He Brought the People with Him: Jackson and Patronage Politics
As Jackson takes office, he and his followers are eager to extend the opportunities for government service. Many positions in the Executive Branch had been held by the Eastern establishment for a generation or more. Although Jackson is widely critic...
Pressures from Within: Presidency of James Monroe
The Republicans have no trouble electing yet another Virginia candidate in 1816. It isn't even much of a contest. James Monroe, former secretary of state and Revolutionary War veteran is 61 years old when he takes office. Monroe's cabinet includes b...
He Brought the People with Him: Jackson Splits With Vice-President Calhoun over Tariffs
Shortly after he takes office, Jackson finds himself embroiled in a controversy with his vice-president John C. Calhoun. As a South Carolinian, Calhoun's future political hopes may well depend on how effectively he can negotiate relief from the tari...
He Brought the People with Him: Controversial 1824 Election and Presidency of John Quincy Adams
For the first time in the history of the young United States, there is no clear front runner for the presidency in the election of 1824, and little party unity. Outsider Andrew Jackson wins more popular votes than John Quincy Adams, but when the dec...
He Brought the People with Him: Jackson Reaches Impasse with Congress
Jackson's cabinet choices, largely unknown on the national scene, are causing a stir in official Washington. When John Eaton, Secretary of War, is seen in the company of a well-known Washington widow, the wives of other cabinet members refuse to inv...
He Brought the People with Him: Jackson 's Violent Tendencies Feared by Washington Insiders
Some people view Andrew Jackson as a dangerous backwoodsman, a "hick with power." It is true that Jackson was involved in a duel prior to his election as president. The confrontation was related to two separate incidents that called into question bo...
Best Laid Plans...: War of 1812
In the summer of 1812 American forces invade Canada through Detroit, but are soon forced to retreat. Fort Dearborn in Chicago is also captured. Harrison leads the counterattack in the West while Andrew Jackson pursues the tribes of the Southwest. Th...
Best Laid Plans...: Madison's Presidency
The election of James Madison as president in 1808 continues the procession of Republican presidents from Virginia, although the Federalists capture an increased number of votes. In his final days in office Jefferson signs a bill that lifts the emba...