Growth of American Democracy (1780-1790), Essay Example

Events of the Era

In 1783, England officially declared an end to the war in America at the Peace of Versailles, ending the American Revolution. In 1784, the U.S. passed a bill to abolish slavery after 1800. In 1787, there came the signing of Constitution of the United States and creation of Bill of Rights in America, which was later ratified in 1789. In 1788-89, French Parliament presents grievances to Louis XVI who agrees to convene the Estates-General. The Declaration of Rights of Man in France was drawn up and the nobles surrender special privileges; Louis XVI was not congenial to the reforms. Soon after, the fall at Bastille occurred and with it, the beginning of the French Revolution. This revolution represented a conflict of inequities by the Old Regime between the privilege and working classes, ultimately transforming France into a modern state – secular, rational, liberal and nationalist. That same year, George Washington elected the first U.S. president. One year later in 1791, the Bill of Rights was added to the US Constitution. [1](Betterman, T. 2002).

Effects of Agriculture, Capitalism and Industrialism on America

The Industrial Revolution originated in England in the 19^th century and as a result poor people has little to no political power. The Industrial Revolution did not have much impact on agriculture at this time. People in agricultural continued with their daily lives and contributed to the economic growth of America.  Those who lived in the city and worked in factories were very unhappy with the working conditions as such.  The population in the cities had grown tremendously during this time. In England the homes were not very nice to live in.  Women and children were sent to the cotton mills to work as early as the age of five. In the states, child labour, long exhaustive working hours were prevalent.

Business was booming in the factory mills and industrial sector of the era. This gave rise to the development of trade unions which lobbied for better conditions for workers.[2] (Stanford, F., 2009). Capitalism contributed to economic development rapidly during 1780-90. Because of its trading advantages with America, England was able to import cotton at a reasonable price and in large increments.  Steady supply of cotton allowed for England to establish textile mills. Regional specialization had its presence through agricultural surplus in fact causing an increased division of labour.  “When territorial and city states are formed at the expansion of prestige goods, it encourages development of new systems capable of their own production thus undermining ‘centralized control’.”  [3](Peet, R. 1991). “Global capitalism causes larger trade systems and regional specialties.  Urbanization begins to intensify in areas of irrigation agriculture. Some prestige items take on the function of commercial money.”[4](Peet, R. 1991). Social reforms are based on a gradual change towards certain aspects of society as opposed to a radical revolutionary movement.  “Voluntary and non-profit associations sharing secularisation and socio-political consequences of the enlightenment began to develop very similar to those in Germany.” [5](Bauer, R., 2005). The new policy of taxation and exploitation of America in the interests of a political faction in England was a disintegrating force that destroyed loyalty. Heavy taxation, excessive fees and seizures were committed to a few trading colonies. [6](Dickerson, 1951:299).

Conclusion

It can certainly be seen that the years of 1789-1790 comprised much of the growth of American democracy and with that came agricultural development, capitalism and a growth of industrialism through factories and textiles.  Most of this era was influenced highly by the Industrial Revolution that commenced in England and filtered to the United States.  Democracy contributed to expansionism of social and political values.  Growth of democracy are based on a balanced rule of law as attributed to A.V. Dicey and free markets and capitalism.  Reformation of cultural identity and historical and classical applications to foreign policy interests support the expansionist view. A capitalist revolution will eventually bring democracy.  The growth of capitalism influenced expansionism through the gradual increase of free trade and capitalistic growth.

References

Betterman, T. (2002) Chronology of History and Astrology:1700-2000 CE Retrieved on 21 August 2009, from http://www.astrolady.com/chronology1700.php.

Stanford, F. (2009) Social Effects of the Industrial Revolution Retrieved 21 August 2009, from http://www.helium.com/items/1514977-industrial-revolution-social-effects-of-the-industrial-revolution.

Peet, R. (1991) Global Capitalism: theories of societal developmentRetrieved 21 August 2009 from, http://books.google.com/books?id=f5YOAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA93&lpg=PA93&dq=capitalism+and+regional+specialization&source.

Peet, R. (1991) Global Capitalism: theories of societal developmentRetrieved 21 August 2009 from, http://books.google.com/books?id=f5YOAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA93&lpg=PA93&dq=capitalism+and+regional+specialization&source.

Bauer, R. (2005) Voluntary welfare associations in Germany and the United States: these on the historical development of intermediary systemsRetrieved 21 August 2009 from, http://www.springerlink.com/content/u7h412q66342p8x0/

Agnew, J.(1987)The United States in the World Economy :a regional geographyRetrieved 21 August 2009 from, http://books.google.com/books?id=3a08AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA33&dq=dickerson+1951:299&ei=cyGOSva9IouSygSV-fCzBw#v=onepage&q=dickerson%201951%3A299&f=false.

[1] Betterman, T. (2002) Chronology of History and Astrology:1700-2000 CE Retrieved on 21 August 2009, fromhttp://www.astrolady.com/chronology1700.php.

[2] Stanford, F. (2009) Social Effects of the Industrial Revolution Retrieved 21 August 2009, from http://www.helium.com/items/1514977-industrial-revolution-social-effects-of-the-industrial-revolution.

[3] Peet, R. (1991) Global Capitalism: theories of societal developmentRetrieved 21 August 2009 from, http://books.google.com/books?id=f5YOAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA93&lpg=PA93&dq=capitalism+and+regional+specialization&source.

[4] Peet, R. (1991) Global Capitalism: theories of societal developmentRetrieved 21 August 2009 from, http://books.google.com/books?id=f5YOAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA93&lpg=PA93&dq=capitalism+and+regional+specialization&source.

[5] Bauer, R. (2005) Voluntary welfare associations in Germany and the United States: these on the historical development of intermediary systemsRetrieved 21 August 2009 from, http://www.springerlink.com/content/u7h412q66342p8x0/

[6] Agnew, J.(1987)The United States in the World Economy :a regional geographyRetrieved 21 August 2009 from, http://books.google.com/books?id=3a08AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA33&dq=dickerson+1951:299&ei=cyGOSva9IouSygSV-fCzBw#v=onepage&q=dickerson%201951%3A299&f=false.