What were the NORTHERN WHIGS views regarding the following:
-slavery
-women's suffrage
-prohibition of alcohol
-guarantee of free public education
-aid/help for handicapped
-right to education for women and African Americans
-practice of religion
-Native American citizenship
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whig_Party_(United_States)
This was the first article I saw, this only addresses the whig party, not the northern whigs more specifically.
The Northern Whigs were a political party in the United States during the mid-19th century. To understand their views on various issues, we can examine their party platform and the historical context of the time.
1. Slavery: The Northern Whigs opposed the expansion of slavery into newly acquired territories. They believed that slavery was a moral wrong and sought to contain its spread by promoting the idea of free labor and free soil.
2. Women's Suffrage: While the Northern Whigs did not explicitly support women's suffrage in their party platform, they generally favored expanding rights for women. However, they were not as progressive as some other political groups of the time and did not actively advocate for women's right to vote.
3. Prohibition of Alcohol: The Northern Whigs had mixed views on prohibition. Some Whigs supported temperance and the regulation of alcohol, while others opposed it on the grounds of individual freedom and limited government intervention.
4. Guarantee of Free Public Education: The Northern Whigs generally supported the idea of free public education as a means to uplift and educate the population. They believed that education was essential for social progress and economic growth.
5. Aid/Help for Handicapped: The Northern Whigs did not specifically address this issue in their party platforms. However, during the mid-19th century, several reform movements emerged, including the rehabilitation and support for individuals with physical and mental disabilities. It is likely that some Northern Whigs supported these efforts.
6. Right to Education for Women and African Americans: While the Northern Whigs advocated for education, they did not explicitly address the right to education for women and African Americans in their party platforms. However, some Northern Whigs were sympathetic to the abolitionist cause and believed in equal educational opportunities for all, regardless of gender or race.
7. Practice of Religion: The Northern Whigs generally supported religious freedom and the separation of church and state. They believed in the importance of individual conscience and the right to practice or not practice religion freely.
8. Native American Citizenship: Native American citizenship was not a major issue during the time of the Northern Whigs. However, it is important to note that the treatment and rights of Native Americans were often overlooked or disregarded by the political system of the era. Native American citizenship rights would become more prominent in later decades.
To understand the specific views of the Northern Whigs on these issues, it is advisable to research primary sources such as their party platforms, speeches by party leaders, and historical documents from the time.