US History

U.S. History Study Guide

Chapter 10: Jacksonian Democracy and Westward Expansion (1829-1848)

10.1 Jacksonian Democracy and Westward Expansion (1829-1848) This chapter will cover nineteen years including the Age of Jackson which included Presidents Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren, from 1829 to 1841. The rest of the chapter will cover the beginning of the antebellum era with the Presidencies of William Henry Harrison, John Tyler and James K. Polk 1841-1848. In addition, this chapter will include a summary of important events domestically and internationally as well as the culture, economics, immigrations, inventions and innovations of the time. The Jacksonian Democracy, 1829-1841 While the “Age of Jackson” did not bring perfect political, social, or economic equality to all Americans, it did mark a transformation in the political life of the nation that attracted the notice of European travelers and observers. Alexis de Tocqueville observed an “equality of condition” here that existed nowhere else in the world, and an egalitarian spirit among the people that was unique. The voting public had expanded, allowing all white males to have access to the polls. Unfortunately, blacks and women were still excluded and because of this exclusion the time was referred to as the “age of the common man.” Jackson's Administration 1829-1837 Andrew Jackson came to Washington in 1829, intending to rule according to the will of the people and not the Washington select. A strong presence in the White House, he exerted stringent control over his administration and was the first president to use the veto power extensively. He took a heavy hand with Congress and other government departments. He also broke with many traditions, and in doing so, set new ones that continue to affect American politics. He was the only president to have no national debt. 10.2 The Petticoat Affair (Eaton Affair ) The Petticoat Affair (Eaton Affair ) was a U.S. scandal involving members of Jackson’s Cabinet and their wives. John Eaton was Secretary of War and his wife was Peggy Eaton. Mrs. Eaton was a commoner, and the aristocratic Mrs. Calhoun refused to include her on the guest lists for the Washington parties. Jackson, remembering the insults to his departed wife Rachel, defended his friends Peggy and John, and demanded that they be included in the social life of the capitol. The men tried to talk to their wives, but they refused, Jackson made his entire Cabinet resign. Although it started over a private matter, it affected the political careers of several men and resulted in the informal "Kitchen Cabinet".

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