Second Bank of the United States

Definition

The Second Bank of the United States was a national bank chartered in 1816, serving as a central financial institution to regulate currency and manage government finances. It played a pivotal role in the early banking systems by stabilizing the economy and providing credit, but it faced significant opposition from various groups who viewed it as a threat to state banks and individual liberties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Bank was chartered for 20 years and had a capital of $35 million, making it one of the largest banks in the nation at the time.
2. It was located in Philadelphia and had branches across the country, allowing it to exert significant influence over state banks and local economies.
3. The bank faced criticism for favoring wealthy investors and being perceived as elitist, which fueled growing resentment among farmers and small business owners.
4. President Andrew Jackson vehemently opposed the Second Bank, viewing it as an instrument of corruption that concentrated too much power in the hands of a few.
5. In 1832, Jackson vetoed a bill to renew the bank's charter, leading to its eventual closure in 1836, which significantly altered the American banking landscape.

Review Questions

• How did the Second Bank of the United States influence early American economic policies and banking practices?
  • The Second Bank of the United States played a crucial role in stabilizing early American economic policies by regulating currency and managing government finances. By providing a uniform national currency, it helped facilitate trade and reduce economic volatility. The bank also offered credit to both individuals and businesses, promoting economic growth. However, its centralization of financial power led to tensions with state banks and communities that felt marginalized by its practices.
• Evaluate the impact of President Andrew Jackson's opposition to the Second Bank on American banking systems.
  • President Andrew Jackson's opposition to the Second Bank significantly reshaped American banking systems by dismantling a centralized financial institution that had previously regulated currency and provided loans. His veto of the bank's charter renewal in 1832 demonstrated a shift towards more decentralized banking practices, leading to a proliferation of state banks. This shift caused increased instability within the financial system, contributing to economic booms and busts during subsequent decades.
• Analyze how the establishment and eventual dissolution of the Second Bank reflected broader themes of power and economic control in early 19th century America.
  • The establishment and eventual dissolution of the Second Bank of the United States highlight broader themes of power dynamics and economic control in early 19th century America. Initially created to centralize financial authority and stabilize the economy, it soon became a focal point for political conflict, particularly with populist sentiments against perceived elitism. Jackson's actions against the bank underscored tensions between federal authority and states' rights, reflecting a growing desire for democratization in economic matters. Ultimately, its dissolution not only shifted power from centralized institutions to local banks but also influenced future debates around financial regulation and government involvement in the economy.

Related terms

First Bank of the United States: The First Bank of the United States was established in 1791 to handle government funds and issue currency, but its charter expired in 1811, leading to the need for a new central bank.

Bank War: The Bank War refers to the political struggle between President Andrew Jackson and the supporters of the Second Bank, culminating in the bank's eventual dissolution in 1836.

State Banks: State banks were local financial institutions that emerged after the expiration of the First Bank's charter and competed with the Second Bank for deposits and loans.