Age of the Common Man
Age of the Common Man The time period that is often looked upon to recognize dramatic political, social, and economic advancements and uprising opportunities is within the period of Andrew Jackson's presidency. This period in history is known as the Age of the Common Man or the era of the Jacksonian Democracy. The common man often referred to any white male of this time period regardless of social rank. During these times the alterations made in politics coextensively impacted social and economical improvements. By establishing a relationship with the common man, Andrew Jackson endorsed democracy and opportunities for American white males through economic policies and political opportunities. Politically, Jackson’s presidency was a dramatic time for the common man to expand and increasingly become more involved. During the Jacksonian democracy era, many aspects of who could vote began to alter. For instance, Jackson promoted the system of rotation, affirming a democratic ideal that one man is as good as the next, instigating more involvement from the common man within all aspects of government concerns. The system of rotation was a great help in establishing the two system party, that would separate political views and allow multiple outlooks to become options for government officials. Andrew Jackson also, initiated nominating conventions, replacing caucuses, enabling party-politicians and voters to be all white males. The common man now had the opportunity to gather in large meeting halls to nominate party’s candidates with others, such as the Anti-Mason’s who generated a more democratic idea among the average man. From one end of the country to the other, all white males were being promoted to vote regardless of their social class or religion. Another exemplified alteration came from Jackson vetoing the bank-recharter bill, vilifying the national bank as an exclusive cartel manipulating the common man in order to endow the wealthy and foreign parties. As one