ipl-logo

Analysis Of Liberty And Power: The Politics Of Jacksonian America By Harry L. Watson

826 Words4 Pages

A time of immense change and political involvement, the antebellum years of the early 1800s is one of the most intriguing time periods of America’s history. Harry L. Watson’s incredible book, Liberty and Power: The Politics of Jacksonian America, details the ups and downs of politics during Jacksonian America. Watson does a great job on explaining how the eighteenth century concept of republicanism transformed nineteenth century America in the form of a ‘market revolution.’ Social, political and economic changes were the center of life during Jacksonian America. Watson’s synthesis is a must-read for anyone interested in Jacksonian politics. Despite the young age of the country, the United States was surprisingly democratic. Americans of …show more content…

Despite the financial troubles, most American’s still believed that American needed to commercially advance. Watson explained that Henry Clay’s American System, which was the Whig’s main platform, comprised of three main parts: economical protection via tariffs, transportation infrastructure and a banking and credit system that encourages the use of paper money. Clay believed that with the implementation of his economic system, citizens’ independence and individual prosperity would be improved. He believed that the improvement is a key idea in the republicanism ideology. On the other hand, Jackson preferred a simple agrarian society that had no place for a strong financial sector. Jackson thought that if charters were favored towards one area of society instead of another, then some people would view it as favoritism towards an elite society. Jackson believed that that was a direct violation of equal liberty of republicanism so he didn’t re-charter the Bank of the United States. The market revolution involved the creation of canals, roadways and railways, foreign investment, new technology, and industrialization. The fact that Jackson didn’t re-charter the Bank of the United States led to the Panics of 1837 and 1839, both of which occurred after he left office. Watson argued that Jackson was extremely self-confident. Jackson believed that since he was voted president by the people of the United States that he was the most legitimate represented of the

Show More
Related
267 Words | 2 Pages

Andrew Jackson wanted and even gave everyone equal economic opportunity by lessening monopoly with his bank veto. However, the financial panic of 1837 was caused by two of his plans, these include pet banks and Specie Circular. People in favor of the national bank proposed a renewal bill for the Second National Bank's charter. Jackson was not necessarily opposed to central banking as much as he was to the idea of the Second National Bank. By opposing the bill, the Second Bank expired and the US would be without an official bank for many years.

Read More
220 Words | 1 Pages

There are two volumes of this book which the author called a narrative history of America. It comprises the information about the years from 1932 to 1972. And, unlike other typical (and boring) history books where the information is usually jumbled in decades, each of the 37 chapters of this book covers only one year. Here, I want to dwell upon The Part 1 (Prologue) and the years from 1932-1941.

Read More
995 Words | 4 Pages

Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States of America, was elected to presidency in the country’s 1828 elections. It was however on June 28, 1830, that Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act and in turn, allowed the relocation of Indians in areas far from the white settlements. The new law gave Jackson power to provide the voluntary relocation of Indians to the trans-Mississippi West. In “Andrew Jackson and His Indian Wars” Remini gives insight in the relationship Jackson had with the Native Americans. Whilst Jackson is portrayed as a slave owner and racist, Remini explains the man’s logic with regard to the hierarchy of men in the United States.

Read More
551 Words | 3 Pages

A time period that ranges from the 1800’s to 1850’s is known as a tremendous changing time for our young country of America. These changes included the Social Reform Era, Manifest Destiny, Industrialization, and Urbanization. Changes like these took huge effect on American History. Without knowing and understanding these aspects it is very difficult to know how the development of America worked. It is important to realize that events like these let America unravel into a valuable long lasting country.

Read More
1537 Words | 7 Pages

The Market Revolution The inventions of the Market Revolution left a dramatic change in developing American society. Enhancements in technology not only improved daily living, it also allowed expansion of commercial exchange and cultivation, refined architecture and creativity, communication and transportation, legal and banking services, and increased population size. Though change was inevitable, controversies arose from different political parties. Even though these creations brought betterment to the populace, internal and external strife continued to challenge progress.

Read More
1099 Words | 5 Pages

To what extent did reform movements in the United States from 1825 to 1850 seek to expand democratic ideals? From 1825-1850 America was on the verge to Manifest it’s destiny as a national super power. From the increased industrialization of the north, to the social changes in the south, and to the expansion to the west, America finally took its first steps to become a self-sufficient country. Important events such as The Second Great Awakening and the Transportation Revolution occurred during this time.

