Introduction
The concept of freedom has played a crucial role in American history and has been explored and interpreted in many contexts across time. From 1877 to the present, it has been a central and contentious one in American history. This concept has experienced periods of expansion and contraction as a result of social, political, and economic changes. Thus, a variety of articulations and debates have broadened its meaning to include access to opportunity, political power, and social equality.
History of Freedom
During the period from 1877 to the present, many important events took place, reflected in the formation of the concept of freedom. The 13th Amendment’s ratification in 1865, which abolished slavery, was one of the turning points in the development of freedom in American history (Pruitt, 2018). However, for Black Americans, this was just the start of a protracted battle for equality, civil rights, and political sway. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made significant advancements in freedom possible due in large part to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s (American History 1877 to the present timeline, n.d.). These laws were created to safeguard African Americans’ equality in the workplace, at the elections, and access to public accommodations.
Over the course of modern American history, the idea of freedom has been expressed and discussed in a variety of ways. Individual liberty and the absence of governmental interference in people’s lives have come to represent freedom for some. Others have understood freedom as having equal access to political influence, economic opportunity, and social equality (Pruitt, 2018). These discussions have inspired political and social movements, such as the women’s and civil rights movements, that have broadened the meaning of freedom to encompass these other dimensions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, freedom has played a crucial role in modern American history and has undergone many changes, extensions, and contractions in response to social, political, and economic changes. Freedom has not constantly been expanded in America’s history. There have also been times when it has been constrained. The discussions surrounding the meaning of freedom have sparked a number of social and political movements that have broadened the idea to incorporate elements like social equality, political power, and economic opportunity.
References
Pruitt, S. (2018). 8 great strides for freedom in U.S. history. History.com. Web.
American history 1877 to the present timeline (n.d.). Timetoast Timelines. Web.