DBQ on US reform movements essays

DBQ on US reform movements essays The second great awakening and the emphasis on increased morals encouraged reform movements that sought to expand democratic ideals. With the focus on intense religious revivalism and reform movements such as temperance, abolition, and education, the United States created a more democratic society. The second great awakening was led by Charles G. Finney who preached that human beings were saved by faith but that they should demonstrate such faith through moral correctness and good works (Doc. B). The Second Great Awakening started a nationwide chain of reform movements that encouraged Democratic ideals. In Document A, it is shown that the second great awakening helped in the development of the reformation of juvenile delinquents. The document states that it will "prevent the commission of crimes by seeking out the youthful and unprotected, who were in the way of temptation, and by religious and moral instruction"(Doc. A). The document also makes reference to the treatment of youth, which is much like the acts of Dorothea Dix. Dorothea Dix became world-renowned for her work on behalf of the mentally ill. Dix devoted her energies to the mentally ill and advanced such penal reforms as the education of prisoners and the separation of various types of offenders. This Document show s the protection rights which is a large factor of a democratic society. The American youth was a large focus during this time since education was becoming more and more important (Doc. E). Declaring that "In a republic, ignorance is a crime," Horace Mann set out to reform the system of public education in Massachusetts until it became a model for the rest of the country. To stir up public interest in education, Mann organized annual educational conventions in every county for the benefit of teachers, school officials, and the public. He addressed these meetings himself and enlisted the help of well-known professional people and educators. Horace Mann shows d...