Editor's Choice

Why did Jacksonian democracy fail African Americans, Native Americans, and women?

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

The presidency of Jackson was known for its democratic reforms. Many states abolished their property requirements to vote; this meant that nearly all white men over the age of twenty-one could vote. Campaign managers now sought to appeal to this larger group of voters by hosting barbecues and giving out mementos such as hickory sticks in order to promote the candidate. However, not all Americans were included in Jacksonian democracy.

Women could not vote and in most states were prohibited from owning property without their husband's approval. Women were important voices in the early temperance and abolitionist movements, but without the vote their voices went largely unnoticed. Women protested their lack of rights in the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, but by then Jackson had already been dead three years.

African Americans were still slaves during this period, and Jackson himself was a prosperous Tennessee slaveowner. Even in the North free blacks could not vote and faced discrimination. Only a small group of abolitionists promoted equality for both races, and many who were against slavery advocated sending former slaves back to Africa.

Native Americans suffered during the Jackson era. Jackson signed off on the Indian Removal Act, which allowed the government to remove the Five Civilized Tribes from the Southeast. Even though John Marshall stated that the treaty with the Cherokee gave them a right to their land, Jackson did not enforce the ruling. Thousands died on the march to Oklahoma in what would become known as the Trail of Tears. The government also successfully fought the Black Hawk War during this period.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial