U.S. History I – Spring 2023 – NECC
In Module 2 you have learned how the U.S. secured its independence developed a Constitution, and embarked on developing economically. All of these contributed to building a new uniquely American culture.
For this essay discuss three movements in the years 1776 to 1840 where Americans attempted to fulfill the promises outlined in the Declaration of Independence, in particular the following statement:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness.
Here is what you do for each of these three movements:
Describe the movement. What is it? Who is involved? When and where does it occur?
What are the objectives of each movement?
How does this movement fit in to the above statement from the Declaration of Independence?
Indicate a specific passage.
How much support does the movement have? From where is there resistance?
To what extent does each movement, by 1840 fulfill its objectives? Where does it fall short? Why?
Here is an example of a historical movement: Hamilton’s financial reforms.
Finally, in a concluding paragraph, rank the movements in order of success from the perspective of 1840. Indicate why you chose the ranking that you did.
