Reform Movements

DBQ Essay 2: Reform Movements

By: Trevon LeGrave

Between the years 1825 and 1850, the US underwent a series of social and political reforms which attempted to expand democratic ideals. Reform movements during this period of Jacksonian Democracy attempted to resolve disunity in the social ladder and pushed for equal rights among all citizens. branching from the Second Great Awakening, many of these reforms were backed by religious ideals as well as democratic ideal. The leading cause was the hope for a more democratic system in which there was not only popular power but also a sense of social plateauing.

During this time period crime prevention was a reform, brutal punishments were reduced and petty crimes were nearly eradicated. Being the first country to adopt the penitentiary system of prison discipline, and the United States wanted to prevent crime instead of just punishing it. This was accomplished by targeting and teaching our youth (Doc A). As well as reforming crime by targeting the youthful population, they were also pushed to work hard and respect their parents. This reform also pushed for education to transmit moral values (Doc E). furthermore, people were discouraged by some of these reforms and they became skeptical and criticized efforts to change society. They say reformers are ignoring the accomplishments of the past (Doc G).

Another reform lied within the church known as the second great awakening. This promoted religious diversity and that it is the job of the church to be reformed as well as make the reforms. Churches need to reach out to all including drunks, infidels, and prostitutes. This is done because even the worst of sinners deserve chance to be saved. “All sorts of abandoned characters are awakened and converted.”(Doc B). Churches and religion were being used as tools to reform society. “In order to more effectually promote the great purposes of human culture…” this is saying that churches are seeking to bestow a just society