Unit Three - Global Studies



Unit Three

The Rise (and fall) of American Nationalism

Part 7: The Age of Jefferson (1800-1816) (Reading p.180-214)

A. The Jefferson Presidency: He tried to win the allegiance of the Feds by maintaining the Bank and Hamilton’s debt-repayment plan and carried on the neutrality policy of Adams and GW (despite his earlier criticism and resignation over it). However, he did attempt to stick to his idea of limited central government. He reduced military size, eliminated federal jobs, repealed excise taxes, lowered national debt. He only put Reps on his cabinet (as this would hopefully get rid of the bickering that had taken place under GW.)

B. Jefferson’s First Term: Relatively free of trouble.

a. The Louisiana Purchase: 1800 France forced Spain to give this huge tract back to France. Napoleon’s goal was to restore the French empire in North America. By 1803, this goal was lost for two reasons:

i. Needed to concentrate French forces on fighting England

ii. Toussaint l’Ouverture’s revolt on Santo Domingo (Dom. Rep./Haiti) resulted in heavy French losses.

b. Why the U.S bought the Territory: Settlers in the west used the river, and the port of New Orleans, through Pinckney’s Treaty. However, the Spanish revoked the Treaty in 1802 (they had given back Louisiana, but still controlled New Orleans.) They revoked the right of deposit, and the American frontier folk wanted government action! TJ was concerned that as long as a foreign power held New Orleans, the US would be entangled in Euro affairs.

i. Negotiations: TJ sent ministers to France with instructions to offer up to $10 million for New Orleans (which was now under control of France). If this fails, the ministers were to go to Britain and seek a U.S. British alliance to get the port back. Napoleon decided to sell the whole territory for $15 million.

ii. Constitutional Pinch for TJ: Strict vs. loose interpretation (TJ’s basic reason for being was his insistence that if it’s not listed, the federal government can’t do it—very hypocritical.) His excuse for doing it, he said, fell under the president’s power to make treaties. The Federalists criticized (only in America) but the Republican Senate quickly ratified the purchase.

iii. Consequences: More than doubles size of US, removed a foreign presence (France), and spread the frontier beyond the Mississippi. It also strengthened TJ’s assertion that the future of the country was agriculture. Politically, it made TJ very popular and made the Feds look like a bunch of Bostonian whiners.

iv. Lewis and Clark: Expedition was approved before the purchase. Set out in 1804 from St. Louis, crossed Rockies, and ended up on the Columbia River in Oregon Territory. Returned in 1806 with the following benefits: scientific knowledge of unexplored territory, improved native relations, developed land routes and maps for fur traders. How important is it to have a frontier in America?

c. The John Marshall Court: The Federalists still controlled the court system, as these men could not be removed without impeachment. They, especially Marshall, act as a real pain in the ass for the Republicans.

i. John Marshall: A Virginian cousin of TJ, he was appointed in the final months of Adams presidency. Served for 34 years, and exerted as much power as GW. His decisions strengthened the central government, at the expense of states’ rights.

1. Marbury v. Madison: (1803) TJ ordered SecState Madison not to deliver the commissions to those federalist judges that Adams had appointed in his last days in office. William Marbury, one of the “midnight appointments,” sued for his commission as justice of the peace. Went before the Court in 1803, where Marshall ruled that Marbury had the right to his commission, according to the Judiciary Act of 1789. However, Marshall also ruled that the Judiciary Act of 1789 was itself unconstitutional because it had given more power to the Court than the Constitution allowed. What? Basically, one branch cannot force another branch to do something, this would give one branch too much power. This establishes the concept of Judicial Review. From this point on, the Supreme Court had the power to rule acts of Congress or Presidential orders unconstitutional.

2. Judicial Impeachments: TJ wants to get rid of some of these Federalist judges. He began a campaign of impeachment, and actually had two justices impeached and one of those removed from office.

a. John Pickering (district judge) was impeached and removed (insanity, but a questionable case), but Samuel Chase (Supreme Court) was impeached (too federalist, thereby slowing down progress of government) but not removed, Senate found not enough votes (2/3) to oust him) this sets the valuable precedent of not using impeachment merely as a political weapon. Imagine the possibilities with that!

b. However, this “hunt” led to the Federalist judges becoming much more moderate and nonpartisan. Also, TJ suspended the Alien and Sedition Acts, and freed those who were jailed by them (he could have used those Acts for his own gain, but chose not to.)

C. Jefferson’s Second Term: (1804) He won all but 14 of the 176 electoral votes. This term had some troubles.

i. Aaron Burr: The Republicans chose not to run Burr as VP again. Burr, having some free time, chose to become one of the bigger assholes in American history.

1. President/Vice-President Chaos: Election of 1800—goes to the House where Alexander Hamilton persuades Feds to break a deadlock and vote for TJ on 36th ballot.

2. Federalist Conspiracy: Burr secretly formed an alliance with some New England Federalists in 1804. He would run for Governor of NY, unite NY with the New England states, and then pull the whole region out of the Union. What a genius! Burr, thanks to that meddling Hamilton, lost the election and the conspiracy disappeared.

3. The Duel: Hamilton allegedly made an insulting remark about Burr at a dinner. Burr found out and challenged Hamilton to a duel in Weehawken, NJ in 1804. Hamilton fired into the air, Burr fired into Hamilton’s chest. Burr was now on the run.

4. Trial for Treason: (1806) Burr was now plotting to take Mexico from Spain, join it with Louisiana, then rule the whole thing himself. Idiot. TJ ordered the arrest of Burr. Marshall was the judge at the trial, the jury acquitted Burr because Marshall had instructed them that treason had to be proven through several witnesses, which the prosecution did not have. O.J. did it.

ii. Difficulties Abroad: TJ fights to maintain US neutrality, despite the pull from both England and France to fight.

1. Barbary Pirates: GW and Adams had paid off these Tripolitan menaces with tribute. Basically, we paid the governments of the Tripolitan states and, in exchange, they would not attack our ships. Quite mafia-like. TJ takes office and the Pasha of Tripoli wants to double the tribute. Instead of paying, TJ sends a small US naval fleet to the Med. The fighting lasted 4 years (1801-1805). US did not achieve decisive victory, but did achieve some respect and the ships were used to protect American merchants on the Med. However, after the Barbary Wars, the U.S. went back to paying the tribute until the Brits came in and helped.

2. U.S. neutrality challenged: France and Britain were engaged in the Napoleonic Wars. We were trying to trade with both sides, therefore each navy was blockading ports. Ships and cargo were seized, but the Brits were worse because they impressed sailors into service.

3. Chesapeake-Leopard Affair: (1807) Few miles off coast of Virginia, the Brit Leopard fired on American warship Leopard. Three Americans killed, 4 others impressed. Americans called for war, but TJ remained neutral and used diplomacy.

4. Embargo Act of 1807: Prohibited American merchant ships from traveling to any foreign port. Genius. The idea was that the Brits could not survive without us as a trade partner. They simply subbed supplies from South America. The effect on the U.S. economy was devastating, especially to the shipbuilding folks in New England and Virginia. Many in New England quietly talked of secession.

