Introduction
The Jacksonian Democrats and the Wigs were interested in American society’s modernization and economic development. However, the parties had different views on achieving economic efficiency and prosperity and the role of government in the economy. The differences in economic views mirrored the parties’ approaches to cultural issues, particularly slavery. The Jacksonian era became a pivotal moment in American political history, providing a basis for future economic and societal changes.
Discussion
Industrialization and commercialization changed the established societal and economic relationship system. While Democrats, comprised mostly of small-scale farmers with little market connections, valued individualism with governmental interest and support, the Whigs viewed such trends as threatening to the traditional way of organized labor (Thompson, 2021). Though Whigs championed development and vowed economic diversity and prosperity, they were alarmed by the possibility of direct governmental involvement in private businesses. The Democrats sought to create a market society with traditional governmental inclusion (Thompson, 2021). The Whigs, on the contrary, embraced the new market economy while following the individualistic views of self-dependence. In the end, the consensus between the two parties formed the modern American economic system.
Social reforms regarding racial inequality and discrimination were acute in the Jacksonian era. Many scholars argue that Jackson’s radical position and the political views of some Democrats catalyzed anti-slavery politics (Lynn & Watson, 2019). At the same time, Whigs, primarily slave owners from the Southern States, resisted such movements. In the end, however, Democratic values became prevalent and gave rise to future anti-slavery and anti-racist movements in America.
Conclusion
The disparity between the Democrats and the Whigs of the Jacksonian era mirrors the current political rivalry in the United States. Old racial, ethnic, and gender prejudices are labeled traditional values in public discourse. The crisis of the post-capitalism economy raises questions about the adequacy of the current economic system for society as a whole. Referring to the experience of previous generations of politicians can help modern American society preserve Democratic values with the perspective for stable economic development.
References
Thompson, W. A. P. (2021). President Andrew Jackson‟s transformative presidency transformed the American political system, by creating the Democratic Party. International Relations and Diplomacy, 9(7), 278–288. Web.
Lynn, & Watson, H. L. (2019). Introduction: Race, politics, and culture in the age of Jacksonian “Democracy.”Journal of the Early Republic, 39(1), 81–87. Web.