Andrew Jackson and the Rise of the Democrats: A Reference Guide

by Mark R. Cheathem

Overview

This illuminating overview explains political parties in the early 19th century, comparing and contrasting that era with the modern-day political climate.

In this chronological examination of the Democratic Party's origins, award-winning author Mark R. Cheathem traces the development of both the Democratic Party and the second American party system from its roots in the Jeffersonian Republicans in the 1790s to its maturation during Andrew Jackson's presidency in the 1830s. The book explores the concept of politics and its effects on the national government of the early American republic.

This historical reference is filled with fascinating facts and anecdotes about 19th-century politics in the United States, most notably how Martin Van Buren acted as the architect of the Democratic Party; what factors contributed to the Democrats' rise to power; and how the Bank War created the second American party system, pitting the Democrats against Whigs. Content features key political writings from the period, portraits and political cartoons of the time, and a helpful chronology detailing influential events.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781610694063
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/10/2015
Series:	Guides to Historic Events in America
Pages:	344
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Mark R. Cheathem, PhD, is associate professor of history at Cumberland University.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations xi

Series Foreword xiii

Preface xv

Introduction xix

Chronology xxiii

Chapter 1 Party Development in the New Republic 1

Chapter 2 Republicans Assume Control 15

Chapter 3 Political Culture in the Early Republic 29

Chapter 4 Andrew Jackson's Republican Roots 43

Chapter 5 Old Hickory 55

Chapter 6 Setting the Field for 1824 65

Chapter 7 The "Corrupt Bargain" 77

Chapter 8 Forging the Democratic Party 93

Chapter 9 Winning the Presidency 109

Chapter 10 A Scandalous Start 121

Chapter 11 Constructing the Democratic Party 139

Chapter 12 The Partisanship of Indian Removal 155

Chapter 13 Nationalism versus States' Rights 171

Chapter 14 The Bank War 185

Chapter 15 King Andrew I versus the Whigs 199

Conclusion: The Significance of Jacksonian Democracy 219

Analytical Essays 229

Counterfactual Essay: The Nullification Crisis 229

Defining Moments Essay: Indian Removal and the Bank War 235

Perspectives Essay: Was the Result of the Presidential Election of 1824 the Correct One? 238

Primary Document Essay: "King Andrew the First" Cartoon 243

Biographical Essays 247

Thomas Hart Benton 247

Francis P. Blair 248

John C. Calhoun 248

John H. Eaton 249

Duff Green 250

Amos Kendall 251

William B. Lewis 251

James K. Polk 252

Roger B. Taney 253

Martin Van Buren 254

Primary Documents 257

1 Andrew Jackson to William Dickson, September 1, 1801 257

2 Martin Van Buren to Thomas A. Ritchie, January 13, 1827 258

3 First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1829 261

4 First Annual Message, December 8, 1829 264

5 Bank Veto Message, July 10, 1832 268

6 Nullification Proclamation, December 10, 1832 271

7 Protest Message, April 15, 1834 274

8 Farewell Address, March 4, 1837 277

Bibliographical Essay 283

Index 295

Editorial Reviews

Jackson has been labeled the most significant president of the pre-Civil War era, and this book brings out that history and those issues that have left subsequent generations with their impressions of Andrew Jackson and the mark that he left on the development of the United States. Recommended for academic libraries.” —ARBA

From the Publisher