Introduction
American society underwent a significant transformation from the 1790s through the 1840s. During these years, there was rapid geographical and economic growth, the spread of democracy and political revivalism, the formation of the first labor and reform groups, the rise of industry, and substantial changes in the position and function of women. Some of these issues contributed to the commencement of the Civil War. This essay will accomplish precisely that, outlining and assessing the most significant cultural transformations in America between 1790 and 1840. The early nineteenth century saw significant changes in American society following the War of 1812. The United States experienced rapid economic and territorial expansion, the spread of evangelical revivalism, and the rise of the nation’s first labor and reform movements. There was the development of cities and industrial ways of life, profound changes in the roles and status of women, and the deepening of sectional conflicts that would eventually lead to civil war during this period.
Economic Transition
Times of agricultural success Between 1815 and 1860, American farmers enjoyed unprecedented prosperity. Domestic and international demand for American farm goods was extremely high, causing agricultural prices and productivity to skyrocket. Cotton’s rising star played a significant role. Cotton was a relatively minor crop until the 1790s because the varieties that grew in the southern latitudes had difficult seeds to extract from the cotton. The textile industry in Great Britain and New England increased cotton production in Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas due to Whitney’s invention. In the mid-1800s, the industrial revolution drove farm laborers to factories.
Culture
During the Industrial Revolution, business owners developed new equipment and machinery to speed up and lower manufacturing costs. Industrial zones began to emerge along the waterways and within the urban areas. After languishing in the shadows of the slave trade for a century and a half or more, an organized abolitionist movement formed during the revolution. English customs such as land inheritance laws were repealed almost as quickly as they developed. It spelled the end of the Anglican Church in the United States. After all, Queen Elizabeth II, as head of state, also functioned as the Primate of the Church of England. During the war, numerous states experimented with republican ideals in their constitutions. The fundamental cultural transformations would occur in America before the turn of the nineteenth century.
Political
A lot transpired politically between 1820 and 1840. Voter ID requirements were repealed, and people were no longer required to own property to vote or run for office. Instead of a statewide popular vote, presidential electors, county officials, state judges, and governors are now directly elected. The number of people voting also increased. A new two-party system replaced deference to elites in politics. During this period, Andrew Jackson was the most powerful politician. He permitted white settlement on millions of acres of Indian land, closed the Second Bank of the United States, and denied states the authority to repeal the federal tariff. There was dynamism in the transitional progression of the civil and political setup in America.
Conclusion
In conclusion, independence brought about significant changes in politics and culture. People grew more active in politics as they gained the right to vote. Citizens at large, or “new men,” also took on more leadership roles at the local and state levels. Significant changes occurred in the internal hierarchy of the states. Locke’s notions of “natural law” were frequently used in the Declaration of Independence and forms of constitutions. A shift from aristocracy to a more meritocratic, less servile society occurred. The greater emphasis on individual rights and equality in a society transformed power dynamics. Several British customs were abolished. The title “gentleman” was losing its significance. Most males nowadays call themselves “citizens” or “Mr.” Working for a living has progressed from being considered beneath a “gentleman” to becoming a mark of respect in civilizations where “gentlemen” did not previously work.
Bibliography
“Democracy in America.” The American yawp, Web.
“Life in Industrial America.” The American yawp, Web.
“The Market Revolution.” The American yawp, Web.
“The Cotton Revolution.” The American yawp, Web.