Jacksonian Democracy: Definition, Summary & Significance

Overview

• Jacksonian Democracy refers to the political movement during Andrew Jackson's presidency, characterized by greater democracy for the common man. It marked the rise of the Democratic party after 1828.
• The movement is both celebrated for promoting democratic reforms and critiqued for its ties to slavery and white supremacy.

Key Themes

Political and Social Context

• Andrew Jackson: 7th President of the U.S. (1829-1837), known for his populist approach.
• Democratic Reforms: Included expanding suffrage (primarily for white men) and changing federal institutions.
• Critiques: Linked with slavery, Native American subjugation, and white supremacy.

Jacksonian Movement

• Originated from the democratic stirrings of the American Revolution and Jeffersonian Democrats.
• Influenced by social and economic changes of the early 19th century, known as the "market revolution."

Economic and Regional Impact

• Market Revolution: Led to changes in agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation.
  • Northeast and Northwest: Shift from artisanal economy to capitalist agriculture and manufacturing.
  • South: Cotton boom revitalized plantation economy.
  • West: Expansion through Native American land seizure.
• Led to social tensions and a crisis of political faith, challenging elitist republican assumptions.

Political Developments

Rise of Jacksonian Democracy

• Base of Support: Drew discontented farmers, workers, and nonslaveholders.
• Key Issues: Opposition to elitism and centralized economic power.

Opposition

• Emerged from diverse coalitions, including wealthy planters and "Bank Democrats."
• Advocated for economic growth, national banks, and government support of economic development.

Policy and Ideology

• Anti-elitist, aimed at dismantling top-down economic structures.
• Advocated for equal rights and limited government.
• Promoted white male equality but excluded nonwhites and downplayed slavery issues.

Legacy and Critiques

Long-term Impact

• Democratic Party: Influenced by egalitarian and white supremacist themes.
• Political Culture: Politicized American life, increasing electoral participation among white men.

Contradictions and Decline

• Sectional conflicts over slavery began to fracture the movement.
• Efforts to sideline slavery debates conflicted with egalitarian principles.
• Jacksonian principles were overshadowed by sectional issues leading to the Civil War.

Modern Reflections

• The legacy of Jacksonian Democracy persists in modern American politics, blending egalitarian ideals with racial prejudice.