Freedom, the foundation of American democracy, functions in various ways throughout American history in terms of its definition. The extent to which there has been an evolution in the concept of American freedom has been debated by historians with a variety of opinions. Some argue that the terms definition has radically evolved while others believe there has only been a slight change since the founding period. This question induces the debate regarding the degree in which the definition of American freedom has changed over time. Historian Eric Foner analyzes the relationship between freedom and the United States identity while also focusing on its ongoing role in democracy. He states that the concept of freedom has been ambiguous and rather than fitting into a fixed definition, its numerous interpretations have sparked conflicts throughout American history. Further, Foner proposes the question of who is allowed to enjoy this freedom and the rights it entails. He also declares that although freedom was founded based on b
eing an inalienable right for all, the United States has openly deprived many different groups of freedom. He acknowledges that the definition of freedom has transformed over time while the concept has been debated and used unfairly consistently. This discriminatory behavior has endured through American history, limiting the rights of groups such as women, lower-classmen, racial minorities, and more. While Foner provides a compelling argument for the radicalism yet on-going centrality of freedom in American culture, he fails to account for the reasons why the interpretation of freedom has encountered a radical evolution since the founding period. When considering this factor, freedom can be seen as a product of the affairs of the time period, which repeatedly reshapes and defines the fluidity of the term. Throughout American history, the United States involvement in wars and rights movements has led to a progressive evolution regarding which social/racial groups are allowed the rights entailed with democracy and freedom.