whigs vs democrats

Whig Beliefs

Strong federal government, national bank, tariffs, and support for industry/modernization

Democratic Beliefs

Limited federal government, anti–national bank, low tariffs, pro-agriculture and expansion of farming

Whig Public Policies

Supported American System (roads, canals, tariffs) and some moral reforms like temperance

Democratic Public Policies

Opposed federal spending on internal improvements; pushed Indian Removal; expanded slavery westward

Whig Supporters

Northern industrialists, merchants, evangelicals, and middle-class professionals

Democratic Supporters

Southern planters, farmers, and immigrants (especially Irish Catholics)

Similarity: Mass Political Participation

Both used rallies, newspapers, and nationwide organizing to win elections

Reason for Differences: Industrialization

Whigs supported business/industry; Democrats protected farmers as industrialization grew

Reason for Differences: Religion & Reform

Evangelical Whigs supported reform movements; Democrats opposed them to protect personal liberty

Reason for Differences: Immigration

Anti-Catholic Whigs pushed Irish immigrants toward the Democratic Party