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The “Corrupt Bargain” of 1824
After the Era of Good Feelings, politics was transformed. The big winner of this transformation was the common man. Specifically, the common white man as universal white manhood suffrage (all white men could vote) became the norm. -
Tariff of 1828
the Jacksonians (who disliked tariffs) schemed to drive up duties to as high as 45% while imposing heavy tariffs on raw materials like wool, so that even New England, where the tariff was needed, would vote the bill down and give Adams another political black eye -
The Trail of Tears
By 1830, the U.S. population stood at 13 million, and as states emerged, the Indians were stranded.
Federal policy officially was to acquire land from the Indians through formal treaties, but too many times, they were tricked. -
“Old Hickory” Wallops Clay in 1832
Jackson’s supporters again raised the hickory pole while Clay’s men detracted Jackson’s dueling, gambling, cockfighting, and fast living. -
The Election of 1836
“King Andrew” was too old to run again, but offered Martin van Buren to follow in his coattails.
The Whigs suffered from disorganization. They tried to offer a "favorite son" candidate from each section of the country—their hopes were that no one would win a majority of electoral votes, the election would thus be thrown to the House of Representatives, and they could win there.