There were a number of factors that motivated older states to expand suffrage
in the 1820s.
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The American Revolution had popularized the idea of self-government and
equality. The Revolutionaries argued that all men were created equal and had
the right to participate in government. This idea was appealing to many
Americans, even those who did not own property.
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The rise of new political parties. In the 1820s, two new political parties
emerged: the Democrats and the Whigs. Both parties competed for the support
of voters, and they did this by appealing to a wider range of people than
had previous political parties. In order to win elections, the parties
needed to attract the support of working-class men and other groups who had
previously been excluded from the franchise.
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The economic growth of the 1820s. The economy grew rapidly in the 1820s, and
this created new opportunities for working-class men. Many of these men were
now able to afford to buy property, which made them eligible to vote in some
states.
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The spread of education. Education rates increased in the early 19th
century, and this made more people aware of their rights and
responsibilities as citizens. Many Americans now believe that everyone,
regardless of their wealth or social status, should have the right to vote.
As a result of these factors, many older states expanded suffrage in the
1820s. For example, Maine, New York, and Pennsylvania all eliminated property
requirements for voting in the 1820s. This expansion of suffrage helped to
make American democracy more representative of the people.
It is important to note that the expansion of suffrage in the 1820s did not
apply to all Americans. African Americans and women were still excluded from
the franchise in most states. However, the expansion of suffrage in the 1820s
was an important step forward on the road to universal suffrage in the United
States.
