What methods did Americans use to oppose slavery? As reformers tried to improve American life in the mid-1800s, some turned their attention to exploited and enslaved African Americans. The efforts of these reformers led to increasing division between the North and the South.

In the early 1800s the US experienced a huge religious revival called the Second Great Awakening This movement gave rise to many new religions, such as Unitarians, Mormons, and Methodists. The movement also led to an interest in social reforms, such as outlawing alcohol (temperance), funding public schools, ending slavery, and granting rights to women.

Slavery ended completely in the North during the 1800s Slavery ended completely in the North during the 1800s. It remained an institution in the South. Two million Africans and African Americans were held as slaves in the South. • They worked at backbreaking tasks and could be beaten at any time. Families were separated. • Some enslaved people gave up hope; others found comfort in family and religion.

There was some resistance from slaves against their oppressors. There were 200 slave revolts during the first half of the 1800s. The most significant was led by Nat Turner in 1831. 4

The underground railroad developed to help slaves escape to freedom. It was made up of a loose network of “conductors” that hid runaway slaves. One of the best known conductors was Harriet Tubman. 5

This is a map of the underground railroad routes from slave states to free.

A growing number of Americans wanted to end slavery A growing number of Americans wanted to end slavery. They were called abolitionists. William Lloyd Garrison published an antislavery newspaper called The Liberator. Frederick Douglass, who was born into slavery, escaped and spoke out eloquently against it. Angelina and Sarah Grimké moved north and became outspoken abolitionists. Henry David Thoreau refused to pay a tax he believed supported slavery. 7

Civil disobedience was defined by Thoreau as the right of people to refuse to obey laws that they find unjust. Many people were against abolishing slavery. Southerners argued it formed the foundation of their economy. Abolitionists became organized, holding meetings and giving lectures across the country. 8

The slavery issue divided America. The abolition movement was small but vocal. It faced resistance in the North and the South. A Gag Rule passed by Congress prohibited debates on the subject. The issue still widened differences between the North and South.

What steps did American women take to advance their rights in the mid-1800s? Women took active roles in several reform movements during the 1800s. Soon, some of these reformers decided to work to gain equality for women. This laid the groundwork for a long struggle, especially to gain the right to vote.

NO Election to Public Office Women lacked many basic rights in the early 1800s. NO Property Ownership NO Voting Rights NO Election to Public Office FEW Educational Opportunities

The reform movements brought about by the Second Great Awakening attracted many thoughtful women. One prominent female abolitionist was Sojourner Truth, who spoke powerfully against slavery. Photo of a temperance worker, HSUS: p. 49. 12

The reform movements gave women leadership roles and connections outside of the home. Another change in the lives of women occurred due to industrialization. Factories needed workers. Many women went to work in them and developed a degree of economic independence and new friendships. 13

Two historical trends led to the beginning of real progress for women’s rights. 1 Middle class women in urban areas hired poor women to do their housework, leaving them more time to think about social issues. 1 2 Women became involved in the abolitionist movement and began to compare their own situations to that of the slaves. 14

This inspired them to take new steps to advance women’s rights. Abolitionist women disagreed over how prominent a role females should play in the movement to end slavery. Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were not allowed to speak at an antislavery conference. This inspired them to take new steps to advance women’s rights. 15

Elizabeth Cady Stanton Stanton and Mott organized the nation’s first Women’s Rights Convention, called the Seneca Falls Convention, in New York in 1848. The delegates adopted a Declaration of Sentiments, which called for greater rights and opportunities for women. Photo of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, HSUS: p. 51. Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Declaration of Sentiments, adopted Seneca Falls The Seneca Falls Convention marked the beginning of the women’s rights movement. It inspired a generation of leaders including Susan B. Anthony. “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal…” Declaration of Sentiments, adopted Seneca Falls Anthony concentrated her efforts for the next 50 years on gaining suffrage for women— the right to vote.

The Causes and Effects of the Women’s Rights Movement Women could not vote, own property, or divorce abusive husbands Suffragist movement demanded that women get the right to vote. States passed laws that protected women’s property rights. Many abolitionists believed that women also deserved equal rights Women’s Right’s Movement chart, AHON: p. 429. Private schools for women opened, and some colleges accepted women students. Women were denied equal education opportunities