Andrew Jackson and the Rise of American Politics

CrashCourse

This educational video from Crash Course US History explores the pivotal era known as the Age of Jackson, roughly spanning 1820 to 1850. Host John Green explains how American democracy expanded during this period, moving away from property requirements for voting and ushering in universal white male suffrage. The video details the collapse of the Era of Good Feelings and the subsequent rise of the Second Party System, contrasting the new Democratic Party led by Andrew Jackson with the opposing Whig Party. It provides a nuanced look at Jackson's presidency, covering his controversial use of executive power, the Nullification Crisis, the Bank War, and the Indian Removal Act. Key historical themes explored include the tension between federal and state power, the economic shifts of the Market Revolution, and the growing sectionalism over slavery that foreshadowed the Civil War. The video delves into the specific policies of the American System—tariffs, infrastructure, and the national bank—and how they polarized the nation. It also critically examines the treatment of Native Americans, specifically the forced removal of the Cherokee nation on the Trail of Tears, highlighting the conflict between the executive and judicial branches. For educators, this video serves as an excellent synthesis of complex political and economic concepts essential for understanding 19th-century America. It helps students connect the origins of modern political campaigning and party dynamics to this era. The content is particularly useful for AP US History courses or high school government classes, as it illustrates the practical application of checks and balances (or the failure thereof) and the evolution of the American presidency into a more powerful executive office.