American Society in Wethersfield Connecticut

Was American society as demonstrated in Wethersfield, Connecticut, becoming more “democratic”?

Between the years of 1750-1780, the American society was becoming more and more democratic as the years passed. Democratic is when everyone has the opportunity to be heard in all matters of the country. Wethersfield, Connecticut is a prime example of how the American society was becoming more democratic through property distribution, social structure, politics, and religion between 1750 and 1780.

Democratic property distribution allowed everyone the chance of owning his or her own land. According to Document B, from 1756-1773, the rich of Wethersfield were becoming richer, while the poor were only becoming poorer. Document D shows a survey of the land holdings for Wethersfield in 1756 and 1773, and shows that fewer people owned land. As new towns began to form, the opportunity for more land to be purchased went up, but even the new land didn’t cause property distribution to become more democratic.

Democratic social structure means equality for everyone in society. The democratic social structure slowly increased over time in Wethersfield. Document B explains how the rich became richer and the poor remained poor during 1750 to 1780. According to Documents G and H, adult, white males were allowed to vote in governmental issues and even hold public office, despite their social class. That showed a great deal of equality. From 1756 to 1774 there was a increase in population in Wethersfield, and the number of slaves dropped, as written in Document A. Lastly, Document M showed equality in militia requirements, and that all militiamen were treated equally. As of 1794, the social structure of Wethersfield, Connecticut was basically motionless.

Democratic politics indicates that everyone has a political voice in government. As Wethersfield began to have new towns and were able to create their own governments, they quickly became more democratic. Document F