What is so wonderful about the Jacksonian era is the fact that after more than a hundred years it remains a controversial period in American history, and historians regularly provide us with new interpretations and new evaluations to explain what and why events occurred and individuals behaved as they did. In presenting this second edition, the author has tried to be responsive to the newer viewpoints that have been forthcoming since the book’s initial publication. But there can be no question that current studies of the market revolution, the role of women, religious reforms and social developments have added immeasurably to our understanding of this era.