Introduction
The antebellum period of the United States was featured with numerous factors that were unique, makeable and at the same time making this period absolutely non-democratic. The situation may be estimated from various points of view, and the fact that there are various angles of democracy makes the approach of evaluating the democracy level during this period rather complex. Political, social and cultural aspects of this issue give various representations of the problem, nevertheless, this issue requires deep analysis and the historical background to be regarded.
Political Perspective
Originally, the revolution helped to get rid of British influence, however it appeared helpless in solving infrastructural, political and racial problems. The internal political discord, unstable international position and disorienting surge of capitalist enterprise ruined the democratic approaches in the root. In spite of the existing confrontations, Americans were also confronted with the task of structuring and developing the American society. (Hatch, 1980)
The political situation of this period can be characterized by the appearing of free market and promotion of free trade. Politicians lobbied the interests of former slaveholders and existing entrepreneurs, as the support of antislavery movements threatened with the loss of the voters and popularity. The slave owners totally controlled the political situation on the USA, and it is argued that their political power was on all the levels: from domestic to national. Indeed, the antebellum period is notable for conflicts and compromises between slaveholders of the South and the interests of the entrepreneurs of the North. Anyway, slave owners had dominant position. (Sheriff, 1997)
Social Perspective
The social situation was not more stable than the political one. Originally, social values were changing very quickly, and the conservative slaveholders, politicians and entrepreneurs were not ready for such rapid and radical changes. The years that followed after the revolution essentially changed the American society. In most regards the society seemed to be fragmented, and these fragments supported extremely opposite views and interests. (Way, 1993)
The women were not considered as the full-fledged citizens: they were judged by their husbands. Her neighbors and community could be divided into four cardinal virtues ‑ piety, purity, submissiveness and domesticity. Independently of woman’s position, if she did not possess these features she could not achieve fame and respect. Surely, these virtues were often incompatible with emancipation.
Thus, women were struggling for their rights, arranged their own committees, as they were forbidden to join male committees, supported slaves, and claimed for the abolition of slavery (which was rather spread even after Slavery Abolition act).
The former slaves were treated like the second class citizens: they were not allowed to vote, to have lands (in most states), interracial marriages were restricted. The State which was positioned as the most free in the world could not achieve parity within the people of different races and sex. Surely, there is no way for democracy in this country, as democratic community presupposes the equality of the opportunities and the parity in the treatment.
Cultural Perspective
This factor of American life may be regarded as the most democratic during that period, as there was absolutely no restrictions for art development. American culture was mostly imported from Europe that is why it is mainly based on European models. In antebellum period American writers started using American themes in their writings, and the new genre was invented – the short story. It also seemed that the development of literary was observed on the American scene. American life was described, however the development of literature was slow, as Americans themselves praised European literary works, and were not ready to estimate their native writers, to the same degree then as retrospect would later justify. (Hatch, 1980)
As for music the situation was also not too satisfying. Mostly, these were sentimental ballads and patriotic songs which were published for the general public. Girls were often obliged to learn to play piano (mostly accompaniments for songs), while boys often selected playing violin or flute.
Language, which Americans were using, made them distinct from other English speaking countries. Lots of factors promoted the democratization of language: the mirror surface of British English was interrupted with slang and neologisms used by slaves, middle and poor classes. This aspect, probably, was the most democratic, as no one could restrict the using of slang in the language, thus, African American, workers’ and other types of slang were steadily invading classical vocabulary.
Conclusion
Taking into account the political and social situation in the American society, it is difficult to argue that this society was democratic: too many restrictions were imposed on the society, and those who ruled that society were not ready for the changes. However, cultural sphere was developing without essential restrictions, and, it is necessary to mention that it was the most democratic aspect of American life.
References
Hatch, O.N. The Christian Movement and the Demand for a Theology of the People. The Journal of American History, Vol. 67, No. 3 (1980), 545-567.
Sheriff, C. The Artificial River: The Erie Canal and the Paradox of Progress, 1817-1862. Hill and Wang. 1997. Pp. 3-78
Way. P. Evil Humors and Ardent Spirits: The Rough Culture of Canal Construction Laborers. The Journal of American History, Vol. 79, No. 4 (1993), 1397-1428.
Welter, B. The Cult of True Womanhood: 1820-1860. American Quarterly, Vol. 18, No. 2, Part 1 (1966), 151-174.