The Impact Of Mass Politics On The American Republic

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The period between 1824 and 1848, known as the Era of Mass Politics, marked a time of significant changes in the American Republic. The emergence of political parties, a new national culture, and economic growth through innovations in technology and agriculture characterized this era. While the Era of Mass Politics had both positive and negative impacts on the American Republic through its political changes, its social and economic developments had a notably beneficial impact on the nation. Following the War of 1812, the Federalist Party had withered from the political stage, leading to a period of political unity under the Democratic-Republicans. This eventually came to an end, and the contested election of 1824 took place. Despite winning …show more content…

Adams' presidency was plagued by sectionalism and the fracturing of the Republican party. His four year term in the White House was under charges of bargain and corruption from the 1824 election, and he was inadequate as a leader in an era where political prowess was becoming increasingly important, impeding the progress of the American Republic. The "Corrupt Bargain," noted by angry Jacksonians, lasted four years and formed the basis of the Democratic Party for the 1828 election. Winning the election of 1828, Andrew Jackson instituted the spoils system which permitted people with political influence to rise to significant positions within the government regardless of their amount of experience or competence, increasing both government dysfunction and increasing potential for corruption. Nevertheless, the Era of Mass Politics also had some …show more content…

The Second Great Awakening, taking place during this era, was influenced by the growth of democratic and individualistic ideals in response to rationalism, along with socioeconomic transformations brought about by the market revolution. This movement contributed to the promotion of moral and social improvements, as well as the formation of a new national culture, combining American elements, European and Greek influences. Federal Style, a type of American architecture, is a prime example of this cultural blending. It incorporated neoclassical elements such as columns, domes, and pediments. Additionally, the Second Great Awakening fueled the Abolitionist Movement, which eventually resulted in emancipation in the North and contributed to the expansion of the free African American community, despite the fact that many state governments continued to restrict their rights. The Women's Suffrage Movement was another benefit from the Era of Mass Politics. This focused on improving women’s equality and opportunity, and was expressed during the Seneca Falls Convention. Here, feminists met in New York, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton read a “Declaration of Sentiments,” which declared “all men and women are created equal.” Socially, the Era of Mass Politics had many beneficial impacts on the American Republic. It aided in the formation of a new national identity, the women's