Andrew Jackson’s win in the presidential elections of 1828 gave rise to a new era in American political history. The Revolution’s ideals had been changed by the ways of American life at the beginning of the nineteenth century and then continued to evolve.
Jacksonian America – also known as Jacksonian democracy – was a peculiar combination of all the best and the worst of American society. It was a truly democratic movement with impulses towards egalitarianism, but all the social critique has always worked only for the benefit of white males.
This whimsical combination of the pursuit of egalitarianism, the presence of male privilege, and racial prejudices defined the Jacksonian era – and, in some way, still remains the hallmark of American life.
Moreover, Jacksonian America is best known as the America of the common man. The times of aristocratic gentlemen were over; it was the era of a self-made man. A self-made man did not inherit the riches but worked on the land and harvested the fruits of independence, which were fought for by his predecessors.
European traditions were left behind, and Americans were starting to craft their own identity. At that age, the life of someone who intended to work hard would be way better than in the colonial period: this approach could materially bring one success and prosperity.
Unfortunately, it only applied to white men: there was still a long way from being equal. However, it was during this period that the idea of the American dream, prevalent to this day, began to take shape and change people’s mindsets.