Andrew Jackson's Age Of Reform

There is nothing small about the significance of Andrew Jackson’s era. Many have redefined The Age of Jackson as being The Age of Reform, or Democracy. However, no name has conveyed the era’s energy and aspiration as that of Jackson himself. There were many highs and lows to Jackson’s presidency. He was considered the forefather of a modern Democratic Party, but also dismantled the second bank of America and was responsible for the Trail of Tears. Thus, resulting in the idea on whether or not The Age of Jackson title is overall deserving. His contributions to America were crucial but not always seen as acceptable and appropriate. Jackson's role as the seventh President had such a large-scale effect, that lead many historians to reasonably call

Early on, he received criticism for his aggressive program of federal spending and was accused of favoring the wealthy over the common man. However, he emphasized the dignity of the common people and projected himself as a down- to-earth man, which past Presidents had not exemplified. He promised to return strong states, weak federal governments, and steer away from interference with slavery. Emerging into Presidency, Jackson used the government to reward faithful democrats, otherwise known as the spoils system. This gave those who followed Jackson or a political party, government jobs to award for the efforts in working towards victory. Seeing that the system was only active for a certain group of supporters, led some to question Jackson's morals and

Andrew Jackson longed for the enforcement of an agrarian republic. With this intention, he envisioned all white men owning farms, to be equal. The rival of this republic was unable to occur. Growing industrialized America that occurred mostly in the North, worked against his vision. Acknowledging the defeat of his idea, Jackson responded with the destruction of banks and gave the power back to the states. This inflated prices and caused the American population to rethink Jackson's leadership in the Union. A separate party was created as an outreach from Jacksons ideals. This political party was called the Whig Party. All in all, they created nationalists, a strong federal government, supported protective tariffs, international improvements, the national bank, and moral reform. The creation of this party was all against President Jackson. Until this point, America had not developed any political parties. Regarding Jackson's previous eradication of the bank, The National Bank was established to have a uniform paper currency, management of government finances, and regulation of private banks. Jackson feared that citizens would use the money in the bank against him and his chances of