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Reform Movements Of The 19Th Century

Chris Heinz
History 201
Section 003
April 11, 2008
Reform Movements of the 19th Century

During the 19th century, there were many changes in America.   In the 19th century, Americans began to view their society as imperfect, and began to try and make their society better for all citizens.   Many movements arose to address the major social problems in America.   These movements included: the new religious movement, the temperance movement, the abolitionist movement and the women’s right movement.   Other movements included the Great Graham Cracker Crusade, the education reform, and the prison and mental health reforms.   Each of these reforms helped influence the later reforms, and each reform was vital to America’s growth in the 19th century.
One of the first new movements in the 19th century was the new religious movement.   America was trying to become more religious and during this time, several new religions were formed.   The first major group was the Utopian societies, which “looked to replace the competitive individualism of American Society with a purer spiritual unity and group cooperation.”   One of the most famous and longest lasting utopian communities was the Shakers.   The Shakers became popular after the death of their founder Ann Lee.   There were about “20 communal settlements [founded] based on [her] teachings… her followers sometimes shook in the fervent public demonstrations of their faith.”   Unlike other communities at the time, the women were granted “unusual authority and equality.”   This equality that was granted to women made these settlements favorable.   On the other hand, the members of these communities lead lives of celibacy so the men and women lived in two different dormitories, ate at two different tables and worked in tow different places.   The Shakers were though one of the longest lasting Utopian communities, lasting until the early 21st century when the last one finally closed down.
One of the most prominent religions formed...