The Age of Jackson Timeline
1815 Andrew Jackson becomes national hero at Battle of New Orleans.
1824 Election of 1824 – none of the candidates gains a majority; the election is thrown into
the House of Representatives.
1828 “The Tariff of Abominations,” raising the protective Tariff of 1824, passes through
Congress and is signed by President Adams.
1828 Andrew Jackson is elected President; John C. Calhoun is his Vice President.
1830 Indian Removal Act signed by President Jackson – grants authority to move Eastern
Indians into Western lands.
1832 Worcester v. Georgia – Supreme Court declares that the laws of the state of Georgia “can have
no force” within Cherokee boundaries. Georgia refuses to acknowledge the court’s decision and
finds support with President Jackson who declares, “John Marshall has made his decision, now
let him enforce it!”
1832 Bill to renew the charter the Bank of the United States vetoed by President Jackson – argues
that the bank’s policies tend to favor corporations and moneyed aristocracy; Congress fails to
override the veto.
1832 Tariff of 1832 adopted by Congress – more moderate than the Tariff of 1828, but still
leaves the South dissatisfied.
1832 “South Carolina Ordinance of Nullification,” written by John C. Calhoun, issued by South
Carolina state legislature – adopts measures to enforce this ordinance – even allowing for
military preparations and secession if the Federal Government resorts to force.
1833 Jackson issues a proclamation against South Carolina’s threat to secede – South Carolina
legislature defies “King Andrew” and even raises a volunteer army unit to repel any “invasion.”
Jackson then asks Congress to adopt a Force Bill to enable him to enforce the provisions of the
Tariffs of 1828 and 1832.
1833 Compromise Tariff of 1833 drawn up by Henry Clay – includes a gradual cutback in
tariffs, which pleases the South.
1833 Jackson declares that he wants government funds withdrawn from the Bank of the United States
– Attorney General Roger B. Taney supports Jackson’s desire to remove the deposits and
distribute them to selected state banks.
1833 Andrew Jackson is inaugurated for his second term. Martin Van Buren is inaugurated
as Vice President (John C. Calhoun has resigned).
1833 “Pet banks” are established – funds from the Bank of the United States are transferred
to these 23 state banks.
1834 The name “Whig,” is formally adopted for a new U.S. political party that emerges in
response to Jackson’s policies.
1836 Martin Van Buren elected President – he runs on the Democratic ticket and agrees to
follow Jackson’s policies. Richard Johnson is Vice President.