5. Non-Intercourse Act: (1809) TJ repealed the Embargo Act in his last days of presidency, but this Act said U.S. ships could trade with all nations except Britain and France.

D. The James Madison Presidency:

a. The Election of 1808: Madison defeats Charles Pinckney, but in Congress the Federalists gain seats thanks to the insipid Embargo Act. Madison was not a great speaker, he was a philosopher type. So in the election he actually defeated two other Republican candidates as well as the Fed. Why did Madison go from authoring the Constitution to becoming a states’ rights guy?

b. Commercial Welfare: Madison tried to stay neutral in Europe, but certain things build up to finally get the US involved in 1812.

i. Nonintercourse Act of 1809: Dumb idea. They are our two biggest trade partners. It’s like going to McDonald’s but they are not serving beef or Coke.

ii. Macon’s Bill No. 2 (1810): This bill restored US trade with Brits and Frenchies. But, it said that if one of these powers would formally respect U.S. neutral rights at sea, then we would ban trade with that country’s enemy.

iii. Napoleon’s Deception: Napoleon said he recognized out neutrality, we invoked Macon’s Bill No. 2, (an embargo on Brit goods commenced in 1811). The French kept right on seizing our ships. What a dick.

c. The War of 1812: Neither side wanted war, but both got it anyway!

i. Causes of the War: 2 basic causes from American point of view:

1. Free Seas and Trade: Both France and Britain were violating our rights, but the Brits were impressing and they controlled the Atlantic, which meant we saw and heard a lot more about them. Most Americans supported the French because they had just kicked out their own monarch. We wanted to trade, and these two assholes did not care what we wanted, they just thought they were the most important things in the world. Selfishness caused this problem.

2. Frontier Pressures: Frontiersmen wanted British Canada and Spanish Florida, and standing in their way were the Brits, the Spanish, and their native allies.

a. Example, in 1811 Tecumseh and the Prophet, Shawnee twins, attempted to set up an alliance with all native tribes east of the Mississippi. White settlers grew suspicious, so the governor of Indiana Territory, William Henry Harrison, took aggressive action. At the Battle of Tippecanoe Harrison destroyed the Shawnee HQ and ended the Indian confederacy. But, the Brits had given some supplies to these Indians, and the frontiersmen were pissed. Prophet (Tenskwatawa) was killed=curse on Harrison.

3. War Hawks: 1810 mid-term election brought in a bunch of new, aggressive Republicans to the House (many from the frontier states.) They were called war hawks because they supported war with Britain (this had won many of them their elections). Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun and others advocated war as a way of defending American honor, gaining Canada, and destroying native resistance.

4. Declaration of War: Brits were trying to get a bill through Parliament guaranteeing US neutrality rights, but they were too slow. Congress declares war days after Parliament passed a bill suspended its naval blockade. Too late, Brits have a butt-kicking coming! However, voting against the War were NY, NJ, NE.

5. Election of 1812: Despite northern opposition, Madison won reelection (defeating Dewitt Clinton of NY, he was the Federalist/Anti-War Republican candidate.)

6. Opposition to the War: “Mr. Madison’s War,” as it was know to opponents, was not real popular. Three group in particular opposed the war:

a. New England Merchants: They were making lots of money after repeal of Embargo and they saw impressments as a minor inconvenience. Also, the area was primarily Protestant, and Britain was a Protestant ally in their minds against a Catholic France.

b. Federalist Politicians: Viewed the war as a Republican scheme to conquer Canada and Florida, with ultimate aim to increase Republican voting strength.

c. “Quids”: These “old Republicans” said the war violated the classic Republican commitment to limited federal power and to the maintenance of the peace.

7. Military Defeats and Naval Victories: American victory was based upon Napoleon’s continued success in Europe and a U.S. land campaign against Canada.

a. Invasion of Canada: Not successful, easily repulsed by the Brits. Americans raided and burned the government buildings in York (Toronto) only serving to piss off the Brits and seek retaliation in DC.

b. Naval Battles: U.S.S. Constitution sunk a Brit ship off Nova Scotia, privateers were successful in attacking Brit merchant ships, while the Brit navy completely blockaded the eastern seaboard. Most important naval battle of war was Battle of Lake Erie, where 28-year-old Oliver Hazard Perry won. Wow, a battle on a lake. Later, at the battle of Thames River, Harrison’s men killed Tecumseh. Because of these and other victories on the Lakes, the Brits were forced to abandon their plan of invading NY and NY in 1814.

c. Chesapeake Campaign: 1814, Napoleon is defeated, allowing Brits to send more forces to America. Summer 1814, Brits burned DC (White House, Capitol, etc.) but Ft. McHenry held out in Baltimore.

d. Southern Campaign: Andy Jackson was kicking ass in the South. Battle of Horseshoe Bend in Alabama, Jackson destroyed the fighting spirit of the Brits best native ally, the Creeks. This also opened new lands to white settlers. The Battle of New Orleans (Jan. 8, 1815) was the first time the US defeated the Brits first team without Euro assistance, even though it took place after the Treaty of Ghent.

e. The Treaty of Ghent: Belgium, Christmas Eve, 1814.

i. Brits were tired, fighting Napoleon for 10 years, now were serving as peacekeepers in Europe, Don’t want to spread too thin.

ii. Terms of Peace:

1. Halt to fighting.

2. Return of all conquered territory to pre-war conditions.

3. Recognition of the prewar boundary between Canada and US.

4. Ratified by Senate in 1815. The treaty did nothing about those things that caused the war, but Brit war with France was over, and those conditions were now gone.

f. The Hartford Convention: Held in Dec. 1814, the Fed states wanted out (or at least to amend the Constitution.) One thing they wanted (and got) was a 2/3 vote by Congress in future war declarations. However, news quickly came (just after the Convention wrapped) about the Treaty and New Orleans, making the Feds look like a party of un-American wimps. This was the final nail in the coffin for the Federalist Party.

g. The War’s Legacy:

i. The US had now survived two wars against a major Euro power, granting the new nation respect.

ii. US recognizes Canada as a neighbor and part of the Brit empire.

iii. Federalist Party declined, even in New England.

iv. Talk of nullification and secession set a precedent that would later be used by the South.

v. Natives in West were forced to surrender lots of their land as soon as the Brits sold them out.

vi. U.S. built more factories (due to blockade) and US becomes more industrially self sufficient.

vii. A new generation of leaders was emerging, including Jackson and Harrison.

viii. American nationalism soared as a result of winning the war. There was a growing belief that the future of America lay in the West, and away from Europe.

