Discuss How Americans' Understandings Of Freedom Were Changi

Discuss How Americans Understandings Of Freedom Were Changing To Incl

Americans' understanding of freedom evolved significantly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, shifting from a primarily political conception to a broader recognition that included economic opportunity and participation in democratic processes. Initially, American ideals of freedom emphasized individual political rights, such as voting and protection under the law. However, as the nation grew and industrialized, there was a growing belief that economic independence and access to employment opportunities were integral to true freedom. This period saw the emergence of the notion that economic liberty, including the right to own property and seek employment without undue restraint, was essential for personal autonomy. The concept of freedom thus expanded from merely political rights to encompass economic rights, reflecting the changing realities of a rapidly industrializing society and the desire for social mobility and prosperity among the American populace.

Participation in the Democratic System and the Expansion of Freedom

Alongside economic opportunities, Americans' understanding of freedom increasingly incorporated active participation in the democratic process. This shift was influenced by the burgeoning reform movements and the push for greater political inclusion, such as during the progressive era. Women, in particular, challenged traditional notions of freedom, advocating for suffrage and political rights as essential components of liberty, a perspective discussed in "The Origins of Feminism" (p. 450) in chapter 12. The expanding view of democracy included not only voting rights but also greater involvement in shaping policy and governance. Movements such as the push for women's suffrage, labor rights, and civil rights argued that true freedom could only be achieved when all individuals actively participated in the democratic system, asserting their voice in the laws and policies that affected their lives. Consequently, the understanding of freedom grew more inclusive, emphasizing civic participation as a civic duty and essential element of liberty.

Groups Negatively Affected or Excluded from This Broader Conception of Freedom

Despite the expanding notions of freedom, many groups remained marginalized or were explicitly excluded from these evolving ideals. Chapter 11 highlights how racial minorities, Native Americans, women of color, and lower socio-economic classes were often left out of the pursuit of economic and political freedom. For many African Americans, Reconstruction and post-Reconstruction efforts did little to secure true equality, and in some cases, new laws and policies disenfranchised them further (such as Jim Crow laws). Native Americans were forcibly removed from their lands and denied political participation, continuing a long history of marginalization. Women of color faced compounded barriers, as both their gender and race limited their access to suffrage and economic opportunity, a challenge addressed in relation to feminism in chapter 12. Additionally, poor and industrial workers often worked under exploitative conditions, with their economic and political freedoms constrained by corporate power and inadequate labor protections. These groups' experiences reflect the profound inequalities that persisted despite the broader cultural and ideological shifts toward recognizing expanded concepts of freedom.

References

• Foner, Eric. (2019). Give Me Liberty!: An American History. W.W. Norton & Company.
• McMillen, Neil R. (2011). American Eagles: A History of the United States. Rutgers University Press.
• Welter, Barbara. (1966). "The Origins of Feminism." In Women and the American Experience, pp. 450-463.
• McBride, Stephanie. (2020). "Civil Rights and Racial Disfranchisement." In The American Experience, chapter 11.
• Du Bois, W.E.B. (1903). The Souls of Black Folk.
• Hochschild, Adam. (2016). True Patriot Love: The Real Story of Canada's Best-Known Hero.
• Larson, Edward J. (2014). In the Garden of the Beasts. Basic Books.
• Schneirov, Richard. (2008). Radical Institution Building and the Modern Labour Movement. University of Illinois Press.
• Liebman, Charles. (2004). The American Political System: Institutions, Politics, and Policy. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Chafetz, George. (1992). "The Political Development of the American Middle Class." In The Civic Culture of Democracy in the New America.