Introducing

The Age of Jackson

Spanish Colonies Win Independence

By 1825, most parts of Latin America have thrown off European rule.

1Mexico (Hidalgo)revolts and tries

to break away from Spain

(1823)

2Simon Bolivar helps Venezuela,

Colombia, Ecuador, and

Panama become free (1819)

3The People of Central America also declare freedom (Nicaragua,

Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras,

Guatemala) Then Brazil joins in.

Orient Yourself : Mexico

Latin America

Mon

roe

Doct

rine

Too much freedom?Future of the new countries becomes clouded because several European powers offer to help Spain regain its colonies.

America Says “Back off”

The Monroe Doctrine• U.S. wants to protect trade with Latin America• December 1823 President gives statement known as Monroe

Doctrine• Will not allow European nations to interfere with free nations

of Latin America• Would consider attempts “dangerous to our peace and safety”

Growth of the Democratic Spirit

Making strides on the domestic front…

JOHN Q. ADAM’S PRESIDENCY

It happened (1825-1829) thanks to Henry Clay. Moving on.

Political Parties (Here we go again 1824-1852)

• Whigs= supporters of John Q. Adams• Democrats= supporters of Jackson • Beginning in 1831 parties began holding

national nominating conventions (makes it more democratic)

EXTENSION OF SUFFRAGE (RIGHT TO VOTE)

Almost all adult white males could and did vote. (They could also hold political office.)

Andrew Jackson

• Serves two terms as President (1829-1837)• Believes ordinary people should participate in political life

• Loved in West and South (Not in New England )• Puts in the “spoils system” = practice of rewarding government jobs to loyal

supporters of the party he thought it was more democratic

At start of Jackson’s presidency, more than 100,000 Native Americans lived east of Mississippi: were farmers or lived in towns.

In 1827 Cherokee’s establish government based on a written constitution and claim to be separate nation!

Government begins to force them out of their lands! Feel that presence stands in the way of westward expansion. But the Supreme court steps in!

Loves the common man, but hates Native Americans

Supreme Court Cases

• Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831) =Georgia can enforce its laws

• Worcester v. Georgia (1832)= Georgia’s laws not effective within Cherokee Nation (cites treaties where we guaranteed them land)

• Jackson furious at Worcester decision says “John Marshall has made his decision. Now, let him enforce it!”

Indian Removal Act of 1830

• Gave Jackson authority to offer Native Americans’ nations lands west of the Mississippi in exchange for their eastern lands

• Provided money so it could be carried out• Natives believed they had no choice

1831-1833REMOVAL OF THE CHOCATAWSNOT ENOUGH SUPPLIES PROVIDED1838(PRESIDENT MARTIN VANBUREN)TRAIL OF TEARS

TERRIBLE TREATMENT.