Whig Party

Definition

The Whig Party was a political organization in the United States formed in the 1830s that opposed the policies of President Andrew Jackson and his Democratic Party. The party emerged as a response to Jacksonian democracy, emphasizing the need for a strong legislative branch, modernization, and economic protectionism. The Whigs drew support from various groups, including former National Republicans, anti-Jackson Democrats, and those advocating for economic development through infrastructure projects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Whig Party was founded in 1834, primarily as an opposition to President Andrew Jackson's authoritarian style of governance and his use of executive power.
2. Key issues for the Whig Party included support for internal improvements like roads and canals, a national bank, and protective tariffs to foster American industry.
3. The party's base included many wealthy industrialists, northern merchants, and some southern planters who were unhappy with Jackson's policies.
4. The Whigs had two notable presidents: William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor, both of whom died shortly after taking office, leading to significant instability within the party.
5. By the 1850s, internal divisions over slavery weakened the Whig Party significantly, leading to its eventual collapse and the rise of the Republican Party.

Review Questions

• How did the formation of the Whig Party reflect the political landscape of the 1830s in America?
  • The formation of the Whig Party represented a significant shift in American politics during the 1830s as it emerged in direct opposition to Andrew Jackson's Democratic Party. This period saw increased political polarization, with Whigs advocating for stronger legislative authority and modernization against what they viewed as Jackson's autocratic tendencies. The party attracted a coalition of diverse groups unhappy with Jackson's policies, illustrating a growing demand for alternative political representation.
• Evaluate how the Whig Party's economic policies differed from those promoted by Andrew Jackson and his supporters.
  • The Whig Party's economic policies emphasized infrastructure development, a national bank, and protective tariffs designed to boost American industry. In contrast, Andrew Jackson and his supporters favored a more agrarian economy with less federal intervention in favor of individual states' rights. This fundamental difference created sharp divisions between the two parties, as Whigs sought to promote economic growth through government action while Jacksonians prioritized laissez-faire principles that supported agrarian interests.
• Assess the reasons behind the decline of the Whig Party in the 1850s and how this contributed to the emergence of new political movements.
  • The decline of the Whig Party in the 1850s can be attributed to several factors, including internal divisions over slavery and their inability to present a unified platform on key issues. As sectional tensions intensified leading up to the Civil War, many northern Whigs were drawn into new movements like the Republican Party that opposed the expansion of slavery. This fragmentation reflected broader societal shifts in America, as debates over slavery increasingly polarized political alignments and set the stage for new coalitions focused on anti-slavery sentiments.

Related terms

Democratic Party: The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States, originally founded as the Democratic-Republican Party in the early 19th century, and is known for its emphasis on individual liberties and a more hands-off approach to economic regulation.

Jacksonian Democracy: Jacksonian Democracy refers to the political movement during Andrew Jackson's presidency that championed greater democracy for the common man, promoting ideas such as universal male suffrage and opposition to elite control of government.

National Republicans: The National Republicans were a political faction that emerged in the 1820s, supporting a strong federal government and economic modernization, serving as a precursor to the Whig Party.