East

Political-The region developed a broad-based democracy as property qualifications for voting were either reduced or eliminated for white males.

Economic-The area's diversified economy included commerce, banking, manufacturing, forest and mining products and stable, family-sized farms.

Social-A wide class structure ranged from wealthy businessmen to a few remaining indentured servants. Public schools, as well as a number of universities, had developed, and urban centers with a cultural and intellectual base were emerging.

South

Political-An aristocratic form of government, which had existed since colonial times, was well-established by the nineteenth century.

Economic-The planter aristocracy dominated the economy and produced a staple crop with slave labor. However, most whites lived a marginal existence on small farms.

Social-Few centers of learning or urban centers existed in this agrarian setting. A small percentage of white planters ran the establishment. Yeoman fanners yearned to become planters and supported slavery to keep African Americans in a subordinate position.

West

Political-A democratic society based on white male suffrage developed, but African Americans and women were not granted the right to vote.

Economic-Farms, owned and operated by the family, used large-scale agriculture and the new machinery of the period to produce food for eastern markets.

Social-While a few cities developed as centers of commerce, most people lived a rural life. The Northwest Ordinance had placed an emphasis on education. In the early 1830s, Oberlin College became the first college to admit women and African Americans.