Interpret the Evidence and Put It in Context

Document Links:

Document 9.5 Proceedings of the Anti-Jackson Convention in Richmond, 1828

Document 9.6 John Binns, Monumental Inscriptions, 1828

Document 9.7 New Jersey Pro-Jackson Convention, 1828

Document 9.8 Resolution of the Albany County Republican Convention, 1828

Document 9.9 President Andrew Jackson’s First Inauguration, 1829

Interpret the Evidence

  1. Why, according to the Anti-Jackson convention in Richmond, was Andrew Jackson unfit for president (Document 9.5)? How do the delegates characterize Jackson’s political and military career?

  2. What was the purpose of the coffin handbill (Document 9.6)? How do the descriptions of the men executed contrast with Jackson’s supposed support for ordinary workingmen?

  3. How does the Trenton Convention description of Jackson differ from that offered by the Richmond convention (Documents 9.5 and 9.7)? How does it distinguish between Jackson and Adams?

  4. How would you compare the Trenton and Albany Conventions’ critiques of Adams (Documents 9.7 and 9.8)?

  5. Why does Cruikshank focus on the outside of the White House in his image of the inauguration (Document 9.9)? How might the various convention delegates and John Binns respond to this illustration?

Put It in Context

Supporters of President Andrew Jackson viewed him as an advocate for ordinary Americans. In what ways does the election of 1828 confirm or contest this claim?

How do these sources reflect the popular campaign style that Jackson introduced into presidential elections?

Exploring American HistoriesPrinted Page 310

Chapter Timeline