Why did the Bourbon democrats believe they should lead the government?
The first two paragraphs of this article summarize the positions of the Bourbon Democrats.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourbon_Democrat
The Bourbon Democrats, also known as the Conservative Democrats, believed they should lead the government for several reasons. To understand their perspective, we need to explore the historical context and their political ideology.
To start, the Bourbon Democrats were primarily active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the southern United States, particularly in states like Mississippi, Louisiana, and South Carolina. They were composed mostly of wealthy, white, conservative planters and businessmen who had significant influence and power within their respective states.
1. Restoration of Traditional Southern Values: The Bourbon Democrats sought to restore what they considered to be traditional Southern values, emphasizing social order, hierarchical class relations, and a strict adherence to conservative principles. They believed that their leadership was necessary to preserve the social fabric of the South.
2. Economic Prosperity: Bourbon Democrats argued that their expertise in business and agriculture made them well-suited to lead the government. They believed that their policies, which prioritized economic growth and market-oriented approaches, would benefit both the wealthy elites and the broader population. They saw themselves as champions of economic progress and claimed that their leadership would lead to greater prosperity for all.
3. Political Experience and Stability: Bourbon Democrats considered themselves to be experienced politicians with a deep understanding of governance. They argued that their long-standing presence in local and state politics equipped them with the knowledge and skills needed for effective leadership. They saw their experience as a form of stability in uncertain times and believed that they could navigate complex political situations better than other factions.
4. Opposition to Radical Reconstruction: Following the American Civil War, the Reconstruction era, implemented by the federal government, brought significant changes to the South, including rights for African Americans. The Bourbon Democrats, however, were staunch opponents of Radical Reconstruction policies. They believed that their leadership could reverse these changes and revert power back to white Democrats, as well as maintain the political dominance they had enjoyed before the war.
Therefore, the Bourbon Democrats believed that their leadership was essential for preserving Southern values, achieving economic prosperity, maintaining political stability, and reversing the changes brought about by Reconstruction. It is crucial to note that this explanation provides historical context and does not endorse or reflect current perspectives.