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2000 Dbq Essay

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The creation of the United States is considered by many to be a great experiment in democracy. After the War of 1812, America was filled with tremendous nationalism and as the young country grew, many nations look to it as both an inspiration and a warning. Americans seemed united behind their president James Monroe, who was elected in 1816 and then ran uncontested for his second term in 1820. However, even during this time there were many discussions and arguments within the nation’s own government regarding the benefits of democracy. These arguments centered specifically on the expansion of universal suffrage that occurred during and immediately after the “Era of Good Feelings.” For example, New York politician James Kent argued against …show more content…

In the beginning, the Founding Fathers of this great nation believed that only property owners should have the right to vote. This belief was carried over from Europe and did not fit in with the growing nation. As the middle class grew, they slowly demanded and gained a stake in the future of their country. This can be seen in the expansion of the voters between 1812 and 1840. To begin with, between 1812 and 1840, the percentage of states allowing voters to choose presidential electors more than doubled, rising from 44.4 to 95.8 percent (Document A). At just about the same time, the percentage increase of eligible voters in United States presidential elections almost tripled, rising from 26.9 to 80.2 percent (Document A). These two statistics were the result of the changes in voting laws that removed restrictions upon eligible voters. It also reflected a citizenship that had begun to realize they had control and a stake in their …show more content…

To start, the Freedom of the Press is so important in America that it is the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. In addition the people of the nation at this time were well educated and well read. This free press, educated society combined with the citizens’ desire to become involved within it meant there was more demand than ever for newspapers. These factors meant that the number of different newspapers in the United States increased from 31 in 1775 to 1,200 in 1835, with the number more than tripling between 1810 and 1835 (Document G). The advancements in printing and paper production lowered the cost of papers, making them even more affordable. This did not go unnoticed by the newspapers themselves who viewed the increase in readers as the opportunity to influence the elections for their own personal

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