Reform Movements Of The Nineteenth Century
Reform movements play a crucial role in the development and shaping of a nation’s history. Between the Revolutionary War and 1850, numerous reform movements occurred in the United States, which have altered society and American ideals. Three reforms in particular have led to the evolution of American society. Prohibition, women’s right, and antislavery movements had a large impact on the history of the United States.
The prohibition movement, or temperance, as it was then called, was perhaps the most widespread reform of the time period. During the early 1800’s, America’s economy evolved from a simple to dynamic economy. This new economy involved factories, the building of railroaRAB, and a sharp increase in the labor force. This new economy which was developing in America required strict schedules for the work force and was much more demanding of its employees. This was one of the reasons the temperance movement began. In 1810, a census concluded that 25 million gallons of spirits were being produced in America. At this time America was not only a hard-working society, but a hard drinking society as well (Tindall and Shi 545). Males were mostly to blame for the mass consumption, and alcohol was beginning to be blamed for many social problems of the period. Temperance groups, such as the one in Lynn, Massachusetts, began to form and lobby for prohibition (Faler 369). Here, a group called The Society for Industry, Frugality and Temperance was formed. They believed, as did all other temperance groups, that the large amount of alcohol consumed, mostly by the male population, was a danger to society and was the cause of numerous social problems (Moloney 11/10/97). The major social argument was religious based. Many religious groups stated “that ‘soldiers of the cross’ should lead blameless lives” (Tindall and Shi 545). In addition, other temperance groups linked alcohol to family violence, poverty, loss of jobs, and crime (Moloney 11/10/97). In the industrial setting, alcohol was seen as the cause for decreased production, and a dismal workforce. Owners of factories noticed this decline in production, and many supported temperance as to increase the output of their factory. As temperance groups increased in nuraber, they began to have an impact on state governments. In 1838 Massachusetts forbade the sale of spirits to 15 gallons or greater. The poor was seen as the main consumer of alcohol, therefor the government rationalized that such a large amount of spirits would be unaffordable by them. In 1851, Maine enacted a law, which forbade the selling of any alcoholic beverages. By 1855, all of New England had become legally dry (Tindall and Shi 547). Even though many states passed prohibition laws, bootlegging, and the illegal sale of alcohol was present, which presented another social problem. Although not every state passed prohibition laws, the temperance movement was successful with alcohol consumption decreasing by over half throughout the United States (Moloney 11/10/97).
The second major reform, which occurred in American society, is the women’s reform movement. Before 1840, women had accepted their roles as hard working housewives whose work in many cases, as described in “Martha Ballard and her girls” by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, was taken for granted by the male population (Ulrich 70-105). Many males during this period did not think twice about the large amount of labor women performed. At this point in history, a women’s status was similar to that during colonial times. Women were unable to vote, own property, make a will, or sign a contract. Legally, women were similar to the status of freed blacks, or slaves (Tindall and Shi 550). The women’s reform movement began in 1840, when the question arose whether or not they should be allowed to participate in the anti-slavery movement. It was at this time which women concluded that they should organize and fight for their rights as well (Tindall and Shi 550). On July 19, 1948, Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton organized a convention in Seneca Falls, New York to discuss the women’s reform movement. They paraphrased the Declaration of Independence and stated that “all men and women are created equal”. This first convention would act as important stepping stone for the future fight for women’s rights (Tindall and Shi 551). From 1850 until the Civil War, women held annual conventions, educating and organizing to fight for their rights. Initially, it was difficult for women to convey their values and ideas because of their lack of education and public speaking skills. As time progressed, women improved in public speaking and more and more people began to listen. In 1850, Susan B. Anthony joined the battle for women’s rights. Her main demand was the right to vote for women. The results of the women’s reform movement were shown slowly throughout history. In Mississippi married women were granted the right to take control over their property in 1839 and after eleven more states follow suit. Women also began to work out of the home during this period. With the expansion of school and the education reform, women first began in the teaching profession. Once women were allowed to participate in this profession, many questioned “why not lawyers or doctors” (Tindall and Shi 553). Margaret Fuller, a well-educated literary editor and critic stated that “minRAB and souls were neither masculine or feminine”, and that “genius had no sex”. Although women were not granted the right to vote until 1920, this reform movement from 1840 to the Civil War began the fight toward equal rights, one that is still being fought in many parts of society today.
