Primary Source Analysis Three Essay

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Jacksonian Democracy and the "Common Man"

Jacksonian politics of the first half of the nineteenth century became a battle for the common man. For the first time in American history voting rights extended to most all white males; rather than relegated to wealthy aristocrats. Political philosophy, and principles, gave way to prudent manipulation of public opinion. Jackson's heavy-handed use of mass opinion symbolized the new era of political combat, and was to forever change American perceptions concerning the social contract.

Jacksonian philosophy sought to pit the newly franchised masses against the economic might of the North. Politics now threatened to shake the establishment to its core. This is seen in Jackson's frontal assault upon northeastern industry and the central banking system. Graebner and Richards in The American Record best sum up Jacksonian democracy, "Jackson's first target was the entrenched office holders in the federal government" (218).

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Public opinion now dictated policy.

Ironically public opinion itself became manipulated through crafty politics so policy ultimately became unwise or wise depending on political effectiveness. This is ironic because public opinion became a weapon rather than an indicator of the greatest good for the greatest many, as Jackson had everyone believe. This false egalitarianism came to define politics of the time, and more importantly, for all time. "Jacksonian democrats celebrated honest workers and simple farmers, and contrasted them to corrupt, monopolistic aristocrats." (Wallace, 228).

This new "common man" verse the establishment argument became the front line of the political war emerging from the new two party systems.….....

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