Indian Removal Act of 1830
Jackson’s Presidency

Instituted the ‘Spoils system’ - filled 20% of federal positions with ‘deserving
members’ of his own party - loyal to his friends: “To the victor go the spoils.”

Indian Removal Act of 1830
o Cherokee were being forced off land by Georgia
o Filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court and won
 Jackson refused to enforce
o Prompted Congress to pass the Indian Removal act
 Forced all Indians east of the Mississippi to move and settle
west
 Cherokee forced out without supplies
 16,000 Indians forced to march throughout winter
 4,000 die during the journey.

Ordinance of Nullification
o South Carolina opposed the Tariff of Abominations
 Vice President John C. Calhoun resigns
 Senate Debate:
 Senator Robert Y. Hayne (South Carolina)
 Daniel Webster (Massachusetts)
 Jackson warns South Carolina not to secede or they will meet
the full force of the US military.