The Jacksonian Revolution: Author Robert V. Remini Explains the Age of Jackson
After an era of great presidents and leaders such as Washington and Jefferson, a General from Tennessee was now running for the presidency of the United States. Jackson, or “Old Hickory,” as many called him, sparked many of these new democratic ideals. Over the forty years since the Constitution had been established, many changes were occurring in all phases of life. For example, a “transportation revolution” took route, with the building of canals and bridges. Also, the industrial revolution brought on many new ideas and the “essential elements for the creation of an industrial society” were all in place. Ideas were so strongly changing and developing that a new political party was developed.
Martin Van Buren and many others tried to structure a party around the presidential candidacy of Jackson. The Democratic Party, led by Jackson, Van Buren, John C. Calhoun and Thomas Hart Benton, all opposed a strong central government and a broad interpretation of the constitution. The Democrats put the states in high regard, and they claimed to follow the same basic ideas and republican doctrines of Thomas Jefferson. Their political philosophy was “fundamentally conservative.” Democrats found pleasure in celebrating the candidacy of Jackson, and labeled him a “man of the people.” Jackson was a symbol of what was best in American life; he was a self- made man, and party leaders took notice of this.
Jackson’s nickname, “Old Hickory” was used as somewhat of a marketing tool, as hickory brooms, canes, and sticks could be found everywhere. However, the opponents of the Democratic Party were irritated by these actions labeling it as a “crude lowering of the political process.” For example, they complained to newspapers about what was happening, but the Democrats still did whatever possible to generate excitement for their cause. In addition to the advertising, barbeques and parades were also held. Jackson was later elected as President, and he was fiercely committed to democracy. At his inauguration he talked of important changes that would take place and his ideas for the future, but by 1833, many feared that Jackson was leading the country to disaster.
Many people began to go against the “Jacksonian Revolution,” but the Democrats still continued to support it. However, some members of the party turned their backs on Jackson, and shifted their views to the rival Whig Party. Many authors and scholars have their separate analyses of Andrew Jackson, but arguably, it was during this era where the first true evolution of the presidency and of politics took place.
