What did the bourbons believe

Bourbon Democrats were promoters of a form of laissez-faire capitalism which included opposition to the high-tariff protectionism that the Republicans were then advocating as well as fiscal discipline. Also, Bourbons believed their background, education, and success meant they should lead the government. They wanted to continue their way of life and did not accept the need for change. These powerful men continued their prewar beliefs in states' rights and in their superiority to the former slaves.