Opening the Door to Opportunity

Abstract

Before the Civil War, the United States gradually became one of the most democratic and egalitarian countries in the world, driven by the dual forces of pursuing equality and material wealth. Despite rapid economic development, true equality remained elusive. This equality was primarily limited to white men, while middle-class women and other groups faced significant restrictions, and enslaved individuals and Black people suffered severe discrimination and exploitation. Particularly in the South, although the traditional order was overthrown, a new social order had yet to be established, resulting in further deterioration of the social status and living conditions of both Native Americans and Black individuals.