Chapter 8 - Cultural and Social Transformations Essay

By: Gabriel Hernandez

                The nineteenth century was a hard epoch for the North American society. Specially for women and minorities since they were always seen as inferior beings not worthy of the liberties or rights given to the average American man. However, after the Civil War, a twist in society took place. A gateway of opportunities opened for these specific groups of people who received unfair treatment. As usual, there was always this group of individuals that disagreed towards the decision of providing new chances to people since traditional ways wanted to be preserved.

                Americans adopted democracy as their new way of government. However, without having all of their citizens educated, the idea of democracy was not that effective. In order to have a more democratic state, the American society started supporting education by the late 1800s. Education offered job opportunities, economic and social success which favored not only the individual but the nation as well. Besides an educated society, other aspects of society highlighted in the 1800s. entertainment and sports became popular forms of recreation. Among the ramifications of entertainment the saloons, trolleyparks, dance halls and cabarets were the ones enjoyed the most by the people.

                African Americans had a rough time fitting into society since there have always been suppressing them into such institution. However, they have been able to stand up and rise throughout history proving they are equal or even better than many. The Ku Klux Klan began terrorizing the African American community in the late 1800s. It is an organization that still exists in the modern day and an example of groups of people rejecting the African Americans.

                In the 1800s, there was said to be “equality” for women. However, this was a faux statement since it was not happening in its totality. Economic and political inequalities were influential factors for the mistreating of women. The female gender has had a bumpy road throughout history as well as the African Americans in order to reach their rights.

                The Civil War contributed to mayor social changes in America. In the long run, they all concluded positively, however, the downside is what happened in order to have good results. Both women and the African American society have been of great contribution towards society since some of the most brilliant minds of the world fall into those groups. The pathway to reach the zenith of success was tough to some people during the nineteenth century, however it was all worth it in the end since radical changes in society were made.