Antebellum Period Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Antebellum Period - Essay Example The reform movements during the late antebellum period aimed at securing equality among the citizens of United States. This period marked the beginning of the search for democracy, justice and equality in the United States history. The era of reform during the late antebellum period got marked by significant reform movements. One of the movements got to be the second great awakening which got characterized by massive religious revivals (Brands 292). Religious revivalism oversaw the birth of women’s rights movements, abolition of slavery and the temperance movement. The temperance movement aimed at reducing alcohol consumption as a way of promoting morality within the society (Brands 295). Religious reform became viewed as a way towards order and cultural unity. There was the birth of the abolitionist movement which campaigned for the abolition of slavery in the United States. This movement grew out of the moral persuasion that human bondage was morally wrong. They called for e mancipation of slaves especially in the south. Protests against slavery grew during this period. They faced great resistance from southern slaveholders who viewed abolition of slavery as a loss of free labor (Brands 303). The women’s right movement got formed during the antebellum era. Many women called for equality and political right to vote. They also rejected the doctrine of separate spheres by calling for gender equality. Women aimed to change unfair laws, which provided husbands with the right to control property and children. The women’s rights movement got born in Seneca Falls, New York during a convention that took place for two days (Brands 308). Young America was a movement in the 1840s and 50s. It was a collection of writers, politicians, and entrepreneurs who viewed themselves as the force of young America. This era marked a period when America was experiencing economic growth, technological advancement and expansion of its territories (Brands 314). The yo ung Americans era marked the birth of democracy in the United States although restricted to gender and race or color. The new found democracy got associated with the election of Andrew Jackson as president who won by popular vote. Political democracy got marked by suffrage of all white men (Brands 247). Social democracy took the form of equal citizenship and opportunity for all though, it became limited to race and gender. This era also marked the disappearance of social aristocracy and inherited social ranks. Equality became marked by the abolishment of certain legal requirements for different professions ensuring that academically qualified and non academically qualified individuals practiced together ensuring fair competition (Brands 248). Conclusion The era of reform and the democracy of young America can be related. Both trends aimed at social reforms. The era of reform aimed at ensuring moral suasion in society through religious reforms by ensuring individual and public morali ty (Brands 292). Democracy of young America aimed at ensuring equity among all citizens although it limited itself to race and gender. Equal opportunity was to be provided for all white men (Brands 247). Both trends got political. The era of reform instigated the birth of women’s right and the abolitionist movements. Women’s right movement called for equity in rights and laws pertaining to both gender. The abolitionist movement called for an end to slavery (Brands 302). The young Americ