1975 Dbq

The end of the Revolutionary War brought about many changes in America. The abandonment of the colonizers by the British government left them with many new dilemmas. They had to basically start new societies from scratch. They had to figure out what type of governing system they would have, and what kind of society they would become. According to the information presented in historical documents about Wethersfield, Connecticut, as well as my own outside knowledge, American society became more democratic from the 1750's to 1780's in terms of property distribution, social structure, politics, and religion. Social distinctions between classes of people throughout America in general decreased, and in Wethersfield people had more equal rights. Before the war, there were distinct social classes between people in American society. However, after America gained its independence and the Constitution was written declaring that all people were equal, the social distinctions started to decrease considerably. This could be seen in various different areas. For example, upper class people started wearing homespun clothing like average people, rather than expensive clothes. This made poor people feel better about themselves, and also made the Americans more independent in that they didn't need to depend so much on importing expensive British cloth for their clothing. Effects of democracy could also be seen in the army. The gentry would show respect to ordinary people, and some officers would even go out of their way and do some labor to show that they felt no superiority toward their troops. In Wethersfield, Connecticut, many examples can be seen of how society was becoming more democratized. For example, regarding the case of property distribution. It can be determined from Document B that the property value of white men from 1756 to 1773 went down. From this we can infer that more land probably went to black people. This was definitely a step towards democracy, as before the notion of blacks owning land was unthinkable. Now, with the concept that everyone was equal, egalitarianism was being put into effect. There was also more democracy in the social structures of Wethersfield. From 1756 to 1774, the number of free blacks increased, and the number of slaves decreased (Document A). This means that the slaveowners were beginning to view the blacks as actual people, and possibly even as equals rather than inferiors. The community in general seemed to be more united, and the authoritative figures began to actually take into consideration the views of the public. For example, nobody liked the stamp collector, Jared Ingersoll. The community had a meeting in which he was basically forced to resign, the reason being that no one in the community agreed with his cause or wanted him for the job (Document L). It also seems that people were more compromising and cooperative. In a meeting of the Company of Volunteers before the Battle of Bunker Hill, participants swore to obey all rules and laws (Document M). The political aspect of the democracy was probably the most important. The reason society was moving towards a more democratic lifestyle was mainly because of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. In towns, the public was allowed to have a say in their legal affairs. In one case, a person asked Congress if all people could have equal land. Congress replied by saying that each town has their own court to decide affairs, but the people could decide who represents them (Document F). The more democratic government was becoming successful. An example of this was the fact that in the past 20 years, whoever was qualified to vote, voted, and the number of people elected to town office increased (Document G). Finally, evidence of American society becoming more democratic in this time period can be seen in religion. On May 9, 1754, Reverend James Lockwood preached that though there are classes and ranks within society, it shouldn't be this way (Document J). Also, in the Connecticut Assembly in 1770, it was said that people who didn't come to church would not be punished, because they should go to church out of their own piety and fear of God, not by force (Document K). This shows that there was more freedom of choice. Overall, I believe that society became steadily more democratic over the time period between the 1750s and 1780s. I base this opinion off my own knowledge, as well as from historical documents from Wethersfield which are dated from this time period. Democratic changes can be seen in terms of property distribution, social structure, politics, and religion. As the great poet, Timothy Dwight, who also lived in this era stated, there was independence, peace, and the glorious feeling of liberty in America (Document O). I think that it is clear that America was well on its way to becoming the democratic nation that it is today.