The text authors state that “the transition from property qualificatio

The text authors state that “the transition from property qualifications to universal white manhood suffrage occurred . . . with surprisingly little dissension”.

Why do you suppose that happened? Why wasn’t there more resistance to this fundamental political innovation?

ANSWER
The transition was long-term. It was the culmination of a trend dating back to the colonial period. It probably seemed logical given the other elements of the “rise of the common man” at the time. Nevertheless, there was opposition, and sometimes, as in New York, it was difficult to overcome.