American democracy has never been static but it has always been evolving since the declaration of independence, the bill of rights and enactment of the constitution. Over the years, the meaning of democracy being exercised has been shifting from time to time. The civil wars in America were a watershed to the country’s democracy evolution just like the revolution themselves. The work will present the extent to which the American revolution and the ideas unleashed in the aftermath of 1920 lead to radical changes of the women African-Americans and the lower class ordinary which men.
Prior to the American revolution in 1920, African-American women could not be allowed to join the formal structures of political life of serving on juries, voting or even hold an elective position in government. They were subjected to a wide rage of discrimination which pointed then as secondary citizens in America. Back in 1900, women legitimacy was governed by their marital standing in the society and therefore they had few rights. The American Revolution laid a foundation for the African-American women to fight for their rights through the formation of suffrage movement which fought for their basic rights in the society. Despite the fact that the suffrage movements in 1920 were control by educated white women, they were later dominated by women of all working class and race especially the African-American women. The inclusion of the African-American into the suffrage movement was the best way of linking the struggles, oppression and the racial discrimination the women were going through in America. In addition, the inclusion of different women groups into the suffrage movement was a mere underscore into the womanhood in America.
By women being united to fight for their right, the 19th amendment was passed. Afterward, the suffrage movements were dismantled as the women had now the rights to vote and participate in all political arenas. The American Revolution in 1920 led to radical changes of the African-American women as they had the freedom to exercise their citizenship rights regardless of their race or position in the society. As women gained more power, they fought for the amendment of equal rights amendments in order for them to be given more powers as they male counterparts. Basically, with the American Revolution, women were able to gain more freedom and their rights were respected. By being able to fight for their rights women gain power in all sectors of the economy more so in the political arena.
The American Revolution involved many conflicting interests and goals such as discrimination and radical reforms in all sectors of life. The amendments of the constitution established a legitimate framework for voting rights and full citizenship of upper class, lower class and ordinary white men. Prior to the revolution, the lower class ordinary white men had no right to hold any political position as they were discriminated due to their class position in the society. They had no voting rights and they could not form any bargaining groups which would enable them to fight for their rights. The revolution involved potential resistance of the lower class ordinary white men fight for their rights in the society. Given that the ordinary lower class men lacked good political will, the American Revolution created a good opportunity for them to fight for their rights. Therefore, the 1920’s revolution created democracy for blacks, white, and lower class ordinary men and for all the whites. In conclusion, the American Revolution led to radical changes of the rights and democracy of women and lower class ordinary people in America.
Work cited
Sara, E. women in American politics in the twentieth century. 2013. Retrieved from: https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/womens-history/essays/women-american-politics-twentieth-century
