Overview
This lecture covers the impact of the Second Great Awakening on American religion, major reform movements inspired by religious revival, and the rise of utopian communities aiming to create ideal societies in 19th-century America.
The Second Great Awakening
- The Second Great Awakening (1820-1840) was a widespread religious revival, reacting to the market revolution and social anxieties.
- Revivals, especially in New York's "burned over district," drew massive crowds at camp meetings.
- Charles Grandison Finney, a key evangelist, taught that individuals could choose salvation, challenging Calvinist predestination.
- The idea of "Christian perfectionism" advocated societal transformation through individual and collective moral improvement.
Major Reform Movements
- The temperance movement aimed to reduce alcohol consumption and address social ills caused by drunkenness, especially domestic abuse and poverty.
- Temperance was the largest and most successful reform, cutting alcohol use by half by 1850, with widespread female participation.
- Educational reform, led by Horace Mann, expanded public schooling, aiming to instill moral and civic virtues, especially among immigrants.
- Schools promoted Protestant, middle-class values and sought to assimilate children of immigrants.
Domesticity and Gender Roles
- Catherine Beecher's "separate spheres" ideology emphasized women’s roles in the home as wives, homemakers, and especially mothers.
- Beecher promoted education for women and encouraged emotional, rather than physical, discipline for children.
- Women's advice literature reinforced the importance of managing the household and raising virtuous children.
Utopian Communities
- The Shakers, founded by Mother Ann Lee, practiced celibacy, equality of sexes, communal living, and were known for craftsmanship.
- The Oneida community, led by John Humphrey Noyes, practiced "complex marriage," male continence, and mutual criticism, promoting communal ownership and sexual equality.
- Both communities were economically successful, relied on converts and orphans for growth, and did not actively evangelize.
Mormonism and Millennialism
- Mormonism, founded by Joseph Smith, grew rapidly, faced persecution, practiced polygamy, and eventually migrated to Utah under Brigham Young.
- The Millerites, led by William Miller, predicted Christ’s imminent return; their movement led to the formation of Adventist denominations.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Second Great Awakening — Early 19th-century religious revival emphasizing personal salvation.
- Burned over district — Area of upstate New York known for religious fervor and reform movements.
- Christian perfectionism — Belief that individuals and society can achieve moral perfection.
- Temperance movement — Campaign to reduce or eliminate alcohol use.
- Horace Mann — Leader in education reform, promoting public schooling.
- Separate spheres — Ideology assigning public roles to men and domestic roles to women.
- Shakers — Utopian celibate religious community valuing equality and craftsmanship.
- Oneida community — Utopian group practicing communal marriage and self-control.
- Mormons — Religious group founded by Joseph Smith, practicing polygamy and evangelism.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Cherokee Indians and the Mexican War for the next class.