Jackson's Display Of Nationalism example essay topic

After America's victory in the War of 1812, the republic acquired a new leader who furthered the people's growing sense of nationalism. This leader, Andrew Jackson, claimed to be the president of the common man and showed his love for America by doing everything in his power to keep the Union together. Although his political decisions were often highly controversial, Jackson continuously promoted nationalism by supporting the general public, ensuring America's welfare, and devoting himself to America's interests. A primary example of Jackson's concern for the American people and therefore his patriotic nature is his decision not to renew the charter of the National Bank. As spoken about in Document 9.2, Jackson opposed the bank because he believed it benefited foreign powers and the upper class instead of the general public. (Doc.

9.2) Jackson was weary of the idea that a group who did not posses America's interests at heart could have such a large amount of control over the nation's economy. Document 9.2 also describes Jackson's fear that America could be in grave danger if the county was forced into a war with the foreign powers that controlled its bank. (Doc. 9.2) The idea of excluding foreign influence in a country is a purely nationalistic goal that Jackson strived to achieve by eliminating the bank. Finally, Jackson's opposition to the bank strengthened American nationalism by promoting the concept that government should be focused on the normal American citizen, thereby creating a sense of pride in their government among the nation's men. The people of the "Age of Jackson" also possessed pride in their government and ultimately in the nation because of their increased role in the political process.

Jackson was elected president by a popular vote in every state except for two. According to Document 9.5, the Jacksonian era was characterized by faith in direct democracy and therefore the people felt that their opinions were being represented. (Doc. 9.5) The people during Jackson's presidency were more likely to be devoted Americas willing to spread the concept of patriotism because they participated in their government by helping to elect their leaders into office. The new election processes being implemented could have been completely destroyed if Jackson had not fought so ardently against the nullification crusade. Document 9.3 describes how Carolinians threatened the sanctity of the Union by bringing the nation to the brink of a civil war.

(Doc. 9.3) Document 9.3 also describes how many southerners were obsessed with lowering the tariff and felt abused by northern criticism of slavery, yet Jackson refused to allow their succession. Jackson believed whole-heartedly in the Union that he had struggled to preserve in the Revolution and suppressed this threat to the nation's security by issuing his own threats against South Carolina. Jackson's display of nationalism inspired others to join him in support of the Union and in the end the county's security was maintained.