During the mid-nineteenth century, freedom in the North and West led to significant American social, economic and political advancement. Owing to the aspect of freedom in the civilized world, various Americans invested in trade opportunities. Territorial expansion was caused by a considerable increase in the American population. Political ideologies led to the establishment of factions that would differ along the lines of administrative roles. Furthermore, free labor and slavery paved the way for the creation of lobby groups that would advocate for the protection of human rights in America.
Economic advancement
Giant economic leaps were made in America during in the mid-nineteenth century. People acquired properties that would create wealthy classes of individuals in the nation. These people held notable positions in government and influence economic ideologies that defined society at the time. Leaders in the North and West created ideologies that would create further class disparities in the nation. Concerning this, the policies that were created seemed to benefit particular minorities while the rest of the population lived in economic hardship. The concept of free labor was born at this time. Several advantages were cited regarding the new ideology in the advancement of the economic interests of the American people. Free labor referred to the practice of employing consenting individuals in the advancement of economic interests. This did not refer to people who earned nothing for their services. In the 1950s, ideas concerning free labor begot both economic successes and failures in the North and West. Unfortunate incidents included the proliferation of child labor. During this time, most schools were underpopulated since most children participated in economic activities (Roark 333). The education system stressed the importance of the free labor system. Students were lectured on the traits that were demanded by the rapidly changing economic environment.
The nation’s development also led to the occurrence of economic inequality. The performance of the American system rewarded some individuals more than others (Lindert 170). Native white American men appeared more prosperous that immigrants. They owned palatial properties in the prime areas of America. Additionally, they were in control of most business establishments that employed the various American citizens. Women had limitations concerning the access to economic resources. Good services were readily available to the native white men. Nevertheless, there were some exceptions. Few women had the access to good education and hence fulfilling lives. Many members of the female population held artisan positions to sustain their livelihoods. This included domestic servants, teachers and factory assistants. They would not ascend to better paying jobs due to the economic constructs that defined the early American society. The aftermath of the American Revolution led to the slow erosion of slavery in the United States. However, this did not promise African immigrants a better life. These people were relegated simple jobs that would further expose them to the oppressive economic system.
The free labor ideal appealed to many Americans. In the North and West, economic ideologists saw this as a viable economic concept that would promote agricultural and industrial interests in the nation. Additionally, the concept impressed many people because it marked the onset of liberation that would promote economic growth. Abraham Lincoln was one of the individuals who appreciated the provisions of the free labor ideal. In some of his lectures, he would recount memories about his experiences as a hired laborer. He used this story to highlight the significant steps that characterized his life as a young person. He later grew to become one of the wealthiest Americans at the time. By 1860, Lincoln’s assets amounted to approximately seventeen thousand dollars (Roark 332). Meanwhile, a large segment of the population lived in abject poverty. More than half of American men had no property entitlements; they relied on paid labor to fend for their families.
Political changes
Westward expansion was a phenomenal occurrence that affected the politics of America. The movement of persons created friction that would divide the ideological foundations of the nation. Some people complained about the injustices that accompanied this expansion. On the other hand, some members of society supported the concept claiming that it posed considerable benefit to the economy. In 1845, John O’Sullivan coined the term “Manifest destiny” (Rosario Rodríguez Díaz 45). A new ideology, manifest destiny would be used to vindicate white settlement on lands that they desired (Roark 339). According to the opinions of O’Sullivan, Americans had the divine right of spreading to all end of the continent. They would multiply and advance their interests without interruption. Manifest destiny took charge across America instantaneously. A metaphoric ideological insulator, it would protect Americans from conviction and reprimand concerning their expansionist goals.
Social reforms
The politico economic changes that took place in America stimulated the onset of social reforms. The manifest destiny and the wars created by the westward expansion transformed the American society. This motivated many country people to pursue social reforms. Such reforms were vested in individual and societal values that surround the aspects of human behavior. Religious factions joined forces in advocating for social sanity in America. By the mid-1800s, many Americans belonged to churches that lobbied against alcohol abuse and violence (Roark 350). Particularly, evangelical Christians played a big role in controlling people’s propensity to iniquity. People emphasized on the importance of self-discipline and the importance of hard work in enterprise. Major social problems were blamed on people’s insufficiency in self-regulation and restraint.
American activism and abolitionism became a norm in the mid-nineteenth century. Some groups, such as the transcendentalists adopted ideologies that differed from the opinions of mainstream society (Roark 352). The competitiveness of the American social construct was regarded as a recipe for the occurrence of evil among communities. Women activists pushed for the abolition of oppressive policies that discriminated populations along gender lines. Additionally, lobby groups fought the bedevilment of Africans. Ultimately, the liberal segments of American society resisted male and white supremacy actively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the mid-nineteenth century shaped America. It is through this era that part of the American dream was carved. Arguably, subsequent political and social regimes would see the protection of human rights and the sophistication of civilized societies in the United States.
Works Cited
Lindert, Peter H. "Three centuries of inequality in Britain and America."Handbook of income distribution 1 (2000): 167-216.
Roark, James L. Understanding the American Promise: A History. , 2014. Print.
Rosario Rodríguez Díaz, María. "Mexico's vision of Manifest Destiny during the 1847 war." The Journal of Popular Culture 35.2 (2001): 41-50.