Readings from Garraty:

“Marbury v. Madison” p. 162

“Jefferson, Adams, and the American Dialogue” p. 172

Term List, Part 7

Thomas Jefferson

Jeffersonian Vision

Noah Webster

Washington Irving

Mason Weems

Deism

Turnpike Era

Louisiana Purchase

Napoleon Bonaparte

Toussaint l’Ouverture

Strict vs. Loose Construction

Lewis and Clark expedition

Zebulon Pike

John Marshall

Judicial review

Marbury v. Madison

Samuel Chase

Aaron Burr

Burr Conspiracy

“Quids”

Barbary pirates

Barbary Wars

Neutrality

Impressment

Unitarianism

The Second Great Awakening

John Wesley

Camp Meetings

Samuel Slater

Eli Whitney

Interchangeable Parts

Chesapeake-Leopard Affair

Embargo Act

James Madison

Nonintercourse Act

Macon’s Bill No. 2

Tecumseh

The Prophet

William Henry Harrison

Battle of Tippecanoe

War hawks

Henry Clay

John C. Calhoun

War of 1812

“Rule of 1756”

“Old Ironsides”

Battle of Lake Erie

Oliver Hazard Perry

Battle of Thames River

Thomas Macdonough

Battle of Lake Champlain

Francis Scott Key

“Star Spangled Banner”

Andrew Jackson

Battle of Horseshoe Bend

Creek Nation

Battle of New Orleans

Treaty of Ghent

Hartford Convention

The Legacy of the War of 1812

Part 8: Nationalism and Economic Development (p. 216-229)

A. The Era of Good Feelings: James Monroe’s two terms in office (1817-1825) The perception is that the country was unified for the first time, Federalist Party was dying, and Republicans had support throughout the country. However, this perception was oversimplified. Debates raged over tariffs, the national bank, internal improvements, and public land sales. Sectionalist arguments over slavery were starting, and the Republicans themselves were getting ready to break up. The actual Era of Good Feelings lasted only from 1816-1819 (Panic of 1819).

a. James Monroe: Had been part of GW’s army at Valley Forge. Had served as Madison’s SecState (a prominent place from which to become president). And he continued the Virginia dynasty (4 out of first 5). Prominent legacy? The acquisition of Florida, the Missouri Compromise, and the Monroe Doctrine.

b. Cultural Nationalism: The nation was growing younger (in voting age, anyway) and these younger Americans wanted to look westward instead of back toward Europe. These people were becoming nationalists. Patriotism played a large role (Parson Mason Weems’ fictional bio of GW; the paintings of Charles Wilson Peale (naturalist painter), Gilbert Stuart (whose painting of GW was copied for the one dollar bill) and John Trumball; Noah Webster’s blue backed speller, which promoted patriotism by tying reading to history and Webster’s dictionary. This era tied nationalism and patriotism in with education. Also, Second Great Awakening kicked in 1801, it was based on Methodism and baptism. This one stressed salvation through good deeds and tolerance for all protestant sects. This revival attracted women, blacks and natives to the churches.

c. Economic Nationalism: United States wants to accomplish two basic things in this time period, somehow subsidize internal improvements and protect the budding U.S. industry from stiff Euro competition.

i. Tariff of 1816: The first protective tariff in US history. Why did we need it? To protect the newly born in the war industry in the northeast. Many of these factories were producing things previously imported from GB. There was fear that Brit goods would flood the market and drive American manufacturing to ruin. Ironically, the New England was the only section of the country to oppose this tariff, the South and West both supported it as something America needed for national prosperity.

ii. Henry Clay’s American System: Has an interest in national office, comes up with an idea to advance America’s economic growth.

1. Protective Tariffs: would promote American manufacturing and raise revenue with which you could pay for internal improvements.

2. A National Bank: Would keep this system running smoothly by providing a national currency.

3. Internal Improvements: Build a national federally funded and constructed roads and canals.

4. Benefits: tariffs would benefit the East, internal improvements would benefit growth in the West and South, and the Bank would help everybody. Two of these were already in operation by 1816, the protective tariff of 1816 and the chartering of the Second Bank of the US (the first Bank’s charter had been allowed to expire by TJ in 1811).

5. Problems: Madison and Monroe both agreed that the Constitution did not allow for federal spending for internal improvements. Both thought this was a state issue. Monroe continually vetoed canal and road building bills passed by Congress.

iii. The Panic of 1819: Caused when the Bank of the US tightened credit in an effort to control inflation. Leads to deflation, unemployment, bank closings, bankruptcies, and men sent to debtors’ prison. The depression was most severe in the West where land was bought on credit. Banks were foreclosing on people’s farms, causing many westerners to call for the end of the Bank and debtors’ prisons.

iv. Political Changes: The Republicans were changing.

1. Some, like John Randolph, wanted the old Republican party of limited national government. However, most Republicans adopted the old Federalist program of a large standing army, a national bank, etc (all the old things that Hamilton had devised.)

2. Some made political statements that they would later regret. (Ex: Daniel Webster voted against the Tariffs of 1816 and 1824, only to go for a much higher one in 1828 (sectionalism.) Calhoun started out as a nationalist Republican who would radically change those views. )

3. The 2-term tradition ended Monroe’s presidency, and the Election of 1824 tore the Republicans apart.

v. Marshall Court decisions: Although Republican president’s had appointed Republican justices to the Supreme Court, when they got to the court they grew to understand that the central government must be sovereign over the states.

1. Fletcher v. Peck: (1810)-Georgia-a state could not pass legislation invalidating a contract. This is the first time a state law had been found unconstitutional by the SC.

2. Martin v. Hunter’s Lessee: (1816)- SC has jurisdiction over state courts in cases involving constitutional rights.

3. Dartmouth College v. Woodward: (1819)-New Hampshire tried to change Dartmouth from a private college into a public one. Marshall said a state could not alter the contract of a private corporation.

4. McCulloch v. Maryland: (1819)-Does Congress have the power to create a Bank, even though Constitution did not mention it? And, could a state place a tax on a federally created bank? Maryland wanted to tax the Second Bank of the US. Marshall said the federal government had the implied power to create a bank, but a state could not tax a federal institution because the “power to tax is the power to destroy” and federal laws are supreme over state laws.

5. Cohens v. Virginia: (1821)- The Cohens were convicted of selling Washington D.C. lottery tickets which were authorized by Congress. Marshall upheld the conviction, the major point being that the SC could review a state court’s decision involving any powers of the federal government (in this case, the selling of the tix.)

6. Gibbons v. Ogden: (1821)-Federal control of interstate commerce. NY had tried to grant a monopoly to a steamboat company. Since this traffic as not just limited to NY, the federal government declared the monopoly unconstitutional.

vi. Western Settlement and the Missouri Compromise: by 1821 the population in the West had doubled.

1. Reasons for Westward Movement:

a. Taking of native lands (Harrison and Jackson, etc.)

b. Economic Pressures: Tough economic conditions in the East brought on by embargo and war caused many to move west for fresh start.

c. Improved Transportation: Roads, canals, steamboats and railroad. Erie Canal was opened in 1825 connecting NY with the Great Lakes. It, along with the Cumberland Road (aka the National Road, constructed 1811-1850, first highway built by the national government, stretched from Maryland to Illinois. Overland shipping brings the west and north closer together.), helped to connect the North and the West, leaving the South out in the cold.

d. Immigrants: Offers of cheap land in the Great Lakes, Cumberland, and Mississippi River areas attracted them. By 1820, minimum 80 acre lots were selling for $1.25 per acre. This is not as cheap as back in 1796 when you could get up to minimum 640 acres at $2.00 an acre. Of course, New Englanders opposed this cheap land giveaway because they were not seeing the money from the sales, nor were they attached to any of this unexplored acreage.