Before the 1830’s, few antislavery groups existed in the United States. The few that did originated in the upper South. The movement to free black slaves accelerated in 1817 with the founding of the American Colonization Society. The goal of this society was to move the freed slaves from America to a colony in Africa. The group felt that this would end some of the hostilities between blacks and whites in America (Tindall and Shi 631). When the freed slaves were allowed to vote on the proposal, it was an astounding “no”. Even though the freed blacks felt that America was now their homeland, a land charter was organized and the first freed slaves arrived in West Africa in 1822. Eventually the colony gained their independence and formed a republic named Liberia. This new republic never gained a high status of popularity, with approximately 15,000 freed blacks migrating to Africa (Tindall and Shi 632).
By the 1830s, the antislavery movement changed their strategy from gradualism, to abolitionism. Abolitionists were not only antislavery, but were morally against it (Moloney 11/17/97). In 1831, William Lloyd Garrison began to publish a new antislavery newspaper, The Liberator, in Boston. In this newspaper, Garrison used violent language to convey his view of antislavery. Slaveholders became outraged at this new publication with its antislavery message. In 1832 Garrison organized the New England Anti-Slavery Society with the belief that “Slaveholding is a heinous crime in the sight of God, and that the duty, safety, and best interests of all concerned, require its immediate abandonment, without expiration” (Tindall and Shi 633). As the antislavery movement grew, it began to separate due to the opposing views of its merabers. Garrison and his followers were radicals who believe American society needed complete reform, while the abolitionists believed in peaceful protest and were not as radical as Garrison (Tindall and Shi 634). Blacks were also very active in the antislavery movement from the onset. Freed slaves such as Henry Bibb, Sojourner Truth and Fredrick Douglass greatly aided the antislavery movement because they were able to give firsthand accounts about the evils of slavery (Moloney 11/17/97).
During this period of antislavery, there were numerous counter attacks by the South against the North, and more specifically the abolitionists. The South was on the defensive side against the abolitionists, because their livelihood depended upon slaves. They stated many arguments, which supported their view of slavery. They believed that if the slaves were freed, that they would be unable to support themselves in society. They stated that they cared for the slaves and supplied them what they needed to live comfortably. Preachers even supported slavery, saying that it was defended in the bible (Moloney 11/17/97). Some of the attacks against abolitionists were not only verbal, but also physical. In 1835 a mob destroyed abolitionist literature in a Charleston post office. The postmaster stated that he would not even attempt to deliver such literature. Numerous accounts similar to this occurred and increased in intensity, until the outbreak of the Civil War.
During the nineteenth century numerous social reforms occurred which changed American society. Some reforms caused great change while others laid the groundwork for future reforms. Reform movements occur constantly in our society, because of our democratic system of government, and some are more popularized than others were. As long as this type of government exists, reforms will occur and there will be opposition, just as there was in the nineteenth century.
Works Cited
Dubois, Ellen. “Feminism and Suffrage.” Course Packet. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1978.
Faler, Paul. “Cultural Aspects of the Industrial Revolution: Lynn, Massachusetts, Shoemakers and Industrial Morality.” Course Packet. 1997.
Moloney, Dr. Deirdre. “Class Notes.” 13 October 1997-5 Deceraber 1997.
Tindall, George Brown, and David E. Shi. America, A Narrative History. New York: W. W. Norton and Company, 1996.
