Abstract
This article puts forth a theoretical framework for understanding the impact of race on democratization across much of the antebellum North in the United States by looking at the changes in voting rights for blacks in four states. Racial voting restrictions across these state lines, despite different outcomes, can be understood by accounting for three factors: first, how racial conflict is structured through economic competition; second, how partisan competition is structured by racial cleavages; and third, how racial coalition formation is structured through racial narratives and a racialized discourse—what I call a racial belief system. Three factors comprise what is called “race formation.” Racial voting restrictions were enacted in Northern states: (1) when racial conflict took place as an outgrowth of rapid economic and demographic change; (2) when political actors seeking electoral advantage were in a position to successfully prey upon this racial conflict by arousing newly enfranchised white ethnic voters; and (3) when an ascriptive racial belief system became the dominant racial paradigm for understanding citizenship rights for blacks. The article suggests that race formation played a significant role in the democratization of 19th century America. These two races are fastened to each other without intermingling; and they are unable to separate entirely or to combine. The most formidable of all ills that threaten the future of the Union arises from the presence of a black population upon its territory; and in contemplating the causes of present embarrassments, or of future dangers in the United States, the observer is invariably led to this as a primary fact. (Alexis de Tocqueville1)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.