Movements Which Flourished in the United States' Early Years

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As the young republic grew a third revolution accompanied the reformation of American politics and the transformation of the American economy. This revolution aimed at improving the character of ordinary Americans and for this reason reform campaigns dominated the American landscape. At this time when the Great Awakening was taking place many reformers drew their zeal from religion and hoped to transform American life by getting rid of worldly evils. During this time period between 1825-1850 a tremendous surge in the spirit of reform took place in which the Temperance, Utopian, Criminal Institution, Suffragist, Abolitionist, and Public School reform movements occurred. All of these reform movements were similar as they all aimed at making the American society better. Although, many reform movements attempted to dissolve disunity in the social ladder and strove for equal rights among citizens often times they failed to include all ethnic groups. As the time period between 1825-1850 rolled on reform movements often retained ideals of conservation as some reformers believed that reform movements were disowning the past. Many Americans including those of the Know Nothing Party objected to the incursion of immigrants from Ireland and Germany. Some Americans like Samuel F.B. Morse favored a limited democratic ideal. Document D shows that Samuel F.B. Morse and Nativists were some of the people that were discontent with the Naturalization laws and they believed that a conspiracy existed that aimed to destroy the foundation of the country and if anyone doubted it then the conspiracy could be tested by altering the Naturalization laws. Samuel F.B. Morse declared that no foreigner who comes into the country shall ever be all... ... middle of paper ... ...t of a paradise. This was the Utopian reform movement which hoped to promote the principles of justice and equality. There was also the suffragist movement in which females declared their right to vote. According to the government all men and women were created equal and for this reason women fought for their rights. Women gathered at Seneca Falls and the key leaders in this movement were Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and Lucretia Mott. In conclusion, as the young republic grew various reform movements flourished in bewildering abundance. Although, many reform movements between 1825-1850 attempted to dissolve disunity in the social ladder and strove for equal rights among citizens often times they failed to include all ethnic groups. For the most part reform movements sought to expand democratic ideals such as equality, freedom, and justice.

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