Past and Present Chapter Essay

Opportunity and self-made men were the order of the day The founding fathers considered democracy to be direct rule of the people A concept they feared and rejected Jacksonians considered â€Å"the voice of the people† to be â€Å"the voice of God† Democracy and Society No one could expect social privilege because of family ties European visitors noted the lack of first class accommodations The word â€Å"servant† was disappearing; in its place was â€Å"help† Domestic workers were not considered a social subclass Members of different earning groups dressed similarly Democracy expressed itself in medicine, law and religion Unorthodox â€Å"healers† were given place alongside doctors Local bars allowed lower standards in some areas The clergy came under more control of the laity The popular press became increasingly important Written and read by common people Many small venues and a few influential papers with large readership Democratic Culture Democratic expression in literature and art Popular taste v. elite or traditional culture Romanticism was â€Å"adapted† to sentimentalism in popular literature Formulaic gothic novels sold well Possible because of increased literacy Also cheaper printing More novels written by women Universal white manhood suffrage was the rule by the 1820s Rise in elected v appointed officials Stump speaking and campaigning became the norm More festive and dramatic Martin Van Buren and others began to build statewide political organizations Idea of the â€Å"loyal opposition† developed Other political changes Two party system enhanced Electors more often chosen by popular vote Voting percentages increased dramatically 1824—27% 1828—55% 1840—78% Why more interest? Panic of 1819—concern about money issues Issues such as banks, tariffs, internal improvements Jacksonians were concerned about monied interests Opponents were concerned about rabble rousers Should the federal government become more active? Foster economic growth? Destroy corporate privilege and monopoly? Support the rights of the working man? Abolish inheritance, improve public education? New York Working Men’s Party thought so Also favored redistribution of assets Philadelphia was a center of labor activity General Trades’ Unions was formed Achieved a 10-hour workday Set an early precedent for mass action Abolitionists became more active Some also wanted equal rights for women These reformers saw little success.