In Matthew Frye Jacobson's article called "Free White Persons in the Republic, 1790-1840", concepts of "probational whiteness" and "fitness for self-government" are scrutinized. This article is mainly related with racism, so this word is defined by Meriam-Webster Dictionary as "a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race or racial prejudice or discrimination." According to this definition racial differences have created problems among mankind for centuries. Jacobson draws a portrayal of perception of race and tells about the different phase of racism, especially after 1790 in America.

In the "latter half of the 19th century a second regime of racial understanding emerged" This new understanding was in response to the immigration. Many peasants and labourers were immigrated from different parts of Europe. After the immigration of Hebrews, Caucassians, Slavs, Teutons, Celts, Mediterraneans, etc...