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). One of the first steps in becoming more god-like was …show more content…
education. Education will elevate the common man to a higher standard. (Document 1) Not only was education thought to mentally improve a person but also emotionally. Education helps you how to be a better person and aware of the world. (Document 4)This caused people began to see the importance of education, for the successes of America. Therefore, education became open to the public for the first time. Horace Mann, one of the most prominent education reformers stressed that education will help shape the minds of youth to be better people and to better run the country. (Document 4) Elevating the common man will help America reach perfection. Education and Religion all dealt with the common man. Reform helped the middle-class gain rights. Being perfect also, would mean, you do not take part in the biggest sin of all, slavery and discrimination.
Socially reform took on a life of its own as equality started to spread. William Lloyd Garrison shared his message through The Liberator newspaper. He wrote regarding all men being equal as stated in the American constitution. ( Document 2) With the new outlook on the sin of slavery and considering the line it the US constitution people began to consider the horrors of slavery. In America, everyone has certain inalienable rights that can not be taken away. (document 6) This idea reformed the minds of Americans, to become more accepting of a diverse
nation. Religion, education and equality, all connect in the reformation of America. Americans wanted to be perfect and god-like, therefore they sought out a better education system. The new number of educated Americans, helped them become aware of corruptness in the american class system. Without these inspirations, the antebellum Americans never would have had a reformation.