The Aftermath of the War of 1812

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- The Emergence of Andrew Jackson

It used to be thought that Andrew Jackson emerged as a result of a great democratic explosion, of which he was the beneficiary. It is now recognised that the explanation was far more complex.

- Jackson was certainly a new kind of politician. From a poor background in Tennessee, but had married into wealth and was a slaveholder. Poorly educated.

- Commanded state militia from 1802 (shot in duel in 1806 – Old Hickory carried the bullet for life!)

- He was a national hero both as victor at battle of New Orleans (1815) and over Seminole Indians in Florida (1817-18)

- Served in the United States Senate in early 1820s where he broadly supported the ‘American System.’

- First American openly to seek the presidency. In 1824 he ran in a four-way race. Chief opponents were John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay. Result was: Jackson 99; Adams 83; Crawford 41; Clay 37. Clay threw his support behind Adams who became president and made Clay his Secretary of State. Jackson declared this a “corrupt bargain” and immediately began his campaign to vindicate the ‘people’ by seeking the presidency in 1828.

- Jackson was supported by Martin Van Buren from New York who was determined to form a new party in opposition to Adams and the administration. (He thought a national party system would stave off the growth of sectional conflict.) New party was to be called the Democratic party to emphasise its credentials. John C. Calhoun (the vice-president) from South Carolina joined the group. Brilliant campaigning organised: papers, songs, slogans etc..

- John Quincy Adams’ administration was pretty disastrous. Not really a politician. Did not attempt to organise a party in face of the threat from Jackson.

- Campaign of 1828 was very personal. Jackson won 56% of the popular vote. First successful candidate where ‘image’ was important. Helped by Van Buren’s organisation and Adams’ ineptitude.

The Age of Jackson had arrived.