2. Even the illusion of national consensus of the so-called Era of Good Feelings was
shattered by the panic of 1819 and the Missouri Compromise of 1820. Vigorous political
opposition, once feared, came to be celebrated as necessary for the health of democracy.
New political parties formed and new styles of campaigning took hold. New forms of
politicking emerged in this era, as candidates used banners, badges, parades, barbecues,
and baby kissing to “get out the vote.”
3. From 1824 voter turnout rose dramatically. Only about ¼ of eligible voters cast a ballot
in 1824, but that proportion doubled in 1828, and in 1840 it reached 78%. Everywhere
the people flexed their political muscles, as this election day crowd in Philadelphia
illustrates.
4. THE “CORRUPT BARGAIN” of 1824
The candidates in the election of 1824 were A. Jackson (TN),
H. Clay (KY), W. Crawford (GA), and J. Adams (MA).
Jackson, the war hero, had the strongest appeal, especially in
the West. He polled almost as many popular votes as his next
two rivals combined, but he failed to win a majority of the
electoral vote. The election moved to the House, where it
would choose among the top 3 candidates.
Clay was out of the race, but as House Speaker, he could
influence the outcome.
5.
6.
7.
8. JACKSONIAN “REVOLUTION of 1828”
Why is this election referred to as the “Revolution of 1828?” What was Adams’
fate?
Describe Jackson’s personal profile and his first
inauguration. Despite his large popularity, what
did some others think of him? Is it safe to say
that Jackson was a polarizing figure?
9.
10. THE TRICKY “TARIFF of ABOMINATIONS”
The touchy tariff issue had been one of John Adam’s biggest headaches. Tariffs protected American
industry against European competition, but they drove up prices and invited retaliatory tariffs on
American goods. In 1824 Congress had raised the general tariff from 23% to 37%.
Ardent Jacksonites played politics with the tariff as the election of 1828 approached. They
supported a higher tariff (up to 45%) that they expected to be defeated, which would give a black eye
to Pres. Adams. To their surprise, the tariff passed in 1828, the vote being along sectional lines.
Now, Jackson would inherit the tariff political hot potato as president.
11. Southerners, as heavy consumers of manufactured goods, were shocked by what they
regarded as the outrageous rates of the Tariff of 1828. Hotheads promptly branded it
the “Black Tariff” or the “Tariff of Abominations.”
Why did the South, especially South
Carolina, react so angrily against the
tariff?
12. Southerners believed, not illogically, that the “Yankee tariff” discriminated against
them, but it enriched wealthy New England. South Carolina took the lead in protesting
against the “Tariff of Abominations.” Their legislature published a pamphlet in 1828
known as “The South CarolinaExposition,” secretly penned by John Calhoun.
Summarize his key points.
Describe the personal and political dilemma that put Calhoun in an awkward position. Did other
southern states join South Carolina’s protests? What were southern expectations regarding
Jackson?
13.
14.
15.
16.
17. THE BANK WAR
President Jackson did not hate all banks and all businesses, but he distrusted
monopolistic banking and over-big businesses, as did his followers. What was Jackson’s
perception of the BUS? And explain “Gallant Harry’s” bank scheme in 1832 – did it
work?
18. “OLD HICKORY” WALLOPS CLAY in 1832
Clay and Jackson were the chief gladiators in the 1832 election and the campaign was
raucous. What features distinguished this election? Was the election a big win for
Jackson?
19.
20. Explain the economic impact of Jackson “killing” the BUS. Thus, the BUS
performed important economic functions.
21. THE BIRTH of the WHIGS
New political parties were gelling as the 1830’s lengthened. Jackson’s opponents, fuming
at his ironfisted exercise of presidential power, condemned him as “King Andrew I” and
created the WhigParty – a name symbolic to Revolutionary American opposition to the
monarchy.
Who were the two key leaders? And what was the party strategy for victory in
1836? Who were the two primary candidates in 1836? And who was the winner?
22.
23.
24.
25. DEPRESSION DOLDRUMS and the
INDEPENDENT TREASURY
The panic of 1837 was a symptom of the financial times. Identify the causes of this
drastic economic downturn.
Hardship was acute and widespread. Factories
closed and unemployed workers milled in the
streets.
Describe Van Buren’s controversial “Divorce
Bill” to help the ailing economy. What was its
official name when it finally passed Congress?
What was it a precursor for?
26. GONE to TEXAS
Explain the arrangement between the govt. of Mexico and Stephen Austin in 1823. By the 1830’s, how
was the arrangement working – what were the primary areas of friction?
When Austin went to Mexico City in 1833 to
negotiate with the Mexicans, the dictator Santa Anna
put him in jail for eight months.
The explosion finally came in 1835, when Santa
Anna wiped out all local rights and started to raise
an army to suppress the upstart Texans.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31. Early in 1836 the Texans declared their independence and named Sam Houston commander in chief.
Explain the course of the fighting.
What was Jackson’s position on an independent Texas? What issue prevented quick
union with the U.S.? What would ultimately push America to embrace Texas?
32.
33.
34.
35.
36. LOG CABINS and HARD CIDER of 1840
Martin Van Buren (“Martin Van Ruin”) was reluctantly re-nominated by the Democrats in
1840. The Whigs, sensing victory, united behind Ohio’s William Henry Harrison. The aging
hero was nominated because he was issueless and enemyless. John Tyler was selected as
his running mate.
The Whigs ran a “safe” campaign, while
denouncing Van Buren as an aristocrat.
37.
38. POLITICS for the PEOPLE
The election of 1840 conclusively demonstrated two major changes in American politics since the Era
of Good Feelings. The first was the triumph of a populist democratic style. Politicians were now
forced to unbend and curry favor with the voting masses. The common man was on center stage.
The second dramatic change was the formation of a vigorous and durable two-party system. The
Jeffersonians of an earlier day were more like their Federalist opponents. By 1840, political parties
had fully come of age and were seen as an asset and not a liability. Despite differences in
philosophies, the foundations and diversity of both parties cemented the democracy.
