Essay On Antebellum Reform

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There were multiple movements in the Antebellum Reform. This was a tumultuous time in American history and it rose as a challenge to the institution of slavery. “Their definition of the free individual was a person who internalized the practice of self-control.” Like all reformers, those in the Antebellum reform sought to convert public opinion to their cause. They wanted to achieve a perfect, utopian society with equal rights and better treatment for everyone. Women’s rights and suffrage, education, temperance, prisons and asylums, factories and jobs were all parts of this movement. The Female Moral Reform Society wanted to create a negative opinion of sex work. The profession was fairly popular and this social movement worked to make it less prevalent. The American Tract Society and the American Bible Society were formed in an effort to spread religious morals. The Five Points House of Industry was founded in 1854 and wanted to provide religious guidance to those who had “lost their way”. This group gave people a …show more content…

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony were the major leaders of this movement. Women were leaders of many of these reforms. They took initiative to stress the importance of equality, safety, and better living conditions. The Labor Reform fought for better and safer working conditions, fair wages, and ten hour work days. The Lowell Factory Labor Reform Association addressed labor issues and women’s rights. The Temperance Movement wanted to stop all use of alcohol. Starting with Maine in 1851, soon twelve more states outlawed alcohol. Some of the techniques used to influence others to give up drinking included: plays, songs, conventions, and parades. There was a belief that a lack of self-control was leading some Americans to drink in excess which was leading to the downfall of America. This movement paved the way for later Temperance movements in the Progressive

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