New Reform Feminism Abolitionists

In an effort to create a distinct American culture the antebellum period in the United States led to many groups of people that wanted to reform society. Developed from European influences, Americans began to draw on the ideologies of romanticism in search of personal liberation. Throughout this time frame, attention was focused on some of the nation’s most controversial social problems. Various kinds of reform movements became popular in the United States in the 1830’s.

One example of a new reform movement was the development of utopian communities. These were cooperative social arrangements that differed from preexisting competitive individualism. These “model” communities sought to shrink the gap between rich and poor, and redefine gender roles. Brook Farm was a utopian community near Boston that was based on the ideas of a French philosopher. It consisted of communities of 2,000 people and charged visiting fees. The ideas of this utopian community were based on communal working and living but the residents could retain private property. They attracted intellectuals but were disbanded after a few years because of the strict working conditions.

Feminism also took off during the antebellum period in America. Many women were abolitionists who also wanted sexual equality. Middle class women joined together to start the Female Moral Reform Society and targeted prostitution to expose the sexual double standard. At the Seneca Falls convention the women developed the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions which was modeled after the Declaration of Independence. This asked for women to be given the right to vote, property, and access to education.

Another movement took off around this time. Abolitionists held the idea that slavery was a sin. They were opposed to gradual abolition and instead wanted an immediate end to slavery. Once freed, blacks would be equal citizens.