Impact of The Second Great Awakening on American Culture

Introduction

Following the American Revolution, whose victory not only granted the U.S. its independence but also opposed the intermingling of politics and religion. This separation of religion from politics led to a series of religious revivals that swept the United States. From the 1790s and into 1840, the Second Great Awakening created a spread of religious revival. The revival influenced individual and moral discovery and encouraged individuals to pursue the knowledge of God. The religious revival movement appealed to many women, African Americans, and Native Americans. As a result, it led to many reform movements. While they were often hampered by opposition and discrimination, the reforms between 1825-1855 substantially led to an expansion of democratic ideals through political, cultural, and social improvements.

Impact of The Second Great Awakening on American Culture

Cultural Reforms and Democratic Ideals

The reforms that came with the Second Great Awakening altered American culture as well as democratic ideals. Movements such as the transcendentalism philosophical movement countered the spirituality at the time and taught individuals to be self-reliant and independent. Transcendentalists, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, challenged the existing religious and political systems. The notion of opening the mind to new ideas extensively expanded democratic values (Emerson, 1836). Cultural reforms also altered American religions, with the fast-growing spread of evangelical, Methodism, and Baptist religions promoting the ideas of human reasoning and free will.

Political Reforms and Expansion of Democratic Rights

Political reforms expanded democratic rights to an insufficient extent, particularly with the presidency of Andrew Jackson. Jackson increased the rights of the "common men" by eliminating property requirements for voter eligibility. Though this gave more liberty to vote, certain social groups did not receive such liberties. This was a lack of expansion towards democratic ideals, as women, African Americans, and slaves did not receive such rights and therefore didn’t have equality, liberty, or justice (Remini, 1981). Women’s rights movements advocated for equality, particularly in politics. Women were neglected socially as well as politically; they held no right to vote or hold political office and were not allowed to control their property. The revival movements inspired women to challenge traditional roles and gatherings such as the Seneca Falls Convention. They sought the equality that was promised by the new democratic government (Stanton, 1848).

Social Improvements and Democratic Appeal

Social improvements as a result of the Second Great Awakening reflected the democratic appeal considerably. The impact on the temperance movement was highly supported during this period as organizations formed to limit or outlaw the conception or production of alcohol. Primarily supported by most women who advocated against its dangers and the negative effect it had on their families, it interrupted the democratic pursuit of happiness (Blocker, 1989). Education reforms were also highly supported as citizens could not remain ignorant. Reformers advocated for paid and maintained education by the public, which should be given to every child equally (Mann, 1848). The democratic ideal of equality was vastly expanded with the abolitionist movement. As they sought the immediate emancipation of all slaves and the end of racial discrimination and segregation. The radical movement demanded the promised equality that came with democracy (Douglass, 1845).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Second Great Awakening played a crucial role in shaping American culture and expanding democratic ideals. Through cultural, political, and social reforms, it challenged existing norms and inspired movements that sought greater equality and justice for all. Despite facing opposition, these movements laid the groundwork for future advancements in American society.

References

• Blocker, J. S. (1989). American Temperance Movements: Cycles of Reform. Boston: Twayne Publishers.
• Douglass, F. (1845). Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. Boston: Anti-Slavery Office.
• Emerson, R. W. (1836). Nature. Boston: James Munroe and Company.
• Mann, H. (1848). Twelfth Annual Report of the Secretary of the Massachusetts State Board of Education. Boston: Dutton and Wentworth.
• Remini, R. V. (1981). Andrew Jackson and the Course of American Democracy, 1833-1845. New York: Harper & Row.
• Stanton, E. C. (1848). Declaration of Sentiments. Seneca Falls Convention.