APUSH Review: America's History Chapter 10

Summary

The video discusses Jacksonian democracy and key events from 1810 to 1840, including the rise of popular politics and the decline of elite dominance. It explores the 1824 election, the corrupt bargain, and the policies of Andrew Jackson. Major themes include Jackson's fight against the Bank of the United States, Indian Removal, and his impact on executive power. The emergence of political parties like the Whigs is highlighted, along with significant historical figures like Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams. The video also covers key moments like the Nullification Crisis and the Panic of 1837.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jacksonian democracy marks a shift where average white males, rather than just wealthy elites, gained political power due to the removal of property and tax-paying requirements for voting.
• 📉 The decline of political power held by notables (wealthy elites) in favor of broader participation by everyday citizens took place from 1810-1820, especially in the Western states.
• 🔧 Martin Van Buren played a major role in the rise of political parties and patronage systems, where political supporters were rewarded with jobs, also known as the spoils system.
• ⚔️ The 1824 election, dubbed the 'corrupt bargain,' saw John Quincy Adams win the presidency despite Andrew Jackson receiving more popular votes, leading to ongoing political controversy.
• 💼 Henry Clay's American System, focusing on internal improvements, tariffs, and the national bank, was highly contested by Jacksonians, leading to political conflicts during Jackson’s presidency.
• 💸 The Tariff of Abominations (1828) caused deep resentment in the South, as it raised prices on goods without protecting Southern exports, contributing to sectional tension.
• 🗳️ Voter turnout dramatically increased during the 1828 and 1840 elections, with Jackson winning in 1828, benefiting from the broader electorate of white males.
• 🚨 The Nullification Crisis in 1832-33 was resolved by Henry Clay's Compromise Tariff, which gradually reduced tariffs and prevented South Carolina from seceding over federal tariff laws.
• 📜 The Indian Removal Act of 1830, championed by Jackson, led to the forced relocation of Native American tribes, culminating in the tragic Trail of Tears, where thousands of natives died.
• 💥 The Panic of 1837, caused by land speculation and economic instability, hurt Martin Van Buren's presidency and led to widespread unemployment and bank failures.

Q & A

What was the main reason for the rise of Jacksonian democracy during the 1810-1820 period?

Jacksonian democracy rose as property and tax requirements for voting were removed, allowing more white males, especially from Western states, to participate in politics.

How did Martin Van Buren contribute to the political system during this period?

Martin Van Buren introduced political machines and expanded the patronage system, known as the spoil system, where political supporters were rewarded with government jobs.

What was the 'corrupt bargain' of the 1824 election, and why is it significant?

The 'corrupt bargain' refers to the deal in which Henry Clay supported John Quincy Adams in the House of Representatives vote, helping Adams win the presidency. In return, Clay was appointed Secretary of State, which tarnished both Adams' and Clay's political careers.

What was the Tariff of Abominations, and why did it cause tension in the South?

The Tariff of Abominations raised tariff rates to the highest level in U.S. history, favoring Northern manufacturers but increasing the cost of goods for the South, causing significant opposition from Southern states.

How did Andrew Jackson handle the issue of tariffs during his presidency?

Jackson faced opposition from Southern states over high tariffs. He signed the Compromise Tariff of 1833, which gradually reduced tariffs over time, and passed the Force Bill, allowing military action to enforce tariff collection.

What was the Indian Removal Act of 1830, and what were its consequences?

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 aimed to relocate Native American tribes west of the Mississippi River. Its enforcement led to the Trail of Tears in 1838, during which thousands of Native Americans were forcibly relocated, and many died.

What was the significance of the Bank War between Andrew Jackson and Nicholas Biddle?

The Bank War occurred when Andrew Jackson opposed the rechartering of the Second Bank of the United States, led by Nicholas Biddle. Jackson vetoed the recharter and removed federal deposits from the bank, leading to economic instability.

How did the Whig Party form, and what did they advocate for?

The Whig Party formed in opposition to what they viewed as Jackson's authoritarian presidency, calling him 'King Andrew I.' They favored a strong central government, internal improvements, and Henry Clay's American System.

What caused the Panic of 1837 during Martin Van Buren's presidency?

The Panic of 1837 was caused by over-speculation on land, crop failures, and financial panics in Europe, leading to widespread bank failures, unemployment, and a drop in land prices in the United States.

Who became president after William Henry Harrison's death, and why was he known as 'His Accidency'?

John Tyler became president after William Henry Harrison's death just 30 days into his term. He was known as 'His Accidency' because he was not elected president and clashed with the Whig Party, rejecting many of their policies.