Chapter 13 – The Rise of Mass Democracy

Part C

Political Parties

“Democrats” Jackson’s Democratic-Republicans’

Opponents of Jackson – “Whigs” 18th Century British Party Clay, Webster, & Calhoun Supported: government programs & reforms, internal

improvements, institutions, market economy

Election of 1836

Candidates Martin Van Buren – Jackson’s

Secretary of State Whigs nominated several

candidates – main one General Henry Harrison (OH)

Van Buren “Little Magician” won

Martin Van Buren – 8th President

First to be born “under the American flag” New Yorker “machine-made candidate” Inherited Jackson’s problems & enemies Problems during Presidency:

Canadian Rebellion 1837 Anti-slavery movement in North Possible annexation of Texas Economic panic

Economic Troubles

Panic of 1837 caused by: speculation “land-office business” on borrowed money Jackson’s finances Bank War Specie Circular Poor wheat crops British banks demanded the repayment of loans

“Europe’s economic distresses have often been America’s distresses”

Economic Troubles (continued)

Effects: Banks collapsed Sale of lands decreased Factories closed – unemployment increased

Whigs proposed expansion of bank credit, higher tariffs, internal improvements

Van Buren did not want to intervene in economy “Divorce Bill” – government would remove its funds

from the banks and deposit them in an independent treasury Faced opposition 1840 Independent Treasury Bill passed, but repealed 1841 Paved way for Federal Reserve System – 1900s

Texas

1819 U.S. agreed to leave Texas alone in exchange for Spain

Mexico gained independence 1821 1828 Mexico made agreement with Stephen Austin to

bring 300 families Must be Roman Catholic & become “Mexicanized”

Texan-Americans GTT – “Gone to Texas” Davie Crockett, Jim Bowie, Sam Houston Mexicans & Texans disagreed over slavery,

immigration, local rights Texans continued slavery!

Texan Rebellion

1836 declared independence – “Lone Star Republic” Santa Anna sent troops to Texas

Battle of the Alamo – “Remember the Alamo” Battle of San Jacinto

Texans captured Santa Anna Treaty

Mexico redrew troops Rio Grande set as Texas border (later declared illegal)

Received help from U.S. Independent state or part of union?

**slavery**

Battle of the Alamo

Election of 1840

Martin Van Buren – Democrat William Henry Harrison – Whig

Whigs used log cabins & hard cider as symbols “Tippecanoe and Tyler too” (John Tyler)

Winner?

Results

Populist democratic style Common man at center – diving right of the people! Two-Party System

Democrats Liberty of individual Against privilege of govt States’ rights

Whigs Harmony of society Value of community Use government to help people More govt involvement in economy Reform movements