The term designates a political ideology and era in United States history, roughly spanning the 1820s to the 1840s, characterized by a belief in greater democracy for the common man, particularly white men. It championed increased suffrage, westward expansion, and the spoils system. A prime example is the election of Andrew Jackson in 1828, which was seen as a victory for the ordinary citizen against the entrenched elite.
This period significantly reshaped American politics by empowering a broader segment of the population and challenging the established political order. It fostered a sense of national identity and westward expansion but also coincided with the forced removal of Native American tribes, a consequence of its expansionist policies. Its legacy remains complex, representing both democratic progress and significant injustices.
