Period 6 APUSH
10/17/15
The Jacksonian Period (1824-1841) has been celebrated as the era of the “common man.” To what extent did the period live up to its characterization in regard to economic developments and politics?
The Jacksonian Period, which lasted from 1824-1841, was called the “era of the common man.” This description may have been valid for a particular group of people, but such benefits were not extended to the entirety of the American population. For white, male citizens, the era was marked by growth in political involvement and freedom, although economic changes were not necessarily always beneficial. Thus, the characterization of the time period as the “era of the common man” holds true in the political scene, …show more content…
Born in Tennessee, Andrew Jackson was called the “common man’s president” because he was highly popular among the public and did not fit the usual description of a diplomatic-type office holder. Instead, Jackson was known to be more relatable than any other presidential candidate and was appreciated for his war heroics rather than any diplomatic action. After losing the presidential election in 1824, Jackson ran again in 1828. Interestingly, the percent of the voting public that actually voted more than doubled between the 1824 and 1828 elections, as can be seen in Document 6. When Jackson first runs, a voter participation of 27% is recorded. Despite losing the election, Jackson’s return four years later seems to incite a voter turnout of 58%. The purpose of Document 6 is to illustrate Jackson’s effect on the voting public’s decision to participate in national politics. One of Jackson’s landmark moves was to remove property ownership as a requirement for voting eligibility. Due to this, the common man’s role in politics is augmented throughout the Jacksonian era by the emphasis on voting during the time