Read More
711 Words | 3 Pages

“Never did a government commence under auspices so favorable, nor ever was success so complete. ”(James Monroe) James Monroe, the fifth U.S. president, was awe-inspiring beyond compare to his DR Party presidents counterparts. In the development of our blooming nation, he oversaw the major expansion that took place, and as well enhanced America’s foreign policy with the Monroe Doctrine, warning European countries against colonizing further or intervening in the Western Hemisphere world. Preceding his presidency, Monroe had long and honored careers as a soldier, governor, diplomat, and senator.

Read More
115 Words | 1 Pages

The alliance around Adams and Clay came to form the opposition Whig Party in the 1830s. The Whigs assembled in opposition to Andrew Jackson and believed the federal government should direct and sponsor internal improvements, pass laws to promote agriculture, manufacturing, and the arts, and create a national bank to help develop the economy and spread prosperity across the country. They viewed the market revolution as the embodiment of civilized progress and that a robust federal government enhanced freedom. Democrats under Jackson reduced spending, lowered the tariff, killed the national bank, and refused federal aid for internal improvements. Consequently, states replaced the federal government as main economic players, much to the ire of

Read More
1239 Words | 5 Pages

However harmless this may seem, he wanted to gain favoritism from the lower class by making it seem like he was doing good for them. But he was powering over the whole bank because of his high status, making his actions not democratic. Backing this up and arguing against Jackson's decision, Daniel Webster's response tells us that; "[Jackson’s message] extends the grasp of [the President] over every power of the government..raises a cry that liberty is in danger, at the very moment when it puts forth claims to powers heretofore unknown and unheard of"(Doc B). As Daniel Webster explained, Jackson is abusing his high

Read More
594 Words | 3 Pages

Jackson was a strong advocate to eliminate restrictions on land ownership. He also encouraged the spoils system. He felt that this system better incorporated public opinion into government policy. He believed that because each party had to compete for public support in meeting their wants and needs, the public would become more active in elections. Although he protected political democracy, Jackson did not grant everyone the right to vote, which would make a truly democratic president.

Read More
1067 Words | 5 Pages

Growing since time could tell, the United States of America. Between 1776 and 1870 the United States of America experiences numerous principal changes relating to three main ideas. America is a stronger place today because of these changes. Crucial historical moments for America fall between these two time periods. I will discuss, compare, and contrast three ideas pertaining to America before 1776 and after 1870, plus explain why America has improved since these changes.

Read More
1122 Words | 5 Pages

Within the same year, the Second National Bank had a crisis. Jackson had ordered the SNC to take $6 million to repay the remaining national debt (Profess Hall PowerPoint). Since the SNB did not follow what he said, he removed all the federal money out and placed it into several state banks. This showed all the people living in the United States that Jackson had a vision for the future and if you did not follow what was said, he would prove you wrong and take action into his own hands. Many people saw how he had the best intentions for the people.

Read More
1026 Words | 5 Pages

He put into power a new system of democracy that supported the common man. Jacksonian democracy was built on the following general principles, the first being the belief that voting rights should be given to all white men. By 1820, it was normal for any white man in America to vote, and the idea of owning property and paying taxes to vote had been dropped. The second idea was that America had a goal to settle the American West and to expand control from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. According to author Clement Eaton, the Jacksonian democracy created “...the age of the common man, or at least of the recognition that he should enjoy equality of opportunity.

Read More
524 Words | 3 Pages

Nicholas Biddle in turn, started calling in loans and collecting debts. There was concern by the people on the state of the economy and the impact that this could have on people’s finances and businesses. President Jackson did not relinquish his efforts in closing the bank and was successful in doing so, however the people were not unjustified in their concerns. Biddle’s calling in loans put the nation in an economic depression. Even today banking powers continue to be of concern.

Read More
158 Words | 1 Pages

Undoubtedly, America has confronted many adversities throughout its history. Moreover, during the course of these challenges America prevailed, and ultimately formed a nation that has the ability to continuously adapt. There exists a myriad of examples that would support this claim; however, this essay will focus on four major events occurring between the 1860’s and 1920’s. The first event is how the American social status changed before and after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The second event is how the Civil War played a role in creating a need for Reconstruction, and how Reconstruction culminated in the Industrial Revolution.

Read More

More about Analysis Of Liberty And Power: The Politics Of Jacksonian America By Harry L. Watson

Open Document