1820 United States Census facts for kids
The United States Census of 1820 was the fourth time the United States counted its people. This important count finished on August 7, 1820. The census found that 9,638,453 people lived in the country. This number included 1,538,022 enslaved people.
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What is a Census?
A census is like a big headcount of everyone living in a country. The United States government does a census every ten years. This helps them understand how many people live in different areas. It also shows how the population is changing over time.
Why is a Census Important?
Counting everyone is very important for many reasons.
- It helps the government decide how many representatives each state gets in Congress. This makes sure that each state has a fair say in making laws.
- The census also helps leaders understand where people live. They use this information to plan for schools, hospitals, and roads.
- It shows how many people are in different age groups or jobs. This helps with planning for the future.
The 1820 Census Details
The 1820 Census was the fourth census in the United States. It was a big task to count everyone in the growing country.
Who Was Counted?
The census counted all people living in the United States. This included free people and enslaved people. The count of enslaved people was important for political power at the time.
What Did the Census Show?
The 1820 Census showed that the United States was growing quickly. The total population was nearly 10 million people. This growth meant the country was expanding and new states were joining the Union.
Life in 1820 America
In 1820, the United States was still a young country. It was growing and changing very fast.
How People Lived
Most people in 1820 lived in rural areas, meaning they lived in the countryside or on farms. Cities were much smaller than they are today. Travel was slow, often by horse, wagon, or boat.
Important Events Around 1820
Around the time of the 1820 Census, the United States was dealing with several big issues.
- The country was expanding westward. More and more people were moving into new territories.
- New states were joining the Union. This changed the balance of power in Congress.
- Discussions about slavery were becoming more important. The census numbers showed how many enslaved people lived in the country.
