The book “Liberty and Power: The Politics of Jacksonian America” by Watson is an insightful analysis of the political thinking and worldview of the Jacksonian era – more than two decades after Monroe’s presidency and the Polk years. The analysis proceeds from the concept of republicanism, widespread in the 18th century, as a concept with some connotations and broad interpretations. The book’s author concludes the restoration of pre-war politics by arguing that new political events and old ideologies are of decisive importance in the second quarter of the 19th century.
The concept of republicanism opposed freedom and power; nevertheless, they united in the politics of the described era. Watson argues that Jacksonian politics is about recognizing that “the problems of a free society were ultimately political and must be addressed by political means” (Watson, p. 41). The old policy of restriction has given way to a democratic political culture. Although a critical feature of the old policy was the provision of state policy to the provincial elites, the people’s will only partially influenced the establishment, which led to the emergence of republicanism.
Watson applies the subject-matter perspective to the analysis of events and personalities, which allows him to capture Jacksonian democracy in a holistic way, which cannot be provided with a chronological overview. The author avoids the limitations of the direct biography in the book. Therefore, Watson defines the elements of the republican system of government as a whole. Watson also explains the demographic and technological changes that led to the Republican era of rule.
All the different political parties of the era described claimed to be “Republicans.” Still, the different conceptions of their politics were such that, based on these differences, two well-defined political parties arose – the Whigs and the Democrats. Watson states that a generation viewed political strategy as an endless war between freedom and power during the Jackson era. Thus, in place of the rival classes, ethnic groups, or religious subcultures represented in previous histories of the political situation before Jacksonian Republicanism, Watson replaces conflicting interpretations of the dominant republican ideology.
Watson argues that revolutionary republicanism is driven by the ongoing struggle in each republic to restrict power that can be abused. Consequently, there is a promotion of personal freedom for each person. The book’s great strength lies in the fact that it brings together national and local politics in chapters on the formation of the state party and the development of the national party system. Watson brings together the work of dozens of academics to create a compelling and smart-level picture of the parties and the problems and ideas that brought them together. Whigs and Democrats are not only electoral associations that are bound by the desire for power. Debates between the two coalitions about the impact of economic innovation on the country’s political life are mingled with concerns about the republic’s future policies and the creation of sustainable social institutions.
In terms of writing style, Watson’s book is relatively dry and flat. Although the author touches on many other issues, Watson argues that the Banking War intensified the such debate. The influence of the new political system and the rhetoric of equality matters combined state power over government, federalism, and progress. Watson examines the federal budget problems during the Republican period from the point of view of the formation of a bipartisan political system and the impact of tariffs on the country’s budget.
Watson argues that Jackson’s Republican concept was dominant in the era, allowing it to create a wealth of political principles and views. Regardless, the author also explores Harrison’s campaign and the influence of religion and symbolic nostalgia on his concept. Jackson’s campaign created a balance of power that ultimately had a major impact on the course of the civil war. In the afterword, Watson also describes the soulful historical criticism of the market change model.
Reference
Watson, Harry L. 2006. Liberty and Power: The Politics of Jacksonian America. 2nd ed. New York: Hill and Wang.