List the major events or contributions of Andrew Jackson’s presidency.
1. Bank War: Jackson vetoed the rechartering of the Second Bank of the United States and withdrew all federal funds from it, effectively ending its influence and contributing to the Panic of 1837.
2. Indian Removal Act: Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act, which forcibly relocated indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands in the eastern United States to lands west of the Mississippi River. This resulted in the infamous Trail of Tears, a forced removal of thousands of Native Americans that resulted in the deaths of many.
3. Nullification Crisis: South Carolina declared the federal tariffs of 1828 and 1832 null and void within its borders, leading to a potential secession crisis. Jackson strongly opposed this act of nullification and sought to enforce federal law within the state, using the threat of military force if necessary.
4. Spoils System: Jackson instituted the spoils system, where government positions were rewarded to loyal supporters and party members. This greatly increased the power and influence of political parties and also contributed to an increase in corruption.
5. Expansion of executive power: Jackson significantly expanded the powers of the presidency, using his veto power more than any previous president and exerting strong influence over his cabinet and party members. His actions and decisions set a precedent for future presidents to exert greater control and influence over government affairs.
6. Nullification Proclamation: In response to South Carolina's nullification crisis, Jackson issued a strong proclamation stating that nullification and secession were illegal and that the federal government had the power to enforce its laws and maintain the union.
7. Formation of the Democratic Party: Jackson's supporters formed the Democratic Party, which became one of the two major political parties in the United States and promoted the expansion of executive power, populism, and agrarianism.
8. Expansion of suffrage: Jackson's presidency saw an expansion of suffrage, with several states eliminating property ownership requirements to vote and increasing political participation among white men.
9. Adoption of the petticoat affair: Jackson's presidency saw a scandal involving his Secretary of War, John Eaton, and the wives of other cabinet members. Jackson defended Eaton and his wife, which led to the resignation of several cabinet members and an overall shakeup of his administration.
10. Nullification compromise: In order to prevent an armed conflict with South Carolina during the nullification crisis, Jackson negotiated a compromise tariff that reduced the rates of the contentious tariffs and helped ease tensions between the federal government and the state.