2. New Questions and Issues:

a. Western Interests: Three basic things people in the West wanted:

i. “Cheap money”-meaning, they wanted easy credit from state banks instead of the National Bank.

ii. Low land prices, courtesy of the government.

iii. Improved transportation

iv. Slavery-westerners disagreed on it. Southerners supported it for cotton labor. Missouri’s application for statehood in 1819 heated up the issue.

3. The Missouri Compromise: Since 1791 the Congress had attempted a sectional balance (North and South.) However, by 1818 the North had a population advantage over the South, leading to a 105-81 advantage in the House. The Senate was even at 11 states each. This way, southern senators could still block laws that were disadvantageous to them.

a. Missouri had slavery. North obviously opposed this. It was also the first of the Louisiana Purchase territories to apply. What they decide here could establish slavery or non-slavery in the whole territory.

b. Tallmadge amendment: NY’s James Tallmadge introduced this bill in House. It would do two things:

i. Prohibited future introduction of slaves into Missouri.

ii. Required the children of Missouri slaves to be emancipated at age 25. This would lead to the gradual ending of slavery in Missouri.

iii. The bill was defeated in Senate, and it caused sectionalism to burst because it showed Southerners what the true aim of the North was. This bill caused such a stir that Henry Clay had to step in with a compromise to hold off a deeper crisis.

c. Henry Clay’s Proposal: (the compromise)-

i. Missouri would be a slave state

ii. Maine a free state

iii. Slavery prohibited north of 36’ 30” in rest of Louisiana Territory.

iv. The aftermath: This compromise placed sectionalism on the backburner for the next 50 years, allowing the country to mature and establish its legitimacy. However, after this the Era of Good Feelings was over, and many (especially in the South), felt more loyalty to their state than to their country.

4. Foreign Affairs: Monroe was very aggressive in asserting a strong American foreign policy. For example, in 1815 he sent Stephen Decatur to force the rulers of North Africa to stop the Barbary Pirate crap for good.

a. Canada:

i. Rush-Bagot Treaty of 1817: agreement between the US and GB over Canada. It disarmed both countries along the border, especially on the Great Lakes, leading to the border between those two countries being the longest unfortified border in the world.

ii. Treaty of 1818: another U.S./GB treaty, which proves that these two countries are finally starting to maintain healthy relations. It said three basic things:

1. Shared fishing rights off coast of Newfoundland

2. joint occupation of Oregon territory for ten years.

3. Established the 49th parallel as the border between US and Canada, specifically in Louisiana Territory.

b. Florida: Following the War of 1812, the Spanish grip on Florida loosened because the Spanish troops there were called to South America to quell rebellions. This led to Florida becoming a haven for Seminoles, runaway slaves, and outlaw Americans who would attack white settlements in the U.S. and then run back over the border where they were “untouchable.” Not with AJ around!

i. In late 1817, Monroe authorized General Jackson to stop the attackers, and pursue them into Florida if necessary. 1818 Jackson led a militia into Florida, destroyed Seminole villages, hanged two chiefs, drove the Spanish governor out of Pensacola, and executed two Brit traders accused of helping the Seminoles. Many in Congress were afraid this would cause a war with Britain or Spain, but when Monroe came out in support of Jackson’s doings, both countries decided not to intervene. What is a general’s boundary (HST/Mac, etc.)?

ii. Florida Purchase Treaty (1819): Fearing they were going to lose Florida anyway, Spain decided to get the best deal possible while they could. US gets Florida, plus all Spanish interest in Oregon, in exchange for US assumption of $5 million debt that Spain owed and US gave up all territorial claims to Spanish Texas.

c. Causes of the Monroe Doctrine: Following the defeat of Napoleon, democracy was out of style in Europe, as monarchies were springing up again (France, Spain, GB, Russia). Those countries even got together and suppressed democratic leanings in Italy and Spain. (Sort of a containment policy for the 19th century!!) Meanwhile, several of Spain’s holdings in South America had recently declared their independence and set up their own democracies. The US did not want more European powers in this hemisphere, and the Brits id not like the Russian expansion from Alaska down to a small base in San Francisco.

i. British Initiative: The Doctrine was actually a British idea. Here was the plan: The Brits did not want Spain to gain more power again in South America because the Brits were now trading with these independent countries. Money money money! So the Brit foreign secretary George Canning suggested to American minister to London Richard Rush that the U.S. and GB should issue a joint warning to stay out, with the complete backing of the Brit navy.

ii. American Response: Most of Monroe’s cabinet agreed, except for SecStae JQ Adams, who said three basic things:

1. If the US issues such a proclamation on its own, the Brits would surely back it anyway

2. If we issue it with Britain as a co-author, it would limit our own expansion.

3. No Euro power would risk going to war over South America, especially if the Brit navy is involved. In short, Adams was counting on British agreement.

4. Adams wrote the document, and the Brits went along with it.

iii. The Monroe Doctrine: announced in his state of the union type address in Dec., 1823.

1. Basically said that the American continents are no longer to e seen or used as subjects of colonization of European powers.

2. US was opposed to any Euro interference in any republic in the hemisphere.

3. Effect: European monarchs were pissed, but could do nothing due to the Brit navy. The Brits, especially Canning, were pissed because they were now on the list of “not welcome.” But, they still had vast trade interests here and would use the navy to protect them. At the time, the words were a bit hollow, but they would grow, especially as America begins to become more involved in international affairs.

5. A National Economy: The industrial revolution of the mid 1800s pretty much swept away TJ’s hopes for an agrarian based society. As the national economy was growing, the maid items of the day were the National Bank, tariffs, and internal improvements.

a. Population Growth: population doubled from 1800-1825, doubled again from 1825-1850. High birthrate and mega-immigration (particularly GB and Germans.) Blacks and natives gained as well, but overall their population was reduced from 20% of total population in 1790 to 15% by 1850. (Importation of slaves had been banned after 1808.) By 1830s, 1/3 of population lived west of the Allegheny Mountains. Old and new urban areas were growing rapidly.

b. Transportation: In order to be an industrial giant, you have to have transportation for goods, raw materials, and people.

i. Roads: Lancaster Turnpike (1790s-Pennsylvania)-connected Philly with the rich farmlands around Lancaster. Its success led to similar short toll roads around the country. Very profitable and good for business. However, states’ rights people blocked the idea of federal spending on federal roads. So, roads that crossed state lines were unusual. The National Road was an exception. It was a paved highway from Maryland to Illinois. Begun in 1811 and finished in the 1850s, using state and federal money, with each state owning its own section of the highway.

ii. Canals: Erie Canal completed in 1825. Significant because it banded the western farmers together with the eastern manufacturers. Its success led to a frenzy of canal building, in the coming decade, all the major rivers and lakes east of the Mississippi were connected by canals. This led to lower food prices in the east, as transportation became easier. It also meant that there were more immigrants settling in the west, as western farming became more profitable. It also tied together the northeast and west.

