Reform Movements Of The Period example essay topic

The reform movements of the early to mid 18th century encouraged a change in the way people thought and a reconstruction of traditional society. This era of reform opened the door of opportunity for millions of Americans; granting them an opportunity to chase after wealth and power. There were numerous reform movements, all of which in on a small scale or large scale affected the treatment of the underprivileged classes. This period did not blatantly threaten the privileged "well-to-do" classes of America but was successful only in closing the gap between the middle and lower classes and their aristocratic counterparts. Never is a class of wealth and power replaced or destroyed it is only weakened by means of balancing the means of achieving power.

In this case, reform movements in the treatment of the mentally incompetent, public education, and a national movement for temperance, support the idea of privileged class' un threatened position. The temperance movement was based on the belief that excessive drink was the cause of social problems such as insanity, crime, and poverty. Of all the reform movements, the movement for temperance was the most popular amongst Americans. The leaders of the reform movement emphasized moderation in liquor consumption amongst the poor for this would redeem them from sin and act to advance the entire movement towards reform. The movement's popularity can be attributed to its "common man" appeal for its message was directly aimed at the lower classes; in addition its leaders and organizers were common people themselves, such as Lyman Beecher who was a Presbyterian clergyman. A majority of the social reform movements of the period were based in local societies and were under the leadership of local townspeople.

For this reason the reform movements remained separated from the upper classes, for they did not affect their society and lifestyle. By 1826, the movement reached the national level under the American Society for the Promotion of Temperance and connected with the upper class under the leadership of Neal Dow (a wealthy merchant and farmer). Consequently, "well-to-do" Americans were involved in the campaign to a certain extent, but only in limited terms. Most times the wealthy became involved out of the desire to bring about social good, or at times for their own personal advancements, but the temperance movement was not of any major concern to the privileged classes. Reform in the treatment of the mentally incompetent and prisoners progressed much in the same way as the movement for temperance.

The movement was led by a few men and women who relentlessly fought for more humane treatment of prisoners and the establishment of asylums for the mentally incompetent. They pushed for cleaner prison accommodations for they believed that the real cause of crime lay in criminals' environments and not character defects. They also fought for the elimination of public executions and floggings. The movement was met with governmental ignorance, resistance, and indifference for little was known about the causes of insanity or about therapy, and prisoners who were locked up usually stayed that way. Public opinion considered the prisoners outside of their patience and influence. Just as in the movement towards reform, the upper classes became involved when money could be obtained and once again remained indifferent as the movement did not blatantly affect them.

The movement for public education differed from all other reform movements of the period. Up until 1830, children of the wealthy or the few who could afford it were taught in private schools or by personal tutors, while middle and lower classes were schooled at home, religious schools funded by charity, or received no education. The following two decades were highlighted by attempts to make tax-funded education available to all students, regardless of class. The movement for public education differed from all others for it affected all Americans and for once everyone was involved. Opposition was led by those who considered education a private concern, from taxpayers who refused to pay for the education of other people's children, and private institutions that maintained their own schools. The movement's supporters believed that widespread education was essential to political system based on manhood suffrage and that it would reduce class divisions and open property purchases to less wealthy people.

It becomes obvious why the upper class so strongly opposed the reform movements in education, for the first time their position was being challenged and threatened. Education would not only smooth out class lines but it would provide thousands of children the opportunity to chase after wealth and power. The reaction of America's elite to the temperance, asylum, and education reforms is in keeping with the pattern of the era's other movements - in short, the privileged classes were concerned when the actions encroached on their own status and security. Otherwise, it was a matter of whim, inspiration, or choice, as far as wealthy intervention was concerned. Countless individuals championed the cases for public reform, and occasionally a person of authority or influence would assist. Many, however, chose to be carefully ignorant, and to remain removed from all the ways they could have helped..