Reforming American Society Explain how reform movements were inspired by the spiritual awakening of the 19th century. Describe the institution of slavery and the abolitionist movement. Discuss the central role that women played in 19th century reform movements.

A Spiritual Awakening Inspires Reform The Second Great Awakening Widespread Christian movement to awaken religious sentiments that lasted from the 1790’s to the 1830’s Revivalism had a strong impact on the American public Unitarians and Transcendentalists Unitarians – Religious group that stressed faith in the individual Instead of appealing to emotions, Unitarians emphasized reason as a path to perfection Transcendentalism – Philosophical movement that emphasized that truth could be discovered by observing nature and relating it to one’s own emotional and spiritual experience The African American Church In the North, free African Americans created their own churches Served as political, cultural, and social centers for African Americans Abolition – The movement to abolish slavery

Slavery and Abolition Abolition Gains Strength William Lloyd Garrison By the 1820’s, the abolition movement had taken hold Some groups advocated the resettlement of African Americans in Africa Others argued that African Americans should remain in the US as free citizens William Lloyd Garrison Radical white abolitionist Published a paper called The Liberator that promoted immediate emancipation Many black subscribers Frederick Douglass African American who was an outspoken critic of slavery Douglas promoted abolition by means of non-violence Published The North Star

Slavery and Abolition Life Under Slavery Turner’s Rebellion The slave population of the 19th century was made up evenly of both men and women The majority of slaves had been born in America and spoke English Life of a Plantation Slave Turner’s Rebellion Some slaves rebelled against their condition of bondage Nat Turner – Virginia slave who led a revolt in which slaves attacked and killed about 60 whites Turner and his accomplices were eventually captured and executed

Women and Reform Women Mobilize for Reform In the early 19th century, women faced limited options Custom encouraged women to restrict their activities to the home and family Women were denied full participation in the larger community Despite their status, women actively participated in reform movements Women played pivotal roles in both the abolition and temperance movements Temperance Movement – Effort to prohibit the drinking of alcohol Dorthea Dix – Reformer who fought to improve treatment for prisoners and the mentally disabled

Women and Reform Education for Women Women’s Rights Movement Emerges Work for abolition and temperance accompanied gains in education for women Throughout the 1800’s, more and more educational institutions for women began to appear Educational opportunities were even more limited for African American women Women’s Rights Movement Emerges The reform movements of the mid-19th century fed the growth of the women’s movement by providing women with increased opportunities to act outside the home Seneca Falls Convention (1848) – Women’s rights convention held in Seneca Falls, New York Women called for the right to vote In spite of all the political activity of middle-class white women, African American women found it difficult to gain recognition of their problems Sojourner Truth – Outspoken African American abolitionist