Second Great Awakening
In early 19th century America, the Second Great Awakening was not only a powerful and radical religious movement but also a vehicle by which women could strengthen their role in religion and ultimately society. With a shift from a predominantly agricultural to industrial society, the birth of the middle-class family came about in the United States. With this came newfound wealth. Families "used their greater earnings to purchase ready made goods." With a change in the wealth pattern of an average family came about a change in the view of home economics as well. The view of a "strict hierarchy" was diminished and in turn many young women "were reluctant to marry" with the introduction of romance into the ideal marriage. It should not than be a surprise that women in this time were on the verge of creating major reform in the country. It was a religious revival with its origins naturally in the church. It is worth noting that women had "long constituted the majority of worshippers in most churches" and thus were considered in the preparation of sermons, church policies, and administration of church funds. Their strong presence brought about the common theme of the church's responsibility "in improving the social positio
Those of which were successful quickly became popular and gained power in numbers which brought about new goals and pursuits in strengthening the role of women in society. Women led numerous reformations including those in missionary and charity works, education, and eventually the temperance movement. Put forth at this convention was the Seneca Falls Declaration. They were met with conservative political thought including the tradition of femme covert, which made social progression seemingly impossible. The organizers were Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. She and others have succeeded over the years to decrease wage discrimination although it still exists today. A writer by the name of Caroline Dall published a book called Women's Right to Labor, in which she outlined statistically the discrepancy in not only the ratio of women workers to men but the difference in pay. " With growth and time came new purpose and uncovered territory for old and new female associations. However, through "maternal associations, charitable organizations, and reform societies" individual women were able to seize power and draw attention from a male dominant society. She succeeded in producing more than 800 teachers. In their scope was a "crusade for better schools and healthier ways to live, and spiritualism. Protests such as the one at Lowell opened the door for other factory workers to speak out, it also produced a considerable public outcry from other women who were displeased over cut wages, poor working conditions, and discrimination against women. A mission statement as well as a target populace became common among many female associations such as the Colored Female Religious and Moral Society of Salem who only offered assistance to respectable "poor widows with small children. " The church not only gave women a status "resembling an equal standing with men" but an opportunity to seek solace from not just the church but other women. It is crucial to note the unifying message in this movement, its goals and dreams covered all the key areas of reformation that have been previously pursued.
Common topics in this essay:
America Awakening,
Falls Declaration,
Troy York,
John Adams,
Center Vermont,
Women's Labor,
Protests Lowell,
Society Salem,
Reform Association,
Lucretia Mott,
church women,
female associations,
19th century,
woman's suffrage,
seneca falls,
wage discrimination,
female religious,
social position,
female education,
lucretia mott,
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Acceptance Essays
