APUSH: Period 4, 1800-1848 - Jacksonian Democracy and the Age of Jackson

Why This Matters

The Age of Jackson, also known as Jacksonian Democracy, was a pivotal period in American history that shaped the country's politics, economy, and society. This era, spanning from the late 1820s to the mid-1830s, was significant because it marked a shift in American politics towards a more democratic and populist approach. The Age of Jackson's emphasis on individual rights, limited government, and westward expansion laid the groundwork for the country's future growth and development. This period is also closely tied to the AP theme of Politics and Power, as it highlights the tension between the federal government and states' rights, as well as the struggle for power between different interest groups.

Key Events & People

• Andrew Jackson: Elected as the 7th President of the United States in 1828, Jackson was a strong advocate for democracy and states' rights. He vetoed the re-charter of the Second Bank of the United States, which led to a significant reduction in its power.
• The Indian Removal Act (1830): Signed into law by Jackson, this act led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral lands to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma).
• The Nullification Crisis (1832-1833): South Carolina's attempt to nullify a federal tariff led to a confrontation with the federal government, which ultimately resulted in the passage of the Force Act.
• The Second Bank of the United States: Established in 1816, the bank was a central banking institution that was responsible for managing the country's currency and finances. Jackson's veto of its re-charter led to its eventual demise.
• The Tariff of 1828: Also known as the "Tariff of Abominations," this law imposed high tariffs on imported goods, leading to widespread protests and opposition from Southern states.
• The Supreme Court Decision in Worcester v. Georgia (1832): The Court ruled that the Cherokee Nation was a sovereign entity and that the state of Georgia had no authority to extend its laws over Cherokee territory.
• The Trail of Tears (1838-1839): The forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation from their ancestral lands to Indian Territory resulted in the deaths of thousands of Native Americans.
• The Nullification Proclamation (1832): Jackson issued a proclamation stating that nullification was unconstitutional and that the federal government would take all necessary measures to enforce its laws.
• The Bank War: The conflict between Jackson and the Second Bank of the United States, which ultimately led to the bank's demise.
• The Whig Party: A political party that emerged in the 1830s, opposing Jackson's policies and advocating for a stronger federal government.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The Nullification Crisis (1832-1833)
• Effect: The passage of the Force Act, which gave the federal government the authority to use military force to enforce its laws
• Long-term consequence: The establishment of a stronger federal government and the limitation of states' rights
• Cause: The Indian Removal Act (1830)
• Effect: The forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral lands to Indian Territory
• Long-term consequence: The devastating impact on Native American populations and the loss of their ancestral lands
• Cause: The Tariff of 1828
• Effect: Widespread protests and opposition from Southern states
• Long-term consequence: The deepening of sectional tensions and the eventual secession of Southern states

Essential Vocabulary

• Nullification: The doctrine that a state has the right to nullify or invalidate a federal law within its territory.
• States' rights: The idea that states have the power to govern themselves and make their own decisions, free from federal interference.
• Democracy: A system of government in which power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
• Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority (the federal government) and smaller regional authorities (the states).
• Westward expansion: The movement of American settlers and businesses into the western territories of the United States.
• Manifest Destiny: The idea that the United States was destined to expand its territory and spread its influence across North America.
• Indian Removal: The forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma).
• Trail of Tears: The forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation from their ancestral lands to Indian Territory, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Native Americans.
• Bank War: The conflict between Jackson and the Second Bank of the United States, which ultimately led to the bank's demise.
• Whig Party: A political party that emerged in the 1830s, opposing Jackson's policies and advocating for a stronger federal government.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Indian Removal Act was signed into law by Jackson in 1830, but it was not the first time that Native Americans were forcibly relocated from their ancestral lands.
• Correction: The Indian Removal Act was a culmination of a long history of Native American displacement and forced relocation, dating back to the early 19th century.
• What students often get wrong: The Nullification Crisis was a result of South Carolina's opposition to the Tariff of 1828, but it was not the only reason for the crisis.
• Correction: The Nullification Crisis was a complex issue that involved a combination of factors, including the Tariff of 1828, states' rights, and the power of the federal government.
• What students often get wrong: The Trail of Tears was a single event that occurred in 1838-1839, but it was actually a series of forced relocations that took place over several years.
• Correction: The Trail of Tears was a series of forced relocations that took place between 1830 and 1839, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Native Americans.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the impact of the Indian Removal Act on Native American populations. Be sure to include specific examples from the Trail of Tears and the experiences of the Cherokee Nation.
• Possible evidence: The Indian Removal Act, the Trail of Tears, the Supreme Court decision in Worcester v. Georgia (1832), and the testimony of Cherokee leaders such as John Ross.
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the role of the Nullification Crisis in shaping the relationship between the federal government and states' rights. Be sure to include specific examples from the crisis and the responses of Jackson and the Whig Party.
• Possible evidence: The Nullification Proclamation (1832), the Force Act, the Tariff of 1828, and the testimony of Southern leaders such as John C. Calhoun.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the main reason for the Nullification Crisis? a) The Tariff of 1828 b) States' rights c) The Indian Removal Act d) The Bank War

Answer: a) The Tariff of 1828

Explanation: The Nullification Crisis was sparked by South Carolina's opposition to the Tariff of 1828, which imposed high tariffs on imported goods.

1. What was the result of the Indian Removal Act? a) The forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral lands to Indian Territory b) The establishment of a new Native American reservation in the western territories c) The end of the Indian Removal Act d) The strengthening of Native American rights

Answer: a) The forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral lands to Indian Territory

Explanation: The Indian Removal Act led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral lands to Indian Territory, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people.

1. Who was the leader of the Whig Party? a) Andrew Jackson b) John C. Calhoun c) Henry Clay d) John Quincy Adams

Answer: c) Henry Clay

Explanation: Henry Clay was a key leader of the Whig Party, which emerged in the 1830s as a response to Jackson's policies.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The Indian Removal Act was signed into law by Jackson in 1830.
• The Nullification Crisis was sparked by South Carolina's opposition to the Tariff of 1828.
• The Trail of Tears was a series of forced relocations that took place between 1830 and 1839.
• The Whig Party emerged in the 1830s as a response to Jackson's policies.
• The Second Bank of the United States was established in 1816 and was responsible for managing the country's currency and finances.
• The Tariff of 1828 imposed high tariffs on imported goods, leading to widespread protests and opposition from Southern states.
• The Nullification Proclamation (1832) stated that nullification was unconstitutional and that the federal government would take all necessary measures to enforce its laws.
• The Force Act gave the federal government the authority to use military force to enforce its laws.
• The Supreme Court decision in Worcester v. Georgia (1832) ruled that the Cherokee Nation was a sovereign entity and that the state of Georgia had no authority to extend its laws over Cherokee territory.
• The Indian Removal Act led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral lands to Indian Territory.