Chapter 10 Flashcards
How were Democratic-Republicans like Henry Clay different from earlier Democratic-Republicans like Thomas Jefferson?
Thomas Jefferson (Earlier Democratic-Republicans)
Favored limited government and states’ rights.
Advocated for an agrarian economy based on small farmers.
Distrusted banks and industrialization.
Emphasized state-centered governance and rural independence.
Henry Clay (Later Democratic-Republicans)
Supported a strong federal government and economic policies to promote industry (American System).
Advocated for a national bank to stabilize the economy.
Promoted protective tariffs to shield American industries.
Emphasized national unity and federal investment in infrastructure projects.
Explain the three pillars of the American System.
Three Pillars of the American System
- Protective Tariffs
- Designed to shield American industries from foreign competition by making imported goods more expensive.
- Encouraged the growth of domestic manufacturing and promoted economic independence.
- National Bank
- Established to provide a stable national currency and regulate credit.
- Aimed to facilitate commerce and ensure financial stability in the economy.
- Internal Improvements
- Included federal funding for infrastructure projects like roads, canals, and railroads.
- Intended to improve transportation, facilitate trade, and connect different regions of the country, promoting economic growth.
How did the failures of the Second Bank of the United States lead to the Panic of 1819?
Aggressive Credit Expansion: The Second Bank expanded credit too quickly, leading to speculation in land and other markets.
Economic Bubble: Overinvestment created a bubble, causing inflated prices in real estate and businesses.
Sudden Credit Tightening: The Bank abruptly tightened credit by calling in loans and demanding payments in hard currency.
Financial Distress: This led to widespread bankruptcies, foreclosures, and unemployment as businesses and individuals struggled to repay debts.
Economic Downturn: The combination of overextension and sudden contraction of the money supply triggered the Panic of 1819, marking the first major economic crisis in U.S. history.
Would Hamilton or Jefferson have been more likely to agree with Justice Marshall in the ruling McCulloch v. Maryland?
Alexander Hamilton:
- Would likely have agreed with John Marshall’s ruling.
- Supported a strong federal government and believed in implied powers, as demonstrated in his advocacy for the First Bank of the United States.
- Hamilton saw the Necessary and Proper Clause as a justification for federal action that wasn’t explicitly stated in the Constitution.
Thomas Jefferson:
- Would likely have disagreed with the ruling.
- Advocated for a strict interpretation of the Constitution, emphasizing states’ rights and limiting federal power.
- Jefferson believed that the federal government should only exercise powers explicitly granted by the Constitution.
What agreements were made in the Missouri Compromise?
- Missouri’s Admission: Missouri was admitted to the Union as a slave state.
- Maine’s Admission: Maine was admitted as a free state to maintain the balance between slave and free states.
- 36°30’ Line: A boundary was established at the latitude of 36°30’.
- North of this line (except Missouri) was designated as free territory.
- South of this line was open to slavery. - Temporary Solution: The Compromise was seen as a temporary solution to the issue of slavery in the expanding United States, delaying further conflict.
Would George Washington have agreed with the Monroe Doctrine? Why or why not?
Isolationist Principles: Washington favored a policy of isolationism, as outlined in his Farewell Address, advocating for the U.S. to avoid entanglements in European affairs.
Non-Intervention: The Monroe Doctrine declared opposition to European colonization and interference in the Americas, which aligns with Washington’s preference for non-intervention.
Focus on Domestic Issues: Washington believed the U.S. should focus on its own development and stability rather than foreign conflicts, which could align with the Monroe Doctrine’s intention to protect American sovereignty.
Limited Foreign Policy Engagement: Washington’s cautious approach to foreign policy suggests he might support the doctrine’s emphasis on keeping European powers out of the Western Hemisphere but would prefer a more restrained approach without aggressive proclamations.
Overall, while there are elements of the Monroe Doctrine that resonate with Washington’s principles, he might not fully endorse its assertiveness in foreign affairs.
Why was the election of 1824 considered a “corrupt bargain”?
Lack of Majority: No candidate received a majority of electoral votes, leading to the election being decided by the House of Representatives.
Candidates: The main candidates were John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William H. Crawford, and Henry Clay.
Clay’s Influence: Henry Clay, who was eliminated from the electoral vote contest, was the Speaker of the House and played a crucial role in the House’s decision.
Adams’ Victory: Clay supported John Quincy Adams, who won the presidency despite Andrew Jackson having the most popular and electoral votes.
Alleged Deal: After Adams was elected, he appointed Clay as his Secretary of State, which Jackson’s supporters viewed as a political deal or “bargain.”
Public Outrage: The perception of this agreement led to significant public discontent and allegations of corruption, fueling the emerging political rivalry between Adams and Jackson.
Was John Quincy Adams an effective president?
Effective:
Support for Internal Improvements:
Adams advocated for federal funding of infrastructure projects, such as roads and canals, promoting economic growth and national unity.
His support for the construction of the National Road and the Erie Canal helped facilitate commerce and transportation.
Promotion of Scientific Advancement:
Adams established the U.S. Naval Academy and promoted the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution, reflecting his commitment to education and scientific progress.
He also pushed for the establishment of a national observatory to advance scientific knowledge.
