The Contention on Jackson’s Presidency

The Contention on Jackson’s Presidency

Even though some people argue that Andrew Jackson’s style of government was decidedly undemocratic and certainly not in favour of the commoner, and others even regarded him in a political cartoon as “King Andrew the First,” nothing could be more inaccurate. Indeed, Jackson’s presidency was the “Age of the Common Man.” With the re-assertion of the new country’s sense of the recently gained independence, which was fresh from fighting the British for a second time, Andrew Jackson’s election in 1828 hinted at a gradual shift towards ideals that were more democratic.

Although Andrew Jackson’s six predecessors came from prominent families and got wealth in the original colonies, numbered thirteen in total, his humble background, with roots in Tennessee and still managed to rise to the presidency, is a strong testament and a potent metaphor for the aspect of self-reliance of the self-made man (Smithsonian American Art Museum, n.d.). It is imperative to note that during this Jacksonian Era, the white men who did not possess land eventually got voting rights. Gradually, these previously undermined persons were able to harness more power regarding politics.

Lastly, it is essential to note that there was a reduced economic reliance on international trade during his time. Jackson instead embraced the growth of the industry at home and agriculture. In this case, therefore, the ‘common man’ was now in a position to bolster his living standards due to the creation of jobs for the average man (Pessen, 1971). It is crucial to understand that while some people referred to him as King Andrew I, the president was only exercising his veto powers of a president to influence policies. Therefore, it does not suffice to conclude that he acted more like a King but within the Constitution’s confines.

References

Pessen, E. (1971). The Egalitarian Myth and the American Social Reality: Wealth, Mobility, and Equality in the” Era of the Common Man”. The American Historical Review, 76(4), 989-1034.

Smithsonian American Art Museum. Americanexperience.si.edu. https://americanexperience.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Daniel-La-Motte-and-Independence-Squire-Jack-Observe-and-Interpret.pdf.

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The Contention on Jackson’s Presidency

While some have viewed Jackson’s presidency as the “Age of the Common Man,” others argue that his style of government was decidedly undemocratic and certainly not in favour of the commoner. There is even a political cartoon titled “King Andrew the First.” Which argument do you believe is more accurate?