How did the American population change between 1820 and 1860? What were some of the responses of Americans to these changes? Please just point me in the right direction. I've "googled" and haven't found much help.

Here are a wealth of sites on various areas of population changes.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=American+population+change+between+1820+and+1860&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

Look at immigration, population movement,industrialization. Also that was the period just prior to the Civil War.

To understand how the American population changed between 1820 and 1860, as well as the responses of Americans to these changes, there are several reliable sources and approaches you can explore:

1. U.S. Census Data: The U.S. Census Bureau provides demographic data that can be used to analyze population changes over time. By examining census reports from 1820 to 1860, you can gather information on population growth, migration patterns, and changes in demographic composition.

2. Historical Textbooks and Surveys: Consult reputable textbooks and surveys on American history, specifically those covering the period from 1820 to 1860. These sources often provide an overview of significant demographic changes and common societal responses.

3. Academic Journals and Articles: Scholarly journals, such as the Journal of American History, American Historical Review, or Social Science History, often publish articles that explore changes in population and societal responses during specific time periods. Accessing databases like JSTOR or Google Scholar can help you find relevant articles.

4. Books on American Social History: Look for books that specifically focus on American social history during the 19th century. These books may discuss changes in population size, notable migrations, and how Americans responded socially, politically, and economically.

When conducting your search, consider using keywords like "American population growth 1820-1860," "societal responses to population changes," or "American social history 19th century" to refine your results. Also, remember to critically evaluate the sources you find to ensure their credibility and accuracy.