Untitled
Sergio Estrada
Mr. Dumas APUSH
10-20-09
Validity of "The common man" era (1824-1848)
Andrew Jackson was the president in 1824 after defeating Jon Quincy Adams. This election marked the end of the era of good feelings and began the era of the common man. Andrew Jackson himself was considered a common man. However, what was considered to be a common man? Andrew Jackson was a poorly educated white man and it could be said that, during the Jacksonian Period, is what a common man was considered to be. The political role of the common man was increased and Jackson himself attempted to make movements in order to make the common man more economically sound. The era of the common man truly ...view middle of the document...
Throughout the Jacksonian period, following presidents attempted to right the wrong that Jackson committed, which was destroying the bank. The United states fell into a panic because Jackson had destroyed the bank. The American economy was in peril and, again, the common man was the center of attention. Politicians were, of course, concerned for their own well being, but politicians were generally the elite and highly educated. They still had a relatively sound economical position.
The common man was also more encouraged to take place in politics. President Andrew Jackson was considered to be a common man who rose to becoming president. He set an example to the common man and ultimately involved them in politics. Jackson's moves were controversial and even some of the ones who he was attempting to assist were against him. However, in order to be against someone, one has to have a political view. Because common men were against him, they had to be somewhat involved in politics.
The dire situations of the economy led to the creation of a new class, the middle class. There were those in poverty and those just holding up. The elites were still regarded as the elite, but the common man now included the middle class. The common man had economic support from Andrew Jackson through Martin Van Buren because Jackson practically ran the white house during Van Buren's presidency.
The era of the common man truly did revolve around the common man, If followed by Jackson's definition. The economy revolved around the middle class from Jackson to Tyler's presidency while the common man became more involved in politics.