iii. Steamboats: Era began in 1807 with the voyage of the Clermont up the Hudson River. This was a product of Robert Fulton. These ships made round trip transportation of people and good much cheaper and much easier.

iv. Railroads: Began in the US in the late 1820s, even more economically viable than roads and canals. Unsafe at first, by the 1830s they were competing with canals. Canals, railroads, and steamboats made big cities out of what had been small frontier towns (Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Chicago.)

c. Growth of Industry: At start of 19th century, America had hardly any manufacturing. By mid-century, it had surpassed agriculture. By centuries end, the U.S. was the largest manufacturing country in the world. How was this accomplished? Several factors combined:

i. Mechanical inventions: Patent laws allowed people to get rich through invention. Great motivation! Eli Whitney invented not only the cotton gin (in 1793, for which he got very little but created a cotton kingdom), he also invented a system for making rifles out of interchangeable parts during War of 1812. This became the basis for mass production methods in the northern factories.

ii. Corporations for Raising Capital: An 1811 NY law made it easier for a business to incorporate and raise money for itself by selling stocks. Other states followed, now the owners of a corporation risked only the amount of money that they invested.

iii. Factory System: Samuel Slater came from England and built America’s first factory in 1791 (he kept his ideas all in his head.) With the embargo act, the War, and the tariffs, factories flourish. By 1820s, New England was the leading manufacturing center. Why? They had waterpower required and seaports to export. Also, naval construction was falling out of business, which meant people had some money that they wanted to invest elsewhere. Last, farming in the region was declining, which means there is plenty of labor in supply. As the factory system grows and spreads in the Northeast, banking and insurance follow.

iv. Labor: At first it was hard to find workers because the factories were competing with cheap land in the West. Lowell (Massachusetts) System (recruiting young farm women and housing them in company dorms—textile mills) started to spread around in the 1830s. Child labor also used, as young as 7. Immigrants didn’t get factory jobs in large numbers until mid-century.

v. Unions: Started in 1790s and grew as factories grew. Skilled workers had to get factory jobs because their own privately owned shops had been run out of business by the lower-priced, mass-producing factories. Low pay, long hours and bad conditions led to more union membership. Obstacles to union success: immigrant replacement workers, state laws outlawing unions and frequent economic depressions with high unemployment.

d. Commercial Agriculture: Becomes more commercial in early 1800s and less subsistence. In other words, it was all about the cash crops. Why?

i. Cheap land and easy credit: western land was cheap and available, state banks provided low interest rates on loans.

ii. Markets: Canals and railroads gave farmers new markets. Can send crops to east, not just downstream to the South like in the old days.

e. Cotton and the South: Cotton Gin in 1793 changed everything. Can now separate seeds from cotton, which makes cotton more profitable. Cotton was primarily shipped off to GB. Any extra money was used to buy more land in Alabama or Mississippi, on which to grow more cotton. The capital that comes in was invested in slaves, which would bring in more capital. Problem here is that the southerners tie a lot of their money into slavery and not factories or stocks. This is one of the major reasons why the South does not want to get rid of slavery. Their investments would simply walk away.

f. Society: All of these things (growth of cities, industrialization, etc.) lead to the end of self-sufficient households and moves toward people depending on others. Farmers fed the cities, cities provided farmers with needed equipment and mass-produced goods. Standard of living increased for most Americans.

i. Women: No longer working next to hubby on family farm. In the cities, women had two basic options: they could teach or be a maid. Lowell type jobs were uncommon, and most working women were single. When they married they quit working and became housewives. On the other hand, arranged marriages were more uncommon, as women were beginning to make their own decisions. However, they still couldn’t vote or hold certain jobs.

ii. Economic and social mobility: Wages were increasing, but the gap between rich and poor widened. However, social mobility (moving up in economic level and social status) was much more possible in America than Europe. However, very, very few went from rags to riches.

iii. Slavery: The idea at the turn of the century was that slavery would gradually disappear. Why? Because the land in the South was being overused and depleted and the ban on importation in 1808. However, these hopes died with the cotton gin and the spread westward. This would be the one tough issue that left people on either one side or the other.

Suggested Readings: Garraty

“Religion on the Frontier” p. 194

“The Education of Women” p. 205

“Prison Reform In America” p. 228

“Black Slaveowners” p. 236

“Everyday Life Before the Civil War” p. 216

Term List, Part 8

Era of Good Feelings

Nationalism

Sectionalism

James Monroe

Nationalism (cultural and economic)

Tariff of 1816

Protective tariff

Henry Clay’s American System

Second Bank of the US

Panic of 1819

John C. Calhoun

Old Northwest

John Marshall

Fletcher v. Peck

McCulloch v. Maryland

Dartmouth College v. Woodward

Gibbons v. Ogden

Implied powers

Tallmadge Amendment

Missouri Compromise

Stephen Decatur

Rush-Bagot Treaty

Treaty of 1818

John Quincy Adams

Adams-Onis Treaty

Andrew Jackson

Florida Purchase Treaty

Monroe Doctrine

Lancaster Turnpike

National (Cumberland) Road

Erie Canal

Robert Fulton

Steamboats

Railroads

Eli Whitney

Interchangeable parts

Corporations

Samuel Slater

Factory system

Lowell System

Textile mills

Industrialization

Specialization

Unions

Cotton gin

Plantation System

Santa Fe Trail

Fur Trade

Transcontinental Treaty

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia

“New two-party system”

Tariff of Abominations

Corrupt Bargain

Part 9: Sectionalism 1820-1850 (read p. 260-295)

A. The North: Two sections in the North, the Northeast (Pa-NE) and the Northwest (Oh-MN). These areas were tied together by roads, canals, turnpikes, RR, economically, commercial farming, and industrial innovation. Majority of northerners still involved in ag. High birthrate and high immigration led to North having a larger population.

a. Industrial Northeast: By the 1830s the Industrial revolution had moved from textile industry to farm equipment, clocks, shoes, etc. (see table on p. 167-AMSCO)

i. Labor: People who used to be independent farmers were now wage earners. Low pay, long hours, bad conditions led to the organization of various local unions and local political parties. America’s first labor party sprouted up in Philly in 1828, electing a few men to the local city council.

