Reform Movements

2002 DBQ

From 1825-1850, many reform movements occurred as American citizens fought for the renovation of many laws and institutions in the US. There was the temperance movement, aimed toward lessening alcohol consumption, and in some circumstances, the complete abolishment of it. The women’s rights movement also began in this time frame. Supporters struggled with the task of equality for women in society and politics. Prison and church reform were also popular causes as people got word of the malpractice in prisons and viewed certain churches with contempt, while American’s searched for a different type of salvation and turned to revivals and camp meetings. There were also the abolitionists. The abolitionists thought slavery to be inhumane and fought to make America, especially the south, a “free man’s place". In all of the reforms of 1825-1850, America’s democratic ideals were reinforced and spread as Americans began giving their support to many different parties.

The two main reform movements that took place during the early to mid 1800’s were the beginning of the Women Rights’ movement and the Abolitionist Movement. Document C shows a relation between the two movements. The picture shows a woman slave who is tied up in shackles, kneeling for hope, pleading that she is indeed a woman too. This document shows that slaves are fighting for their right to be viewed as humans. it encourages neutral citizens in the North to appeal to the abolitionists and bring an end to the slavery issue in the South. The slaves were stripped of their natural rights from society, and this was the reason for abolitionists to fight. This sets the pro democratic ideal that everyone is equal, no matter the race or color of your skin.

Even freed white women were in seek of their rights, The similarities of the abolition and women's movements often tied into one another since both of these movements helped expand democratic ideals because they both desired increased rights, like suffrage for minorities. The Grimke sisters, Angelina and Sarah were southern abolitionists who also played a role in the Women's Movement. Susan B. Anthony who was a Quaker, was therefore opposed to the immorality slavery but also played a role in the movement calling for equality and rights of women. Anthony was inspired by Elizabeth Cady Stanton,(Doc. I) who delivered a speech at the Seneca Falls Convention stating that women should be free as man is free. That women shouldn’t