Jacksonian Democracy - History 1&2

Andrew Jackson, our 7th president, grew up as a common rural boy.  He warned that the nation had been corrupted by "special privilege.”  At that time the US was a deferential society, submitting to the wealthy to make decisions for the country.  The proper road to reform, according to Jackson, lay in an absolute acceptance of egalitarianism, majority rule. 

Jackson believed in offering access to  affordable western land to ordinary white Americans (unfortunately, Jackson took racism for granted). At the same time, industrialization was coming to America.  To facilitate the movement of raw resources, people, and supplies, the Erie Canal was built linking Buffalo to New York City, decreasing freight costs significantly. The canal boats were slow, but could pull thousands of passengers each year with the help of mules who pulled the boats along a towpath. With increased population, better health, and new technology, a market revolution arose, leading to a boom in cash-crop agriculture, capitalist manufacturing, and westward expansion. 

In class activities:

• discussed beginning of industrialization and the change to steam power
• built our own  mill wheels
• learned about Andrew Jackson and democracy
• discussed the difference between deferential and egalitarian leadership
• made a list of changes caused by the building of the Erie Canal

Optional lesson extension activities:

• Watch a video of what it is like to travel through the locks of the Erie Canal - look for the rising water
• Travel in the Erie Canal Time Machine online
• Listen to 15 Miles on the Erie Canal by Thomas S. Allen (1876-1919)  This song is about the time when mule powered boats were common along the canal.  Listen for the "low bridge" warning in the song - Travelers would typically ride on the roof of boats when the conditions allowed, but low bridges along the route would require that they either duck down or get off the roof for the boat to fit under bridges.  

I've got an old mule and her name is Sal
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
She's a good old worker and a good old pal
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
We've hauled some barges in our day
Filled with lumber, coal, and hay
And every inch of the way we know
From Albany to Buffalo
Chorus:Low bridge, everybody down
Low bridge for we're coming to a town
And you'll always know your neighbor
And you'll always know your pal
If you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal
We'd better look 'round for a job old gal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
'Cause you bet your life I'd never part with Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
Git up there mule, here comes a lock
We'll make Rome 'bout six o'clock
One more trip and back we'll go
Right back home to Buffalo
ChorusOh, where would I be if I lost my pal?
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
Oh, I'd like to see a mule as good as Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
A friend of mine once got her sore
Now he's got a busted jaw,
'Cause she let fly with her iron toe,
And kicked him in to Buffalo.
ChorusDon't have to call when I want my Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
She trots from her stall like a good old gal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
I eat my meals with Sal each day
I eat beef and she eats hay
And she ain't so slow if you want to know
She put the "Buff" in Buffalo
Chorus

In preparation for next week's class please:

• read history cards #4&5
• practice your timeline