StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Four-Way Relationship among Jackson, Clay, Calhoun, and Webster - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
From the paper "Four-Way Relationship among Jackson, Clay, Calhoun, and Webster " it is clear that it is essential to state that during his presidential term, Jackson went into opposition with his Vice President, Calhoun over the issue of “nullifying”…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER94.5% of users find it useful
Four-Way Relationship among Jackson, Clay, Calhoun, and Webster
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Four-Way Relationship among Jackson, Clay, Calhoun, and Webster"

Looking at the four-way relationship among Jackson, Clay, Calhoun, and Webster which man do youfind more admirable and why? Which do you find least likeable overall? Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) was the seventh President of the United States and is considered to be a major influence between the times of Presidents Jefferson and Lincoln. Jackson did not come from pedigree and was in effect, a “self-made man”. During his term as president, Jackson transformed and expanded the Presidents role from what it had been restricted to before. Jackson’s presidency can be split up in two distinct sections for study. First is the one concerning the “nullification crisis”. Prior to this period, under the American System a lot of subsidies were being granted through tariffs imposed on imports and otherwise aiding the domestic industry because it was thought to boost the economy. When Jackson came into power, he curbed these trade protection measures which resulted in an outcry and retaliation from the Congress. The crisis that developed with strong stances from both sides was dimmed when the Congress announced it would lower taxes in 1833. The second episode was concerning the “Bank War”. The Bank of the United States was a corporation controlled by the Congress with basically two major functions, one was to print paper money and the second was to manage the government’s finances, however Jackson thought that such an institution was dangerous and wrongful and later vetoed a charter asking to expand the Bank’s role. Jackson became the advocate for the people against the elite who had set to exploit them. By doing this he introduced a new but permanent theme into American Politics. Further, Jackson strengthened and extended the role and responsibilities of an American President. He inaugurated the “spoils system” which was in effect a patronage system whereby once a party wins the elections, the government gives employment to its voters as an incentive to stay loyal to the party. During his time in power, Andrew Jackson displayed a lot of strength and patriotism and with his precise aim and steel will was able to greatly impact the face of American politics for generations to come. (Miller Center, University of Virginia). Daniel Webster (1782-1852) was an American statesman, lawyer and orator and a strong supporter of nationalism. Following his quick success, Webster was elected for the House of Representatives in 1812. Later, Webster left the congress and moved to Boston, where he proceeded to establish himself as one of the nation’s greatest lawyers. He returned back to Congress in 1823 and was elected for senator four years later. Webster allied with President Andrew Jackson over the issue of nullifying tariff in South Carolina but apart from that they were not really on the same side. Webster ran for presidency but was never elected. (Sydney Nathan). Henry Clay (1777-1852) was an American statesman, congressman and senator. Clay was a supporter of balancing the rights of Free states as well as slave states and fought for federal funding for the national bank, the industry and for much needed investment in infrastructure. Clay also ran twice for the Presidency, both times unsuccessfully. (Bio.Truestory) John Calhoun (1782-1850) was an influential American politician, senator and political theorist. He was Vice President of the United States from 1825 to 1832 during the presidency of John Quincy Adams and also during the initial time period under Andrew Jackson. Calhoun resigned from Vice Presidency in 1832 and was then elected for the United States Senate. He had been a supporter of President Jackson initially, but with the passage of time and events their alliance deteriorated and Calhoun withdrew his support from Jackson after he turned against him. He subsequently became a strong voice against Jackson’s policies especially, the “spoils system”. From the time beginning from1832 and leading up to this death, Calhoun dedicated his life to safeguarding the interests of the South. (Library of Congress and NNDB). In the study of American history, Calhoun, Clay and Webster almost always come together as interlinked parts of the same debate. It is said the even though Calhoun did not have the same level of strength of wit as compared to Webster, he was way ahead of him in ordered and logical planning. Calhoun was clear and direct where Clay was inspirational and charming. And thus was able to achieve the results he had set out for. Their names are also intermittently mentioned with the name of President Andrew Jackson if American political history from