Ulrich, Laurel Thatcher. “Marta Ballard and Her Girls.” Course Packet. 1997
Reform movements play a crucial role in the development and shaping of a nation’s history. Between the Revolutionary War and 1850, numerous reform movements occurred in the United States, which have altered society and American ideals. Three reforms in particular have led to the evolution of American society. Prohibition, women’s right, and antislavery movements had a large impact on the history of the United States.
The prohibition movement, or temperance, as it was then called, was perhaps the most widespread reform of the time period. During the early 1800’s, America’s economy evolved from a simple to dynamic economy. This new economy involved factories, the building of railroaRAB, and a sharp increase in the labor force. This new economy which was developing in America required strict schedules for the work force and was much more demanding of its employees. This was one of the reasons the temperance movement began. In 1810, a census concluded that 25 million gallons of spirits were being produced in America. At this time America was not only a hard-working society, but a hard drinking society as well (Tindall and Shi 545). Males were mostly to blame for the mass consumption, and alcohol was beginning to be blamed for many social problems of the period. Temperance groups, such as the one in Lynn, Massachusetts, began to form and lobby for prohibition (Faler 369). Here, a group called The Society for Industry, Frugality and Temperance was formed. They believed, as did all other temperance groups, that the large amount of alcohol consumed, mostly by the male population, was a danger to society and was the cause of numerous social problems (Moloney 11/10/97). The major social argument was religious based. Many religious groups stated “that ‘soldiers of the cross’ should lead blameless lives” (Tindall and Shi 545). In addition, other temperance groups linked alcohol to family violence, poverty, loss of jobs, and crime (Moloney 11/10/97). In the industrial setting, alcohol was seen as the cause for decreased production, and a dismal workforce. Owners of factories noticed this decline in production, and many supported temperance as to increase the output of their factory. As temperance groups increased in nuraber, they began to have an impact on state governments. In 1838 Massachusetts forbade the sale of spirits to 15 gallons or greater. The poor was seen as the main consumer of alcohol, therefor the government rationalized that such a large amount of spirits would be unaffordable by them. In 1851, Maine enacted a law, which forbade the selling of any alcoholic beverages. By 1855, all of New England had become legally dry (Tindall and Shi 547). Even though many states passed prohibition laws, bootlegging, and the illegal sale of alcohol was present, which presented another social problem. Although not every state passed prohibition laws, the temperance movement was successful with alcohol consumption decreasing by over half throughout the United States (Moloney 11/10/97).
The second major reform, which occurred in American society, is the women’s reform movement. Before 1840, women had accepted their roles as hard working housewives whose work in many cases, as described in “Martha Ballard and her girls” by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, was taken for granted by the male population (Ulrich 70-105). Many males during this period did not think twice about the large amount of labor women performed. At this point in history, a women’s status was similar to that during colonial times. Women were unable to vote, own property, make a will, or sign a contract. Legally, women were similar to the status of freed blacks, or slaves (Tindall and Shi 550). The women’s reform movement began in 1840, when the question arose whether or not they should be allowed to participate in the anti-slavery movement. It was at this time which women concluded that they should organize and fight for their rights as well (Tindall and Shi 550). On July 19, 1948, Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton organized a convention in Seneca Falls, New York to discuss the women’s reform movement. They paraphrased the Declaration of Independence and stated that “all men and women are created equal”. This first convention would act as important stepping stone for the future fight for women’s rights (Tindall and Shi 551). From 1850 until the Civil War, women held annual conventions, educating and organizing to fight for their rights. Initially, it was difficult for women to convey their values and ideas because of their lack of education and public speaking skills. As time progressed, women improved in public speaking and more and more people began to listen. In 1850, Susan B. Anthony joined the battle for women’s rights. Her main demand was the right to vote for women. The results of the women’s reform movement were shown slowly throughout history. In Mississippi married women were granted the right to take control over their property in 1839 and after eleven more states follow suit. Women also began to work out of the home during this period. With the expansion of school and the education reform, women first began in the teaching profession. Once women were allowed to participate in this profession, many questioned “why not lawyers or doctors” (Tindall and Shi 553). Margaret Fuller, a well-educated literary editor and critic stated that “minRAB and souls were neither masculine or feminine”, and that “genius had no sex”. Although women were not granted the right to vote until 1920, this reform movement from 1840 to the Civil War began the fight toward equal rights, one that is still being fought in many parts of society today.
