa Anna, Alamo, W. B. Travis, Goliad, Lone Star Republic, San Jacinto
17. How did Texas, a part of Mexico settled by Americans, become independent of both?
Sam Houston was the commander in chief during Texans battle for independence. Santa Anna fought against the Texans in the Alamo, lead by W. B. Travis. The Texans screamed “Remember Goliard!”. At San Jacinto the Texans were able to free themselves of Mexico and become the Lone Star Republic.
Makers of America: Mexican or Texan?
Know: Moses Austin, Stephen Austin, Anglos
18. Did Texans ever really intend to become Mexican citizens, or did they feign allegiance to get land?
Texans feigned allegiance to get land. One example is Moses Austin. He aimed to create a colony with three hundred families. After Moses Austin’s death his brother, Stephen Austin, continued and completed his dream. Many of these settlers were Anglo.
The Log Cabins and Hard Cider of 1840
Know: Log Cabin, Hard Cider, "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too"
19. What does the election of 1840 tell you about politics and voters in America at that time?
Propoganda started playing a bigger role. William Henry Harrison was advertised as a poor farmer who lived in a log cabin and drank hard cider. This got the common people’s support. They had catchy slogans like “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too”.
The Two-Party System
20. Who were the Democrats and what did they believe? The Whigs?
The Democrats glorified individual liberty and guarded the inroads of privilege into government. They were strong supporters of states’ rights. They were more humble in general. The Whigs celebrated natural harmony and valued community. They favored banks, tariffs, internal improvements, schools, and moral reforms. They were more prosperous in general.