The Second Great Awakening - Influence of the Market Revolution

Overview

• The Second Great Awakening was a religious revival in early 19th century America.
• It was characterized by an increase in religious fervor, conversions, and religiously inspired social actions.
• The period spanned approximately from 1790 to 1850, with the peak between 1820 and 1840.

Key Elements of the Second Great Awakening

• Involved circuit riders (preachers) who held camp meetings.
• Preachers promoted an emotional version of Christianity, encouraging people to abandon sin and create "heaven on Earth."
• The movement sought to explain the conditions leading to this religious explosion.

Influences Leading to the Awakening

• Market Revolution: A pivotal aspect altering American business and social interactions.

  • Revolution in transportation: Expansion of railroads, canals (e.g., Erie Canal), and steamships.
  • Enabled easier transportation of goods to distant markets, promoting an international market economy.
  • Erosion of personal relationships in business transactions, leading to societal anxiety.

• Urbanization and Wage Labor:

  • Shift from subsistence farming to wage labor in factories.
  • Emergence of the "cult of domesticity," with gender roles where men worked outside and women managed the home.
  • People were no longer their own bosses, introducing new societal dynamics.

Social and Cultural Impacts

• Anxiety and Trust Issues: The distant market system raised concerns about trust in business transactions.

  • Religion was seen as a means to ensure moral behavior and societal stability.

• Westward Expansion:

  • By 1840, the center of population had moved significantly westward.
  • Expansion of middle class and political power, contributing to a more democratic society.
  • Rise of religious movements aligning with the idea of individualism and self-determination.

Specific Case Studies

• Rochester, New York:
  • Known as the "burned-over district" due to intense religious activity.
  • Birthplace of movements such as the Oneida Community, Spiritualism, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons), and Shakers.

Conclusion and Future Directions

• The Second Great Awakening was both a reaction to and a product of the broader economic and social changes of the time.
• The spread of new religious movements reflected the significant transformations in American society during the Market Revolution.
• Future videos to explore the impact of these movements on American society.

These notes provide a structured outline of the key themes and ideas related to the Second Great Awakening and its interactions with the Market Revolution. They are intended to capture the essence of the lecture for future review.