Existing comment:
Andrew Johnson's Beliefs:
Voice for the Working Class:
Andrew Johnson never forgot his working-class roots. His belief that farmers, artisans, craftsmen, and common laborers were the backbone of America could be traced back to Thomas Jefferson's ideas of limited government and individual freedom.
Johnson truly believed in America as a land of opportunity, but he also suspected that the traditional independence of Americans could be blocked by those of privilege and standing. Although a slaveholder himself, Johnson had as much disdain for the wealthy Southern planters as he had for rich businessmen and bankers of the North.
Johnson's faith in the ordinary working man manifested itself throughout his political career. He advocated using excess public lands for homesteading, and, while quite conservative in spending the taxpayers' money, he supported public education. Johnson's consistent push for the direct election process for the offices of president, vice president, and U.S. senators is another example of the faith he placed in the common man. He also favored elimination of the electoral college. |