Question

Which of the following best describes how ideas about marriage shifted during the early 19th century?
a.State governments began to recognize marriage as a secular rather than a religious institution.
b.Young people began marrying for personal happiness rather than economic necessity.
c.Men began avoiding marriage in order to seek economic opportunities in new western territories.
d.Women began exercising strict control over decisions concerning their husbands and children.

Answer 1

The answer is B. Young people began marrying for personal happiness rather than economic necessity.

Answer 2

Answer:

b. Young people began marrying for personal happiness rather than economic necessity.

Explanation:

This was an important change in how marriage was perceived in society. Prior to the early 19th century, marriage was considered a business transaction. It involved two people entering a contract for economic and reproductive goals. However, love rarely played a part. This began to change during the early 19th century. Love as an ideal of marriage began to become a more popular idea, and literature began exploiting this as well, cementing the link between love and marriage.