Voices that Emerged in the United States between 1787 and 1861 Essay Example

for the abolition of slavery and the end of racial segregation. With personal experiences of racism and enslavement, Douglas's public stance on these issues ultimately led to the ratification of important amendments such as the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution.

The amendments primarily aimed to advocate for equal rights for all individuals, including those previously enslaved and denied voting rights. They also provided protection, freedom, and citizenship to these individuals. Frederick Douglas expressed his beliefs through his 1845 publication "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas," which gained attention from the British Empire and led to his forced departure. However, he returned in 1847 and continued activism through his abolitionist newspaper called the North Star (Douglass,1996). Elizabeth Cady Stanton initiated the fight for women's rights in 1848.

Stanton and Mott, both advocates for women's rights in education, voting, and employment opportunities, were colleagues. Stanton herself was a prominent feminist, social activist, and abolitionist for over 50 years. She played a crucial role in improving the social, political, and legal status of women in the United States. One of her significant achievements was the Seneca Falls' manifesto which demanded gender equality and enhanced legal protections for women (Griffith, 1984). Ultimately, the pre-1787 democratic system faced criticism for being dictatorial and aristocratic as it hindered people from freely expressing their opinions.

Throughout history, prominent and exceptional authors, writers, and activists utilized their skills to express new ideas, which ultimately influenced the creation of a constitution that valued and promoted equality for all individuals, regardless of gender. Moreover, these books and articles also had a significant impact on other influential public figures who advocated for the

acceptance of the U.S Constitution. Thanks to the courageous voices of both men and women in our past, America became a democratic nation.

Work Cited

1. Brookhiser, Richard. Alexander Hamilton, American. New York, NY: Free Press, 1999. Print.
2. Douglass, Frederick. Narrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass. Charlottesville, Va.: University of Virginia Library, 1996. Print. Griffith, Elisabeth. In Her Own Right. New York: Oxford University Press, 1984.

Print.