65 pages • 2 hours read
Daniel Walker HoweWhat Hath God Wrought
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2007A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Chapters 11-14Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Chapter 11 Summary: “Jacksonian Democracy and the Rule of Law”
Chapter 11 explores the Nullification Crisis’s aftermath, the decimation of the Cherokee Nation, and the broader implications of Jackson’s policies on Indigenous tribes. The chapter describes the removal policies that led to the Trail of Tears, highlighting the human cost of these policies and Jackson’s role in shaping them. It also covers the judicial landscape after Marshall’s death, focusing on Roger Taney’s influence on the Supreme Court and his alignment with Jacksonian ideals, particularly in the context of state sovereignty and the rights of property, which had lasting implications on American legal and political development.
Andrew Jackson’s presidency reflected Jackson’s tendency to prioritize his authority over established legal constraints. This trait, evident in his military career, was prominent during his presidency, particularly in his handling of the Bank of the United States, the Supreme Court’s decision on Cherokee rights, abolitionist mail, and public violence. Jackson’s divisive leadership choices culminated in his censure by the Senate, highlighting the era’s political polarization.
The chapter discusses the Nullification Crisis and its implications for the Cherokee Nation, particularly through the Worcester v. Georgia case, which exposed a conflict between the Supreme Court’s authority and Georgia’s defiance, with Jackson notably siding against the Court’s decision, which favored state sovereignty over federal judicial authority. This laid the groundwork for further legal and political conflicts surrounding state rights and federal authority.
Significantly, the chapter delves into the broader impacts of Jacksonian democracy on legal traditions, contrasting the Democratic celebration of the people’s autonomy with the Whig reverence for law. It critiques the era’s pervasive violence and lawlessness, partly attributed to rapid societal growth and growing divides over slavery.
Chapter 12 Summary: “Reason and Revelation”
Howe delves into the interplay between rational thought and religious belief in antebellum America, focusing on how these elements influenced societal progress, education, science, and debates on morality and slavery. The chapter begins with the Owen-Campbell debate in Cincinnati, highlighting the era’s commitment to rational discourse and social progress through religion. It examines Alexander Campbell’s belief in the compatibility of the Bible with reason, history, and science, reflecting evangelical Americans’ faith in scripture as a guide to practice and knowledge.
Public debates on religion, frequently pitting different denominations and beliefs against each other, showcased the widespread interest in theological matters. This environment fostered learned theological reflection, with leading intellectuals engaging in significant debates on various doctrinal issues, illustrating the era’s intellectual vibrancy and commitment to applying reason to religious belief.
The chapter also discusses the educational landscape, noting how Protestant religion spurred literacy and contributed to a culture that valued education from primary schools through higher education. It highlights the role of religious institutions in advancing education, particularly for marginalized groups such as African Americans and Indigenous people, and the influence of religion on developing a national system of education that synthesized civic objectives with religious energy.
In the realm of science, the chapter underscores the period’s general belief in intelligent design and the harmonization of scientific discovery with religious faith. It details the contributions of scientists who integrated their work with their religious beliefs and examines how the cultural desire for progress supported scientific endeavors. The breakthrough of anesthesia marked a major advancement in medicine and sparked discussions on the nature of pain and human suffering. The limits of and alternatives to medical science at this time are also discussed.
Finally, the chapter addresses the ongoing debate over slavery, highlighting how both sides use the Bible to argue their positions. It outlines the shift in the South from viewing slavery as a necessary evil to defending it as a positive good, primarily on racial grounds. The chapter concludes by reflecting on how the synthesis of Protestantism with the Enlightenment and classical learning provided a stable yet dynamic foundation for American society, even as it grappled with unresolved moral controversies.
Chapter 13 Summary: “Jackson’s Third Term”
Martin Van Buren’s presidency was known as “Jackson’s Third Term” (505). Van Buren, Jackson’s chosen successor, is described as starkly different in personality from Jackson but identical in his politics. This chapter portrays Van Buren as adept at gaining power but less successful at wielding it effectively, particularly during a time of economic hardship.
Van Buren’s presidency is marked by several significant events and policies. The chapter highlights the economic turbulence of the period, specifically the Panic of 1837, which led to widespread financial distress. This economic downturn, along with Van Buren’s continuation of Jackson’s policies—including the Indian Removal Act and the handling of the Amistad case—paints a picture of a presidency under siege from various fronts.
Van Buren’s efforts to navigate these challenges, including his stance on the gag rule, slavery, and Indian removal, are explored in detail. His administration’s adherence to Jacksonian principles, such as opposition to a national bank, is juxtaposed with its struggles to address the economic and social issues facing the nation.
