Reform Era

The American reform movements between 1820 and 1860 had both their share of those optimistic of the movement and those pessimistic about the movement. Because of the reform movement, it showed that equality was a must in America. Worldwide temperance was a nice idea. Horace Mann earned the title of "Father of the public school in America" because of his efforts to spread education throughout America. Many people especially the "common man" believed that the common man has the ability to rise up in the social ladder. No matter what movement that rose to the surface, there's always an optimistic view to believe that the movement was a good thing. Their only escape from that world was consumption of alcohol during the early 19th century. But, as an opposing force, the people especially the men thought the women's rights movement could destroy the tradition of men being superior over women. However, their movement showed that it took a long time for the government to actually give equal rights to women. With education finally made public, the reformers believed that society will be more stable with not much distinction among classes. The women's reform movement had shown many optimistic views within the society. Also, schools such as Oberlin College pushed forward having a co-ed school and also even allowing blacks to enter.

The Antebellum era or the Pre-Civil War period was known for many reform movements. The society at the time was experiencing a major change. Many movements such as the Transcendentalism and the Second Great Awakening inspired many intellectuals. These people are given the knowledge and the courage to fight for many things in society that were unfortunately looked down on in the past. These reforms were meant to rectify conditions that were considered inhumane and evil. Inspired by the Second Great Awakening, an optimistic spirit permeated public awareness of the underprivileged and the unfortunate.