1) In what ways did American culture become more democratic in the early nineteenth century? How did the social and political status of women and African Americans change in relation to the status of white males?
American culture became democratic after 19th century because in the past the whites, and males were the only who owned property and be leaders in the society. Early 19th century was a year of revolution where the vi9ews of everyone were going to be considered. Voting rights also changed from the property owners and included everyone. An increasingly famous form of social and politics also surfaced, and new state association were initiated on raised political contribution. The print revolution also assisted liberalizes politics through publications.
2) Why did Jackson support Indian Removal? Did Removal help to preserve, or to destroy, Native American culture?
Jackson supported Indian removal because it would put an end to the risk of coalition between the State and the General Government favoring Indians. The removal would also put a solid and civilized population in vast pieces of land that were possessed by few individuals. It will also allow States to progress quickly in wealth, power, and population. In addition, by supporting the removal of Indians, he would provide a solution to the Georgia conflict. He also perceived Indians as an obstacle hindering the progressive spreading of the superior civilization across the globe. Their removal however did not help to preserve the native America culture; instead, it further destroyed it because a big percentage of the Indians had already adopted the white culture. The federal government thought that they would have control over the Indians and civilize them, a fact they manage to some extent.
However, the removal of the Indians did not benefit the native people; nonetheless, it was to the advantage of the greedy as well as the land grabbers. The attempt to remove the Indians did not materialize and the Indians continued with their culture, irrespective of the pressure to abandon it. The trail of tears occurred when they failed their cases in court that they relied to solve cases on various land injustices. The law turned on them and forced them to abandon their long set lives, families, elaborate and vast nation. The Southerners and Westerners in the United States were greedy for increased land expansion; nevertheless, the demographic issues were straining as well. The Georgian population rose six-fold resulting to overpopulation and Georgia migrants went deeper west searching for more land and chances for wealth and agriculture, but they ran into the Cherokee. The Cherokee were more civilized despite their minority and gave the whites a hard time trying to remove them from their lands.
3)From the evidence provided in the text, could it be argued that the construction of the Erie Canal was the central economic event of the first half of the nineteenth century? Why or why not?
Erie Canal construction was the central economic event because it made transportation of trade goods easier. Compared to animal transport, it was faster and it reduced the cost of transport with over 90%. The canal also helped to open more places for business and settlement, besides making New York City the main port in America. By opening oversea markets, it assisted in transportation of farm produce that added immense wealth and importance to New York City. The canal contributed to the binding of nations like Britain and America, resulting to the signing of the free trade agreement in 1854. This helped to increase exports (James & David, 2010).
4) In what ways did American culture become more democratic in the early nineteenth century? How did the social and political status of women and African Americans change in relation to the status of white males
The American culture became more democratic due to expansion of universal suffrage. Most states dropped the idea of voting qualifications and this allowed almost 90% of the men to participate in elections. In 1800, only the male property owners were allowed to vote in many states, and power in the field of politics was in the hands of aristocratic leadership. The status of women and African Americans deteriorated because they were not allowed to vote, while white males enjoyed an increase in the opportunities of participating in elections. The minority and women in America were oppressed, unlike the white males who enjoyed many privileges (James & David, 2010).
5) In what ways, specifically, did Native Americans benefit?
The native Americans benefitted in numerous ways. Firstly, following the construction of Erie Canal, farmers who were residing in the west were given a rare opportunity of participating in the national markets. The Supreme Court enhanced economic growth by encouraging competition that denied the monopolies a chance to participate. Unlike in the past, farmers could sell their products in the unreachable markets. The policies by the government boosted commercial agriculture by reducing the land rates. People enjoyed increased mobility, and they could move from one place to the other at reduced costs. The natives fostered their identity and national pride (Henretta, James & David, 2010).
References:
Henretta, James A., and David Brody. America: A Concise History, Volume I: To 1877. 4th ed.,
Boston: Bedford/St. Martin publishers, 2010.
