Chapter 16 – 19th Century Reform Movements

Question What does it mean to “reform” something? What elements of society today do you think should change?

The spirit of democracy during Jackson's presidency set the stage for reform as groups rallied to correct problems caused by social, political, economic, and technological changes of the early 1800s. Religious revival and the emergence of early industry sparked reform movements.

Religion in the 19th Century Church attendance in 1850? Thomas Paine’s The Age of Reasons (1794) Deism / beliefs Unitarian / beliefs Key idea = belief in free will / salvation through good works

– Alexis de Tocqueville “There is no country in the world where the Christian religion retains a greater influence over the souls of men than in America.” – Alexis de Tocqueville

Second Great Awakening Renewed interest / passion in religion Reject: God determines salvation Emphasize: Individual responsible for salvation People can improve themselves /society Inspired movement to reform evils of society What “evils” existed?

Mother Ann Lee (Shaker) “If you will take up your crosses against the works of generations, and follow Christ in the regeneration, God will cleanse you from all unrighteousness.” “Remember the cries of those who are in need and trouble, that when you are in trouble, God may hear your cries.”

Spreading Religious Ideas Revivals Intense, personal sermons Peter Cartwright (Methodist) Charles Grandison Finney

“The power of God fell on the assembly, and there was an awful shaking among the dry bones. Several fell to the floor and cried for mercy.”

Denominational Diversity “Burned-Over District” Millerites / Adventists 2nd GA widened lines between classes / regions (examples?)

Education Reform

Before Reform Opposition to “free” public education – why? Reasons for change? Other education problems / conditions?

Education Reform Horace Mann Changes made by Mann Typical lessons Webster / McGruffy 2nd GA and higher learning Types of schools State-supported Women and higher education

The McGuffey Eclectic Readers Used religious parables to teach “American values.” “3 Rs” + “Protestant ethic” (frugality, hard work, sobriety) R3-8

McGruffy Reader Beautiful hands are they that do Deeds that are noble good and true Beautiful feet are they that go Swiftly to lighten another’s woe

Limits of Reform Schools more common in North; urban areas Limited education for girls, blacks Segregated / inferior schools for minorities

Reforming Asylums and Prisons

Before Criminals / mentally ill isolated in institutions for period of years

“While society in the US gives the example of the most extended liberty, the prisons of the same country offer the spectacle of the most complete despotism (rigid and severe control).”

Reform Dorothea Dix “Chained, naked, beaten with rods, and lashed into obedience” Rehabilitation

Working for Temperance Temperance Movement Problems caused? Ten Nights in a Barroom and What I Saw There Groups formed?

“There is no reform in which woman can act better or more appropriately than temperance. Its effects fall so crushingly upon her. Oh! the misery, the utter, hopeless misery of the drunkard’s wife!”

The Mormon Migration Joseph Smith Book of Mormon Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) Problems for the Mormons? Brigham Young Desert Zion = Utah