how did changes in the size and character of the population affect American social and economic life from 1790 to 1860?
http://www.answers.com/topic/demographics-of-the-united-states
Total US population at ten-year intervals (when the formal census is taken).
http://www.census-charts.com/Population/pop-us-1790-2000.html
Charts which show the population in total and broken down into broad demographics. Notice that population in the West is listed from 1850 onward -- because that was the year that California became a state.
http://www.usapopulationmap.com/
This is filled with links to more information. Be sure to read the section called Conclusions.
http://books.google.com/books?id=bqKK0bgIbnUC&dq=usa+population+1790&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=6NfwSqPpC4yIMpijlJUH&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12&ved=0CDMQ6AEwCw#v=onepage&q=usa%20population%201790&f=false
Here is an online book regarding the population of the US. If you decide to read the parts of the book that you cannot find in this preview, be sure to go to your local or college library and find the real thing.
http://books.google.com/books?id=VHsdtvYR3kQC&dq=usa+population+1790&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=6NfwSqPpC4yIMpijlJUH&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CC8Q6AEwCg
This is reference to a book that promises to give you a really good look at the US just as the new nation's Constitution, etc., were being hammered out.
These sources will help you partially. Since you are in an AP class, however, YOU need to learn to conduct searches and research!
If you need help learning how to search, including how to choose good search terms, go here and scroll down to the links under HOW TO SEARCH THE INTERNET:
http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/
To understand how changes in the size and character of the population affected American social and economic life from 1790 to 1860, let's break it down step by step.
1. Understand the population growth: The population of the United States grew rapidly during this period, often referred to as the Early National Period and Antebellum Era. In 1790, the population was around 4 million, and by 1860, it had reached approximately 31 million.
2. Analyze migration and immigration: A significant factor contributing to population growth was both internal migration and immigration. During this time, there was a westward expansion, with people moving from the eastern coastal areas to the western territories. Additionally, there was a substantial influx of immigrants, primarily from Europe, seeking better economic opportunities and escaping political turmoil.
3. Impact on social life: The demographic changes impacted American social life in several ways:
a. Urbanization: The growth in population led to the development of cities and urban areas. This led to increased urbanization and a shift from rural agrarian communities to industrial centers, resulting in new social dynamics and challenges.
b. Cultural diversity: Immigration brought a diverse range of cultures, languages, and traditions to the United States. This influenced social norms, practices, and contributed to cultural pluralism.
c. Social stratification: With increasing population came the emergence of social classes. The gap between the rich and poor widened, leading to socioeconomic disparities. Slavery, prevalent during this period, also deepened social divisions.
4. Impact on economic life: The population changes had a profound impact on the American economy:
a. Industrialization: The growth of population and urban centers fueled industrialization. New technologies, such as the steam engine and factory systems, transformed American production and led to rapid economic growth.
b. Market expansion: The increasing population provided a larger consumer base, driving demand for goods and services. This stimulated the growth of markets and trade.
c. Labor supply: The population growth, both through internal migration and immigration, resulted in an abundant labor supply. This was particularly significant for industries such as textiles, manufacturing, and transportation.
d. Westward expansion: The expanding population played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States. Settlements, mining activities, and agriculture expanded, contributing to economic development.
In summary, the changes in the size and character of the population from 1790 to 1860 impacted American social and economic life significantly. It brought about urbanization, cultural diversity, social stratification, industrialization, market expansion, and contributed to the westward expansion of the country.