Jacksonian Democracy Dbq Analysis

Jacksonian Democrats idealized themselves as protectors of democracy, liberty and economic equality, and while they did strive to preserve and accomplish these goals, often their efforts to preserve the rights of the people took them away.
With the collapse of the federalist party and the victory with the war of 1812, Americans were united and the period called “era of good feelings”, refering to a general, wide-spread agreement over most basic policies. claimed america. All this really meant was that political leaders were in agreement on most policies. As John Quincy Adams’s presidency was ending, many states lowering or altogether eliminating the property requirements for voting, many middle and lower class citizens who could now be more …show more content…
He stated in his veto message that “ none of the modifications [were] necessary to make is compatible with justice, with sound policy or with the constitution.” (Doc B). The Bank put all of the money of the country's citizens into the hands of a select rich few, and this made Jackson uneasy. While jackson was within his rights to veto the bank charter, Daniel Webster’s reply to Jackson's veto message, challenging Jackson’s statement of the move being one to protect democracy, insisting that he is doing just the opposite. Webster feels that Jackson is being manipulative and purposefully pitting upper and lower classes against each other. He message “appeals to every prejudice which may betray men into a mistaken view… and to every passion which may lead them to disobey the instinct of their understanding” (Doc C). In the Jacksonian era there was debate about Henry Clay’s, “American system” which put focus on tariffs to protect and promote industry, infrastructure such as canals and roads to develop profitable markets for agriculture and a national bank. This system was help in high regard by the Whigs, who opposed Jackson’s …show more content…
According to Harriet Martineau, A british author visiting New York in 1834, America was doing something right. She remarks on “the absence of poverty, of gross ignorance, of all servility and of all insolence...:” (Doc D). While obviously all of these things did exist in America, the main idea put across in Martineau’s report was of their advance state of mind because of how they could directly be involved in politics and change their own lives if they work hard enough.”
Doc E - Many of the laws Jackson passed to cause good did much more harm. They cause riots that wounded many. “Riots and insubordination” in trying to protect rights of citizens he angered them so much they rioted and harmed law enforcement officers.
Even former supporters turned against Jackson and created political Cartoons like document I, the King Andrew the First poster, to demonstrate jackson’s dictatorship of the presidency. He is shown dressed like a monarch with gaudy decor and clothing, holding a scepter and a veto bill. Shows how many thought he abused the veto power. While his goals and timed period was more democratic than any period that came before

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