“In the years between 1815 and 1848, two rival politicalprograms appeared, reflecting rival sets of hopes. Some Americansfelt largely satisfied with their society the way it was, slaveryand all, especially with the autonomy it provided to so manyindividual white men and their local communities. They wanted theirfamiliar America extended across space. Other Americans, however,were beguiled by the prospect of improvement to pursue economicdiversification and social reform, even at the risk of compromisingsome precious personal and local independence. They envisionedqualitative, not just quantitative, progress for America.â€
Explain this passage from Daniel Walker Howe in a more or lessnarrative style essay. What are these “rival political programs,â€what specifically did they want America to look like, and in whatways did they advocate for their respective visions? Furthermore,what is the difference between “qualitative†and “quantitativeâ€progress and how do they differ? Finally, how does the Civil War,and it's lead up, figure in these conflicting visions?
