I decided for this week’s blog post I would look at data from different states on the amount of free non-white were living there. I choose this topic because I wanted to see if there were large differences in states in the 1790s and how that may have affected the policies of the states later on. After looking at the data there was a fact that was apparent. Most of the Northern states seemed to have more free non-whites in their states than southern states. This showed me that many years before the civil war there began a divide.
For the design of the graph, I tried to choose the easiest to look at and understand the information. First I broke up all of the states. Then I put all of the data in and choose a bar graph because it was easier to read with the totals for each state. After that, I added small changes like colors and axis titles. Overall I think the graph came out well and is easy for a person to look at and understand quickly. Whereas a line graph would have made the graph hard to understand and a person may understand the data wrong.
Overall I enjoyed making the graph and collecting which data to use. I think using graphs in addition to word documents really makes understanding data and how it affects things easier. This overall I feel this provides an easier and quicker learning experience. For that reason, I’m glad we are going over how to use them in class. In conclusion, I think my graph on the number of free non-whites per state turned out well and I think adding more states and different time periods could give people a new look at the rise of free non-whites throughout America.
This is a fantastic data representation from 1790 and strong analyses about what is being represented. From a visual standpoint, this bar graph is bright and colorful, well-labeled, and conveys the information clearly. I agree with your observations that even as early as 1790 we start to see a growing divide between the North and South which speaks to regionalism, difference in economies, and a (slow but growing) distinction in attitudes towards slavery. I am also glad to hear that you enjoyed this process, excellent work and observations!