From the 1800s to the 1840s the United states experienced a revival of religious feelings that sparked and inspired Americans to try and reform society. Many church leaders called this new movement and popularity of religion The Second Great Awakening. The first Great Awakening had occurred in the 1730s and 1740s. During the first Great Awakening Christianity had been very popular, but ministers had preached that God had already decided who would be saved and allowed into Heaven. The Second Great Awakening offered more salvation to those who did good work and helped others. Preachers said God would forgive people for past sins if they made up for them by doing good work.

Along with the Second Great Awakening, many people during the early 1800's were interested in a philosophy called transcendentalism. This philosophy, or way of thinking, put emphasis on people using more than logical thinking, but also using their emotions and intuition. Transcendentalism encouraged asking questions and not just going along with things the way they have always been. The philosophy wanted to capture the essence of individualism- to make choices based on the questions you ask and the answers you receive, not just what other people are doing and saying.

Utopian, or model communities were also popping up in the early to mid 1800's. Brook Farm was a famous community like this, but there were thousands that were started from 1800 to 1840. Sometimes called communes, these groups tried to live in a cooperative way. Instead of competing for resources, they shared. They shared the duties of labor in farming, teaching, making clothes. Most of these settlements only lasted a few years, but their existence showed that people were looking for a new way interact with others and a better way to treat each other.

Brainstorm: Reform Today

Think about today in the United States. What do you think could be reformed? Brainstorm a list. Then, choose one item from your list and write a list of questions you would want to ask before acting to reform.

How was the early 1800s different from today? What do you think would need improving in the United States during the 1830s? Brainstorm some things that people might want to change or make better back then

If you were to set up a utopian society, how would it work?