Before the 1830’s, few antislavery groups existed in the United States. The few that did originated in the upper South. The movement to free black slaves accelerated in 1817 with the founding of the American Colonization Society. The goal of this society was to move the freed slaves from America to a colony in Africa. The group felt that this would end some of the hostilities between blacks and whites in America (Tindall and Shi 631). When the freed slaves were allowed to vote on the proposal, it was an astounding “no”. Even though the freed blacks felt that America was now their homeland, a land charter was organized and the first freed slaves arrived in West Africa in 1822. Eventually the colony gained their independence and formed a republic named Liberia. This new republic never gained a high status of popularity, with approximately 15,000 freed blacks migrating to Africa (Tindall and Shi 632).
By the 1830s, the antislavery movement changed their strategy from gradualism, to abolitionism. Abolitionists were not only antislavery, but were morally against it (Moloney 11/17/97). In 1831, William Lloyd Garrison began to publish a new antislavery newspaper, The Liberator, in Boston. In this newspaper, Garrison used violent language to convey his view of antislavery. Slaveholders became outraged at this new publication with its antislavery message. In 1832 Garrison organized the New England Anti-Slavery Society with the belief that “Slaveholding is a heinous crime in the sight of God, and that the duty, safety, and best interests of all concerned, require its immediate abandonment, without expiration” (Tindall and Shi 633). As the antislavery movement grew, it began to separate due to the opposing views of its merabers. Garrison and his followers were radicals who believe American society needed complete reform, while the abolitionists believed in peaceful protest and were not as radical as Garrison (Tindall and Shi 634). Blacks were also very active in the antislavery movement from the onset. Freed slaves such as Henry Bibb, Sojourner Truth and Fredrick Douglass greatly aided the antislavery movement because they were able to give firsthand accounts about the evils of slavery (Moloney 11/17/97).
During this period of antislavery, there were numerous counter attacks by the South against the North, and more specifically the abolitionists. The South was on the defensive side against the abolitionists, because their livelihood depended upon slaves. They stated many arguments, which supported their view of slavery. They believed that if the slaves were freed, that they would be unable to support themselves in society. They stated that they cared for the slaves and supplied them what they needed to live comfortably. Preachers even supported slavery, saying that it was defended in the bible (Moloney 11/17/97). Some of the attacks against abolitionists were not only verbal, but also physical. In 1835 a mob destroyed abolitionist literature in a Charleston post office. The postmaster stated that he would not even attempt to deliver such literature. Numerous accounts similar to this occurred and increased in intensity, until the outbreak of the Civil War.
During the nineteenth century numerous social reforms occurred which changed American society. Some reforms caused great change while others laid the groundwork for future reforms. Reform movements occur constantly in our society, because of our democratic system of government, and some are more popularized than others were. As long as this type of government exists, reforms will occur and there will be opposition, just as there was in the nineteenth century.
Works Cited
Dubois, Ellen. “Feminism and Suffrage.” Course Packet. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1978.
Faler, Paul. “Cultural Aspects of the Industrial Revolution: Lynn, Massachusetts, Shoemakers and Industrial Morality.” Course Packet. 1997.
Moloney, Dr. Deirdre. “Class Notes.” 13 October 1997-5 Deceraber 1997.
Tindall, George Brown, and David E. Shi. America, A Narrative History. New York: W. W. Norton and Company, 1996.
Ulrich, Laurel Thatcher. “Marta Ballard and Her Girls.” Course Packet. 1997