19th Century Reform Movements Overview

May 1, 2025

Heimler's History: Unit 4 - 19th Century Reform Movements

Overview

  • Focus on reform movements from 1800 to 1848
  • Influenced by Market Revolution and expanding democracy
  • Key reform areas: Religious reform, Temperance, Abolitionism, Women's Rights

Cultural and Economic Context

  • Market Revolution: Economic improvement through hard work
  • Expanding democracy: Increased sense of agency
  • Social reform tied to the "gospel of improvement"

Religious Reform

  • Exclusion of utopian communities like Shakers and Oneida
  • Focus on Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons)
    • Founder: Joseph Smith
    • Key Event: Visions to restore true Christianity; Book of Mormon
    • Controversy: Polygamy; led to Smith's arrest and death
    • Migration: Led by Brigham Young to Utah Territory to escape persecution

Temperance Movement

  • Defined as abstaining from alcoholic beverages
  • High alcohol consumption in early 19th century
  • Influenced by the Second Great Awakening
  • Key Organization: American Temperance Society (1826)
    • Target Audience: Working-class men
    • Growth: Over 5000 chapters
  • Support from factory owners and politicians
  • Opposition from Irish and German immigrants

Abolitionism

  • Aimed to end slavery
  • Influenced strongly by the Second Great Awakening
  • Spectrum: Gradual vs. immediate end
  • Key Figures:
    • William Lloyd Garrison
      • Publication: The Liberator
      • Organization: American Anti-Slavery Society (1833)
      • Stance: Immediate end to slavery; burned Constitution
    • Frederick Douglass
      • Background: Escaped slave, learned to read/write
      • Work: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
      • Focus: Dehumanization in slavery

Women's Rights Movement

  • Parallel development with abolitionism
  • Frustration with societal limitations on women
  • Reaction against "cult of domesticity"
  • Key Event: Seneca Falls Convention (1848)
    • Leaders: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott
    • Document: Declaration of Sentiments
    • Aim: Equality for women, grievances listing
    • Outcome: Set stage for future women's rights advancements

Conclusion

  • Summary of key reform movements and their impact
  • Encouragement to subscribe for more educational content
  • Importance for AP U.S. History exam preparation

Full transcript