The Second Great Awakening and Utopian Societies

The Second Great Awakening Around 1800 – 1830’s Revival of the Great Awakening of the early 18th century Emphasis on personal piety over schooling and theology One of most famous ministers was Charles Finney

Forming New Denominations A religious movement during the 19th century which expressed that every person could be saved through revivals Led to the formation of new denominations Surge in church membership of Methodists and Baptists

Where did it begin? Arose in several places: New England – social activism New York – growth of new denominations Appalachian region (KY and TN) – energized Presbyterians, Methodists and Baptists Camp meetings First in South-Central KY in June 1800

Main Reason for Revival Revival’s effects consisted of two main strains: The virtues and behavior of the middle class – a strong work ethic, frugality – were encouraged The ability of individuals to make changes to their lives sparked reform movements

Creation of the Bible Belt The movement spread through southern OH, KY, and TN Among Baptists, ordinary farmers frequently felt they were called by God to become preachers The Bible Belt of the South was born

Lasting Legacy The Second Great Awakening left a lasting impact on American Society Established Churches Social Reform

Utopian Societies In the early 1800’s, more than 100,000 individuals formed utopian societies Utopian Society – Ideal or perfect society 1820-1860 – large attempt to create numerous communities that would serve as perfect societies

Belief Systems The people that formed these communities believed that the way to a better life was to separate themselves from the corrupting influence of the larger society Practiced cooperative or communal living and rejected the idea of private property

Different Groups Found within Utopian Societies Mormons Oneida Community The Shakers New Harmony Brook Farm

The Shakers Located in several states Got their name from a ritual shaking dance that members performed Reached their peak in the mid-1800’s with 6,000 members

Beginnings Began in England in 1747 Led by Ann Lee – “Mother Ann” Lee moved with her followers to America in 1774 The community quickly grew

Beliefs Believed in absolute celibacy Eventually, the numbers dwindled 3 Shakers left today Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Harrodsburg, KY – living history museum

Brook Farm Community near Boston Based on social or political ideologies Founded by George Ripley in 1841 Harmony with nature, communal living, and hard work

The End of Brook Farm Collapsed in 1846 after a huge fire destroyed a large building that was uninsured The Farm could not continue Influential in fights for women’s and labor rights