Andrew Jackson was born in the year 1767 and died in the year 1845 (Werner 221). He was the seventh president of the USA between the years 1829 and 1837. His presidency was marked by unprecedented social, economic, and political changes. After being elected, the question of democracy was put into perspective on a national level (Werner 222).
Although Jackson was an outspoken advocate for democracy, some events cast a shadow of doubt on his reputation as a democratic leader. Throughout his presidency, he advocated for equal rights and representation in government for all white male by electing candidates with limited prerogatives.
The social changes witnessed during Jackson’s presidency were represented in the northern frontier social class structure and southern frontier social structure (Werner 226). The northern frontier changed their old customs based on power and honor and embraced urbanization and manufacturing. On the other hand, the southern frontier remained adamant and continued to embrace old cultures that upheld honor and dignity.
The distinct ways of life changed the social status of the two regions (Werner 232). The Northern felt superior towards the south. The southern region mainly practiced farming and became the producers of raw material for the northern frontier that was industrialized.
As such, individuals from the southern frontier perceived themselves as slaves of the north. Over time, aristocracy in the northern frontier led to a reduction in the interaction of individuals between the two frontiers. To increase the interaction, Jefferson Policies were enhanced. The policies seek to promote cooperation between the southern and Northern Frontier.
Just like the social changes, economic changes were also witnessed during Jackson’s presidency. During his presidency, different regions experienced economic changes in ways unique to their geography (Werner 236). Economic changes were prompted by advancements in the transportation industry and immense immigration. Northern regions saw the onset of cash crop farming and the manufacturing industries.
The regions in the south started to embrace plantation farming after cotton farming proved lucrative. The economic changes affected the country (Werner 238). Displacement of Indians and Hispanics created more land for whites. The massive effects caused by this economic advancement are ignorable.
Hispanics and Indians had to be displaced to avail more land for the whites to settle. With more land for cultivation, slavery was rigorously embraced in the south predominantly to drive the manual activities of the cotton plantations.
Jackson’s presidency was marked by numerous political changes (Werner 225). The changes were initiated after the collapse of the old Federalist Party. After that, Jackson formed the Democratic Party. The party enabled him to get into the presidency. His critics teamed up to form a unification known as the Whigs Party.
Despite strong opposition, Jackson remained the presidential candidate of choice. Property requirements for voting were revoked during his era. Jackson also opposed the use of caucuses to choose presidential candidates terming it undemocratic and a telltale sign of a failed political process.
Most notable arguments that occurred during Jackson’s presidency were based on his economic development policies. One of his policies referred to as Tariff of 1828 despised by the Southerners (Werner 227). They believed that the policy was a tool to relocate riches from cotton growers in the south to northern industrialists.
As opposition from the southerners grew, Jackson realized that the Union was under threat. His strong support for the Union was witnessed when he vehemently opposed South Carolina’s Nullification Ordinance of November 1832 (Werner 229). His view towards the Union was that opposing it was treasonous and ridiculous. He believed that no one could break up the Union.
Works Cited
Werner, Emma. Prentice Hall United States history: reconstruction to the present. Boston, Mass.: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2009. Print.