The Jacksonian Era, 1828 1848

This informative volume examines the political developments and party structures of the Jacksonian era and the ways in which the leaders strove to keep them organized and operating as effective units of action. Jacksonian Democracy combined an appreciation of the common man and a desire to serve his needs and aspirations, with an inadequate concept of the economic methods by which liberty and equality might be achieved and maintained on behalf of the masses. The Whigs, on the other hand, had a more realistic appreciation of the needs of a democratic economy but were largely unwilling, or unable, to understand some of the fundamental aspirations of the ordinary American citizen. Each party had its strong points and its defects; this volume seeks to achieve an even balance in its treatment of both the Jacksonians and the Whigs, and accurately portrays their strengths and weaknesses. Characterized by color and movement, the years 1828-1848 were full of significance for the American future. The Jacksonian era was host to a turbulent tide of political battle where pettiness of spirit often vied with statesman-like concepts and noble aims in this exciting time of nationalistic fervor and gaudy expansionism.