The Role Of The Market Revolution In Kingdom Of Matthias

During the mid 19th century the Market Revolution changed the lives of many. Paul E. Johnson and Sean Wilentz organizes the events of a certain religious group of individuals living in Sing Sing in their novel Kingdom of Matthias. The individuals experience both the benefits and hindrances from the Market Revolution to a certain extent. These experiences range from the introduction of new cuisine, to the creation of the modern entrepreneurs and finally the spiritual equality towards women.
The Market Revolution enabled the general public to experience new types of cuisine and dishes; however, these dishes were not allowed within Mount Zion due to Matthias fear of change. Instead of baked goods, Matthias would promote boiled meats, simple pastries and picked vegetables (TKoM108). The dishes he banned were mostly products of the the stove and exotic ingredients like sugar and spices. The effects of the new dishes also caused a linguistic change. It replaced the use supper with, the now common term dinner (Lecture10/21).
The emergence of entrepreneurship was also rooted to the market revolution. In Matthias’ kingdom two of his
As part of the house of domesticity Women were later expected to dominate in piety giving them part on what was usually a male exclusive role (TCoD&TW). Matthias was at first annoyed then angered by the change in female societal duties. This reaction was due to his expectations derived from the stricter Calvinist beliefs. Those expectations later manifested as major tenants towards Matthias’ religion, forbidding women from leading or teaching prayer (TKoM93). Though the market revolution enabled women to be a significant symbol in religion, they were still limited in their rights. An example of their limitations is Matthias’ previous wife. Ann received most of the backlash from Matthias’ failure and was not able to file divorce at the time