Expansion of democracy

Definition

Expansion of democracy refers to the broadening of democratic rights and participation among citizens, ensuring that a greater number of people can engage in the political process. This movement often focuses on increasing suffrage, promoting civil rights, and fostering greater inclusion within the political system, which were especially prominent during periods of reform and social change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Great Awakening inspired many reform movements that promoted the idea of equality and justice, pushing for broader access to democratic participation.
2. Religious revivalism during this period emphasized individual moral responsibility and encouraged people to advocate for social change, including the expansion of democracy.
3. Women played a significant role in both the abolitionist movement and the suffrage movement, which highlighted the need for inclusive democratic practices.
4. The expansion of democracy during this era was also influenced by various state-level reforms aimed at making voting more accessible, such as eliminating property requirements for voting.
5. Activists like Frederick Douglass and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were instrumental in advocating for both racial and gender equality within the democratic framework.

Review Questions

• How did the Second Great Awakening contribute to the expansion of democracy in the United States?
  • The Second Great Awakening fostered a spirit of reform and activism that encouraged individuals to challenge societal norms. It promoted the idea that all individuals are equal in the eyes of God, which translated into demands for greater political participation and civil rights. This revivalist movement inspired many reformers to work towards expanding suffrage and advocating for social justice, thereby directly contributing to a more inclusive democratic process.
• Analyze the relationship between abolitionism and the expansion of democracy during this period.
  • Abolitionism played a crucial role in the expansion of democracy by highlighting the contradictions between the nation's democratic ideals and the reality of slavery. Abolitionists argued that true democracy could not exist while millions were denied basic human rights. The movement not only sought to end slavery but also pushed for broader civil rights for African Americans, setting a precedent for future struggles for inclusion in the democratic process.
• Evaluate how women's involvement in reform movements affected the overall landscape of democracy during this era.
  • Women's active participation in various reform movements, particularly in abolitionism and suffrage, significantly transformed the landscape of democracy. By advocating for their rights alongside other social justice issues, women brought attention to systemic inequalities that persisted within the democratic framework. Their involvement laid the groundwork for future advancements in women's rights and highlighted the necessity of including diverse voices in political discourse, ultimately pushing the boundaries of what democracy meant in America.

Related terms

Suffrage Movement: A social and political movement aimed at extending voting rights to marginalized groups, including women and African Americans.

Abolitionism: The movement to end slavery and promote equal rights for all individuals, which contributed to the broader context of democratic expansion.

Social Reform: Efforts aimed at improving society through various reforms, including education, labor rights, and moral improvement, which often intersected with expanding democratic ideals.