[Brion McClanahan]

And, don’t forget that Nicolas Biddle’s–the president of the B.U.S.–chief ally was Henry Clay. Clay, of course, spread the rumors during the 1828 campaign that Jackson’s wife Rachel was a bigamist because she was still technically married to her first husband when she married Old Hickory. She died of a heart attack before Jackson took office and Jackson never forgave Clay for starting those rumors. Clay also censured Jackson in the Congress for his actions in Florida after the War of 1812. So, in short, Jackson’s move was not ideological. It was personal.

David Crockett brought up the fact that Jackson was at one time inclined to support the Whig economic program and then did an about face when Jackson was running for Senate. In terms of politics, Jackson always did what was best for Jackson and his personal vendettas.

Jackson did the right thing in declaring the Bank unconstitutional, but his policies after the fact were a disaster.