American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House

In May 1834, news arrived that France had refused to honor its 1831 treaty obligations to the US, angering Jackson. Louis Sérurier, the French minister in Washington, met with Secretary of State Louis McLane, who confirmed Jackson’s displeasure and intention to frame the issue as a matter of national honor before Congress. Henry Clay, usually Jackson’s enemy, also expressed outrage and suggested that the US might go to war if France did not reconsider.

After the Senate’s censure vote, Jackson responded on April 15, 1834, with a document titled “Protest” defending his presidency. He criticized the Senate for accusing him without a proper hearing and argued that its motive was to tarnish his and his family’s reputation. Jackson warned that accepting the censure would shift governmental power from the presidency to the legislature—particularly to the unelected Senate. Jackson concluded his protest by reflecting on his sacrifices for American liberty and his disdain for ambition or personal gain. Webster and Calhoun reacted strongly, with Webster comparing Jackson’s stance to absolutism and Calhoun condemning his ambition and boldness in claiming to be the people’s representative.

On April 14, 1834, Clay dubbed Jackson’s opponents “Whigs,” likening them to the British anti-monarchy party.