The Battles of

The Battles of
Jacksonian Democracy

History 103
Oct. 30, 1998

"Party attachment in former times furnished a complete antidote for sectional prejudices by producing counteracting feelings. It was not until that defence had been broken down that the clamour [against] Southern Influence and African Slavery could be made effectual in the North…. Formerly, attacks upon Southern Republicans were regarded by those of the north as assaults upon their political brethren & resented accordingly. This all powerful sympathy has been much weakened, if not destroyed…. It can & ought to be revived." --Martin Van Buren (1827)

Indian Removal

Georgia’s claim to sovereignty over Indians and their lands

Cherokees’ court challenge

Worcester v. Georgia (1832)

Jackson’s reaction to Supreme Court’s decision

Indian Removal Act (1830)

Trail of Tears

Black Hawk War (1832)

Seminole War (1835-42)

Nullification Crisis

Tariffs of 1816, 1824

"Tariff of Abominations" (1828)

South Carolina Exposition and Protest (1828)

Falling out between Calhoun and Jackson over "Peggy Eaton Affair" and other matters

Webster-Hayne Debate (1830)

Jefferson Day dinner (1830)

Tariff of 1832

South Carolina’s Ordinance of Nullification (1832)

Jackson’s Nullification Proclamation (1832)

Force Bill (1833)

Tariff of 1833

South Carolina’s repeal of Nullification Ordinance (1833)

The Bank War

Second Bank of the United States (est. 1816)

Nicholas Biddle and the Bank’s expansion

Sources of opposition to the Bank

Jackson’s views

Clay’s 1832 campaign strategy

Recharter bill (1832)

Jackson’s veto (1832)

"In the full enjoyment of the gifts of heaven, and the fruits of superior industry, economy and virtue, every man is equally entitled to protection by law; but when the laws undertake to add to these natural and just advantages artificial distinctions, to grant titles, gratuities, and exclusive privileges, to make the rich richer, and the potent more powerful, the humble members of society--the farmers, mechanics, and laborers--have neither the time nor the means of securing favors to themselves, and have the right to complain of the injustices of their government."

-- Jackson’s veto message (1832)

Jackson’s triumph in 1832 election

Removal of deposits from the Bank of the United States (1833)

"The premonitory symptoms of despotism are upon us and if Congress do[es] not apply an instantaneous and effective remedy, the fatal collapse will soon come on, and we shall die--ignobly die--base, mean, and abject slaves; the scorn and contempt of mankind; unpitied, unwept, unmourned!" --Henry Clay (1833)

Coalescence of Whig opposition
Senate’s censure of Jackson (1834)
Jackson’s protest
Specie Circular (1836)
Panic of 1837

Rise of the Second Party System

Whigs vs. Democrats

Acceptance of political parties and legitimacy of opposition

Van Buren’s triumph in 1836 election