Second Party System
Overview
The Second Party System is a term used by historians and political scientists to describe the political party system in the United States during the period from approximately 1828 to 1854. This era was characterized by the rise of the Democratic Party, led by Andrew Jackson, and the opposition Whig Party. It marked a significant transformation in American politics, with increased voter participation and the establishment of a more organized and competitive party system.
Historical Context
The Second Party System emerged from the political realignments that followed the Era of Good Feelings, a period marked by the dominance of the Democratic-Republican Party and the decline of the Federalist Party. The contentious election of 1824, which saw John Quincy Adams elected by the House of Representatives despite Andrew Jackson winning a plurality of the popular and electoral votes, set the stage for the rise of new political factions.
The Rise of the Democratic Party
The Democratic Party, founded by supporters of Andrew Jackson, emerged as a major political force in the late 1820s. Jackson's presidency (1829-1837) was characterized by his populist approach and advocacy for the "common man." The Democrats promoted policies such as the Indian Removal Act, opposition to the Second Bank of the United States, and support for westward expansion. The party's base included Southern planters, Western farmers, and urban workers.
Formation of the Whig Party
The Whig Party was formed in the early 1830s as a coalition of National Republicans, Anti-Masons, and disaffected Democrats who opposed Jackson's policies. The Whigs supported a strong federal government, protective tariffs, and internal improvements. They drew support from Northern industrialists, Southern planters who opposed Jackson, and reform-minded individuals. The Whig Party's name was derived from the British Whigs, who opposed monarchical power, reflecting their opposition to what they perceived as Jackson's autocratic tendencies.
Political Dynamics
The Second Party System was marked by intense political competition and high voter turnout. Elections during this period were characterized by vibrant political campaigns, with rallies, parades, and the use of newspapers to disseminate party platforms and attack opponents.
Electoral Strategies and Voter Mobilization
Both parties employed sophisticated electoral strategies to mobilize voters. The Democrats capitalized on Jackson's popularity and the appeal of his populist message, while the Whigs utilized their organizational skills and support from influential figures like Henry Clay and Daniel Webster. The expansion of suffrage to include more white males, along with the development of party machinery, contributed to increased voter participation.
Key Elections
The elections of 1836 and 1840 were pivotal in shaping the Second Party System. In 1836, the Democrats, led by Martin Van Buren, successfully maintained control of the presidency. However, the Panic of 1837 and subsequent economic downturn weakened the Democrats' hold on power. The election of 1840 saw the Whigs, led by William Henry Harrison, capitalize on economic discontent and employ innovative campaign tactics, resulting in a decisive victory.
Major Issues and Policies
The Second Party System was defined by several key issues that divided the Democrats and Whigs.
Economic Policy
Economic policy was a central point of contention between the two parties. The Democrats, under Jackson and Van Buren, opposed the Second Bank of the United States and favored hard money policies. In contrast, the Whigs supported the Bank and advocated for a national economic plan that included protective tariffs and federal funding for internal improvements.
Slavery and Sectionalism
While both parties sought to avoid the divisive issue of slavery, it increasingly influenced political alignments. The Democrats were more aligned with Southern interests, while the Whigs had a more diverse coalition that included Northern abolitionists and Southern moderates. The Missouri Compromise and debates over the expansion of slavery into new territories highlighted the growing sectional tensions.
Social and Cultural Issues
Social and cultural issues also played a role in the Second Party System. The Democrats generally supported states' rights and opposed moral reform movements, while the Whigs were more likely to support temperance, education reform, and other social initiatives. These differences reflected broader cultural divides between urban and rural areas, as well as between different religious and ethnic groups.
Decline and Legacy
The Second Party System began to unravel in the early 1850s due to increasing sectional tensions over slavery. The Compromise of 1850 and the Kansas-Nebraska Act exacerbated divisions within both parties. The Whig Party, unable to reconcile its Northern and Southern factions, disintegrated by the mid-1850s. Many former Whigs joined the newly formed Republican Party, which opposed the expansion of slavery.
The Democratic Party also faced internal divisions but managed to survive the period, albeit weakened. The collapse of the Second Party System set the stage for the Third Party System, characterized by the dominance of the Republicans and the realignment of political coalitions along sectional lines.