Mr. Lahasky - APUSH Period 4 - Lecture #19 - The Age of Jackson

Summary

The video explores Andrew Jackson's controversial presidency during the early 19th century, highlighting his rise to power amid expanding democracy and sectionalism. Jackson, a polarizing figure, resonated with the common man while facing criticism from the political establishment. His presidency saw significant policies, including the Indian Removal Act and opposition to the national bank, which benefitted white farmers but harmed ethnic minorities. The election of 1824 and subsequent political shifts led to the formation of the Democratic and Whig parties, marking a tumultuous period in American politics as Jackson's legacy continues to provoke debate.

Takeaways

• 😀 The era following the War of 1812, known as the Era of Good Feelings, was marked by political stability in the U.S. as the Federalist Party declined.
• 😀 The Democratic-Republican Party diversified its platform to appeal to various regions, but began to fracture due to rising sectionalism in the 1820s.
• 😀 Andrew Jackson emerged as a polarizing figure during this time, gaining popularity among common farmers while alarming established politicians.
• 😀 Jackson's presidency is often compared to Donald Trump's due to both leaders being seen as outsiders who disrupted traditional political norms.
• 😀 The expansion of democracy in the early 1800s, particularly through universal white male suffrage, paved the way for Jackson's rise to power.
• 😀 The election of 1824 showcased the rift within the Democratic-Republican Party, culminating in a contested outcome that Jackson viewed as a 'corrupt bargain.'
• 😀 Jackson's victory in the 1828 election was enabled by a coalition of lower and middle-class voters, including farmers and laborers.
• 😀 Jackson's presidency is characterized by mixed results: he advanced the cause of the common man while negatively impacting ethnic minorities.
• 😀 The Indian Removal Act of 1832 led to the forced relocation of Native Americans, resulting in the devastating Trail of Tears.
• 😀 Jackson’s use of the veto power to dismantle the national bank demonstrated both his populist appeal and raised concerns about the concentration of presidential power.

Q & A

What were Andrew Jackson's two regrets as president?

Jackson expressed regret for not having shot Henry Clay or hanged John C. Calhoun.

What characterized the era following the War of 1812?

The era was marked by unprecedented political stability and is known as the 'Era of Good Feelings,' dominated by the Democratic-Republican Party.

How did the Democratic-Republican Party change in the early 1820s?

The party began to fracture due to rising sectionalism, which led to a shift away from its previously unified platform.

What role did westward migration play in the rise of Andrew Jackson?

Westward migration allowed lower socioeconomic class farmers to gain political power through universal white male suffrage, enabling Jackson's rise as a candidate appealing to the 'common man.'

What was the outcome of the 1824 presidential election?

Andrew Jackson received the most popular and electoral votes but did not secure a majority, leading to the House of Representatives electing John Quincy Adams, which Jackson claimed was a 'corrupt bargain.'

What new political parties emerged from the conflict between Jackson and Clay?

The Democratic Party, supporting Jackson, and the Whig Party, opposing him and led by Clay and Adams, emerged from the rivalry.

What controversial policy did Jackson implement regarding Native Americans?

Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act, which forcibly displaced Native American tribes, notably the Cherokee, leading to the devastating Trail of Tears.

How did Jackson's presidency impact the National Bank?

Jackson vetoed the renewal of the National Bank's charter in 1832, claiming it was corrupt and asserting that he represented the interests of the common man.

What was the significance of the nullification crisis during Jackson's presidency?

The nullification crisis highlighted Jackson's commitment to federal supremacy over states' rights, as he clashed with South Carolina over the national tariff.

How did Jackson's leadership style polarize public opinion?

Jackson's strong leadership, anti-establishment approach, and controversial policies fostered both widespread popularity among common farmers and criticism from political elites, leading to ongoing debates about his legacy.