Transformative Forces in American History: Commerce, Politics, and Slavery from Colonies to Jacksonian Era

1. Commerce of the Atlantic System

The commerce of the Atlantic System socially and economically affected the British North American colonies in various ways during the 17 and 18th centuries. The first effect was because of the increased export of commodities from the British territories. With an increase in the volume of exports, the economy in British North American colonies grew. There was more demand, which necessitated more production, leading to enhanced economic growth in the long run. Moreover, agricultural production was enhanced to satisfy the need for farm products, both domestically and in foreign territories. Transatlantic trade also affected better welfare among British North American colonies, which led to an increase in their population. There were adequate resources that supported population growth through sustainable food production and agricultural productivity between the 17th and 18th centuries. Therefore, it is seen that British North American colonies were positively affected by the transatlantic trade at that time.

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The middle passage formed a triangular route where slaves were transported to various transatlantic slave trade markets. Olaudah Equiano from Nigeria explained it was an unpleasant experience being taken through the middle passage. He was from Nigeria, and the treatment they were taken from their land to the sea was inhumane. They were forcibly transported from their land to the sea; where they entered a ship; and they ferried to foreign lands. The slaves were sold many times through different slave owners; before they settled on a final buyer at the time. Later, he was shipped to Barbados as a temporary destination. Lastly, he was ferried, with many others, to work on a coffee plantation in Virginia. They were treated harshly by their masters because they were required to abide by some regulations they set down. Failure to comply with the regulation exposed one to humiliation, which all slaves tried to avoid by remaining obedient.

The Stamp Act upset colonists because it was considered a violation of their rights as they were taxed without their consent. Therefore, they wanted representation to have an opinion about their leadership and how the taxes were administered. Consequently, they adopted the "No taxation without representation" slogan, which was a resistance against the tax that was being levied against them. The motive was to reduce the tax burden and represent leadership so that their preferences could be factored in the administration. The primary reason for colonists wanting independence was the idea of taxes. The significant way of survival was trade. Therefore taxation was seen as a way to reduce their earnings, thus compromising their life in the long run. Furthermore, there was a series of unfair treatment targeting the colonists, which they wanted to stop. The stopping could only be achieved through becoming independent from any external leadership or influence.

2. Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson enhanced various political changes that enabled him to be elected into office. He was motivated to end aristocracy in the nation and give more power to the ordinary people, as opposed to the norm whereby the power was reserved for those in leadership positions. There was a motive to strengthen democracy, where the people would have a major say about how they would like to be governed. He was against the private interests of the elite people in the society, who, in most cases, were the leaders. The leaders crafted ideologies and implemented plans that were not within the common citizens' interests. Therefore, the common people were neglected, and the elite had their interests catered for efficiently. Democracy was the principal aim that the transformation of U.S. national politics during the era of Andrew Jackson had in mind. The majority of the people's power to influence the direction of the country was the significant interest that the Jacksonian democracy was interested in. Through his leadership, there was the strengthening of democracy and addressing the welfare of the common people.

There were several political fights that Andrew Jackson was involved in, which reflected his ideologies and preferences. In 1832, he opposed the United's second bank because he did not believe in its functioning. The bank favored the interests of the Northern parties, who had a selfish interest. Andrew Jackson did not like a few people's privileges; therefore, he renewed its corporate charter and made changes. The other fight was with John C. Calhoun, who wanted to protect cotton farmers' preferences by removing tariffs. The removal of tariffs reflected his need to enhance free trade and, therefore improve the living conditions of the common people. Lastly, he decreased taxes, which was against the preferences of the elites in society. The reduction was in the interests of the common people, which was in line with his democratic preferences.

During the antebellum period, the northern and southern states had different ad references regarding slavery. The Northern states enhance mechanization of production, therefore abolishing the use of the slave trade. In the southern states, there was no mechanization, yet they had larger farms. Thus, they continued to use slaves in their production. However, there were abolitionists in the southern states who were against the idea of slavery. Therefore, there was a divided opinion regarding slavery. However, some parties strongly advocated for slavery-like James Hammond. Their reason was that slavery enhanced productivity, thus improving the economy. The significant elements of slave culture were their religion, cultural practices, and unique identity. However, they did not have the freedom to practice their culture. By continuing to be enslaved, there was the risk of their culture getting eroded with time. The slaves’ response to the threat of erosion of their culture was resistance, in some cases, although they lost their power of resistance. However, thanks to the abolitionists, there was reduced oppression of the slaves and their culture.