DBQ: Democratic Ideals

Between the years of 1825 and 1850, a number of reforms surfaced in the United

States and helped shape the future of the nation. Although these reforms may have

restricted various individual’s rights, the newly introduced ideals established a

foundation for democracy and placed fundamental rights in the hands of Americans.

Upon the arrival of the Second Great Awakening, numerous reevaluations of

society took place. Although once challenged by the wealthy elite, free public education

spread throughout the nation. This provided an equal opportunity and educated a

majority of the voting population. Additionally, education improved the behavior of

children and they rushed home from lessons to help their parents (E). The nation prided

themselves on being the first to instate a penitentiary system that “prevented the

commission of crimes” (A). Dorthea Dix was an advocate for improving these jail

conditions and preached the need for hospitals to care for the mentally ill. By reporting

on subpar establishments, she effectively increased the standards for treatment of

criminals, debtors, and the mentally ill. Citizens sought to improve all social problems

through the proposal of the Temperance Movement. People believed that those who

started drinking with friends would ultimately subject themselves to a life of crime and

drink themselves all the way to their grave (H). Those who were tortured by alcohol’s

effects were able to seek help and be “awakened and converted” (B). By banning

alcohol and administering religious guidance, society would theoretically decrease

conflicts at work and in the home and would in turn increase the quality of life.
 During Andrew Jackson’s administration, the nation experienced the introduction

of democratic political reforms. By creating a party nominating convention, the two

various political parties could each elect an individual to represent their party’s political

views. When election day arrived, voters’ choices influenced the vote of the electoral

college. By using the electoral college, the democratic voting system became more fair.

Improvements to the political parties and systems for voting amplified the voice of the

common man. However, the largest contributing factor to the new age of democracy

was universal male suffrage. Although women, blacks, and foreigners were denied

suffrage, opening voting rights to all white men increased the number of individual

voices being heard in government which helped to better reflect the needs of the

masses (C, D). This reform eventually presented the opportunity for women to protest

for their right to vote and “be free as man is free” which was a step towards a greater

democracy (I).

Although the introduction of reforms during the Antebellum period did not reflect

what the founding fathers had originally envisioned, they proved to serve as the building

blocks for a stronger sense of democracy in the nation. The government recognized

citizen’s fundamental rights and created a fair voting system that acted as the voice of

the majority. Outcomes stemming form the refinements contributed to a spread of

democratic elements in society and government and reinforced the theme of

fundamental rights.