John Q. Adams to Polk (1825-1849)

In Part 2, America's leadership changes hands from the Founding Fathers to a new breed of Founding Sons. The period marked rapid growth and contentious politics, including the bitterest election in US history and first decided by popular vote--the election of 1828. The imposing figure of Andrew Jackson dominates as he impresses his will upon the nation, heralding the era of the Common Man and Manifest Destiny. We also peruse the putrid politics of John Quincy Adams' presidency; Battle of the Petticoats; Indian Removal Act; Bank War; economic turmoil during Martin Van Buren's term; William Henry Harrison's death, the first succession crisis, elevation of Vice President John Tyler ("His Accidency"), and the first impeachment resolution against a president; and exploits of James K. Polk, who took the US to war with Mexico and expanded the nation "from Sea to Shining Sea."