1830’S AMERICA Antebellum Revivalism & Reform
The Second Great Awakening “Spiritual Reform From Within” [Religious Revivalism] Social Reforms & Redefining the Ideal of Equality
ANTEBELLUM AMERICA The Pursuit of Perfection
Separate Spheres Concept Cult of Domesticity A woman’s sphere was in the home It was a refuge from the cruel outside world Her role was to “civilize” her husband and family A Massachusetts minister wrote in the 1830’s: “The power of woman is her dependence. A woman who gives up that dependence on man to become a reformer yields the power God has given her for her protection, and her character becomes unnatural!”
Separate Spheres Concept Early 19 th Century Women: Unable to vote. Legal status of a minor. If single could own her own property. If married no control over her property or her children. Could not initiate divorce. Couldn’t make wills, sign a contract, or bring suit in court without her husband’s permission.
Separate Spheres Concept What it would be like if ladies had their own way
Separate Spheres Concept Cult of Domesticity was equal to slavery The Second Great Awakening inspired women to improve society Angelina GrimkéSarah GrimkéLucy Stone
Women’s Rights 1840 World Anti-Slavery Convention Women are barred 1848 the Seneca Falls Declaration 1850 National Women’s Rights Convention Lucretia Mott Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Make a connection… Why do you think women were so outspoken on the issue of abolition?