Preview

American Reform Movements

Better Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1143 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
American Reform Movements
American Reform Movements From 1790 to 1860 reforms emerged in the United States in attempt to create a more advanced society. Many of the movements that were attempted failed due to either entrenched social conservatism or weaknesses in the movements themselves. New religions started to emerge based on Christianity, but shaped to their preferences. Along with new religions were Utopias that were part of cooperative, communistic, or “communitarian” nature. The temperance movement started to rise in 1826 and societies tried to ban liquor. The liquor caused a decrease in the efficiency of labor because most men drank. Women gathered together to gain themselves more rights and delete the “cult of domesticity” out of men’s minds. American reform movements of the early nineteenth century had many successes and failures under the subjects of new religious groups along with utopias, temperance, and women’s rights. Since the First Great Awakening, church attendance was still a regular thing for Americans. In 1794 Thomas Paine wrote The Age of Reasoning which promoted Deism. Deists didn’t think Jesus was divine, and Deism let to Unitarian faith. They believed God was present in only one person. Christians hated the new faiths. All of these new religions led to the Second Great Awakening, which resulted in prison reform, church reform, temperance movement, women’s rights movement, and the abolition of slavery in 1830. The East spread religion to the West to Christianize Indians. The Second Great Awakening was a success. Other religions that appeared were Methodists and Mormons. Methodists are similar to Christians. Mormons were very united and they created the Book of Mormons and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The new religions were a success in my opinion because some of them still exist today. Utopias were also formed around this time. Three Utopias that were formed were in New Harmony, Indiana, Brooke Farms, Massachusetts, and
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    American Reform Movements Between 1820 and 1860 Reflected Both Optimistic and Pessimistic Views of Human Nature and Society
    • 303 Words
    • 2 Pages

    American Reform Movements Between 1820 and 1860 Reflected Both Optimistic and Pessimistic Views of Human Nature and Society

    In the novel “High Tide in Tucson” the author, Barbara Kingsolver, uses a hermit crab to explain the importance of life. At the beginning of the chapter, the reader is introduced to the main characters, Buster and Barbara. Buster appeared in a new place when the reader was surprised to find the little hermit crap stumble our carton full of seashells Barbara had brought back from the Bahamas to give to her daughter back in Tucson, Arizona. Barbara, an animal behaviorist is very accepting at what life throws in the way “To walk upright, to protect my loved ones, to cooperate with my family—however broadly I care to define it – to do whatever will help us thrive” (Kingsolver 8). The description of this quote states the symbolism of how sometimes the environment of the reader may change unexpectedly causing the reader to rethink the situation. Buster was put in this situation. “We humans have to grant the presence of some past adaptations, even in their unforgivable extremes, if only to admit they are permanent rocks in the stream we’re obliged to navigate” (Kingsolver, 8), also states to help support the theory. Buster has to totally change its views to understand where it is and what it is supposed to do. Barbara tells the reader in the end of the article “She will roam light-years from the base of the tree” (Kingsolver 14). The reader will never know what will happen in ten years or the end of life. Kingsolver states again that the world is all in relation. Even small little creatures, like Buster, can cause a change in the readers view.…

    • 303 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    How Did The Social Changes Between 1800 And 1840
    • 324 Words
    • 2 Pages

    How Did The Social Changes Between 1800 And 1840

    In America, social achievements between 1800 and 1840 were more significant than political achievements because their effects dramatically shaped American culture. The Second Great Awakening brought about many of these changes; the spiritual revival brought attention to the need for social reform. People grew more concerned with the welfare of others, and movements were made to promote temperance, women’s rights, public education, and improved prisons. In 1826, the American Temperance Society was formed in Boston and became the foundation for many movements and laws against alcohol. Although alcohol still poses a problem today, the situation has drastically improved since this time.…

    • 324 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Pros And Cons Of The Progressive Reform
    • 692 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The Pros And Cons Of The Progressive Reform

    At the end of the nineteenth century the United States seemed to be racing forward in many areas, such as technological advancement, more efficient manufacturing, modernizing transportation, and of course, making money. America was, on the surface, improving greatly; underneath however, there were many problems including corrupt businesses and a growing lower class stricken by poverty. In 1900 to 1920 the Progressive Reform Movement swept the nation; progressive reformers rallied for equal treatment and better working conditions; the federal government adopted regulations that attempted to satisfy the wishes of the reformer; both groups had successes and limitations that ultimately led to an overall beneficial effect on the nation.…

