Chapters 12 and 13

During the prosperous 1820s-40s there was an increasing concern in society as a whole for the need to reform- to make America as great as we felt it could be. The optimism of this time period shaped a number on movements regarding the desire for reform in social class issues, women’s rights/political inequality, religion and racism. Most reformers were middle class- generally from Northeast and Midwest. (south involved in some, but not others) Women vitally important- guardians of virtue etc… Reformers had a profound effect on politics and society.

If improvement is the goal- one way to achieve is by grouping together with like minded individuals to achieve your purpose. (whatever that may be) Often disillusioned by materialism and industrialism, wanted to create a simpler, more harmonious lifestyle Generally collective- all property owned by the group (essentially forerunners of socialism and communism)

1 st American communal movement. Founded by “Mother Ann” Stanley in England, came to US in Name comes from religious ceremonies where they were supposed to be experiencing the holy spirit. Had 20 communities in NY and OH with about 5000 members at peak. Believed in equality of sexes - opposed to marriage (and sex) made it hard for numbers to grow. (adopted orphans) Prosperous- known for quality furniture making (simplicity) Long lasting- survived until 1940s

Founded 1848 by John Humphrey Noyes based on new religious morality that sought free love, “complex” marriage, and selection of parents for better offspring. (sort of the anti-shaker) Noyes was very controlling, almost dictatorial. Prosperous due to metalwork (traps and silverware)

Founded 1841, Brook Farm was another Utopian Community- but based on the principles of Transcendentalism- the belief that the spiritual world is more real, and more important than the physical one. Truth therefore “transcends” the limitations of what we can experience. Inspired by European Romanticism, a reaction to industrialization that stressed passion and emotion- esp in the arts. Emphasized individualism, and self reliance. Hostile to “conventional” institutions. Brook farm was meant to show that intellect and physical labor are not mutually exclusive. Attracted writers and artists, nonconformists and reformers- but not farmers. Community collapsed in 1846 after a fire.

Robert Owen was a British industrialist- who didn’t like the degradation of factory workers – Owen buys a town in Indiana, and decided to create “New Harmony”. Wanted to stop pursuit of wealth in favor of a “new moral world” of communal living. Failed within a decade Josiah Warren created totally unregulated settlements at Utopia OH, and Modern Times NY. Goods valued on how much labor it took to make them- no “nonproducers” allowed. But the NO rules thing ended up with chaos….

Many reform movements drew inspiration from the 2 nd Great Awakening – which called for people to live more godly lives. “Perfectionism” – all humans are capable of indefinite improvement. Took reform movements that already existed (temperance, Abolitionism) to much more intense levels. Didn’t just want to make things “better” striving for extreme change.

Evangelicals called drinking a sin- and alcohol abuse was a serious problem in 19 th c America. Drunkenness decreased ability to work, and increased abuse of families. Temperance Movement promoted by churches to get men to slow or stop drinking voluntarily.. American Temperance Society founded 1826 TS Arthur’s “10 Nights in a Barroom and what I saw there” 2 nd best seller of 1850s. Temperance Fairly successful in reducing consumption, (in 1840s it was ½ what it had been in 1830s) but many started to look for Prohibition of Alcohol entirely. (Maine 1 st state to do so in 1851) Least sectional of all reform movements

Remember- this is the age of individualism – and reform movements tended to mess with that, which could get awkward Catholic immigrants particularly resentful – didn’t like “protestant morality” forced on them (and they liked to drink too). Plus, Catholics believe in original sin, so perfectionism is a waste of time….

Individualism and Reform needed to exist in a delicate balance. Reformers often explained what they were doing as attempts to “liberate” people from the “slavery” of drink, or sin Also said that true self fulfillment comes from self- discipline – and that was what they were trying to teach people. Felt immigrants lacked self control, and led lives of vice and sin. Published “Tracts” (religious pamphlets) and flooded them in immigrant areas.

In America- “crime” has always called for “punishment”. During 1830s and 1840s, one aspect of reform was taking those who were outside the system (by choice, like criminals, or not, like orphans and the mentally ill) and creating places where their character could be transformed Jails for criminals (long term) poorhouses, orphanages, asylums for the mentally ill. Intention was to “cure” whatever made person act “incorrectly”

The largest (and most important) “Institutions” built during the reform era were tax supported schools. Local primary schools already common (in North – south not into this) this expands on those “one room schoolhouses”. Horace Mann (educational reformer) said schools would “equalize the conditions of men”- an alternative for those who could not afford to buy land, they would provide self- discipline and social advancement. Would also reinforce morality through rules: obedience to authority, promptness, attendance, and organizing ones day into pre-determined periods. (Gee, school is like a factory….) Also provided the 1 st really “respectable” career for middle class women.