the 18th and 19th Centuries is studied. (NNDB) There are different scenarios spread over this time period where these four prominent political historical figures come together in alliance or opposition depending on the policies and administration of those times. Jackson did not hold Clay in high regard and thought he was not to be trusted and would place his own interests before those of the Nation’s. During his presidential term, Jackson also went into opposition with his Vice President, Calhoun over the issue of “nullifying”. Throughout his term he took every chance he got to politically bash these men and succeeded in his pursuits as well, snatching the presidential elections from under Clay’s nose and forcing Calhoun to resign from his post as Vice President. Despite his animosity with these men, and his consequent actions, Jackson was a staunch patriot with no hidden agenda but a vision to serve his country and remove from the political system of that era policies and people whom he thought would be deterrent to the social and economic growth of the United States. (U.S. History pre-Columbian to the new millennium). However, Clay, Calhoun and Webster were not without power and influence in the political landscape of those times. They were strongly influential from the end of the war in 1812 to the end of their respective lives several decades later. Although they had ambitions to, none ever won the presidential elections but had meanwhile a strong collective impact. But it should also be noted that Andrew Jackson still surpassed their level of influence. It should also be duly noted that even though these people had sufficient power to bring about useful reforms, they did not bring any however, they kept the people pacified by forging and brokering compromises that they would not follow through on. (U.S. History pre-Columbian to the new millennium). After study and analysis it is quite clear and can be said that, Andrew Jackson has been by far the most admirable man among the four aforementioned political figures. This can be attributed to the sheer quantity of the results his efforts generated and how much he was able to impact and reform the political landscape of America during his presidential term and his time in power. Among the four of these political figures, the least admirable would have to be Henry Clay. This can be clarified by dividing the negative aspects in two sections. The first section deals with his personal and personality problems. He was hot headed and polarized and consumed by his desire to be president. The second section deals with his failures politically referring mostly to the ”compromises” he forged which resulted in a lot of conflict among the people when he could alternatively have taken a more direct and effective approach. However, despite these misgivings, it is important to acknowledge his importance in American political history and duly recognize him because he was one of the earliest American leaders who helped shaped the political landscape, however little the contribution might have been. (From Revolution to Reconstruction) Works Cited “American President: A Reference Resource.” Miller Center. University of Virginia. Apr 10, 2012. http://millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident/jackson/essays/biography/1 Sydney Nathans. “Daniel Webster.” Grolier Electronic Publishing, Inc. Apr 10, 2012. http://www.marshfield.net/History/webster.htm “Henry Clay.biography”. Bio.truestory. A&E Television Networks. Apr 10, 2012. http://www.biography.com/people/henry-clay-9250385 “John C. Calhoun”. NNDB. Apr 10, 2012. http://www.nndb.com/people/902/000043773/ “CALHOUN, John Caldwell, (1782 - 1850)”. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Apr 10, 2012. http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=c000044 “24e. Jackson vs. Clay and Calhoun”. U.S. History Pre-Columbian to the New Millennium. Independence Hall Association, Philadelphia. Apr 10, 2012. http://www.ushistory.org/us/24e.asp “30c. Three Senatorial Giants: Clay, Calhoun and Webster”. U.S. History Pre-Columbian to the New Millennium. Independence Hall Association, Philadelphia. Apr 10, 2012. http://www.ushistory.org/us/30c.asp Thomas Rush. “Henry Clay (1777-1852) An Introduction”. From Revolution to Reconstruction. 2010. University of Groningen. Apr 10, 2012. http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/B/hclay/hclay.htm Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Looking at the Four Way Relationship among Jackson, Clay, Calhoun, and Essay”, n.d.)
Looking at the Four Way Relationship among Jackson, Clay, Calhoun, and Essay. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/history/1447619-looking-at-the-four-way-relationship-among-jackson
(Looking at the Four Way Relationship Among Jackson, Clay, Calhoun, and Essay)
Looking at the Four Way Relationship Among Jackson, Clay, Calhoun, and Essay. https://studentshare.org/history/1447619-looking-at-the-four-way-relationship-among-jackson.
“Looking at the Four Way Relationship Among Jackson, Clay, Calhoun, and Essay”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/history/1447619-looking-at-the-four-way-relationship-among-jackson.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Four-Way Relationship among Jackson, Clay, Calhoun, and Webster

