Essay Examples on Jacksonian Democracy Essay Example

Essay Examples on Jacksonian Democracy Paper 1st Essay Sample on Jacksonian Democracy The spirit of an age sometimes descends to future generations in the form of a man, in proportion as an individual concentrates within himself, the spirit which works through masses of men, and which moves, and should move them through the greatest cycles of time, in that proportion, he becomes entitled to their admiration and praise. (Washington McCartney, â€Å"Eulogy-on the Death of Andrew Jackson) (http://www.nv.cc.va.us/home/nvsageh/Hist121/Part3/AgeofJackson.htm) The greatest popular hero of his time, a man of action, and an expansionist, Jackson was associated with the movement toward increased popular participation in government. He was regarded by many as the symbol of the democratic feelings of the time, and later generations were to speak of Jacksonian democracy. Although in broadest terms this movement often attacked citadels of privilege or monopoly and sought to broaden opportunities in many areas of life, there has been much dispute among historians over its essentia l social nature. At one time it was characterized as being rooted in the democratic nature of the frontier. Later historians pointed to the workers of the eastern cities as the defining element in the Jacksonian political coalition. (http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/section/JacksoA_JacksonianDemocrac.asp) Because his countrymen saw their image and spirit in Andrew Jackson, they bestowed their honor and admiration upon him. Jacksonian democracy was created during antebellum America. The Jackson democrats attempted to aggrandize the puissance of lower classes poor while decreasing the influence of the rich and potent. Economically, they benefited from governing during a time of paramount advances in transportation, which boosted commerce and helped the common man. Politically, they invested power into an overwhelmingly powerful executive branch. 2nd Essay Sample on Jacksonian Democracy Jacksonian Democracy was thought of by aristocratic historians of the nineteenth century as an ill-bred outburst that overturned the electoral system and wrecked the national financial structure.Some historians who came after these, however, had contrasting views from those before them.Frederick Jackson Turner was a historian who held the west highly in a democratic sense.He felt Jackson to be a hero who was one of the people who stood up to protect the people against those who where for the progress of monied interest.Turner once argued that the United States only survived through the growing west, and not to the east.A historian who agreed with some of Turners views, but had some differing opinions on to how the conflict was labeled was Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.He felt that the Jacksonian era was more of a move by common people to give them power over the aristocratic elite.Schlesinger was against the back and felt Jackson was in the right by attacking it. Richard Hofstadter had a very contrasting view on Jefferson Democracy than Schlesinger.He did not agree that Jackson was against capitalism.Rather her thought the Jacksonian era was just one capitalist group trying to overcome another.One historian, Lee Benson, who felt that religion, class, or occupation were not consistent in characterizing the Jacksonian era.On the far side of Bensons arguments, was one Sean Wilentz, who believed that this era was one of an economic struggle between the group losing economic power and the new capitalism. Of the views put forth by these historians on the Jacksonian Democracy, I would place my support with Schlesinger.I feel that his thoughts are very strong and are supported through what we know about Jackson.His being for the people was a very strong part of his campaign, which I agree with. We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Jacksonian Democracy specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Jacksonian Democracy specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Jacksonian Democracy specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer