American Society

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how the period between the middle 18th century and the end of the Civil War provided some of the most important changes in history regarding the personal life rights and autonomy afforded individuals. It shows how, as the century moved forward there were gains in freedoms as the constitution was referred to again and again to be sure it was being followed. It examines the plight of minorities which was not addressed until the Civil War provided a final leap of freedom through the abolishment of slavery. It looks at the main characters during the period and their influence on society such as John Locke and Benjamin Franklin.

From the Paper:

"It is easily established that there were certain incremental personal liberties gained during the 18th century but true equality still had not been attained as long as a group of people were allowed to be treated as less than people. American freedom was gained by way of revolutions, Boston Tea Parties, and other acts of civil disobedience. It also was gained by political movements and the construction of the constitution. The forward motion of personal freedom had been a slow and steady gain since the leap in the mid 18th century but it became stagnant again in many areas before the Civil War."

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