i. democracy in theory and practice fear that democracy would lead to anarchy wanes in the 1820s...
TRANSCRIPT
I. Democracy in Theory and Practice
Fear that democracy would lead to anarchy wanes in the 1820s and 1830s
Equality of opportunity stressed America becomes society of winners and
losers Opening story of hotels??????????
A. Democracy and Society Egalitarian expectations despite
growing economic inequality No distinctive domestic servant class No class distinctions in dress White male equality before the law Egalitarian attack on licensed
professions-is this a good thing? Thomsonianism??
Popular press the source of information and opinion
B. Democratic Culture
Artists work for mass, democratic audience rather than for an aristocratic elite
Popular genres include Gothic horror, romantic fiction, and melodramas.
Only a few truly original, romantic artists-to be a success, one had to cater to the masses.
C. Democratic Political Institutions
Nearly all adult white males gain right to vote without property qualification
Appointive offices made elective Professional politicians emerged Political machines develop at state
level
Parties often serve special economic interests Parties share commitment to equality of
opportunity Parties differ on how to achieve common aims Neither party seeks to extend rights beyond
adult white male constituency Radical third parties argue the cause of
African Americans, women, working people with little success.
D. Economic Issues Interest in government economic policy
intensified after 1819-economic panic Some wanted to do away with banks,
paper money, and easy credit Others wanted more government aid Political parties took stands on the role
of the federal government in economic growth
E. Labor Radicalism and Equal Rights Working men’s parties and trade
unions emerged in the 1820s and 1830s
They advocated public education reform, a ten-hour workday, an end to debtors prison, and hard currency
They made some gains but they proved to be only temporary
The women’s rights movement and abolitionists made little progress
II. Jackson and the Politics of Democracy Jackson becomes a symbol of
democracy’s triumph Actions of Jackson and his party
refashion national politics in a democratic mold
A. The Election of 1824 and J. Q. Adams' Administration
The election of 1824- a five-way race Jackson wins popular vote Adams wins in House of Representatives
with Henry Clay’s support Clay’s appointment as Secretary of State
leads to charges Adams "bought" the presidency
Mid-term election of 1826 gives Jackson forces control of Congress
B. Jackson Comes to Power
Jacksonians organized for election of 1828 appeal to sectional self-interest make politics exciting to the average man
Jackson wins election as a man of the people
Jackson democratizes presidency fires at will officeholders he does not like defends by asserting the right of all men to a
government post link
C. Indian Removal
Indian removal policy inherited from prior administrations-Jefferson, Madison, etc.
Jackson believes that the federal government had not pushed Indians hard enough
Responds to Cherokee resistance by asking Congress for Indian Removal act of 1830
1838--U.S. Army forces Cherokees west along the Trail of Tears
D. The Nullification Crisis
John C. Calhoun leads development of intellectual defense of state sovereignty
1828--tariff passed, South Carolina objects but takes no action
1832--tariff passed, South Carolina nullifies
Jackson threatens to send army Both sides retreat
South Carolina gets lower tariff Jackson demonstrates federal will
III. The Bank War and the Second Party System
"The Bank War" a symbolic defense of democratic value
Leads to two important results economic disruption a two-party system
A. Mr. Biddle's Bank
Bank of the United States unpopular Open to charges of special privileges Manager Nicholas Biddle looks and
behaves like an aristocrat Bank possesses great power and
privilege with no accountability to the public
B. The Bank Veto and the Election of 1832
Jackson vaguely threatens Bank in first term
Biddle seeks new charter four years early
Congress passes, but Jackson vetoes claims the Bank is unconstitutional defends veto as a blow for equality
Jacksonian victory in 1832 spells Bank’s doom
C. Killing the Bank
Jackson destroys Bank by federal deposits
Funds transferred to some state (“pet”) banks
Biddle uses his powers to cause recession, attempts to blame Jackson
Destruction of Bank provokes fears of dictatorship, costs Jackson support in Congress
D. The Emergence of the Whigs
Whig party a coalition of two forces opponents of Jackson Anti-Masonic party
Whigs defend activist government in economics, enforcement of “decency”
Democrats weakened by defection of working-class spokesmen depression produced by Jackson’s fiscal
policies
E. The Rise and Fall of Van Buren
Martin Van Buren succeeds Jackson in 1836
Term begins with Panic of 1837 Laissez-faire philosophy prevents
Van Buren from aiding economic distress
Van Buren attempts to save government funds with independent subtreasuries
Whigs block subtreasuries until 1840 Panic of 1837 blamed on Van Buren
The Rise and Fall of Van Buren (2)
Whigs fully organized by 1840 Whig candidate William Henry
Harrison image built as a common man who had
been born in a log cabin running mate John Tyler chosen to
attract votes from states-rights Democrats
Harrison and Tyler beat Van Buren
IV. Heyday of the Second Party System
Election of 1840 marks rise of permanent two-party system in the U.S.
Whigs and Democrats evenly divide the electorate for next two decades
Parties offer voters a clear choice Whigs support a "positive liberal state,"
community Democrats support "negative liberal state,"
individual Parties share a broad democratic ideology