1. Commonwealth v. Hunt: (1842)-a victory for unions-said “peaceful unions” had right to negotiate labor contracts with employers. Most states passed 10-hour workdays in 1840s and 50s, but Three conditions still led to trouble for workers: Periodic depressions, Court hostility to unions, and an abundant supply of cheap labor.

ii. Urban Life: Urban population in north grew from 5% in 1800 to 15% by 1850, leading to growing slums, poor sanitation, disease, high crime rates, and crowded houses. People still kept coming, though, because there were jobs.

iii. Blacks: In 1860, 250,000 blacks lived in North, making up 1% of the population there. But that number represented 50% of all the free blacks in the US. They were not allowed to vote, own land, or hold skilled jobs. Immigrants took their jobs, leading blacks to be used as strikebreakers on many occasions.

b. Agricultural Northwest: (The Old Northwest)-six states west of the Alleghenies pre-1860 (OH, MN, IN, IL, MI, WI). These states were settled in accordance with the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. Prior to the 1850s, these states had large unsettled frontiers, but by mid-century the region was closely tied to the Northeast because of two basic reasons: First, military campaigns by the federal troops that drove out Natives and, secondly, the building of canals and railroads that created common markets between the East Coast and the Great Lakes.

i. Agriculture: Old Northwest featured profitable wheat and corn. They used newly invented steel plows and mechanical reapers, which led to more acreage being used plus a larger surplus of grains. The grain was then quickly shipped to urban centers for sale. Extra grain was used to feed livestock, or make whiskey or beer.

c. Immigration: Between 1830s and 1850s nearly 4 million people came to America from Northern Europe. Arriving in Boston, NY, and Philly, they either stayed there or traveled to the Old Northwest and started up small farms. South was off limits due to slavery (no need for workers) and the plantation economy limited the need for free labor.

i. Why this surge in immigration? Inexpensive and rapid ocean transportation, famines and revolutions in Europe, and the US was developing a reputation as a country offering economic opportunities and political freedom. These immigrants help the US in two major ways: they provide cheap labor for an economy that needs it, and they provided a market for the mass-produced consumer goods of the Northeast.

ii. Irish: Half of the immigrants from this time (around 2 million) came from Ireland. Potato famine of the 1840s, they had limited farming skills, no money, and no other skills. Discriminated against upon arrival (Roman Catholic), they competed with blacks for the most unskilled jobs available. Also used as strikebreakers, which endeared them to no one. They lived where they landed, and usually in their own neighborhoods (NY, Boston, etc). Only when they entered local politics (almost always Democrats) did they eventually get a fair shake. For example, they were shut out of joining Tammany Hall in the 1830s, but by the 1880s they controlled this organization.

iii. Germans: Over a million Germans came to America during this time. Why? Because of the political revolutions and economic hardships in that area at that time. Most Germans had a little money, and had some farming or artisan skills. Most settled as farmers in the Old Northwest. Most eventually became very strong supporters of public education and staunch anti-slavery.

iv. Nativists: People who were afraid that these immigrants would take jobs and weaken the power of the Anglo majority in America. The nativists were protestants who distrusted the Roman Catholics (Irish and most of the Germans). Rioting in big cities was not uncommon in the 40s, and the founding of the Supreme Order of the Star Spangled Banner which turned into a political party in the 1850s (Know Nothings, American Party). This Nativism died out with the Civil War and its causes, but resurfaces whenever America attracts high numbers of immigrants.

B. The South: (those states that permitted slavery

a. Agriculture and King Cotton: Ag was the basis of the southern economy. However, by 1850s 15% of the nation’s manufactured goods were coming from the region. Cash crops included rice, tobacco and sugarcane, but these were far outdone by cotton. Why cotton? The development of mechanized textile mills in England and Eli Whitney’s cotton gin made cotton cloth affordable and cotton profitable. Before 1860, the world depended on British production of cotton clothing, and Britain depended on southern cotton. Starting in SC and Georgia, the cotton Kingdom spread to Alabama, Miss., La., and TX. Cotton depleted the soil, so more land was always needed. By 1850s, cotton provided 2/3 of all US exports and tied the South to Great Britain. Why is slavery required?

b. Slavery: “The Peculiar Institution”-Wealth in the South was determined by land and slave ownership. Slaves were property, although most southerners did treat the slaves like humans. They grew weary of constantly defending slavery, growing even defensive about it. Southerners even tried to convince critics that slavery was good for both slave and master, based on historic evidence.

i. Population: Slave pop. Went from 1 million in 1800 to 4 million by 1860. Why? Cotton. Thanks, Eli! Most of this was accomplished by natural reproduction, but there was some smuggling as well (violation of the Congressional Agreement of 1808.) In many parts of the Deep South, slaves made up 75% of the population. This led to a fear of slave revolts and increases in restrictions.

ii. Economics: Most slaves labored in fields, but many became skilled workers or house servants. Many slaves were sold “down the river” to the cotton fields of the Deep South, with their value up to $2,000 by 1860. This heavy investment in slavery led to the South having no money to invest in manufacturing, etc.

iii. Slave Life: Blacks became very close to each other, as a result of going through this traumatic experience.

iv. Resistance: Work slowdowns, sabotage, escape and revolt. A few major ones, including Denmark Vesey in 1822 and Nat Turner in 1831. They ended quickly and ended up making conditions much worse for blacks left behind. Strict slave codes developed, while up North people grew opposed to this cruel treatment of slaves.

v. Free Blacks: By 1860 there were 250,000 free blacks in South. Many won emancipation for fighting in Revolution, mulatto children were freed by white fathers, others purchased their freedom (got paid from extra work or through skilled work.) Many lived in cities and owned property, but not equal to whites. Could not vote or hold certain jobs, had to show legal papers and were sometimes kidnapped by slave catchers. Why stay in the South? That’s where family was, and who was to say the North would provide a job for them?

vi. White Society: The Hierarchy in the South:

1. Aristocracy: The elite group of wealthy planters, had to own at least 100 slaves and operate at least 1,000 acres. This “planter aristocracy” maintained power by dominating the state legislatures, and enacting laws that favored their economic interests.

2. Farmers: Had fewer than 20 slaves. These guys worked alongside their slaves in the cotton fields and lived quite modestly.

3. Poor Whites: Made up ¾ of the south’s population. They owned no slaves, lived in the hills and were subsistence farmers. “Hillbillies” or “poor white trash,” they were called by the higher ups. Although the system did not allow them to move up easily, they still embraced slavery because it made them superior to something on the social scale.

4. Mountain People: Small farmers who lived in isolation from the rest of the South. Appalachian and Ozark mountains. Disliked planters and the idea of slaves, during the CW many fought for the Union (including Andrew Johnson of Tennessee.

5. Cities: Limited number of major cities, due to the South being primarily an agrarian region. Only New Orleans was in the top 15 US cities in 1860. Even Atlanta and Atlanta were considered small when compared with northern cities.

vii. Southern Thought: As European nations were banning slavery, and as Northerners began to attack it, the Southern mindset was to stubbornly defend it. Became a very defensive situation.

1. Code of chivalry: The South was almost like feudalism, where the aristocratic white males defended women, had high personal honor, and a paternalistic treatment of all who were inferior, including slaves.

2. Education: Upper class valued higher education more than northerners. Acceptable professions for upper crust southern boys were limited to farming, law, ministry and the military. For lower classes, education beyond the basics was rare. Slaves were restricted completely from education (lingering condition—white man’s burden?)

3. Religion: Methodists and Baptists grew, mainly due to the fact that both encouraged slavery. Catholics and Episcopalians were neutral on slavery, and their enrollments declined.

