Introduction
religious revival and its contribution to reform
Protestantism experienced a renewal, a "Second Great Awakening." Throughout the country, beginning in New England and spreading westward, the growth of Protestant denominations was marked by great revival meetings, the building of new churches, and the founding of colleges and universities.
Many other reform movements of the 1830s and 1840s were also based on religious faith. Protestant reformers believed that God allowed people to make their own destinies. They encouraged people to work hard to improve conditions for themselves and others. Some reformers were inspired by a philosophical movement called transcendentalism. This movement called on people to transcend, or rise above, the material, industrial world and become more aware of the inner spirit. Transcendentalist leaders such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau encouraged people to act on their own beliefs to restore truth and goodness to society.
Reform movements sought to improve life in many ways. The temperance movement was an organized campaign to convince people not to drink alcohol, as they believed it led to social problems. Other reformers focused on the need for more and better public schools. Horace Mann, a leader in this movement, argued that public education was essential in a democracy. The reform efforts of Dorothea Dix led to improved prison conditions and care for the mentally ill.
While most reformers worked to improve society, some tried to create their own small, perfect society, or Utopian community. They wanted to create a place where people lived together as equals without greed or sin. Many Utopian communities were formed, such as Oneida or Brook Farm, but most failed due to quarreling among community members. |