In what ways (political, technological, cultural) has the world of Andrew Jackson become "unrecognizable" from the world of George Washington?
political parties, doubling of size of country under Jefferson due to Louisiana Purchase, settlement of the west, including the president himself a westerner, expansion of shipping and trade even to the Mississippi ....
To understand the ways in which the world of Andrew Jackson became "unrecognizable" from the world of George Washington in terms of political, technological, and cultural changes, we need to compare the specific aspects of each era. Let's explore these aspects individually:
1. Political Changes:
a. Expansion of Democracy: Andrew Jackson's presidency (1829-1837) was marked by a significant expansion of democratic ideals compared to the more elite-driven politics of George Washington's era (1789-1797). Jacksonian Democracy emphasized broader participation in politics, with the expansion of suffrage to white males without property qualifications.
b. Rise of Political Parties: During George Washington's presidency, political parties were not yet firmly established, and Washington himself warned against their divisive nature. However, by Andrew Jackson's time, political parties had become firmly entrenched, with the emergence of the Democratic Party (led by Jackson) and the subsequent growth of the Whig Party.
2. Technological Changes:
a. Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution, which gained momentum throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries, brought about significant technological advancements. By the time of Andrew Jackson's presidency, the United States had experienced rapid industrialization, transforming the economic landscape and leading to urbanization, factory systems, and the growth of a wage labor force.
b. Transportation Revolution: During Andrew Jackson's era, the country witnessed a transportation revolution with the development of the steamboat, canal systems (such as the Erie Canal), and the early stages of railroad construction. These advancements significantly improved transportation efficiency and connected various regions of the country more effectively than during George Washington's time.
3. Cultural Changes:
a. Westward Expansion: The period between George Washington and Andrew Jackson saw vast territorial expansion, particularly with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and subsequent Indian removal policies. This westward expansion drastically changed the cultural landscape as settlers pushed beyond the original thirteen colonies, encountering and pushing aside Native American tribes.
b. Growth of Mass Media: The proliferation of newspapers, pamphlets, and other forms of printed media greatly increased during Andrew Jackson's presidency, contributing to a rise in public discourse and political engagement. This marked a departure from George Washington's time when information flow was limited and mainly confined to handwritten letters and local publications.
To summarize, the world of Andrew Jackson became "unrecognizable" from the world of George Washington due to the expansion of democracy, the rise of political parties, the impact of the Industrial Revolution and transportation advancements, westward expansion, and the growth of mass media. To further explore these topics, one can refer to relevant historical texts, biographies, academic articles, and primary sources from the respective periods.