Jacksonian Democracy DBQ
Jacksonian democracy came about during a time of dramatic change in America. The Jackson democrats, whose influence spanned several decades in the early 19th century, attempted to strengthen the power of the poor lower classes while weakening the influence of the rich upper class. Economically, they benefited from governing during a time of rapid technological advances in transportation that fueled commerce and helped the common man. Politically, they invested power into an overwhelmingly powerful executive branch. The Jacksonian democrats saw themselves as saviors of the common people and ruled via a powerful central executive who attempted to destroy aristocracy in America. However, they were unusually wealthy, they only supported equality between white men, they enacted disastrous economic policies, and they disregarded the capability of the federal government. Further, they did not introduce democracy in America, but rather merely used it and benefited from it.Numerous advancements sped up the growth of the United States during the first half of the 19th century. A market economy evolved to replace the small-farm agricultural and artisan economy. Favorable economic conditions created by Jackson directly supported a s
Foreign observers viewed that in America every man was free and independent (Doc D), however there was great division in American attitude. Disturbances and acts of resistance broke out across the country by minorities (Doc E), because they were not helped by egalitarian efforts, which were focused on white males. Jackson’s systematic government sponsored removal of many tribes of American Indians and the general hypocrisy and brutality in his Indian removal practices (Doc G) showed how non-universal the principles held by the democrats were. Also, for fear of angering Southern voters, Jacksonians veered away from extending egalitarian policies to slaves. Women received little betterment. Although viewed as defenders of all common men, Jacksonian democrats shunned minorities and only assisted white men. Jacksonians also participated in the fervent nationalism prevailing at the time. Contrary to Calhoun and South Carolina’s reassertion of the confederation principles of the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions, Jacksonians believed in a firm union. In the compromise Tariff of 1832, they reduced the previous tariffs, but also included a Force Bill, which authorized the President to use arms to collect dues in South Carolina. Jacksonians were tough nationalists in foreign affairs too, almost going to war with France in 1835 upon failure to pay its debt. They also were instrumental in dramatically increasing the electorate and encouraging participation in the political process. Jacksonian democrats were above all outstanding propagand
Some topics in this essay:
America Jackson,
National Bank,
Carolina Jacksonians,
Treasury Act,
South Carolina,
American Indians,
West Jacksonians,
Henry Clay,
South Doc,
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executive branch,
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law unconstitutional,
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Approximate Word count = 1047
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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