Eastern States:
1. Property Ownership: In most eastern states, suffrage was restricted to white men who owned a certain amount of property. This requirement created a significant barrier for many, including non-landowning white men and all women.
2. Religious Requirements: In some eastern states, religious affiliation was also a factor. For example, in Massachusetts, only Protestants could vote until 1833.
3. Gradual Expansion: Over time, some eastern states began to expand suffrage. For instance, New York eliminated the property requirement in 1821, and Maine allowed all white men to vote regardless of property ownership in 1820.
Western States:
1. More Inclusive: Western states generally had more inclusive suffrage laws compared to the eastern states. Many western states, such as Ohio and Indiana, granted suffrage to all white men, regardless of property ownership, from their inception.
2. Influence of Frontier Democracy: The frontier spirit and democratic ideals played a significant role in shaping suffrage in the western states. The notion of equality and individual liberty was more prevalent in these regions.
3. Early Women's Suffrage Movements: The western states also saw earlier women's suffrage movements. For example, the Wyoming Territory granted women the right to vote in 1869, becoming the first place in the United States to do so.
4. Influence of Mining and Migration: The western states experienced significant migration and economic growth due to mining and other industries. This influx of diverse populations contributed to the demand for more inclusive suffrage.
In summary, suffrage in the eastern states was initially limited to white male property owners, with some religious restrictions. However, some eastern states gradually expanded suffrage over time. In contrast, western states tended to have more inclusive suffrage laws, granting voting rights to all white men from the beginning, and some even pioneered women's suffrage earlier than the eastern states.