Andrew Jackson’s Inauguration and the Rise of the Common Man

This question is based on the accompanying documents. It is designed to test your ability to work with historical documents. Some of these documents have been edited for the purposes of the question. As you analyze the documents, take into account the source of each document and any point of view that may be presented in the document. Directions: Complete the following documents. Then write a well-organized essay that includes an introduction, several paragraphs, and a conclusion. Use evidence from at least two documents in your essay. Support your response with relevant facts, examples, and details. Include additional outside information. Historical Content: Most presidents make decisions that have positive and negative effects. President Andrew Jackson (1829 – 1837) was no exception. To many Americans, he was the “hero of the common man.” To others he was no better than King George III.

Task:   Discuss at least one positive effect of Jackson’s presidency Discuss at least one negative effect of Jackson’s presidency

In developing your answer to Part III, be sure to keep this general definition in mind: Discuss means “to make observations about something using facts, reasoning, and argument: to present in some detail.”

Document 1 – Jackson’s inauguration (Washington, DC) March 11th (1829) Thousands and thousands of people, without distinction or rank, collected in an immense mass round he Capital, silent, orderly, and tranquil, with their eyes fixed on the front of that edifice (large or impressive building), waiting the appearance of the President…The door open,… the old man with his grey locks (hair), that crown of glory advances, bows to the people, who greet him with a shout that rends (splits) the air…It was grand, it was sublime! An almost breathless silence…and the multitude (crowd) was still, listening to catch the sound of his voice, tho’ (though) it was so low, as to be heard only by those nearest to him. After…(he read) his speech, the oath was administered to him by the Chief Justice.” Margaret Bayard, Smith, inauguration observer

1. Describe who was allowed to attend Jackson’s inauguration? (1) 2. What was the crowd’s reaction to Jackson’s appearance? (1)

Document 2 – Jackson’s message explaining his veto of the National Bank, July 10, 1832

“It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their selfish purposes….Distinctions in society will always exist under every just government….But when the laws undertake to…. Make the rich richer and the potent more powerful, the humble members of society….have a right to complain of the injustice of their Government.”

1. According to Jackson, which members of society benefited from the National Bank? (1) 2. Who did Jackson think he was defending when he vetoed the National Bank?

Document 3 – King Andrew the First

1. Upon what document is President Jackson standing? (1)
2. What Presidential power does the cartoon show Jackson having? (1)

Document 4 – Jackson’s message to Congress concerning the removal of Native Americans from east of the Appalachian Mountains, December 7, 1835

“All preceding experiments for the improvement of the Indians have failed. It seems now to be an established fact that they can not live in contact with a civilized community and prosper….No one can doubt the moral duty of the Government …. To protect and if possible to preserve and perpetuate the scattered remnants of this race….”

1. Who is the ‘civilized community’ according to Jackson? (1) 2. Why did Jackson feel that relocating the Native Americans was the best policy?

Document 5 – The following quotations were made by President Andrew Jackson in reference to the threatened South Carolina secession over the Tariff of 1828. “…I would hang the fist man I could get my hands on.” Jackson’s remarks to the states threatening secession

“So obvious are the reasons which forbid this secession (withdrawal from the union), that it is necessary only to mention them. The Union was formed for the benefit of all.