The chapter also covers the broader political landscape, including the rise of opposition to Van Buren and Jacksonian policies, the evolving debate over slavery, and the impact of economic policies on the American populace. The description of Van Buren’s term as Jackson’s third term serves as a critique of his inability to adapt to or address the changing needs of the country, ultimately leading to his political downfall.
Chapter 14 Summary: “The New Economy”
The personal story of John Ball illustrates the desire among many Americans to move beyond the confines of subsistence farming toward greater economic opportunities and education. This anecdote sets the stage for a broader exploration of the mass migration from farms to urban areas, driven by the pursuit of better living standards and educational opportunities. Between 1820 and 1850, urbanization in the United States accelerated dramatically, with significant growth in cities due to both domestic migration and an influx of overseas immigrants. This period saw a fivefold increase in the urban population, marking the beginning of the most rapid urbanization in American history.
The chapter also examines the transformative impact of the transportation revolution, which made it easier for agricultural populations to relocate and facilitated the growth of American cities by attracting migrants from both the American hinterlands and Europe. Railroads and canals, in particular, played crucial roles in connecting diverse regions of the country, promoting trade, and supporting the urbanization process. These developments, coupled with advancements in agricultural productivity, allowed for a larger urban population by making it easier to feed people not engaged in agriculture.
As urban centers grew, they became hubs of commerce. The narrative highlights the diverse economic activities and social dynamics within these urban areas, including the challenges of crime, vice, and the struggle to provide adequate municipal services amidst rapid growth.
The chapter also touches on the harsh realities of urban life, including poor sanitation, high mortality rates, and the spread of disease, contrasting these challenges with the attractions of urban living that continued to draw people into cities. The discussion extends to the changes in the economic landscape, such as the rise of the factory system and the decline of the artisanal mode of production, reflecting broader shifts toward industrialization and market-oriented agriculture.
Finally, the chapter addresses the issue of labor, including the movement of workers towards forming labor unions and striking for better working conditions and wages. It explores the complex interplay between economic, social, and political forces that shaped the labor movement and the responses of various stakeholders, including employers, the government, and the workers themselves.
Chapters 11-14 Analysis
Howe illustrates the Jacksonian era’s contradictions and the burgeoning tension between expanding democratic ideals and the practical realities of governance, societal norms, and economic upheaval. The tension between Jackson’s authoritative presidency and the rule of law underscores a period marked by personal vendettas, political polarization, and the challenging navigation between state and federal authority, particularly in matters such as the Cherokee Nation’s rights and the broader implications for Indigenous tribes. Jackson’s assertiveness, often bypassing established legal frameworks, reflects the era’s political and social dissonance.
Simultaneously, these chapters delve into the era’s intellectual ferment, where rational thought and evangelical zeal coalesce, fostering significant social reforms and educational advancements. The juxtaposition of reason and revelation in public discourse and policy reflects a society grappling with its foundational values amid rapid change. The evolution of educational institutions, science, religion, and the debates surrounding slavery highlight the changing values of the time and reflect the theme of The Rise of Religious and Social Movements.
Abolitionist movements argued that slavery was a moral evil incompatible with Christian teachings and the principles of human rights. Figures like William Lloyd Garrison, who launched the abolitionist newspaper The Liberator, and organizations such as the American Anti-Slavery Society, also used religious rhetoric to condemn slavery. These movements faced significant opposition, not just from pro-slavery advocates but also from within religious communities themselves. For example, denominations like the Baptists and Methodists experienced splits over slavery, reflecting the deep divisions within American society on this issue.
These religious and social movements also catalyzed broader social changes. The same moral fervor that propelled the abolitionist cause also fueled movements for women’s rights, temperance, and prison reform, among others. The Seneca Falls convention of 1848, for instance, was the first convention on women’s rights in the US. It can be seen as a direct outgrowth of the reformist zeal of the era, with many attendees being active in the abolitionist movement. These movements contributed to an expanding discourse on rights, freedom, and morality, challenging the nation to live up to its professed ideals.
Furthermore, the portrayal of “Jackson’s Third Term” under Martin Van Buren and the subsequent exploration of the new economy provide insights into the period’s economic turbulence and transformation. The Panic of 1837, alongside continued controversies over slavery, Indian removal, and the gag rule, illustrate the challenges and complexities of Van Buren’s presidency, echoing Jackson’s shadow over American politics. The economic narrative, marked by urbanization, the transportation revolution, and the rise of a market-oriented economy, underscores the period’s seismic shifts towards industrialization and urban life, revealing the social, environmental, and labor tensions that accompany such transitions.
