Democrats vs. Whigs

Attribute	Democrats	Whigs
Ideology	Liberal	Conservative
Founded	1828	1833
Key Figures	Andrew Jackson	Henry Clay
Support Base	Working class, immigrants	Business interests, planters
Views on Slavery	Split on issue	Opposed to expansion

History

The Democratic Party and the Whig Party were two of the major political parties in the United States during the 19th century. The Democratic Party was founded in the 1820s by supporters of Andrew Jackson, while the Whig Party emerged in the 1830s as a coalition of anti-Jackson forces. The Democrats were known for their support of states' rights and a limited federal government, while the Whigs favored a stronger central government and internal improvements.

Beliefs and Ideologies

One of the key differences between Democrats and Whigs was their beliefs and ideologies. Democrats tended to support the common man and were seen as the party of the working class. They believed in a limited role for the federal government and were more supportive of individual freedoms. On the other hand, Whigs believed in a more active government that could promote economic development and infrastructure projects. They were also more likely to support tariffs and other protectionist policies.

Leadership

Both parties had prominent leaders who shaped their respective ideologies. Andrew Jackson was a key figure in the Democratic Party, known for his populist appeal and his support of states' rights. On the Whig side, leaders like Henry Clay and Daniel Webster were instrumental in shaping the party's platform and policies. These leaders often clashed over issues like the national bank and tariffs, highlighting the differences between the two parties.

Support Base

The support base of the Democrats and Whigs also differed significantly. Democrats tended to attract farmers, laborers, and immigrants who were looking for a party that represented their interests. The Whigs, on the other hand, drew support from business owners, professionals, and other elites who favored a more active government role in promoting economic growth. This divide in support base often led to clashes between the two parties over economic policies and social issues.

Legacy

While the Whig Party eventually faded away in the mid-19th century, the Democratic Party continued to evolve and remains one of the two major political parties in the United States today. The legacy of the Whigs can still be seen in some of the policies and ideas that were adopted by later political movements, such as the Republican Party. Both parties played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the United States during the 19th century and beyond.