UNIT 2.9 B - THE AGE OF JACKSON AND WESTWARD EXPANSION
The Age of Jackson refers to the period of American history that coincided with the presidency of Andrew Jackson, from 1829 to 1837. This era was characterized by significant political and social changes, including the expansion of democracy, westward expansion, and the growth of sectional tensions.
One of the key features of the Age of Jackson was the expansion of democracy. Jacksonian democracy emphasized the participation of the common man in politics, as opposed to the elite ruling class. Jackson and his supporters championed the idea of "popular sovereignty," arguing that the voice of the people should guide government decisions. As a result, Jacksonian era saw the growth of political parties, increased voter participation, and the push for reforms such as the expansion of suffrage and the elimination of property qualifications for voting.
Additionally, the Age of Jackson witnessed significant westward expansion. This was driven by a desire for new land and resources, as well as the belief in manifest destiny - the idea that it was the United States' destiny to occupy and control the entire North American continent. The government passed several pieces of legislation, such as the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forced Native American tribes to move westward, opening up more land for white settlement.
The westward expansion also led to the growth of sectional tensions, particularly between the North and the South. As new states were admitted to the Union, the issue of whether they would be slave or free became a major source of conflict. The Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the Compromise of 1850 attempted to address these tensions, but ultimately failed to provide a lasting solution.
Overall, the Age of Jackson and westward expansion played a crucial role in shaping American history. While it brought about significant social and political changes, it also amplified sectional tensions that would ultimately lead to the American Civil War.