Ep 2. Power to the People 1824-1849
- TV-14
- January 15, 2013
- 44 min
-
8.1 (17)
The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents is an American television series that takes an in-depth look at each of the US presidents, starting from George Washington and moving all the way up to Barack Obama. In season 1 episode 2, "Power to the People 1824-1849", the focus is on the presidents who served between the years 1824 and 1849, a time when the country was undergoing tremendous changes and growth.
The episode begins by introducing viewers to Andrew Jackson, the president who was considered by many to be the first "modern" president. Jackson was known for his populist views and his commitment to giving power to the people. He was also a strong believer in the Manifest Destiny, the idea that America was destined to expand its borders and become a world power.
Throughout the episode, we learn about the various challenges and triumphs experienced by the presidents of this time period. From Jackson's presidency we move on to Martin Van Buren, who faced a difficult economic depression during his time in office. Van Buren's presidency was marked by his efforts to improve the economy and to promote free trade.
Next, we learn about the presidency of William Henry Harrison, who served for only 31 days before dying of pneumonia. Despite his short time in office, Harrison was known for his strong commitment to the ideals of the American Revolution and his belief in the power of the people.
The episode also examines the presidency of John Tyler, who took over after Harrison's death and had to deal with numerous political challenges during his time in office. Tyler was known for his strong support of states' rights, and he took a number of controversial steps to limit the power of the federal government and to maintain the independence of the states.
As the episode progresses, we learn about the various triumphs and struggles experienced by the presidents of this era. We hear about the fight to end slavery and the push for greater equality for women and people of color. We also learn about the ways in which the US expanded its borders during this time period, through the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of new territories in the West.
Throughout it all, The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents season 1 episode 2 does an excellent job of exploring the various personalities, motivations, and achievements of the presidents who served during this crucial time in American history. Whether you're a fan of politics or just interested in learning about this fascinating era, this episode is sure to provide a wealth of interesting and informative insights.