Rise of Democracy - What is it and What Was it Like Back Then?

Democracy is a form of government in which the people choose leaders by voting. In the early 1800's, the people preferred to have the legislature choose the ruler of the nation as opposed to the people. However, as the time went on closer to the mid 1800's, more people wanted the right to vote for their own leader. Despite ones experience and wisdom, one is not entitled to vote if he cannot afford it. One had to have certain requirements to vote during the 19th century.

Some people believe that Democracy is a form of universal suffrage that prevents the legislature from ruling the people without the people's consent. People believed everyone deserved the right to vote for who they believe would be the best to run their government.

When voting in the 18th century, people must have to have a certain amount of land in order to be entitled to a vote. Thomas Dorr, an attorney with a Harvard Education, organized a convention to try and repeal voting restrictions. However, the current government believed it was dangerous, declared it a state of emergency, and called the militia. After a failed attempt at trying to capture the state arsenal, he was accused of high treason and put into jail. To appease popular resentment, the governor pardoned Dorr and Rhode Island was given a new constitution.

To summarize, America in the early 1800's was on the verge of becoming a very democratic country. New rules were made and restrictions were taken away, and soon nearly everyone was granted the right to vote for their leader

Timeline of Voting Rights

Progression of States Voting from Legislature to The People

Temperance Movement

Image source: http://bshistorian.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/prisons-6.gif

The illustrator of this photo is depicting the negative consequences of a father consuming a surplus of alcohol. The purpose is to show the trouble and danger the father brings to the family when he is drunk and unable to be aware of his own actions that may harm his family. This is a very trustworthy source that was made in the 19th century. This image was made during the temperance movement, which was an attempt to reduce alcohol consumption among fathers and people in general. The victims include the fathers family, including his children, his wife, and anyone else closely related to him. It gives a great understanding of what the average home life was like when subject to alcohol abuse. The illustrator stands with the movement to reduce or eliminate heavy alcohol consumption.Image Link