Andrew Jackson vs. Henry Clay

An author of this paper will reveal his thoughts on the activity of two known politicians: Andrew Jackson and Henry clay.... Andrew Jackson and Henry clay were both well-known politicians in the course of United States history, often because of their differing views on politics and policy.... Both men also served in the War of 1812, with Andrew Jackson commanding forces at New Orleans and Henry clay acting as a War Hawk from Kentucky (Davidson, and Stoff 333)....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Michael Jackson Biography

One of the biggest widely celebrated, beloved, and emulated entertainers is Michael jackson.... African-Americans, Joseph jackson together his wife Katherine gave birth to Michael jackson while living in Gary, a place in Indiana on the 29th day of August 1958 (7).... assion for music continued evolving within the jackson 5.... Although those who wrote about Michael jackson's family report that his father became violent and abused them, their combined efforts started paying off when Motown label founder Berry Gordy got impressed by their performance and signed them to his label in 1968....
6 Pages (1500 words) Term Paper

James C. Curtis, Andrew Jackson and the Search for Vindication

Curtis, Andrew jackson and the Search for Vindication Since his early life as a child to his days as a president, Andrew jackson fueled a revolt in the political arena and in the search for the American people's vindication.... In his book Andrew jackson and the Search for Vindication, Curtis explores the personality of jackson, as well as his lifelong pursuit for power that was intensely entrenched in his troubled past.... jackson was born in Northern Ireland....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

A Dialogue between Andrew Jackson and Henry Clay

Andrew Jackson and Henry clay.... Similarly, Henry clay is also regarded to be a considerable personality in the early history of America, who served as senator, speaker of the House of Representatives and US Secretary of State, who demonstrated his diplomatic skills while serving at the same position.... clay: Mr.... From this paper, it is clear that Andrew jackson serves as one of the most influential statesmen the USA has ever produced....
6 Pages (1500 words) Research Paper

Analysis of the Presidency Andrew Jackson

South Carolina was the home of Vice President, John calhoun, whose endorsement of nullification led to his political separation with Jackson.... Andrew jackson [Name of the Writer] [Name of Institution] Andrew jackson Introduction Andrew jackson, the seventh President of USA (1829-1837), is undoubtedly considered to be extremely divisive President due to his hostile individuality.... Discussion Presidency Andrew jackson actively embarked on reforming executive branch as soon as he became incumbent....
3 Pages (750 words) Essay

John C. Calhoun 1782- 1850

The Political Life of John calhoun and his Pro-Slavery Stance John Caldwell Calhoun was in American politics for 40 years.... Wilson, in the introduction to Coit (1977, page vii, ) tells reader how ,together with Daniel webster and Henry Clay , he made up the Great Triumvirate which was such a strong force in American politics for his whole career.... calhoun 1782- 1850 Introduction In 1843 the Honorable John C.... calhoun made his last major bid for the presidency of the United States....
8 Pages (2000 words) Research Paper

Coming of the American Civil War

iscuss the relationship between the Mexican-American War and the Coming of the American Civil War by identifying and explaining the historical significance of the Wilmot Proviso, the Free Soil Party, and the Compromise of 1850. ... 1.... ... he U.... .... Mexican War—(1846-1848) resulted in....
12 Pages (3000 words) Essay

Biography of John C. Calhoun

calhoun (JCC), an American statesman, and political philosopher, served in the federal government, successively as a congressman, secretary of war, vice president, senator, secretary of state, and again as senator.... calhoun started courting his cousin Floride Colhoun whom he married in 1811.... Although it is customary for the bride to keep her own fortune, all of the bride's property was placed in calhoun's hands.... This position in marriage gave calhoun a status among the gentlefolk of the seaboard....
15 Pages (3750 words) Essay
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us