2002 Ap Dbq Reform Movements Essay - 604 Words

Between the years 1825 and 1850, the US underwent a series of social and political reforms which attempted to democratize American life. Reform movements during this period of Jacksonian Democracy attempted to dissolve disunity in the social ladder and pushed for equal rights among all citizens. Stemming from the Second Great Awakening in the early 19th century, many of these reforms were backed by religious ideals over democratic principles. At the forefront of the cause, however, was the hope for a more democratic system in which there was not only popular sovereignty, but a sense of social leveling. The Second Great Awakening was a religious revival that gave new religious applications of old Enlightenment ideals of democracy and†¦show more content†¦Women also equated their limited rights and roles with that of the oppression of slaves (Doc. C), leading to reform movements that sought to eliminate the cult of domesticity and doctrine of separate spheres which created clear cut divides between the sexes. To overcome this, women began to push for legal reform for equal rights and suffrage during the womens rights movement in hopes of achieving a more universal democracy (Doc. I). Male suffrage was also expanded during this era, as most states eliminated the need for land ownership to vote, granting voice to the minority which did not own their own land. Nativism during this period may seem backward and hypocritic in denying voice and vote to immigrants, but in actuality its anti-immigration sentiment served to defend democratic rights from foreign nations (Doc. D). Ultimately, the goal of reformation was to achieve democratic perfection; a system of communalism in which there were no inequalities nor social evils to speak of (Doc. F). The idea of utopian socialism, fostered by the British reformer Robert Owen, preached such ideals, and lead to the attempt of several utopian societies. Such reform attempts were not always met with warm welcome , however, as some argued their contempt and complete disregard for the accomplishments of the past thanks to the existing order (Doc. G). During 1825-1850, Jacksonian ideals wereShow MoreRelatedAp Exam Essays1660 Words   |  7 PagesAP Exam Essays 2001-2010 2010 AP Exam Essays 1. In what ways did ideas and values held by Puritans influence the political, economic, and social development of the New England colonies from 1630 through the 1660s? 2. Analyze the political, diplomatic, and military reasons for the United States victory in the Revolutionary War. Confine your answer to the period 1775–1783. 3. Analyze the ways in which controversy over the extension of slavery into western territories contributed to the coming