1. Social Transformations in the United States
A Lecture Presentation Guide.

2. The Morning of Life. Asher B. Durand
The Morning of Life. Asher B. Durand. (1840) National Academy Museum and School.

3. Overview

4. Overview
The mid 19th Century is a time period in which the U.S. observed many social transformations.
Social Attitudes regarding religion, prison reform, women’s rights and slavery drastically began to change during this period.
Why?
On the heels of the war of 1812
Followed Jackson’s Presidency during which for the first time in U.S. History the “common man” became more recognized and respected

5. Religious Transformation

6. Religious Revival
The 2nd Great Awakening was characterized by the message of Salvation
Preachings of salvation suggested that God was not angry and men could achieve redemption through positive behaviors on Earth.
The message of salvation stood in direct contrast of that of the 1st Great Awakening which spread a message of Predestination.

7. Effects of Religious Revival
Creation of new sects of Protestantism in the U.S. including: Pentecostal, Adventists, and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
While many Protestant sects practiced freely, Latter Day Saints, also known as Mormons, were persecuted due to radical ideas including polygamy.

8. Effects of Religious Revival Cont.
Women became more involved in the church
New sects and beliefs were widely embraced in the North and the West of the United States.
South adopted a more authoritarian and paternalistic tone in the church. The South did not accept or promote the idea that all men could be saved to better his condition.

9. Women’s Rights Reform

10. Women’s Rights Reform Situation Before Reform…
Women had little to no political autonomy
could not file lawsuits, make contracts, own property or vote.
Reform Methods…
Women began to make a name for themselves by speaking out about social issues including prostitution, capital punishment, prisons, war, alcohol, and slavery.

11. Women’s Rights Reform: Taking Action
Elizabeth Cady Stanton organized the Seneca Falls Convention
Women demanded improved laws regarding child custody, divorce, property rights and suffrage.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton

12. Asylum Reform

13. Asylum Reform
Dorthea Dix led a crusade for humane asylums for those diagnosed insane
Argued for state supported care.
Dr. John Galt had many revolutionary ideas for caring for clinically insane.
care included use of drugs, talk therapy and outplacement.

14. Prison Reform

15. Prison Reform
Issues…
People were thrown into prison together no matter the offense (murders shared cells with those charged with public spitting)
men, women, and children were imprisoned together
Reforms…
placement of children into Juvenile Detention Centers
Reformers advocated for prison libraries, basic literacy reduction of whippings and beatings, separation of women and children.

16. In the mid-19th Century, the U.S. was a world leader in prison reform.
“It was revolutionary idea in the beginning of the 19th century that society rather than individuals had the responsibility for criminal activity and had the duty to treat neglected children and rehabilitate alcoholics.”
About 200 years later, has America maintained this revolutionary idea regarding prison and those imprisoned? Explain your reasoning.
Prison Reform
In the mid-19th Century, the U.S. was a world leader in prison reform.