Economic and Social Revolution
During the period between 1820 and 1860, the United State's population grew very quickly. Many Americans improvements in transportation also started a national market economy in America. This helped the country to transport raw materials and manufactured goods faster than before. Also, people could travel to different parts of the country more conveniently as well.
Transportation AdvancementsIn order to transport goods and allow people to move, national roads and canals were developed. Turnpikes and toll roads were also made to connect towns. Soon, railroads and steamboats were created and helped transport goods more quickly. These transportation advancements made Americans' lives much easier and inexpensive, but it began the sectionalism of the regions: The East, West and South.
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East vs. West. vs. SouthAs development in transportation took place, the country started to divide into regions. The East became know for industry, farming/small farms represented the West and the South were know for plantation.
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Changing Demographics
Irish & German Immigrants
From 1820 to 1870, over 7.5 million immigrants came to America. Most of them being of Irish or German descent. In mid 1840s, Ireland had a great potato famine. This led to many Irish to immigrate to escape the poverty. Germans immigrated to escape economic and political conditions.
Nativism/Know-Nothing Party
With so many German and Irish coming in, they weren't easily liked. One of the reasons was because of their religion. Irish and most Germans were Roman-Catholic. They were also poor, couldn't speak English well and they added more competition for jobs. People against them were called nativists and started a movement. The movement eventually became a political party called the Know-Nothing Party. They were anti-Catholic, opposed immigration and electing anyone Roman-Catholic or foreign-born for office.
sources: Kaplan AP U.S. History Test Prep Book