Andrew Jackson, known as “Old Hickory,” was seeking re-election for another term, but he faced numerous obstacles and an old rival. Let’s dive into the details for The Election of 1832
Jackson’s Presidency
In the early 1830s, Jackson and many Southern politicians pushed for the removal of various Native American tribes to other territories. This was driven by the U.S. desire to acquire the gold and other resources in those areas, leading to the passage of the Indian Removal Act in 1830.
Despite the Supreme Court ruling in Worcester v. Georgia that Georgia’s actions against the Cherokee were unconstitutional, Jackson famously said, “John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it.” Nonetheless, Jackson’s policies led to the forced relocation of 45,000 Native Americans in what became known as the “Trail of Tears,” though the actual relocation occurred under his successor.
Jackson’s policy decisions, especially regarding tariffs, caused significant controversy. His Vice President, John C. Calhoun, resigned before the election due to the Nullification Crisis—a conflict over tariffs that further strained Jackson’s administration. Jackson decided to run for re-election with Martin Van Buren, the co-founder of the Democratic Party and Secretary of State, as his running mate.
The Bank War
Jackson faced another major issue: the Second National Bank of the United States. As the bank’s charter was set to expire in 1836, Jackson vetoed its renewal and withdrew federal deposits, redistributing them to local banks.
Critics warned that Jackson’s actions would lead to severe economic consequences. Jackson defended his decision, arguing that by not renewing the bank’s charter, he was preventing the concentration of wealth among elites who would use it to undermine his re-election efforts. This led to accusations of Jackson being a tyrant, depicted in political cartoons as “King Andrew” trampling the Constitution.
The Petticoat Affair
Jackson’s administration was further troubled by the Petticoat Affair, involving a scandal with his Secretary of War, John Eaton, and his wife, Peggy. Peggy’s past interactions with men, including her former husband, led to significant social backlash. Floride Calhoun, wife of John C. Calhoun, campaigned against the Eatons, resulting in Eaton and Van Buren resigning. Jackson then reshuffled his cabinet with close allies, exacerbating political tensions.
Clay Is Back!
As Jackson struggled with internal and external issues, his main rival, Henry Clay, sought to capitalize on Jackson’s vulnerabilities. Clay, a former Speaker of the House and Secretary of State, ran for president again, with John Sergeant as his running mate. The Anti-Masonic Party also emerged as a significant third party, nominating William Wirt and Amos Ellmaker, despite internal disagreements.
The Nullification Crisis
Before the Petticoat Affair, Jackson had dealt with the Nullification Crisis, triggered by the Tariff of 1828, which Southern states, particularly South Carolina, labeled as “The Tariff of Abominations.” South Carolina’s attempt to nullify the tariff led to Jackson’s Force Bill, authorizing military intervention to enforce the tax. This conflict eventually led to the Nullifier Party’s formation, supporting John Floyd for president in protest against Jackson.
The Anti-Masonic Party
The Anti-Masonic Party, emerging from a scandal involving Freemasons, sought to combat elite influence and corruption. Despite internal divisions, they nominated William Wirt, who was also a Mason, and Amos Ellmaker.
The Results
In the 1832 election, Andrew Jackson won a decisive victory, receiving 219 electoral votes out of 286 and 54.2% of the popular vote. Henry Clay garnered 49 electoral votes and 37.4% of the popular vote, while Wirt and the Anti-Masonic Party secured just 7 electoral votes and 7.8% of the popular vote. John Floyd, representing the Nullifier Party, won South Carolina’s 11 electoral votes. The Nullification Crisis was resolved with the Compromise Tariff of 1833, ending the Nullifier Party’s relevance. Thus, Andrew Jackson won the election of 1832 amidst controversies, scandals, and the rise of third parties, thanks to strong middle-class support.