    • 692 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Reform Sparked by the Second Great Awakening
    • 738 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Reform Sparked by the Second Great Awakening

    The Second Great Awakening in the early nineteenth century was about making people more noble, God-fearing, and erudite. Stemmed from the repercussion against the deist faith, Americans began pouring their time and energy into religious resurgences and reform movements. This uproar of religious groundswell sparked massive social reforms that amplified throughout the country. The idea that everyone can be saved, and everybody is worthy of salvation, heightened the interaction between one another through evangelism. Voluminous varieties of restructurings, all birthed from the awakening and spurred from evangelistic outreaching, included the ideas of alcohol consumption, women’s rights, and the education system.…

    • 738 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Second Great Awakening Research Paper
    • 427 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Second Great Awakening Research Paper

    The reformation in 1517 has a huge role in the Protestant church. Catholic Church was extremely strict on their teachings and influence in society. But in the early 19th century in the United States of America, a religious revival was founded by Protestants – the Second Great Awakening, although it began around 1790, the Second Great Awakening gained power by 1800. The Second Great Awakening is a revival movement that encourages people to find salvation and improve society. The church leaders preaching touched the hearts and minds of many people, including the people who do not go to church; this is why between 1820s and 1830s the church membership has increased and reached their height. The religious revival changed the lives of many people, mostly blacks, and women. This religious revival transformed the United States into a Christian country. The Methodist and Baptist changed the traditional spiritual lectures and attracted more individuals regardless of their color and life status.…

    • 427 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Reform Movements: The Second Great Awakening
    • 343 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Reform Movements: The Second Great Awakening

    Reform movements like the Second Great Awakening, the temperance movement, abolitionist’s movement, and women’s rights movement started for many reasons. Firstly, the Second Great Awakening was created because of religious purposes and even helped form the Methodists and Baptist denominations. This movement also resulted in a large following from abolitionist, women, and individuals in support of the temperance movement. The temperance movement was created in order to control the amount of alcohol consumed and distributed within society. The abolitionist movement was created in an attempt to end slavery within the United States.…

    • 343 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Reform DBQ Essay
    • 825 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Reform DBQ Essay

    The United States during the early decades of the nineteenth century sought to reform the United Staes and expand democratic ideas. There were many major reform movements that looked to expand democratic ideas, which include: establishing free (tax supported) schools, improving the treatment of the mentally ill, controlling or abolishing the sale of alcohol, gaining equal rights for women, and abolishing slavery. The reformers went out to “reform” the time period to greater the democratic ideals of the United States and make it a better place to live for the people, by the people.…

    • 825 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Social Reform DBQ Essay
    • 505 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Social Reform DBQ Essay

    Religious reform is one of the most notable and evident reforms of the time period. Many modern day religions, were created in 1840’s. The Mormon religion was created in the 2nd great awakening and is still highly concentrated in same areas Reform started due to Americans starting to question what was considered a sin. For example, Theodore Parker argued that war was a sin, and good a Christian man should not fight in the war with Mexico.(Document 5) It was new ideas like this that lead to the creation of new religions, and communities. Many groups created in the antebellum years are still around today. Americans used religion to promote liberty and unite people. Therefore, as religion changed it was only fit the reform spirit was created. (Document 3) Society was changing to reach perfection and become more god-like. (Document 1).…

    • 505 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Chicago 1920
    • 6633 Words
    • 27 Pages

    Chicago 1920

    Prohibition - The society of the 1920's is at odds with itself. There are those of older generations and the middle class who still cling to the Puritan ethics that accompanied our Founding Fathers. This segment of society wallows in propriety of the later 19th Century and the first decade of the 20th. Religious groups made up mostly of women searching to assert themselves politically formed a crusade against immoral practices including the consumption of liquor. The Women's Christian Temperance Union and the Anti Saloon League…

    • 6633 Words
    • 27 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    What Are The Causes Of The Second Great Awakening
    • 835 Words
    • 4 Pages