C. The West: by the mid 1800s, the West was the area beyond the Mississippi to California and Oregon.

a. Natives: they weren’t real hot on moving West.

i. Exodus: by 1850, vast majority of natives were living west of Mississippi, on the Great Plains. This would be temporary.

ii. Life on the Plains: The Spanish brought horses to America in the 1500s, and by this time the natives were using them religiously. Many tribes were nomadic and followed the buffalo (which is easier with horses.) Others became farmers. Both styles learned to defend themselves against encroachment.

b. The frontier: The concept of the frontier was the same, although the actual frontier was constantly changing. The West represented a do-over, for those who had the guts to go. The West promised greater freedom and equality. There was no aristocracy out there yet. Even minority groups could get a new start.

i. Mountain Men: Guides and pathfinders who had followed Lewis and Clark into the region. They helped pioneers cross the Rockies, and occasionally ate them. They were also trappers and traders, and oftentimes had positive relations with natives.

ii. White settlers on the western frontier: Day started at sunrise and ended at sunset, much like early colonial life. Log cabins or worse, most died early from disease, malnutrition or native attack.

iii. Women: On the frontier they were doctors, teachers, seamstresses, cooks, assisted their husbands in the fields, bore children and died young. Fun!

iv. Environmental Damage: White settlers cleared forests and destroyed the soil through overuse. Buffalo and beaver were decimated by overkill as well. Idiots.

Term List, Part 9:

Sectionalism

Daniel Webster

Industrial Revolution

Unions

Urbanization

Urban life

New cities

Irish

Potato famine

Germans

Old Northwest

Immigration

Nativists

American Party

Supreme Order of the Star-Spangled Banner

King Cotton

“peculiar institution”

Denmark Vesey

Nat Turner

Slavery

Free Blacks

Planters

Poor whites

Mountain people

Aristocracy

The West

The Frontier

Native Removal

Great Plains

White settlers

Environmental damage

Mercantile Economy

Agrarian Economy

Market Economy

Free Labor

Factory System

Erie Canal

Native American Party

Federal land grants

Samuel F.B. Morse

Horace Greeley’s Tribune

Corporations

The factory system

Merchant capitalists

Skilled artisans/unskilled workers

Turnpike Era

Steamboats

Dewitt Clinton

Hudson River

Baltimore and Ohio

Interstate Highways

Part 10: Jacksonian America (1824-1840) (p. 260-295)

A. The Era of the Common Man:

a. Rise of a Democratic Society

i. Alexis de Tocqueville-visited America in the 1830s and wrote a book about his travels (Democracy In America)—he noticed the American Plan, where people of all different classes ate together in restaurants, hotels, etc. America did not have the class system of Europe and it was evident in all walks of life. This did not apply to minorities, of course. However, the idea of the “self-made man” was born in the U.S.

ii. Politics of the common man: state suffrage law were changing from 1824-1840…more white males were allowed to vote (from 350,000 in ’24 to 2.4 million in ’40). Also contributing to this change was changes in political parties, new campaign methods, growth in newspaper circulation and education.

iii. Universal Male Suffrage: western states were allowing all white males to vote. Eastern states followed (roughly in the 1820s and 30s). Office could also be held at this time by more people.

iv. Party Nominating Conventions: In the old days, political leaders nominated candidates either by state legislatures or in a “King Caucus” (a behind closed doors meeting in Congress). Common man had no role. This changes in the 1830s. Nominating conventions become the norm. The Anti-Masons started this trend. More open to popular participation, thus getting more involved.

v. Popular Election of the President: People voted for the electors (with the exception of South Carolina)

vi. Two party system: Campaigns move to a national scale, making the two parties bigger and more powerful.

vii. Rise of the third Party: Whigs and Democrats during Jackson period, but third parties emerge. Anti-Masonic party (attacked the secret society of the Masons, said they belonged to a privileged antidemocratic elite), Workingmen’s Party reached out to people who previously were not interested in politics.

viii. More elected offices: More elected, fewer appointed during Jacksonian period. Gave voters more voice and more interest in participation.

ix. Popular Campaigning: Campaigns are aimed at the normal guy, with parades, floats, bands, rallies, free food and drink. And negative attacks as well.

x. Spoils System and rotation of officeholders: Jackson believed in rewarding those members of the Democratic party who had supported him. Called spoils system because it promoted political corruption. He also believed in a rotation system, so that he could get the maximum number of Democrats into office…serve a few years and rotate. Jackson said this was a reform, but he would only appoint Democrats. What’s the difference? Jackson also believed that ordinary Americans were capable of holding any govt. office. These two areas help to solidify the two-party system.

B. Jackson vs. Adams (1824)

a. Jacksonian Era actually begins before Jackson’s election. His pressure on the Adams presidency forces many changes that he was responsible for (specifically, voting rights.)

b. The Election of 1824: 4 candidates for the Republican Party (JQA, Jax, William Crawford, and Clay)—each candidate representing a different section of the country, with the exception of Jackson who was the common man’s choice.

i. Jackson won the most popular votes, but the 4-way split caused no majority in electoral votes. Top three candidates go to House. Clay is excused and Crawford suffers a stroke. Clay offers his support to JQA in exchange for the SecState position. JQA wins and Jax is pissed. “Corrupt Bargain.”

c. President Adams: wanted money for internal improvements, aid to manufacturing, national university and an observatory. Jax calls this a waste of money and against the constitution. In 1828, Adams Congress put together a new tariff which pissed off southern plantation owners, who called it the “tariff of abominations.”

d. Revolution of 1828: Dirty campaigning (Jax said Adams wife was born out of wedlock, Adams countered with calling Jackson’s wife an adulterer. His wife, Rachel, died during the campaign, leaving Jax bitter and pissed at Adams.) These tactics brought out the voters, as three times the number of people voted in this election than in 1824 (also due to relaxed voting requirements for white males.) Jax won easily based on popularity, not his stand on any issues.

C. Andrew Jackson Presidency (1829-1837) Different from his predecessors in that he dominated politics for eight years and became a symbol of the working man “common man.” Became a wealthy planter and slave owner in Tennessee after his military success, chewed tobacco, fought several duels, had a violent temper. First prez since GW to not have a college education. He was “an extraordinary ordinary man.” He was also a “self-made man.”

a. Changing Role of the President: He presented himself as the protector of the common man against abuses of power by the rich and privileged. He was a frugal Jeffersonian who opposed increasing national spending and the national debt. Narrow interpreter of the powers of Congress, vetoed more bills (12) than the total vetoes by the previous six. Vetoed money for the Maysville Road because it was wholly within one state, Kentucky (home of his rival, Henry Clay—coincidence?)

b. Peggy Eaton Affair: Peggy O’Neale Eaton was the wife of his SecWar, John Eaton. Eaton’s wife had once been involved with several young Congressmen in DC, and the other cabinet wives would not associate with her at galas, etc. Remembering the death of his wife, he was determined to defend Eaton. Jax forced the cabinet to get their wives accept her, and the cabinet resigned in protest. John C. Calhoun, his VP, would resign a year later over the issue. Martin van Buren, who remained loyal to Jax during this time, was rewarded as the new VP.

c. Indian Removal Act (1830): He supported whites taking Indian land. He felt it was humane to compel the Indians to remove themselves to the West. Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced this removal to west of the Mississippi, affecting thousands. By 1835, most eastern tribes had moved west. The Bureau of Indian Affairs was created in 1836 to assist with this resettlement.

