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Sagar Lamba Dr.

Parsons

1990 DBQ

The election of 1828 is viewed by many as a revolution. Just as the French Revolution marked the end of aristocratic rule and the incline of the lower classes, the election of Andrew Jackson as the seventh president of the United States marked the ascent of the common man. While Jackson was a hero of the people, having forced the British to retreat at the Battle of New Orleans and having climbed his way from poverty to wealth, he was elected primarily because his followers believed he stood for certain ideals. The Jacksonian Democrats were self proclaimed guardians of the United States Constitution, political democracy, individual liberty, and equality of economic opportunity. As a strict constitutional constructionist, Jackson protected what he considered the premise of the constitution. This is shown in how he handled South Carolinas Nullification Crisis. By passing the force bill, Jackson made a statement that the position of John C. Calhoun and his home state was unconstitutional, and that he was prepared to back his ideals with force if necessary. Jackson further portrayed his strict constructionist position through his handling of the Bank War. Nowhere in the Constitution is the authority to create a national bank given to congress. By allowing Roger B. Taney to assist in withdrawing the federal treasury from the Bank of the U.S. and subsequently depositing the funds into regional pet banks, Jackson effectively disassembled what he viewed as a monopoly of the foreign and domestic exchange which was not compatible with justice, with sound policy, or with the Constitution of our country. (Doc B) Jacksons position on the Bank of the United States exemplifies his commitment to political democracy. The Bank charter of 1832, though designed by Webster and Clay

to embarrass Jackson publicly, backfired on the opponent Whigs. In his bank veto message of 1832, he pointed out the dangers of control of the institution by foreigners and the American money-elite. Jackson had said, [i]s there not danger to our liberty and independence in a bank that in its nature has so little to bind it to our country? (Doc B) This grassroots commitment resulted in a surge in reform movements throughout the nation. The Working Mens Party, for example, espoused the enlightenment philosophy of the Declaration of Independence in its belief that all men are created equal.(Doc A) Harriet Martineau, a social observer, was indeed shocked at the absurdity of the debate whether the people should be encouraged to govern themselves, or whether the wise should save them from themselves. Her amazement stemmed from the fact that she had observed every man in the towns an independent citizen. (Doc D) Just as his bank veto message had made apparent that he supported political democracy, it also had established Jackson as a supporter of individual liberty. The painting The Trail of Tears serves as a reminder of Jacksons mistake on Indian Removal and the Cherokee Nation v. Georgia and Worcester v. Georgia cases. (Doc G) Ironically, Jacksons reputation as a hero and champion of the people stems, in part, from his legendary Indian battles such as Horseshoe Bend and those with Chief Osceola and the Seminole nation. The Seneca Falls convention points out the inequity which existed for American women. Philip Hone, a member of the opposition party points out the inequality of immigrants. He recorded in his diary the disgraceful scene which commenced the warfare.A band of Irishmen of the lowest class came outarmed with clubs, and commenced a savage attack upon all.(Doc E) Another mistake is pointed out by the Acts and Resolutions of South Carolina. The legislature of South Carolina

requested that federal laws be passed to make it illegal to print or distribute material which had the tendency to excite the slaves of the southern states to insurrection and revolt. (Doc F) Andrew Jackson was such a prominent figure that an entire era of American history is named for him. His administration marks a fundamental paradigm shift in American ideals. Despite his opponents claiming that he is a tyrant President Jackson left an indelible mark on history.

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