Continuity and Change:
Though the United States was rapidly developing and improving politically and economically, few similarities to the nation previous to 1800 still remained, such as the reliance on slave labor due to the transformation of the interdependent economy.
Previous to the war of 1812, the United States had been declared neutral after George Washington issued the Proclamation of 1763. After many attempts to exclude itself from the controversy in Europe, such as the Embargo Act of 1807 and the Non-Intercourse act of 1809, America finally entered the dispute ending its neutrality. The two primary political parties that had been established were the Democratic Republicans and the Federalists. Following the war of 1812, the public viewed the Federalists as traitors, which cooperated to the diminishing of the Federalist Party in 1820. Under the Federalists, the federal government as well as the national bank gained an immense amount of power. This later changed at the election of Andrew Jackson to the presidency in 1828. His goal to limit the federal government and eliminate the national bank resulted in the strengthening of the presidency. Jackson believed that the two establishments were being operated by the corrupt wealthy elite to satisfy their selfish desires and the bank acted as a monopoly over foreign trade. His rapid action towards change led to the creation of the Whig party, who had differing beliefs and favored the national bank as well as federal government.
The industrial growth in the north at the beginning of 1800 continued rapidly. Developments in transportation and manufacturing encouraged the steady formation of a market economy. The south, still agriculturally based, began to depend on the new developments that made it possible to mass produce products and transport them. The growth of the southern economy resulted in the continued dependency on slave labor. The abolitionist movement began in 1830 as a result of the second great awakening. The determination for emancipation pushed the issue into politics.
Synthesis Article:
The rights of women have improved dramatically since the 17th century, though gender inequality still remains and stands as a barrier to human development. The effort required to develop a career is the same for both men and women, though the income is not comparable. Many agree that women should receive equal pay due to the reason that both genders must complete the same educational process required to receive employment and in a growing amount of households, the mothers are the sole providers. A woman’s chances of receiving credit are lower than a man’s. Most women must shuffle their domestic responsibilities and maintain a job that provides steady compensation. The role of women in 1800 is similar due to the many limitations, education and income. Women were viewed as the inferior sex and incapable of holding certain occupations. The continued discrimination against women throughout history represents the common belief of male superiority. The struggle to understand the true meaning of equality and how to apply it into society is an issue that is still commonly seen today.
Primary Sources:
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The liberator was an abolitionist newspaper published by William Lloyd Garrison. It supported the immediate release and emancipation of all slaves. “I am aware, that many object to the severity of my language; but is there not cause for severity? I will be as harsh as truth, and as un-compromising as justice. On this subject, I do not wish to think, or speak, or write, with moderation. No! no! Tell a man whose house is on fire, to give a moderate alarm; tell him to moderately rescue his wife from the hands of the ravisher; tell the mother to gradually extricate her babe from the fire into which it has fallen; – but urge me not to use moderation in a cause like the present. I am in earnest- I will not equivocate- I will not excuse- I will not retreat a single inch- AND I WILL BE HEARD.” The abolitionist movement was inspired by the Second Great awakening, a religious revival movement that stresses the termination of enslaving others. The liberator advocated anti- slavery thoughts, generating the formation of the Liberty Party in 1840. “Enslave the liberty of but one human being and the liberties of the world are put in peril.” The issue was publicized as a result of Garrison’s persistence serving as a large divide in the country.
The supporters of slavery argued that slave labor was crucial to the southern economy. Abolishing it would result in economic downfall and collapse along with an immense amount of unemployment. The heated debate resulted in Congress’ adoption of the “gag rule” which prevented Congress from authorizing any laws relating to slavery. It was thought that the purpose of the abolitionist movement was to threaten the union by turning the North against the South. “An abolitionist of the most revolting character is among you, exciting the feelings of the North against the South. A seditious lecture is to be delivered.” Slavery was considered the state’s right and it was indirectly protected in the constitution.
The two sources represent the nation’s divide over the issue of slavery. The idea of the movement was primarily a result of the Second Great Awakening. “Be faithful, be vigilant, be untiring in your efforts to break every yoke, and let the oppressed go free. Come what may - cost what it may - inscribe on the banner which you unfurl to the breeze, as your religious and political motto.” Abolitionism in politics aided the sectional debate and prompted congressional acts further splitting the nation. The regional resentment between the North and the South, primarily fueled by Abolitionist ideas, eventually led to the Civil War.
The supporters of slavery argued that slave labor was crucial to the southern economy. Abolishing it would result in economic downfall and collapse along with an immense amount of unemployment. The heated debate resulted in Congress’ adoption of the “gag rule” which prevented Congress from authorizing any laws relating to slavery. It was thought that the purpose of the abolitionist movement was to threaten the union by turning the North against the South. “An abolitionist of the most revolting character is among you, exciting the feelings of the North against the South. A seditious lecture is to be delivered.” Slavery was considered the state’s right and it was indirectly protected in the constitution.
The two sources represent the nation’s divide over the issue of slavery. The idea of the movement was primarily a result of the Second Great Awakening. “Be faithful, be vigilant, be untiring in your efforts to break every yoke, and let the oppressed go free. Come what may - cost what it may - inscribe on the banner which you unfurl to the breeze, as your religious and political motto.” Abolitionism in politics aided the sectional debate and prompted congressional acts further splitting the nation. The regional resentment between the North and the South, primarily fueled by Abolitionist ideas, eventually led to the Civil War.
Image of the Era:
“King Andrew the First”, a political cartoon created in the 1830’s, portrays Andrew Jackson as a king standing on the constitution holding a “veto”. The illustration was created in response to Jackson’s many efforts to limit the federal government and destroy the national bank which strengthened the presidency as a result, such as his order to remove federal deposits from the bank. The author of the cartoon chose a king because his actions exceeded the presidential power and was often viewed as selfish. The “veto” in the president’s left hand relates to the veto of Congress’ bill to re-charter the bank in 1832. The cartoon supported presidential campaigns against Jackson.
Primary sources:
https://www.docsoffreedom.org/readings/slavery-and-the-constitution
http://192.203.127.197/archive/handle/123456789/733?show=full
Citations:
http://www.history.com/news/history-lists/category/abolitionist-movement
http://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/the-fight-for-womens-suffrage
http://www.biography.com/people/groups/abolitionists
http://www.ushistory.org/more/timeline.htm
http://americanhistory.si.edu/presidency/4b1.html
https://quizlet.com/78931950/apush-period-4-1800-1848-flash-cards/
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/woman-suffrage-amendment-ratified
http://www.historynet.com/womens-rights
http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/531025/cracking-the-ap-us-history-exam-2017-edition-by-the-princeton-review/9781101920039/