Insight: Life in the New Nation (Chapter 4)

            The political aspect of the building of a new nation is important, but often overshadows the building of the mundane lifestyle of said state, which happens to be just as eventful and relevant as the official actions of the nation. The Trans-Appalachian settlement, the War of 1812, the Missouri Compromise, new technology, and the democratization of religion are some of the happenings during this period’s citizen livelihood.

            The reason why the population of the United States grew is the migration of American citizens to Ohio, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Cumberland River Valleys. This created an increase of population; from 2.7 million to 12 million in only fifty years – the nation was slowly growing, slowly making a bigger name and relevance for themselves. This expansion wasn’t favoring some, though, for the Land Ordinance of 1785 allowed sale of Native American land northwest of the Ohio River, otherwise called the Northwest Territory.

            This created friction between the Native Americans and the centralized government, creating repercussions such as the war of 1812 and resistance. The war of 1812 was triggered by interference of American shipping by British navy and also the support of the British towards the Native Americans. This war included battles such as the Battle of Thames or the Battle of Horseshoe – the two battles that ended the Native American resistance to American expansion to their lands.  

            Slavery was another aspect of their normalcy that became a discussion. The black code kept African Americans under the authority of white Americans even if slavery was illegal. Americans in the early republic agreed that slavery was legal south of the Ohio River and illegal north of it. There was a debate about this, however, for Missouri didn’t lie particularly north or south of said boundary, a debate that led to the Missouri Compromise. In which slavery would be permitted in Missouri, and Maine was carved out of Missouri which was before northern Missouri – and, in Maine, slavery was illegal.

            Technology arrived with the industrial revolution. Amazing improvements such as steam power, canals, and communications such as post offices created a massive improvement in their lifestyles. Not only was there an industrial awakening, but a Second Great awakening – an awakening of evangelization. This movement stressed preaching and predicted a better after life if they were to follow Christ. This movement aided in a sense of community and inclusion of women roles.

            As the laws and politics moved, so did the people. And, as the repercussions of all these events prove, the government depended on the people’s actions as much as the people depended on the government for changes to take place. 

A representation of the Missouri Compromise