Introduction
In the second decade of the nineteenth century, America entered an active phase of nation-building. That is why many important changes and necessary reforms characterize this period. The 19th century was a time of active territorial expansion, economic development, and the growth of internal contradictions. At this time, the formation of the American state was finished, the country reached its modern continental borders, and the internal ways of communication were developed at a quick pace. However, suffrage reform for women, constitutional reform, and the movement against slavery are among the most significant for the second decade of the 19th century.
Reforms and Their Impact
To understand the value of these reforms, it is necessary to examine their essence briefly. First, thanks to the suffragettes, the United States passed two important constitutional amendments guaranteeing the right to vote to all people regardless of color, origin, or gender. In 1848, in Seneca Falls, New York, a convention dedicated to women’s rights was held (Torelli 6).
It is believed that this was the beginning of the history of American voting. Full-fledged suffrage came later, but the first and most important steps were taken in the second half of the 19th century. Equally important was the persistence of the slave system.
Certainly, there had been slave protests before, but the largest revolt broke out in 1831 under the leadership of Nat Turner (Torelli 6). It led to a movement to limit or abolish slavery, known as abolitionism. This vision led to changes in policy toward slavery and racial discrimination. At the same time, the 14th Amendment was ratified (Torelli 8). It, in turn, guaranteed the rights of all those born in the United States or who became citizens.
Conclusion
The increasing social heterogeneity of society, the expansion of voting rights, and the development of the West demanded new approaches and political solutions. That is why significant reform movements characterized the second decade of the 19th century. Among them, the electoral reforms, abolitionism, and the ratification of one of the most important and valuable amendments to the Constitution take a special place. All the reforms significantly contributed to the history of the United States as the first step toward a better country.
Works Cited
Torelli, Mario. “The History.” Caere, vol.2, no. 3, 2021, pp. 5-14.