Social And Political Problems example essay topic

As a fledgling city, Rochester NY experienced many problems during this period of growth, similar to that of the Republic during this era. Problems arose in Rochester due to reorganization of the social order as well as the search for an effective system of government. Many of these social and political problems were responsible for widespread public disorder and political paralysis which plagued this city during the 1820's. Although the city faced numerous challenges, the relentless efforts of evangelical Protestants and the Revival movement can be seen in the missions and sermons they gave. They presented several solutions to these problems and in some cases, they were extremely effective. One of the major problems the citizens of Rochester experienced throughout the 1820's was alcohol.

When the economy of America saw a shift out of the household, this had a profound impact on the traditional social order which it had sustained. This shuffling of the social order yielded a vast division between the subordinates and the master. The wage earners had created an autonomous social life of their own; whereas, masters were busy in their pursuits of work discipline, and achieving social peace. These differing values and the tangible barriers which existed in the workplace were responsible for pitting these two groups against one another. For ages leading up to the 1820's, drinking was held as "a reasonable accompaniment to whatever men did in groups" (Johnson, 53). The Drinking was recognized across all levels of the social structure.

It was still deemed by society but more importantly the master as appropriate. However, when the 1820's arrived, alcohol was seen in a much different light. Many citizens regarded the drinking of the working class as "the cause of almost all of the crime and almost all of the misery that flesh is heir to" (Johnson, 55). This explains how people felt alcohol was deteriorating the bonds of society.

With the individual in regress from the marketplace, masters were increasing rates of production and solely hiring those with which they held a business relationship. Master's were becoming businessmen, and as thus they began instituting new policies and standards by which their employees had to obey. Abstinence from alcohol was one of these new policies and with it; masters were beginning to reach the limit of what they could control. The new social order had forced workingmen to create a new social life independent from that of the home as well as work, and alcohol played an integral part.

For ages drinking had been "a builder of morale in household workshops, a subtle and pleasant bond between men" (Johnson, 60). However drinking in its new context held a different meaning and wage earners were beginning to meet with opposition from society and specifically entrepreneurs who felt it was their duty to protect the city from the violence and problems associated with alcohol. The solutions which evangelical Protestants offered this problem were a result of a "savage war which was waged on strong drink" (Johnson, 113). High ranking members of the church gave sermons on temperance and demanded that their congregation abstain from drinking and encourage others to do so. Weld and others from the church desired that all members unite to "stamp out" drinking in Rochester. Reverend Penny demanded that those who vend alcohol stop immediately.

Several vendors agreed on the spot, and the next day members of the church put on a public display in which thousands of gallons of whiskey were smashed on the street. This display was of a great importance, for it set a precedent for numerous occurrences of anti-drinking acts around the city. Other vendors were destroying their supplies of alcohol in symbolism or because stocking alcohol was just bad for business. Wealthy members of the church were purchasing all the liquor and throwing it away. The church was going to persuade sinners to be good, or deny them means of being sinners.

The evangelistic Protestants war on drinking was a success. Church dominance of social perspective rose to the point which it became impossible for vendors to conduct business. Eventually there were few places in town still open for business in which the sinners could congregate. Another large problem which impacted the fledgling city of Rochester was the political paralysis of Rochester in the 1820's, a result of the Anitmasonry movement. This movement pitted the Anitmasonry Party against the wealthy and powerful who formed the Masonic Lodge. The Anitmasonry Party was formed as a product of a very strong religious and moral movement which attacked masons for the corruption and abuse of the power they wielded in office.

With offenses ranging from pardoning masons who had committed (in several cases severe) crimes, to covering up murders, many were ignorant of the Masons true political power. The year 1828 saw an end to Masonic control in the political realm as well as the end of honor in politics. In a campaign spearheaded by Thurlow Weed, several Masons who held political office were indicted and convicted; this act symbolized the downfall of Masonic corruption. The impact this movement had on the government of Rochester was immense and led to widespread problems.

The old village government had deteriorated into politics. Members of the village system stepped down or lost elections due to Antimasonry efforts. "The rise of new leaders brought on a near-total collapse of the old political families" (Johnson, 70). These leaders took this opportunity to apply methods which would discipline the workingmen and drifters via their power.

The resulting policies and regulations aimed at this group increased violent behavior and overall public disorder. This was the bases for Johnson's quote, "While rich men squabbled and competed for powerless and honorific positions, society was coming apart" (72). The old charter created by the village government was no longer effective due to extreme population increases, (700 in 1817 to 7000 in 1826) as well as other inadequacies. Rochester needed a new government so a new charter was created. This charter in conjunction with the rise of the Antimasonry movement aided in the removal of the old political structure and allowed for contests between Democrats and Antimasonists for political office.

The involvement of parties into the electoral process allowed for significant political warfare and aided the collapse of the political system in Rochester. Yet, another problem which inhibited the control over social disorder was the emergence of the electorate due to legislation which deemed a new majority of workingmen able to vote. This collective body of voters elected men who would not assault the values which workingmen held dear, and which contradicted the values of the "sober and moral" citizens who used to control the village government. The evangelical Protestant's solution to the political unrest plaguing Rochester fell in with the revival movement of the 1820's and 1830's. The revival movement, headed by Charles Finney, "created a community of militant evangelicals that would remake society and politics in Rochester" (Johnson, 102).

The intent of the church was to convert the masses of the city and by doing so break down the borders created in the workplace and the social order. The church desired to curb hostility between social / political groups by uniting the people underneath the church. In sermons reverends would preach of morals and neighborly values with the intent to curtail public disorder. This solution, although relieving tension between the various factions of Rochester, was not truly effective.

Friction between these social and political groups continued for years after the revival movement had ended. This solution was not feasible because it was unlikely that even in the best scenario, the church could not convert all of Rochester. Many rejected the church strongly, as well as members of the congregations..