What was a primary belief of the Whig Party?

The Whig Party, which emerged in the 1830s, primarily advocated for economic expansion as a belief central to its platform. This included supporting a strong role for federal government in fostering industrial growth, developing infrastructure such as railroads and canals, and promoting protective tariffs to encourage American manufacturing. The party believed that a strong economy and growth would benefit the entire nation and promote a prosperous society.

While social equality, opposition to industrialization, and support for Native American rights are issues that were considered, they did not encapsulate the core philosophy of the Whig Party. The focus on economic expansion set the Whigs apart, especially in the context of their opposition to the policies of the Jacksonian Democrats, who favored agrarian interests and a more limited role for the federal government in economic development. This economic approach aligned with the interests of emerging business sectors and a growing middle class during this time period, making it a foundational belief of the Whigs.