Final answer:
The Whig Party formed in 1834 to oppose Andrew Jackson's Democratic Party, advocating for economic and judicial nationalism and a stronger federal government role. Their support base was broad but lacked cohesion, leading to internal conflicts, especially over slavery. Economic policy differences and debates over slavery ultimately contributed to their decline.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Whig Party emerged in 1834 as a major political force to oppose the policies of Andrew Jackson and his Democratic Party. The Democrats arose in 1828 to support Jackson's presidency, emphasizing individual freedom and state sovereignty. In contrast, the Whigs advocated for economic and judicial nationalism, promoting a stronger role for the federal government, particularly in economic matters. The Whig Party drew support from diverse groups, including wealthy merchants, middle and upper-class farmers, and planters in the Upland South. However, their broad coalition made it challenging to unify under a cohesive message.
By the 1840s, political and social changes in the United States, including debates over territorial expansion and slavery, began to reshape the political landscape. While the Whigs denounced the Democrats for defending slavery, they themselves were not unified on an antislavery platform. This led to the creation of third parties like the Liberty Party, which had a clearer stance on abolition. The inability of the Whigs to converge on the issue of slavery and their varied factions eventually led to the party's decline in the early 1850s.Key differences between the Democrats and the Whigs centered around economic policies. The Whigs' support base consisted of those benefitting from the market revolution and they were seen as the party of economic growth, often endorsing federal government initiatives. Whereas, the Democrats were considered defenders of the common people against elite interests, advocating for minimal government involvement in economic matters.