    What Are The Causes Of The Second Great Awakening

    Now, citizens could choose what they personally wanted to worship, which caused changes in religion. People were influenced by the democratic ideals of the early republic, and now that church and state were separated, religion could adapt to what the people wanted. This is seen when Methodists and Baptists rapidly grew when people tried to step away from the predestination idea and Calvinism. Methodists and Baptists prospered in this era because it was aimed at the “personal god” and anyone could be saved. Number of church members in these denominations rapidly grew—Methodist grew from 64,000 to 1.2 million from 1800 to 1844. Moreover, the separation of church and state also affected all religions also. This is because people of all denominations had to organize Bible societies, Sunday schools, and other church entities by themselves. As said before, the separation of church and state allowed people to worship personally, and Methodist and Baptists fit that idea the best as they reformed and revived worship in this era. Also, people had to worship god without a national church, causing revival in people’s own church and religious…

    • 835 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    The Role Of School Reform In The Early 1800s
    • 278 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The Role Of School Reform In The Early 1800s

    One of the most widespread of the reform movements was the temperance movement, which called for reducing the use of ,or abstaining from, any alcoholic beverages. This particular movement came about specifically because the Second Great Awakening religious reformers called for individuals to lead “clean” lives and the movement gained movement across the country. Unfortunately the movement was somewhat unsuccessful. American reformers also sought to implement school reform. Before the early 1800s, education for most Americans was very basic. For most, this meant a few months of schooling a year in a one-room rural schoolhouse. The wealthy engaged private tutors and academies. For the urban poor, a very few were able to attend private charitable…

    • 278 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Reformers In The Progressive Era
    • 1048 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Reformers In The Progressive Era

    The progressives were a group of reformers who were originated in late nineteenth to early twentieth century. These reformers were mainly white, middle-socio-economic class American English who had been born in the United States. They were actively involved into improvement in the sectors like political and social. Different sorts of ideas and solutions were generated by the progressives. Working in favor of women’s right, health sector, improving working environment and protection of natural resources are some of the focused area of these people. Moreover, they have a thought that the large businesses are supposed to be regulated so that all the workers would enjoy the improved working environment. They felt that the large businesses should…

    • 1048 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Reform Movements: Part B
    • 711 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Reform Movements: Part B

    Gender inequality and slavery were the two biggest evils that reformers tried eliminating in the time period. The abolition of slavery had many reformers behind it. Two very important men trying to achieve this were Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison, a white man, going to show there was support from all types of people. Two of the women’s rights advocates were Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Sarah Grimke. They both achieved great things to help out their cause. Although slavery and gender equality are arguably the most important evils in the time period there were still many other. One of these was alcohol. During the time period the Temperance Movement grew and advocates like Lyman Beecher and Father Mathew gained many supporters. The poor quality of education was also addressed by many reformers of the time. Some reformers though, had more specific ideas. For example Dr. Graham wanted to eliminate impure foods from people’s diets and Ralph Emerson wanted to rid society of organized institutions which were leading to corruption.…

    • 711 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Second Great Awakening
    • 606 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The Second Great Awakening

    Time and time again, people have turned to religion for answers during times of great change, such as the burgeoning industrialization of antebellum America in the 1800's. The Second Great Awakening swept through America as a reaction against the spread of rationalism and the weakening clutch of churches over their followers. With its touch, America grew invigorated over religious beliefs such as equality and temperance. Reform movements sprung and spread like wildfire, affecting nearly every apspect of daily life. The rise of social reform movements can be largely attributed to the Second Great Awakening and if looked in deeper, the industrialization of America and growing liberalism in religion were the roots of the religious revival.…

    • 606 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Temperance Movement
    • 729 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The Temperance Movement

    While the movement successfully met their goal of national prohibition in 1920, it took three full waves of the temperance movement to do so. The first wave of temperance began in 1784 and lasted until 1861, and unlike the second and third wave movements, the first wave movement advocated for temperance and levelness instead of the complete abstinence from alcohol, which later proves to be problematic. Although history has it that the first wave of temperance was sparked by Benjamin Rush’s 1784 piece called “An Inquiry Into the Effects of Ardent Spirits Upon the Human Body and Mind,” it wasn’t until the mid 1820s that the resurgence of the first wave temperance movement brought along a renewed interest in religion. It was through this newly formed interest in morale and religion that gave way to the formation of the American Temperance Society in 1826. Moreover, it was also during this period of resurgence that we begin to see Protestant and Catholic churches join the movement and promote temperance. Unfortunately, however, the late 1830s gave way to a split within the movement that caused tensions between the moderates and the radicals as well as between the voluntarists and the prohibitionists. The ultimate blow to the first wave movement, however, was the commencement…

    • 729 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics