Whigs

Definition

The Whigs were a political party in the United States that existed from the 1830s to the 1850s. They were a loose coalition of groups opposed to the policies of the Democratic Party, particularly the policies of President Andrew Jackson. The Whigs advocated for a stronger national government, economic development, and the expansion of voting rights. The Whigs were a key player in the formation and evolution of the American party system, as they represented an alternative to the dominant Democratic Party during a critical period in U.S. history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Whigs were formed in the early 1830s as a coalition of diverse groups opposed to the policies of President Andrew Jackson and the Democratic Party.
2. The Whigs advocated for a stronger national government, economic development, and the expansion of voting rights, in contrast to the Jacksonian Democrats' emphasis on limiting federal power and promoting the interests of the common man.
3. The Whigs' support for a national banking system, internal improvements (such as roads and canals), and protective tariffs were key components of their economic platform.
4. The Whigs were successful in electing two presidents, William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor, but the party struggled to maintain unity and ultimately collapsed in the 1850s.
5. The demise of the Whigs paved the way for the emergence of the Republican Party, which incorporated many of the Whigs' core principles and went on to become one of the two dominant political parties in the United States.

Review Questions

• Describe the key policy positions and goals of the Whig Party.
  • The Whig Party advocated for a stronger national government, economic development, and the expansion of voting rights. They supported the establishment of a national banking system, investment in internal improvements like roads and canals, and the implementation of protective tariffs to promote industrial growth. The Whigs represented a political alternative to the Jacksonian Democrats, who favored limiting federal power and promoting the interests of the common man. The Whigs' economic platform and vision for a more active federal role in shaping the nation's development were central to their political platform and agenda.
• Explain the Whigs' relationship with the issue of Manifest Destiny and the expansion of the United States.
  • The Whig Party generally supported the concept of Manifest Destiny, the belief that the United States had a divine right and duty to expand its territory across the North American continent. Many Whigs saw the acquisition of new lands as a means of promoting economic growth and national power. However, the party was divided on the issue, with some Whigs opposing the Mexican-American War and the annexation of Texas due to concerns about the expansion of slavery. The Whigs' support for Manifest Destiny was thus a complex and sometimes contentious issue within the party, reflecting the diverse interests and perspectives of its coalition.
• Analyze the factors that contributed to the Whig Party's eventual collapse in the 1850s.
  • The Whig Party faced several challenges that ultimately led to its demise in the 1850s. The party struggled to maintain unity, as it was a coalition of diverse interests, including northern industrialists, southern planters, and former members of the Anti-Masonic and National Republican parties. The party's inability to take a clear stance on the issue of slavery also contributed to its downfall, as the debate over the expansion of slavery into new territories divided the party. Additionally, the Whigs' lack of a strong, charismatic leader after the deaths of Henry Clay and Daniel Webster further undermined the party's cohesion and appeal. The collapse of the Whigs paved the way for the emergence of the Republican Party, which incorporated many of the Whigs' core principles and went on to become one of the two dominant political parties in the United States.

Related terms

Jacksonian Democracy: The political movement and style of governance associated with President Andrew Jackson, which emphasized expanding voting rights, limiting the power of the federal government, and promoting the interests of the common man.

National Bank: A central banking system proposed by the Whigs as an alternative to President Jackson's dismantling of the Second Bank of the United States. The Whigs believed a national bank would promote economic development and stability.

Manifest Destiny: The belief that the United States had a divine right and duty to expand its territory across the North American continent, which was supported by many Whigs as a means of promoting economic growth and national power.