Reform Movements And Economic Development example essay topic

When John Quincy Adams was elected to the office of president of the United States in 1824, "hot headed" Jackson was infuriated. He started a campaign that would land him in the Whitehouse in 1828. With his place in office brought profound political change to America, and a direct effect that would last for the next 20 years after his two terms, until 1848. This time in American History is known as the Jacksonian Period, commonly referred to as the era of the "common Man". It is reform movements and economic development that characterize this era. One of the reasons for the growth of the US economy was Jefferson's Embargo Act, which halted trade with all foreign countries, and forced the country to industrialize, by forcing it to produce goods domestically it would normally import.

A classic case of 'supply and demand' was seen by this growth of the factory system and industry; as the demand for more factories increased, the labor supply decreased, inciting a need for factory owners to hire more workers. Many of these workers were filled from the immigrant and middle class. Shifting roles in society, young women as well as children worked and lived at factories, during which they were overworked and underpaid. After earning enough to aid add sufficiently to the family income, the women left work at the factory, and back to their roles as housewives and child readers. Along with Whitney's cotton gin, inventions in society came about. This was a stark contrast to pre Jacksonian rule out of which few inventions came: The decade ending in 1800 saw only 306 patents, while the decade ending in 1860 saw 26,000 patents.

Elias Howe and Isaac Singer contributed to the clothing industry with their 1846 invention of the sewing machine. This contributed to northern industrialization, and when combined with the power of steam to produce an automatic sewing machine, it was capable of producing clothing on its own in large quantities with little supervision. John Deere helped to revolutionize farming once more with his invention of the steel plow in 1837. This plow enabled the 'virgin soil' of Western lands to be broken, furthering agriculture. It was also light enough to be horse-drawn, which meant it was easily maneuverable. Cyrus McCormick's 1831 horse-drawn grass reaper enabled one man to do the work of five.

This caused an abundance of cash crops to be produced. Southern farmers also began to look for new lands to cultivate, which led to a great change in westward expansion and thus the development of better transportation. The railroad system did not go unnoticed by pre-Civil War reformists. It became one of the most economically sound transportation advancements. When the railroad first appeared in America in 1828, it was rickety, and unsafe. However as it evolved it became a safe efficient way to travel, and transport.

By 1860, over 30,000 miles of railroad track had been laid. Along with railroads came internal improvements on roadways. One such development, the Lancaster Pike, proved to be a grand investment for shareholders. Linking Lancaster and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; its toll taxes returned economically sound returns to its investors, which also helped to continue westward expansion. In the 1840's, a law was passed that recognized a ten-hour day for all federal workers. Also in favor of labor unions was the ruling an 1842 ruling in which the Massachusetts legislature said that a peaceful labor union was in legal.

A popular desire for reforms prompted many changes throughout the way in which industry influenced the economy, and workers rights. There were several reform movements inspired during the Jacksonian period. These movements were a response to the critical thought inspired by people like Charles Finney who preached intellectualism and optimism. These two elements no doubt inspired people to think of improving life for themselves and others. This new wave of thought showed itself in the emergence of Utopian communities. Another growing movement, that emphasized slavery as a moral issue, separate from economics and politics, is Abolitionism.

To abolitionists like William Lloyd Garrison, slavery went against the human rights fought for in the Revolutionary War and defended in the Declaration of Independence. There was also a movement by the Indians. Complaining rightfully so, Indians were upset over prejudice and partial treatment. Their land was being seized by white settlers. However without this seizure of land this country would not consist of what it does today.

In addition of there was a time to seize Indian land it was during Jackson's term in office while there was a pressing desire for expansion on the western frontier. Although these facts do not justify the actions morally it does justify them politically. Under Jackson the country prospered and expanded. Jacksonian democracy continued for 20 years after his term and is still found in some of today's politics, as the administration of a Republic. Because of Jackson the country expanded and prospered.

It is through reform that the country was shaped and molded, and through economic development that the country was financed and catalyzed.