d. Georgia and the Indians: Georgia passed laws requiring the removal of the Cherokee. Cherokee sued, they had Americanized themselves and had basically jumped through every hoop they were supposed to jump through. However, in Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831), the US Supreme Court ruled that the Cherokee were not a nation that had the right to sue in federal court. But, in a second case the following year, (Worcester v. Georgia) the US SC ruled that the laws of Georgia had no force within the boundaries of the Cherokee territory (meaning: Georgia could not force them to move as technically they were not living in Georgia, but as part of “Cherokee Nation.”) A clear clash between state’s laws and the federal courts, Jax sides with the states, saying “John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it.” The Settlement of 1835, which granted the Cherokee land in the West, was repudiated by most Cherokee. Not until 1838, with Jax out of office, did the federal government come through and force the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears (north Georgia to Oklahoma-about 900 miles), killing over 4,000 of the 15,000 who started the trek.

e. The Nullification Crisis: Jax favored states’ rights, but not if it would lead to disunion. In 1828, South Carolina declared the tariff of abominations to be unconstitutional. Calhoun is behind it, using his nullification theory (based on Virginia and KY Resolutions during Adams prez)

i. Webster-Hayne Debate (1830)- Daniel Webster of Mass. and Robert Hayne of SC in Senate debated on nature of federal union under Constitution. Webster attacked the nullification theory and secession. Jackson, at a political dinner later, announced his position by saying, “Our federal union, it must be preserved.” Calhoun responded with “The Union, next to our liberties, most dear.” An ominous prelude to the Civil War.

ii. Nullification Crisis: Calhoun turns up the heat in 1832 when he not only tries to nullify the tariffs of ’28 and ’32. Basically, South Carolina’s legislature passed a resolution forbidding the collection of tariffs within the state. Jax reacted quickly, telling SecWar to prepare for invasion. Congress is persuaded by Jax to pass a Force Bill which would give the prez authority to go into SC. Jax issued a Proclamation to the People of South Carolina, which stated that nullification and disunion were treason. Jax (and Clay) left the door open for diplomacy by calling for a reduced tariff. SC reacted by postponing mollification and then rescinding, after Congress passed a new tariff that would reduce over time. Federal victory over states’ rights.

iii. Jackson gave in to the South however when it came to abolition. He forbade abolitionists from using the federal postal system to send their literature. Democracy did not extend to slaves.

f. Bank Veto: The bank was privately owned but the government’s money was stored there. It attempted to provide a cushion from the ups and downs of the national economy. Nicolas Biddle, the bank president, was a very effective manager. However, his arrogance contributed to the suspicion that the bank abused its powers and served the interests of the wealthy. Jackson hated Biddle and the Bank. He thought the Bank unconstitutional. Clay favored the Bank. In 1832, an election year, Clay persuaded pals in Congress to recharter the Bank early, making it a campaign issue. Clay clearly misjudged the American public. Jackson vetoed the bill, denouncing the bank as a private monopoly that enriched the wealthy and foreign investors while hurting the common man. He called it the “Hydra of Corruption.” Jackson won the election with more than ¾ of the national vote.

g. The Two-Party System: Supporters of Jackson were now known as Democrats, ending the one-party era under Monroe. Henry Clay led the Whigs (opponents of Jackson). The Democratic Party had a lot in common with the old Jeffersonians, while the Whigs were the old Federalists.

h. Democrats: Position on Issues: Favored local rule, limited govt., free trade, equal economic opportunity (for white males). Opposed: National Bank, monopolies, high tariffs, high land prices. Base of Voter Support: Southerners, westerners, small farmers, urban workers.

i. Whigs: Favored: Clay’s American System. Opposed: immorality, vice and crime which many blamed on immigrants. Base of Voter Support: New Englanders and residents of Mid-Atlantic and upper Midwest states, Protestants of old English stock, middle class urban professionals.

D. Jackson’s Second Term: Now Jax has to deal with his opposition to the Bank

a. Pet Banks: Vetoed the charter of the National Bank and then withdrew all federal funds. SecTreas Roger Taney helped him transfer funds into state banks, which his critics called “pet banks.”

b. Specie Circular: Because of Jackson’s various financial policies AND feverish land speculation in the western lands, prices for land and various good became inflated. To fight this trend, Jackson issued the Specie Circular (a presidential, or executive, order.) It required that all future purchases of federal land be made in gold and silver rather than paper banknotes. As banknotes begin to lose their value and land sales plummet, a financial crisis ensues (Panic of 1837). The nation falls into depression. Good going, Jax. But he hands it over to Martin van Ruin.

E. Election of 1836: Jax handpicks van Buren, a master of practical politics but walking into a maelstrom.

a. Whigs are afraid they will lose, so they nominate three candidates from three sections, hoping to throw the election to the House where each state had one vote for the election. Van Buren takes 58%!

F. Van Buren Presidency: Inherits the Panic of 1837. Bank after bank was closed down. Whigs blamed Jackson’s laissez faire economics and the lack of control the federal government had over the economy. Could have learned a lesson for the 1920s here!

G. Election of 1840: Voters were pissed about the economy and blamed the Dems. Whigs nominate William Henry Harrison, war hero, and John Tyler. The Whigs placed log cabins on wheels and paraded them down streets to show Harrison’s humble beginnings, and passed out hard cider and buttons. Hence, the nickname given to this Whig campaign “the log cabin and hard cider campaign.” Whigs viciously attacked Martin “van Ruin” as an aristocrat who liked foreign wines.

a. 78% voter turnout, popular vote was even, but electoral vote went to Harrison in all three section of the country. Whigs become a true national party.

b. Harrison takes ill shortly after inauguration and dies in a month. Tyler replaces and infuriates his own party.

Terms Part 10

Common man

Universal male suffrage

Party nominating convention

“King Caucus”

popular election of president

Anti-Masonic Party

Workingmen’s Party

Spoils System

John Quincy Adams

“Corrupt Bargain”

Henry Clay

Tariff of 1828

“Tariff of Abominations”

Andrew Jackson

Popular campaigning

Revolution of 1828

Role of the president

Rotation in office

Peggy Eaton Affair

Indian Removal Act (1830)

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia

Worchester v. Georgia

Trail of Tears

States’ rights

Nullification crisis

Webster-Hayne Debate

John C. Calhoun

Proclamation to the People of South Carolina

Bank of the United States

Nicolas Biddle

Two party system

Democrats

Whigs

Roger Taney

“pet banks”

Specie Circular

Panic of 1837

Martin van Buren

“log cabin and hard cider” campaign

egalitarian

“democratization”

Alexis de Tocqueville

“mass politics”

King “mob”

Daniel Webster

Doorites

Political Bosses

Blackhawk War

Marshall Court

“Five Civilized Tribes”

Maryville Road Veto

“soft money”/”hard money”

Charles Riverbridge v. Warren Bridge

Caucus

The South Carolina Exposition and Protest

Senator Thomas Hart Benton

“Noble Savages”

“King Andrew I”

Constituencies

The Great Triumvirate

Frederick Jackson Turner

“Old Tippecanoe”

The Caroline and Creole Affairs

The Aroostook War

Webster-Ashburton Treaty

Caleb Cushing

The Treaty of Wang Hy

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