Ineffective:
Political Isolation:
Adams struggled to build a strong coalition in Congress, facing significant opposition from supporters of Andrew Jackson and other political factions.
His inability to effectively navigate the partisan landscape limited his legislative success and alienated potential allies.
Failure to Address Slavery:
Adams avoided taking a strong stance on the issue of slavery, which disappointed many abolitionists and did not resonate with the growing anti-slavery sentiment in the nation.
His reluctance to confront the issue contributed to divisions within the country and weakened his support among various constituencies.
What tactics did Andrew Jackson use in the election 1828 to be John Quincy Adams?
Personal Attacks: Jackson’s campaign focused on criticizing Adams, calling him corrupt and elitist.
They highlighted the “corrupt bargain” of the 1824 election to damage Adams’s reputation.
Populist Messaging:
He portrayed himself as a champion of the common man, appealing to everyday citizens.
His message emphasized that government should serve regular people, not just the elite.
Effective Media Use:
Jackson used newspapers and pamphlets to spread his ideas and rally support.
His campaign organized rallies to generate excitement among voters.
Expanded Voter Base:
He supported expanding voting rights, which helped him gain support from more people.
This included farmers and workers, particularly in the West and South.
Nationalism Appeal:
Jackson presented himself as a strong leader, using his military background to gain trust.
His message of national pride resonated with voters looking for decisive leadership.
What was the spoils system?
Definition: It involves appointing individuals to government positions based on their political support rather than their qualifications or merit.
Origins: The spoils system became prominent during the presidency of Andrew Jackson in the 1820s and 1830s.
Key Features:
Jackson believed in rotating government officials to prevent the emergence of an entrenched bureaucratic elite.
He famously stated, “To the victor belong the spoils,” which encapsulated the idea that winning political power entitled the victorious party to distribute jobs.
Consequences: While the system rewarded loyalty, it often led to unqualified individuals in government roles and increased corruption.
What were the main ideas of the Democrats in the 1820 - 1840s?
States’ Rights:
Emphasis on the power of individual states over the federal government, advocating for more local control.
Expansion of Democracy:
Support for broader suffrage rights, promoting the idea that all white males should have the right to vote, regardless of property ownership.
Populism:
Positioning themselves as the party of the “common man,” advocating for the interests of farmers, laborers, and the working class against the elite.
Manifest Destiny:
Promotion of westward expansion, believing it was America’s destiny to spread across the continent and extend its institutions and culture.
Opposition to the National Bank:
Strong opposition to the Second Bank of the United States, viewing it as a symbol of elitism and corruption that favored wealthy interests over the common people.
Support for Slavery:
Many Democrats supported the institution of slavery, particularly in the Southern states, viewing it as essential to their agricultural economy.
Economic Policies:
Advocacy for policies that supported agrarian interests, including opposition to tariffs that favored Northern industrialists at the expense of Southern farmers.
What were the main ideas of the Whigs in the 1820 - 1840s?
Strong Federal Government:
Support for a powerful federal government to promote economic growth and stability, contrasting with the Democrats’ states’ rights emphasis.
Economic Development:
Advocacy for internal improvements, such as roads, canals, and railroads, to facilitate transportation and trade.
National Bank Support:
Favoring the establishment of a national bank to stabilize the currency and manage the economy.
Tariff Protection:
Support for protective tariffs to shield American industries from foreign competition, benefiting Northern manufacturers.
Anti-Slavery Stance:
While not universally opposed to slavery, many Whigs were against its expansion into new territories, reflecting a growing anti-slavery sentiment in the party.
Temperance Movement:
Many Whigs supported social reforms, including the temperance movement aimed at reducing alcohol consumption.
Moral Reform:
Emphasis on moral and social reforms, advocating for education, abolitionism, and other social issues, positioning themselves as the party of progress and reform.
What did John C. Calhoun believe?
States’ Rights:
Strong advocate for the idea that states should have the power to nullify federal laws they view as unconstitutional.
Nullification Theory:
Believed states could refuse to enforce federal laws, especially those harming Southern interests, like the Tariff of 1828.
Defense of Slavery:
Argued that slavery was a “positive good” for society and essential for the Southern economy.
Southern Nationalism:
Promoted the idea that the Southern states had a unique identity and interests distinct from the North.
How did Jackon respond to the Nullification Crisis?
Firm Stance Against Nullification:
Jackson strongly opposed the idea of nullification, asserting that states did not have the right to invalidate federal laws.
He viewed it as a threat to the Union and federal authority.
Proclamation to the People of South Carolina:
In December 1832, Jackson issued a proclamation condemning South Carolina’s nullification of the Tariff of 1828, arguing that the Union must be preserved.
Force Bill:
Jackson pushed Congress to pass the Force Bill in 1833, which authorized him to use military force if necessary to enforce federal laws in South Carolina.
Compromise:
Despite his strong stance, Jackson also supported a compromise tariff to reduce tensions, which helped to defuse the crisis peacefully.
Did Jackon’s response to the Nullification Crisis align with his political beliefs?
Opposition to Elite Interests:
He saw nullification as a movement driven by elite interests in South Carolina, which contradicted his populist image of defending the common man against the elite.
Commitment to Democracy:
While Jackson championed the rights of the “common man,” he believed that those rights could not infringe on the authority of the federal government.
