AJ - Early 19th Century Reforms (Lesson)

Early 19th Century Reforms

Below you'll see the three main reform movements in the 19th century. Flip the card to read about each issue and its impact. 

The Second Great Awakening

The political atmosphere of the 1820s called for strengthening the “common man” in the United States. Coinciding with that political movement came a religious movement which called for the salvation of all. As such, Christian ministers preached the ability for all to seek and obtain salvation from their sins. With this doctrine emerged communication on the moral evils of society. The Second Great Awakening not only prompted a religious revival, but also encouraged a variety of social reform movements in the United States which had a lasting impact on American society.

Temperance

One of the moral evils that gained attention during the Second Great Awakening was the excessive consumption of alcohol among American citizens from all walks of life. The leaders and activists of the temperance movement called for the reduction of the consumption of alcohol for the betterment of individuals and families. Followers of the temperance movement justified their stance by associating the consumption and more specifically over consumption of alcohol to domestic violence and poverty. This connection resonated with those who followed the relevant doctrine of the Second Great Awakening. Many of those who took part in the Second Great Awakening and feared the dangers of alcohol formed organizations called temperance societies that encouraged responses that ranged from the reduction of alcohol consumption to a complete ban on spirits. The most famous of these organization was the American Temperance Society. The United States did see a reduction in the consumption of alcohol but not a total ban. However, the groundwork laid during the Second Great Awakening during the early 1800s later led to a complete prohibition of alcohol in the early 1900s with the ratification of the 18^th Amendment to the Constitution..

Public Education

Public education was another area of reform that benefited from the political and religious call for equality for the common man. Proponents believed that all children, not just those with a wealthy background, should receive a formal education. Schools, it was argued, should teach civic duties to promote an educated citizenry capable of maintaining a democratic society while also imparting moral judgment. The most famous proponent of public education was Horace Mann. Mann helped to develop the Common School Movement. This movement hoped to create good citizens while preventing violence and poverty. Mann structured a free public education system paid with local taxes, taught by trained teachers under the supervision of a local school board and superintendent. Mann’s model is similar to today’s public education system.

Women's Equality

Reformers and Their Movements

Do you remember which reformer worked on which issue? Drag the name of the reformer to the movement they worked with.