Antebellum Era:
The Antebellum Era was a period in the history of the United Stated. It was heavily marked by the economic growth of the South. It comprehends the period between 1783 to 1861 aproximately. The 'two party' political system in this era consisted of two parties: The Whig Party, and the Democratic Party.
The Whig Party was heavily influenced by people who resented the British control, favored the independence from Britain, and supported the Revolutionary war as well. Once the colonies won their independence, this term fell into disuse. The Democratic Party goes back to the collaboration between Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. It was a fateful alliance between Virginia and New York, between th planters of the South with the farmers of the West, and workers from the East as well. It favored a strong central government, debt, credit, banking, and trade policies to further commercial interests, and a expanded military and naval budget. A strong conciliatory policy towards Great Britain. Gilded Age:
The Gilded Age was a period that took place approximately between 1876 and 1900. Congress at this time was known for being very inefficient, rowdy, and less preoccupied. The two main parties during these times were the Republicans and the Democrats.
The Republican Party was mainly based in the North of the US, and it favored inflationary and heavy protectionist policies.The Democrats, were mostly people who favored hard money, they supported free trade and many other free market policies as well. This party had it's base among Catholics, and poorer farmers.
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