Freedom

Throughout the course of history, America has witnessed several reoccurring

themes that are based on departure; abandoning what is familiar for the promise of the

unknown. Looking at the evolution of freedom using the thematic approach of race,

gender and class, one might go beyond the realm of reality and visualize or imagine that

freedom is a state whereby one is free from the control of fate or of necessity. Freedom

might be conceived as an exemption or release from slavery or imprisonment. However

during the period of 1783-89 freedom was a privilege that many Americans did not

possess. The concept of freedom in America has been challenged by several groups such

as settlers in Ohio, anti federalists, as well as a speaker from the July fourth oration

(1800). In order for all Americans to have freedom it was necessary that the Constitution

protect the rights of all its citizens regardless of gender, race, or class.

In the beginning of the colonial settlement, access to land was central to many

Americans’ understanding of freedom. (Hulbert, “Petition,” 108) The American

Revolution strengthened this association of land and freedom. (Hulbert, “Petition,” 108)

Many American leaders believed that it was important for the country’s economic future

for farmers to have access to land in the west. However they also saw land sales as a

potential source of revenue. Many land companies lobbied Congress in the hope of

reselling land to settlers. (Hulbert, “Petition,” 108) These companies believed that the

government should not interfere with their right to purchase land and take control of the

economic development in the west. (Hulbert, “Petition,” 108) However, Settlers also

believed they had the right to take possession of the western land because it was a key

element of American freedom. In 1785 a group of people from Ohio that suffered greatly

during the War of Independence

petitioned congress, attacking landlords and speculators who monopolized available land

and asking preference in access to available to “vacant lands” be given to “actual

settlements” instead of allowing these land owners to profit from reselling the land to

Settlers. (Hulbert, “Petition,” 109) This is an example of the role class plays when

looking at freedom. The Settlers believed that the essential element of American freedom

was to own land and property where as the land owners believed that the government was