Discuss the cultural shift in America during the Jacksonian era, including the rise of the middle class/"common man." What was Andrew Jackson's philosophy of government and how did this impact the office of the presidency. How would you describe the meaning of "Jacksonian Democracy," and Andrew Jackson's relationship to it? In addition to the class readings, please watch the posted video clip (The Presidents) on the course homepage and discuss it in your response.
Question 2
Andrew Jackson left a permanent imprint upon American politics and the presidency. Within eight years, he melded the unstructured coalition of personal followers who had elected him into the country's most durable and ...view middle of the document...
Holding his official subordinates at arm's length, Jackson devised and implemented his policies through a private group of advisers and publicists, His bold initiatives and domineering style caused Jackson to take the name of Whigs to signify their opposition to executive tyranny.
Like Jefferson, Jackson, believed republican government should be simple, frugal, and accessible. He cherished the extinction of the national debt during his administration as a personal triumph. Believing that social cleavages and inequities were looked after rather than enriched by governmental intervention, he embraced the policy most conducive to economic equality and political liberty.
Jackson was both a fiery patriot and a strident partisan. Regarding the national union as indivisible and perpetual, he denounced nullification and secession while reproving policies like the tariff which raised sectional disagreement. His aggressive Indian removal policy and his promotion of cheaper western land prices reflected his nationalism's grounding in the southwestern frontier.
Jackson's powerful personality played an instrumental role in his presidency. He indulged in violent hatreds, and the extent to which his political positions reflected mere personal disposition is still debated. Jackson demonized many of those who crossed him some praise his strength and boldness; others seen him as vengeful and self-obsessed. To his admirers he stands as a shining symbol of American accomplishment, the ultimate free spirited democrat.
Question1
The Rise of Cultural Nationalism there was changes in educational needs, The Republican vision included enlightened public, they wanted a nationwide system, and free public schools to create educated people entitled to vote. By 1815 no state had a comprehensive public school system, schooling primary by private institutions open only to those who could pay. Most were upper class that was...