REFORMING AMERICAN SOCIETY

Why were Americans interested in social reforms? Jacksonian democracy influenced public attitudes as much as public policy. Americans were developing a stronger sense of a national identity. Many people began to see America as a political and social experiment and believed both could be perfected.

What were the main reform movements? Religion Philosophy Utopianism Prison Reform Health Care Education Abolition Women’s Rights Temperance Working conditions and worker’s rights

How did the Second Great Awakening revolutionize the American religious tradition? It taught that individual responsibility was the way to salvation. The ‘revival’ became a new and increasingly popular venue for expressing and extending a believers faith. African-American churches preached a message of deliverance. Charles Finney and Richard Allen were two noteworthy ministers.

What were the primary themes of Transcendentalist thoughts? Self-reliance Closeness to nature Minimize possessions Belief in individual freedom A person should be guided by their own sense of right-and-wrong Leaders: Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Margaret Fuller

Why was prison reform a social movement? Prisons tended to be little more than dungeons Reformers wanted to re-habilitate criminals so they could be good citizens Dorothea Dix discovered mentally-ill citizens locked in jails and this motivated a reform movement to provide care instead of incarceration.

What health-care reforms took place? The need for specialized care for women was recognized. Many health care practices were based in tradition rather than science. Elizabeth Blackwell became the first American woman to graduate from a medical school.

Why was education reform necessary? Teachers were poorly trained. Students were not compelled to attend. Many people believed students should be literate, numeric, understand our nations history, and become good citizens. Horace Mann of Massachusetts led the way to creating and improving public education.

What was the abolition movement? A demand for the immediate end to slavery Citizens, especially in the north, pointed out the immorality of slavery Abolitionist leaders differed in their demands. Some wanted a pacifist approach while others advocated violence. Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, David Walker were leaders of the movement

Did rural and urban slavery differ? Yes, but slavery was still one person owning another and controlling the existence of the slave. Rural/plantation slavery way ‘can see-to can’t see’ labor. Overseers kept slaves on task. Household slaves were always under the eye of their masters. Urban slaves were household servants, or skilled laborers. They had slightly more freedom of movement but were still owned my their masters.

How did pro-slavery supporter defend slavery? Slavery was necessary for social order After Nat Turner’s revolt, most southern states made laws restricting free-blacks, and made harsher rules for slaves. In Congress, members were banned from debating slavery from 1836 to Pro-slavers believed slavery was an economic necessity for the nation

What were the main objectives of the women’s rights movement? Property rights Rights before a court of law Voting rights

What was the ‘cult of domesticity”? The social custom and practice of a woman’s traditional roles of wife and mother. Women were expected to aspire to marriage and motherhood. In marriage, women were expected to defer to their husbands. As mothers, women were expected to raise children to be good citizens and community members. (remember ‘republican motherhood’)

What was the Seneca Falls Convention (1848)? 1848 convention in Seneca Falls, NY that made the first organized public demands for women’s voting rights, and equality before the law. The “Declaration of Sentiments” expressed their call for equality.

What was the ‘temperance movement”? The temperance movement was the effort to reduce the use of alcohol. The movement is closely linked to the religious revival and women’s rights movements of the 1820’s to the 1860’s. Temperance societies had support from women, clergymen, and businessmen. The movement may have had the greatest lifespan; prohibition was enacted in 1920.

How did the factory system change the ‘cottage system’? Before factories, goods were made in homes, or by skilled craftsmen. Factories reduced the need for craftsmen. They needed people to run the machines that make products. Factories must be operated on strict schedules. Cottage industries could not compete with mass production.

Why were factories difficult places to work? Regimented schedules were difficult. Work hours tended to be long. Wages were not consistent and would drop more frequently than they would rise. Failed farmers, immigrants, women, and children often made up the factory workforce.

Were working conditions ever reformed? Yes, but only in the modern day. In the early 19 th century, it was hard work on the factory floor. Workers attempted to form unions. Trade unions had some success but did not influence significant changes. Workers often moved west instead of demanding higher wages or better conditions.

What were the immigration trends of the mid-19 th century? From 1845 to 1854 three million immigrants came to the United States. Many Germans immigrated after 1848 (a failed revolution in Germany drove many Germans out of their homeland). Most became farmers and business owners. Many Irish immigrated as a result of famine and economic collapse. Many became household servants, factory workers, and construction laborers. The Irish faced harsh discrimination because of their faith and customs

Summary From 1820’s to the 1850’s Americans were trying to define their national identity. Many competing factors kept us from having a clear definition of what it meant to be an American. A growing number of citizens observed social, economic, and political problems and took great measures to improve them.