The time between 1820 and 1830 was known as the Jacksonian Era. Jackson would have won the election in 1824, as he did have more votes, but Adams won due to a "corrupt bargain". When Jackson was finally elected in 1828, he and his supporters claimed to represent the common man. Jackson served during a time when the North and South were bound to be engaged in internecine conflict. During the first half of the 19th century industrialism was growing rapidly with inventions such as the cotton gin, and the steamboat. Despite this prosperity, a split was becoming more apparent between the urban industrializing North, and the agricultural-dependent, rural South. During his terms, Jackson emphasized democracy, and increased suffrage tremendously. The Jacksonian Democrats accurately perceived themselves as the guardians of the Constitution, political democracy, individual liberty, and equal economic opportunity. .
The Jacksonian Era introduced new policies toward American participation in government. When Jackson was elected into office, he set a strong foundation for democratic rule. Before Jackson's term, relatively few Americans were permitted to vote. The right to vote was restrained to white property-owning males and taxpayers. Andrew Jackson immensely increased suffrage by eliminating the restrictions, and permitting every white male to vote. Jackson and his followers also represented the common workingman, who initially believed it is this new democratic government's right to "use every constitutional means to reform the abuses and to prove new guards for their future security". (Doc A) Even to a foreigner, the spread of democracy was evident. Harriet Martineau had witnessed controversies between officials on which the people were judging. (Doc D) The Jacksonian Era definitely marked an opening for American participation in government.
