1. Reforming American Society
What changes occurred in 1800s America?

2. Spiritual Awakening Inspires Reform
America needs reform – esp. due to slavery
2nd Great Awakening (1790s-1840s)
a. Series of Christian meetings to revive faith & address need to reform American Society
b. church attendance increases (1 in 6)
2. Transcendentalism
Ralph Waldo Emerson forms new religious group, truth can be discovered by observing nature & relating it to one’s own emotions & spiritual experience
3. African- American Churches
a. So = use sermons as source of inspiration/hope
b. No = political, social, & cultural centers

4. William Lloyd Garrison: radical abolitionist
Abolition of Slavery
William Lloyd Garrison: radical abolitionist
a. 1831: published antislavery newspaper, The Liberator. Freedom by any means necessary
2. Frederick Douglass: Former slave turned abolitionist
a. 1847: published antislavery newspaper, the North Star. Freedom w/o violence
Another issue is what will happen to freed slaves? Return them to Africa or make them US Citizens

5. Women and Reform
Women involved in abolition & temperance movements
Education & health awareness for women need to expand
3. Women’s Rights Movement begins
a. Seneca Falls Convention, NY (1848, 1st Women’s rights convention
b. Main leaders: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Sojourner Truth